Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 18 August 1794
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

                  Sir
                  German Town [Pa.] August 18. 1794.

               The following remarks occur upon the statement of Colo. Hamilton, which you did me the honor of communicating to me this morning.
               1. In what manner is it to be exhibited to the public?  or in other words, is it to be introduced under the known or allowed countenance of the President?  As I do not see, how the one or the other can be avoided, it seems proper to call his attention to these points.
               The specifying of names in the third page, and the omission of all names, except Cannon and Gallatin in the 16th page, when the names of the other persons assembled at Pittsburg are known, will be interpreted into a kind of warfare waged by the President against individuals in the former case, and a desire of selecting for odium Gallatin, whose hostility against the Secretary of the treasury is well known. May it not be better to pass over names?  They are sufficiently notorious already; and if such an idea, as I have suggested should be endangered, it would be an inconvenient thing without any profit.
               In the 4th page it is objected to these men, that they criticize the salaries of the public officers. This does not absolutely belong to the subject, and the President will readily see, why, if it be not necessary, it may be more delicate to leave out the remark.
               In page 5th I repeat the remark as to names, as well as the last remark about salaries.
               It will occur, on reading the marshall’s letter in page the 8th that he ought to have tried a posse comitatus and that it never has been tried: and this will be urged, as an insinuation of eagerness to get at military force. The like observation will arise, upon reading the close of the first paragraph in the 19th page.
               The affair of the Maniac in the 11th page will be exposed to

                  some shafts of ridicule, inserted as it is among the criminations of the insurgents, in the appeal of the President to the understanding of the people; which this statement will be considered.
               In page 18th, the reasoning on the terms legal
               measures to obstruct the operation of a law savours more of the acuteness of a lawyer, than the gravity and solid reasoning of the President. Suppose for instance, they had associated against drinking excised liquors, and keeping stills; would not this have been a legal measure; and would it not have obstructed the operation of a law?
               In page 19th The supervisor is said to have been sent up with certain objects. Was it known to the President, that he went to obtain evidence of those, who composed the meeting at Pittsburg?  This circumstance would be pregnant with many remarks; especially as the attorney general is afterwards said to have been of opinion, that they were not indictable. For why send to inquire into the conduct of men, who were not liable to prosecution?  The supervisor and his report will be treated, as they have been with much contempt.
               The opinion of the attorney general, as stated in page 21st is not now recollected; but a great doubt is entertained, whether there be not inaccuracy, at least so far as this, that the statement is not as strong as the opinion.
               In page 22d the representations referred to are, I believe more favorable to government, than as they are quoted.
               In page 37th an opportunity is offered to rectify, what Major Lenox complained of; and besides, it will be considered as uncandid, not to notice, that he had served all the processes, except one.
               2. These observations result from the examination, which I have been able to give the paper. There may be more, deserving attention, than I have pointed out. But under the possibility of your becoming responsible for what nothing but a repeated examination can secure you: under the facility, with which the facts may be communicated to the public, without your intervention; and after your having given the essence and summary of these facts in your proclamation; I wish, that the paper should be communicated to the world in some other manner, than under your auspices. I confess, that I never can approve the drawing forth of your name and character, without necessity.
               3. If on the other hand, you should be of opinion, that your being supposed to have authorized the publication does not

                  commit you, and that the whole affair rests upon the responsibility of the Secretary of the treasury alone—it may be still expedient to recommend to his notice, such of the preceding remarks as have any weight, and the word "the" instead of these in the 14th line of the first page, and the word "if" instead of "of" in the 10th line of the 27th page; both of which affect the sense. I have the honor, sir, to be, with the highest respect and sincere attachment yr mo. ob. serv.

                  Edm: Randolph.


Title: To George Washington from Burgess Ball, 19 August 1794
From: Ball, Burgess
To: Washington, George

                  Dear sir,
                  Bath [Berkeley County, Va.] 19th of Aug: 94.

               Yours of the 10th came to hand yesterday, and this I shall send by the first Opporty that offers to any of the Post towns, there to be put in the Mail.
               Nothing can be more distressing, at this time, than the Conduct

                  of the People opposed to the Excise in Pensylva., and I know how much it must distress you. As far as I’ve been able to judge of the dispositions of the People in the Counties of Loudon Berkely & Frederick, from being in Compy now & then, I am inclined to think the People of those Counties wou’d be induced to parade pretty strong, that is, provided officers were appointed who had their Confidence. I have not seen Genl Dark or Genl Morgan, but have understood, that they are much averse to the Measures adopted by the Insurgents—Previous to your Proclamation, & the sendg out Commissioners, the Oppinions of those I heard were much divided, but since, it seems unanimously admitted, by those who have ever been opposed to the Excise, as well as those who always thought it a good Law, that if the Commissioners effected nothing, & the Insurgents continued to defy the Government, Force was absolutely necessary, and they ought to be brought to subjection—Your Proclamation, & sendg out Commissioners, has given (I believe) great Satisfaction. Genl Morgan I concieve wd be a proper Man to have a Command, as he wd, sooner than any other, get the men to march from those Counties and probably on meeting the Insurgents wd be more dreaded—Genl Darke is very popular in this County, and (I think) wd very soon get a no. of men to march.
               I’ve had a good deal of Conversation in this County with a Capt. Stephenson (now at Bath) a man who rais’d the finest Compy to go against the Indians, and in the shortest time—He says he will go chearfully, & he knows Darke will if order’d—Stephenson is now (I believe) his Brigade Major, & is realy a Clever officer—Morgan I’ve not hear’d so particularly abt, but it is here said, that he says he will go if orderd—It was but a little while before I left Loudon, that the Outrage commensed, so that I hear’d very little there abt it; but, in Conversasition with Genl Mason (Thompson) who has always been opposed to the Excise he admitted it was a lawless procedure & ought to be crushed—The Excise Law seems by a great many (& I fear by the major part) to be very much condemn’d but those with whom, of that Class, I have convers’d, admit that a repeal of it in a proper manner, is the only move that ought to be attempted. Mr Robt Brooke of Fredericksbg, who is here, and who has always been as much oppos’d to the Law as any one, speaks also in that way—He is the leading man (I believe) in our Assembly,

                  & is expected to be the next Governor.  Upon the whole sir, it seems the general Oppinion that if moderate measures will not bring the deluded People to a Sence of their duty, force must, as they dread the Idea of a State of Anarchy, wch otherwise must infallably ensue. God grant your Ex<er>tions in this affair, as all others, may be crown’d with Success. I’ve been at this Place abt 5 days, and instead of fin<ding> relief I am much worse, but hope it may be, that the Water after weakening may prove a restorative. I left <my> Family at Colo. Washingtons, where a<ll> were well of both families—with Complimts to Mrs Washington, I am Dr sir yr affect. servt

                  B. Ball


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 19 August 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                  Sir,
                  Treasy Dept Augt 19. 1794.

               A temporary absence from the seat of Government, & the extra avocations which have occupied me since my return have delayed my submitting to you the inclosed communication of the 15th of July from the Commissioner of the Revenue.
               The arrangement proposed is the result of a previous consultation between the Commissioner of the Revenue & myself, and appears to me proper.
               If adopted, it will remain to appoint the requisite Officers to which the power of the President is competent. On this head I will have the honor of submitting personally the result of my reflections & enquiries. I have the honor &c.

                  A. Hamilton


Title: To George Washington from Robert Lewis, 19 August 1794
From: Lewis, Robert
To: Washington, George

                  Hond Uncle,
                  The Exchange [Va.] August 19th 1794

               Your letters of the 18th of May and 18th of July came safe to hand. As I could not reply to the first without making myself acquainted with the particular circumstances which you requested; and, as that could not be done but by visiting the different places alluded to in both your letters, I can now, as I have just returned from a three weeks peregrination answer your queries. Your Land on Potomac remains almost in its original state, and far from being so much pillaged as was represented to me. Some few bee-trees have been cut down, but I can see no waste of timber. I have advertise’d it to be rented, but few seem disposed to take it upon the terms which I have stipulated, altho’ in my mind they are very reasonable.  I have procured a tenant for your houses in the town of Bath. He agrees to keep them in repair for the use of them. As the greater number of house’s are let upon the same terms nothing more could be obtained.  Doctor Mackey has agree’d to pay an annual rent of fifty shillings for the use of one of your lotts in the Town of Winchester which he has been in possession of for many years.  I have for several

                  days last week been chaffering with your tenants in the County of Berkley for their Leases, but find they are not so easily bought out as might have been done last fall, or as I imagined could be done this summer. They estimate their rights so immensely high, that I have discarded the idea of doing any thing to your advantage until the winter, when many of them wish to move to different places, and its probable will sell upon terms much more advantageous than at present.
               I am happy to inform you that your land on Difficult-run remains in statue quo. Many applications have been made in order to lease it for three lives, but I have always been of opinion that it was an improper mode of letting out land in these times, & have therefore declined every offer of the kind. I have never let any lotts for a longer term than ten & fifteen years since I have had any agency in your affairs. Upon strict examination I find there has been several transfers of Leases by the consent of Mr Muse, but have never seen any written instructions from you to him which cou’d authorise his doing it. If you have ever given consent to such transfers, I should be glad to be informed in your next letter, as I shall issue this fall ejectments against every tenant who has not complied strictly with the covenants of his Lease. If you should have occasion for the money which is in my hands, I wou’d gladly give you as much in Alexandria of mine for it, as it will save me a ride to Mount Vernon as well as the expence. Its probable your manager at Mount Vernon could get it without much inconvenience. Should you conclude to make these purchases next winter, its probable the ensuing rents may be sufficient to do it. I shall wait for your instructions. If ten per cent can be obtained upon all monies laid out for the purpose above mentioned, I suppose you will have no objection to my purchasing at any time between this & next January, as I expect several of them will offer me their lotts for sale previous to that time.
               Mrs Lewis joins me in love to my Aunt—I remain your obliged & Affectionate Nephew

                  Robt Lewis.


Title: From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 19 August 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Randolph, Edmund

               (Private)
               Dear Sir,Tuesday Morning 19th Augt—94.
               I sincerely condole with you & Mrs Randolph on your late loss; but as it was an event which had been long expected, I hope she will meet the stroke with fortitude.
               Under the circumstances wch exist it is by no means my desire that you should attend to the duties of yr Departmt in the City to day—unless it accords perfectly with your convenience & inclination. In that case & that only It is my wish that the files of your Office may be thoroughly examined to see if such communications are on them as Mr Jaudenes refers to. and that you, & the Secrety of the Treasury wd give this matter full consideration between this & tomorrow when, at ten Oclock I will meet you both at my house in town to know the result & to converse further on this subject which from present appearances, I think undignified—& highly insulting on the part of Spain.  Yours Affectly

                  G. W——n


Title: To George Washington from John Cowper, 20 Aug. 1793 [letter not found]
From: Cowper, John
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from John Cowper, 20 Aug. 1794. GW wrote Cowper on 4 Sept., "Your letter of the 20th Ulto . . . came to my hands by tuesdays post."


Title: To George Washington from Henry Lee, 20 August 1794
From: Lee, Henry
To: Washington, George

                  My dear sir
                  Richmond 20th August 94.

               Pardon me for again writing to you in so short a time—I always do it with reluctance, because I know your time occupied constantly with momentous concerns.

               But the present crisis seems pregnant with very eventful issues.
               the public mind is on the [stretch].  Love of order is the dominating principle, & hatred to draw blood from fellow citizens weighs—the opinions of the minority of Congress are resorted to.
               M. Gallatin always voted with our senators, Mr Smylie with our delegates, & they are declared to be among the leaders of the insurgents.
               this may be a fact or may be so, but being credited as a truth it is from thence agreed that the resistance to law is venial & the effect will I fear be unfortunate to order where the fact is beleived & the inference regarded—However I must yet adhere to my opinion given in my last letter viz., that the great body of the people will faithfully support their Cheif majistrate & their government.
               Individuals once high among us in political influence will feel a decrease of weight.
               Information transmitted weekly of the measures of the insurgents to be communicated here from authority I think would produ[c]e a continuance of the temper already shewn by my fellow citizens & I shall be very happy indeed to be instrumental in continuing & confirming their present general disposition. I have the honor to be dear sir with unalterable attachment your friend & sert

                  Henry Lee


Title: To George Washington from John Parish, 20 August 1794
From: Parish, John
To: Washington, George

                  Sir
                  Hamburg [Germany] the 20th August 1794

               It was not for want of inclination that I have defered untill now, making my Acknowledgement for the honour which You have been pleased to confer on me, in the Appointment of Consul for the united States, I requested of my Friend Mr Morris to take an Opportunity of testifying to Your Excellency how Sensible I was of the preference Shewn me in this Nomination, and

                  I hope the publick will have every reason to be Satisfied with the Attention which is paid to their Concerns here—my highest Wish is to be deserving of Your Countenance & Protection. I have the honor to Subscribe myself most respectfully Sir Your most obedt humble Se.

                  J. Parish


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 21 August 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

                  Sir,
                  German town [Pa.] 21 Augt 1794.

               To your note of this date (in behalf of the Department of War) asking my opinion or direction respecting the advisability of sending (under the existing circumstances of the Western Counties of Pennsylvania) two months pay to the army under the immediate orders of General Wayne, I answer, that under my present impressions the measure had better be delayed—at least until the Commissioners who were sent into those Counties, make their report. It certainly would from all the information that has been received from that quarter be too hazardous to send a sum of money by the way of Pittsburgh, thro’ counties that are in open rebellion; & besides the circuitousness of the route through what is called the Wilderness, & the length of time required to send it by a messenger that way, there would be, in my opinion, no small risk in the attempt.  But as I shall be in the City tomorrow, I will converse with you on this subject.

                  Go. Washington.


Title: To George Washington from Mr. Le Breton des Chapelles, 21 Aug. 1794 [letter not found]
From: Le Breton des Chapelles
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Mr. Le Breton des Chapelles, 21 Aug. 1794. On 9 Dec., George Taylor, Jr., wrote to Le Breton des Chapelles at Cologne, "By direction of the Secretary of State I have the honor to forward to you herein inclosed a statement of Colonel Ternant in answer to your letter to the President of the United States of the 21st August last" (DNA: RG 59, Diplomatic and Consular Instructions). The letter concerned a claim "originally of 813 dollars" for a Revolutionary War debt of the state of Virginia (see Jean-Baptiste, chevalier de Ternant, to Edmund Randolph, 3 Dec., DNA: RG 59, Notes from the French Legation).


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 21 August 1794
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

                  Sir
                  Thursday seven o’clock. [21 Aug. 1794]

               The inclosed letter from Mr Bradford is this moment received.
               I sent by Mr Cottringer some other letters.
               I now add a letter from Innes to myself, a translation of the

                  German letter, and a further letter and newspaper by the mail.  I have the honor, sir, to be with the highest respect yr mo. ob. ser.

                  Edm: Randolph


Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 22 August 1794
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

                  My dear Sir,
                  George Town [Md.] Augt 22d 1794

               It is with peculiar pleasure that I inform you of my having once more arrived in this comparatively happy Country.
               I sailed from Liverpool on the 11th of June and reached this place today. I have brought with me a valuable cargo of goods—and have made my arrangements of business to my Satisfaction in England, Scotland & Holland. I have returned home without visiting other Countries, because I found the Spirit of Revolution was so far prevailing everywhere that there could be no calculation upon the operations of measures next year which may be concerted this in the commercial line.
               I heard of Mr Jay’s arrival in London the day before I left Liverpool, and have had the pleasure to learn since my arrival that there have been advices from him of a later date than my Sailing.
               Having but a few moments before the mail closes it is not in my power to Say anything on the subject of public affairs in Europe, & indeed of facts, & opinions founded on observation, I should have more to say than could be contained in the limits of a reasonable letter.
               To the good & respectable Mrs Washington I must beg to be remembered in terms of gratitude & high respect—and to Mr Dandridge—Miss Nelly & my young friend Washington I give my best love—With sentiments of sincere attachment I have the honor to be my dear Sir, Your grateful friend & respectful servant

                  Tobias Lear.


Title: To George Washington from Burgess Ball, 24 August 1794
From: Ball, Burgess
To: Washington, George

                  Dear sir
                  Bath [Berkeley County, Va.] 24th of August 1794

               Yours of the 10th I recd here on the 17th & shd e’er this have answer’d it; but wish’d to do it with better Information than I then had, and indeed I wd have waited another day, as this day I expect Genl Mason in from Loudoun, but, tomorrow is the Post day from Winchester and an opporty just now offers there. The Conduct of the People in the upper part of Pensylva. is exceedingly reprobated by all the thinkg part here; and by those who have always been opposed to the Excise, as well as those in favour of it. The Gent. just callg on his way to Winchester; obliges me to curtail this Letter, & to inclose you a Scroll I wrote some days ago—I’ve just now been talk’d to Genl Mason who arrived last Night abt Loudon—He says he is afraid the Militia wd not be got easily to march, but, as he had ever been opposed to the Excise System, he wd think it more incumbent on him to use his

                  Exertions to have the Laws executed—Genl Darke I believe, wd be fond of going out, but Genl Morgan, I fear, without the Chief Command wd not.
               I hope you’ll excuse my takg this liberty of expressg myself—I thank God I’m better than at the date of my other. Im in haste Dr sir Yr Affect. Hbl. servt

                  B. Ball


Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 24 August 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Pearce, William

                  Mr Pearce,
                  German Town [Pa.] 24th Augt 94

               In reply to your letter of the 16th which, with the reports, came duly to hand; I have only to observe that it never was my intention to withdraw the hands from other essential work to employ them on the New Mill-Race; on the contrary I only wish that this job may be prosecuted at times—and at all times, when their other avocations will permit it, without detriment. No work is more essential, nor is their any that can be more pleasing to me, than that of getting the meadows in nice order; of course, employing the Ditchers to effect this cannot but be satisfactory.
               I wish the Overseer you have lately engaged may turn out well. The Masons may judge tolerably of his industry, but they are very incompetent (in my opinion) to decide on his skill in any of the branches of farming—particularly those of meadowing, grazing, & the care of stock; being planters themselves & little used to either. However, if he is sober, honest, industrious and docile, he may do under your immediate instructions, if you can keep him always with his people (and this I hope you will do) and make him be attentive to your orders and whatsoever intrusted to his care especially work horses & Cattle.
               Alexandria will be no good school for Pine; and if you can find by enquiry after his having been there, that he falls into bad habits, or bad company, do not be concerned with him, let his promises be what they may; for these will follow him to Mount Vernon, where I would have neither introduced. I am under no sort of obligation to him, & therefore he can have no cause to complain if he is not employed by me.

               Enclosed is a letter from Mr Butler.  On what ground he can expect further compensation than the agreement stipulates, I am at a loss to conceive. He will recollect that he represented himself to me as a person who had, and was qualified to superintend, a large concern. Under this idea it is highly probable I might, & I dare say did, tell him that if he was found competent to it, on trial, that he would be entrusted with the management of one of the Farms, where the wages were higher than could be afforded at the Ma<ns>ion house—but has this been the case?  On the contrary, has it not been found, from experience, that from his age, inactivity, and want of authority, he is incompetent to the present concern, with which he was entrusted; & for these reasons I part with him?  & They are, surely, a sufficient bar to his application; unless, as possibly is the case, he means not to be charged with the money which was given to him to bear his expences from Philadelphia to Mount Vernon. This I did not intend to do; & further, if he goes away before the expiration of the year, he may, notwithstanding, receive the whole wages of one; what agreement you made with him for the last year, I know not—I always supposed he was on the same lay as the year before; & this must certainly be understood if no new agreement was made.
               Is Groves a married or single man?  If the former, what family has he?
               How did your Turnips come up?  and what is the present appearance of them for a Crop?  What is the matter with your youngest daughter?  and how is your eldest now?  I remain your friend &ca

                  Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 24 August 1794 [letter not found]
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from William Pearce, 24 Aug. 1794. On 31 Aug., GW wrote Pearce: "In your last letter of the 24th instt came a copy of the conditions of Colo. Lyles Bond."


Title: To George Washington from Christopher Cowper, 25 August 1794
From: Cowper, Christopher
To: Washington, George

                  Sir
                  Suffolk Virga August 25th 1794

               By direction of Mr John Cowper of Gates County No. Carolina, I beg leave to enclose you four hundred & fifty dollars in Bank Notes ⅌ List at foot, which be pleas’d to pass to the credit of his bond granted to Mr John Lewis of Fredericksburg and assignd you; the receipt thereof please to acknowledge—the balance to make one hundred & forty pounds Virginia Currency shall transmit you the first opportunity, or as soon as a bill of that amount can be obtained. With due respect I am Sir Your mo: ob. Servt

                  Chris. Cowperfor John Cowper

                        1 payable to Geo. Gale Baltimore
                        50 dollars
                        No. 7883

                        1 ditto
                        Do
                        100
                        8751

                        1 do
                        Do
                        100
                        8718

                        1 Do
                        Do
                        100
                        8740

                        1 Do
                        Do
                        100
                        8720


Title: From George Washington to Henry Lee, 26 August 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry

                  Dear Sir,
                  German Town [Pa.] Augt 26th 1794.(Private)

               Your favor of the 17th cam<e> duly to hand, and I thank you for its communications.
               As the Insurgents in the western counties of this State are

                  resolved (as far as we have yet been able to learn from the Commissioners, who have been sent amongst them) to persevere in their rebellious conduct until what they call the Excise law is repealed; and Acts of oblivion & amnesty are passed; it gives me since<re> consolation amidst the regret with whi<ch> I am filled, by such lawless & outrageous c<on>duct, to find by your letter abovemention<ed,> that it is held in general detestation by the good people of Virginia; and that you are disposed to lend your personal aid to subdue this spirit, & to bring those people to a proper sense of their duty.
               On this latter point I shall refer you to letters from the War office; and to a private one from Colo. Hamilton (who in the absence of the Secretary of War, superintends the Military duties of that department) for my sentiments on this occasion.
               It is with equal pride and satisfaction I add, that as far as my information extends, this insurrection is viewed with universal indignation and abhorrence; except by those who have never missed an opportunity by side blows, or otherwise, to aim their shafts at the general government; and even by these there is not a spirit hardy enough yet, openly to justify the daring infractions of Law and order; but by palliatives are attempting to suspend all proceedings against the insurgents until Congress shall have decided on the case, thereby intending to gain time, and if possible to make the evil more extensive—more formidable—and of course more difficult to counteract and subdue.
               I consider this insurrection as the first formidable fruit of the Democratic Societies; brought forth I believe too prematurely for their own views, which may contribute to the annihilation of them.
               That these societies were instituted by the artful & designing members (many of their body I have no doubt mean well, but know little of the real plan,) primarily to sow the Seeds of Jealousy & distrust among the people, of the government, by destroying all confidence in the Administration of it; and that these doctrines have been budding ever since, is not new to any one who is acquainted with the characters of their leaders, and have been attentive to their manœuvres. I early gave it as my opinion to the confidential characters around me, that if these Societies were not counteracted (not by prosecutions, the ready way to make them grow stronger) or did not fall into disesteem from

                  the knowledge of their origin, & the views with which they had been instituted by their father, Genet, for purposes well known to the Government; that they would shake the government to its foundation. Time & circumstances have confirmed me in this opinion, & I deeply regret the probable consequences, not as they will affect me personally—(for I have not long to act on this theatre, and sure I am that not a man amongst them can be more anxious to put me aside, than I am to sink into the profoundest retirement); but because I see, under popular and fascinating guises, the most diabolical attempts to destroy the best fabric of human government & happiness, that has ever been presented for the acceptance of mankind.
               A part of the plan for creating discord, is, I perceive, to make me say things of others, and others of me, wch have no foundation in truth. The first, in many instances I know to be the case—and the second I believe to be so. but truth or falsehood is immaterial to them, provided their objects are promoted.
               Under this head may be classed, I conceive, what it is reported I have said of Mr Henry—& what Mr Jefferson is reported to have said of me; on both of which, particularly the first, I mean to dilate a little—With solemn truth then I can declare, that I never expressed such sentiments of that Gentlemen, as from your letter, he has been led to believe. I had heard, it is true, that he retained his enmity to the Constitution; but with very peculiar pleasure I learnt from Colo. Coles (who I am sure will recollect it) that Mr Henry was acquiescent in his conduct, & that though he could not give up his opinions respecting the Constitution, yet, unless he should be called upon by official duty he wd express no sentiment unfriendly to the exercise of the powers of a government which had been chosen by a Majority of the people; or words to this effect. Except intimating in this conversation (which to the best of my recollection was introduced by Colo. Coles) that report had made Mr Henry speak a different language; and afterward at Prince Edward Court house, where I saw Mr Venables & finding I was within eight or ten miles of Mr Henry’s seat & expressing my regret at not seeing him, the conversation might be similar to that held with Colo. Coles; I say, except in these two instances, I do not recollect, nor do I believe, that in the course of the journey to & from the Southward I ever mentioned Mr Henrys name in conjunction with the

                  Constitution, or the government.  It is evident therefore, that these reports are propogated with evil intentions—to create personal differences. On the question of the Constitution Mr Henry & myself, it is well known, have been of different opinions; but personally, I have always respected and esteemed him; nay more, I have conceived myself under obligations to him for the friendly manner in which he transmitted to me some insiduous anonymous writings that were sent to him in the close of the year 1777, with a view to embark him in the opposition that was forming against me at that time.
               I well recollect the conversations you allude to in the winter preceeding the last; and I recollect also, that difficulties occurred which you, any more than myself, were not able to remove. 1st though you believed, yet you would not undertake to assert, that Mr Henry would be induced to accept any appointment under the General Government; in which case, & supposing him to be inemical to it, the wound the government would receive by his refusal, and the charge of attempting to silence his opposition by a place, would be great; 2d because you were of opinion that no office which would make a residence at the Seat of the government essential would comport with his disposition, or views; and 3dly because if there was a vacancy in the supreme Judiciary at that time (of which I am not at this time certain) it could not be filled from Virginia without giving two Judges to that State, which would have excited unpleasant sensations in other States.  Any thing short of one of the great Offices, it could not be presumed he would have accepted; nor would there (under any opinion he might entertain) have been propriety in offering it. What is it then, you have in contemplation, that you conceive would be relished?  and ought there not to be a moral certainty of its acceptance?  This being the case, there wd not be wanting a disposition on my part—but strong inducements on public & private grounds, to invite Mr Henry into any employment under the General Government to which his inclination might lead, & not opposed by those maxims which has been the invariable rule of my conduct.
               With respect to the words said to have been uttered by Mr Jefferson, they would be enigmatical to those who are acquainted with the characters about me, unless supposed to be spoken ironically; & in that case they are too injurious to me, & have

                  too little foundation in truth, to be ascribed to him. There could not be the trace of doubt on his mind of predeliction in mine, towards G. Britain or her politics, unless (which I do not believe) he has set me down as one of the most deceitful, & uncandid men living; because, not only in private conversations between ourselves on this subject, but in my meetings with the confidential servants of the public, he has heard me often, when occasions presented themselves, express very different sentiments with an energy that could not be mistaken by any one present.
               <Having determined, as far as lay within the powers of the Executive, to keep this country in a state of neutrality, I have made my public conduct accord with the system; and whilst so acting as a public character, consistency, & propriety as a private man, forbid those intemperate expressions in favor of one Nation, or to the prejudice of another, wch many have indulged themselves in—I will venture to add—to the embarrassment of government, without producing any good to the Country. With very great esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Your Obedt & Affecte

                  Go: Washington>


Title: To George Washington from Henry Pyne, 26 August 1794
From: Pyne, Henry
To: Washington, George

                  Sir
                  Washington City Augst 26th 1794

               Having no employment I took a trip to see this part of the Country and presumed the liberty of Seeing Vermont, a place I was most anxious to See and must confess fully answerd my most Sanguine Expectations, for it Seems as if designd by nature as the Seat of Some great man—Mr Pearce behaved With much politeness and attention However much I held it a duty of informing you E’re now of my com’g here, yet a delicacy prevented me, as I Wish’d not to be troublesome, and Knowing your attention engaged in matters of importance
               Mr Butler, I find has got an employment at Mr Youngs at the foedral City, Wher<e> he goes to at November, Should you Wish me to Succeed him, and were it pleasing to you Should Gladly go there Some time prior to Mr Butlers departure in order to get acquainted With the nature of the business the Weekly reports &c. Which I find its requisite to make I make you every apology for this liberty and am Sir With respect Your Most Obt St

                  Henry Pyne


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 26 August 1794
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

                  Sir
                  Philadelphia August 26. 1794 ½ past one o’clock.

               I have not seen Mr Fauchet, and cannot ascertain, whether he has gone on to German Town or not. But finding that I should

                  be obliged to return to Phila. tonight, and that my eyes are extremely uneasy and inflamed from the ride this morning, I must beg your excuse for not returning to dinner. I would however go back, if I did not know, that Colo. Hamilton will act as the interpreter to Mr Fauchet, if he has not yet collected a sufficient stock of English.
               I do myself the honor of inclosing the papers and letters by the mails of to-day. I have received a letter from Colo. S. Smith of Baltimore which I will lay before you in the morning.  He considers the militia-law of Maryland, as insufficient for the purpose of drawing forth the quota, required from that state; and expresses himself with great strength against shedding blood, if it can be in any manner avoided. I have the honor, sir, to be with great respect yr mo. ob. serv.

                  Edm: Randolph.

                  P.S. Since writing the above Mr Fauchet has informed me of his intention to go out.


Title: To George Washington from Gabriel Peterson Van Horne, 26 August 1794
From: Van Horne, Gabriel Peterson
To: Washington, George

                  Sir,
                  Yan Yille Prince Georg. [Md.] Augt 26t
                     1794

               Urged by the impression of Duty, And That Irrisistable impulse which, Arises from the Circumstances of past, and recent Events—When Savage Hostilities have become Formidable; And the Supreme Authority Violated with impunity—To be indifferent At such a Crisis, must discover an Apparent Disrespect for the Dignity of the Laws, And that Zealous Support requisite for the Executive Arm.
               Conscious ’tis a painful Alternative, that Goverment, dictated by Necessity, must Extend Examplary Instances to the refractory—And at a period so highly Interesting, ’tis the Duty of every Citizen To Evince his Gratitude, for the Blessings of a Goverment, defusing its Superior Advantages, from the Mildness of its Principles—With those impressions, permit me Sir, to indulge the hope, that the President will (Occation requiring) Accept the Tendor Of my best Services—To dispose of them in Any

                  Degree, in which they may be instrumental in Support of the National Dignity; And the important Interest of Our Invaluable Constitution.
               To those Assurances, And with due respect, the President will permit me to Observe that, Compatable with my Engagments with the State of Maryland, a priv<ate> Application Coud Not with propriety be made to the President—Those Engagements are Now Terminate<d> And with Anxious Zeal, Eminating from that Sacred Esteem which the Laws inspire, Trust my Solicitude will meet the Approbation of the President. With Sentiments of the Highest respect, I am Sir, Your Most Obedt Servt

                  Gabriel P. Van Horne


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Peter, 27 August 1794
From: Peter, Thomas
To: Washington, George

                  Dear sir
                  George Town [Md.] 27th August 1794

               I have for some time past been in treaty with Charles Carter Esqr. for a Tract of Land in Louden County Virginia containing about 5,500 Acres which I consider to be a great bargain, & which I can not accomplish to secure unless I could borrow about £2,000 Maryland Money.
               My Father enables me to say that he will be my Security, if it could be borrowed for a few Years—I could Negotiate for it, at the Bank of Columbia, but he is perfectly against having any thing to do with Negotiation of that kind, & Rather recommends my endeavouring to get it in some other way—He has given me some Land in this State, & Property in the City of Washington, therefore I am averse to press him into any Mode of Negotiation for the Accomplishment of this very desireable object contrary to his own inclination; but he assures me that this sum shall be replaced in a few years & the Ints. Annually paid till fulfill’d.
               The Land is a great object with me, & if the Money could be secured through your Ints. on the above conditions he will chearfully support it—It hurts me to address you on a subject of this Nature, but the bargain would be so advantageous in my Oppinion (as Land is raising so Rapidly in Value) that I hope it may Plead my Excuse with you for such Presumtion—I remain with the utmost Esteem Dear sir Your Obt servt

                  Thomas Peter

                  P.S. As I must give an answer soon to C. Carter Esqr. it will be pleasing to hear shortly from you. T.P.


Title: To George Washington from Burgess Ball, 28 August 1794
From: Ball, Burgess
To: Washington, George

                  Dear sir,
                  Bath [Berkeley County, Va.] 28th Aug: 1794.

               In addition to the Scroll I wrote you a few days ago, I take the liberty of mentiong some further Circumstances. I am inform’d Morgan & Dark are order’d upon the Expidition on the Insurgents, shd it be carryed on. In Frederick no Draft will be necessary, & Volunteers will turn out, as also in this County, from which (this County) the proportion is abt 200 men. I hope in God the deluded People e’er this have come to a Sence of their Error, but, if they do not, I have no doubt but a sufficient no. will soon be got to quell them. Since I wrote you I think I’ve been mending but my Wife having been (since I left her) very sick, she is now on her way here also, so that I expect we shall yet be here 2 or 3 Weeks more. If 100 Acres of Land with the Seat on the River will be sufficient for the purpose wanted, I will take for that £2000 Virga Money, of which I will inform Genl Knox, or, if you please, you may communicate to him.  This Place is gettg now almost deserted, so that we shall have a dreary time of it, but, Colo. Fitzgerald is here, who is an Old Acquaintance, and he is mendg fast. With best respects to Mrs Washington, I am, Dear sir Yr Affect. Hbl. servt

                  B. Ball


Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 28 August 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Lear, Tobias

                  My dear Sir,
                  German Town [Pa.] Augt 28th 1794

               It gave me very sincere pleasure to find by your letter of the 22d instt (which by the by did not come to my hands until the evening of the 26th; not time enough to acknowledge the receipt of it by the Post of next day) that you had arrived in good health at George Town with a valuable cargo of Goods, & that you had arranged your business to your satisfaction in England, Scotland and Holland. When you shall have arranged your business at George Town, & business or inclination may turn your face towards the Eastward, it will be unnecessary to add, that to see you, wd make this family happy; & with a little roughfing, on your part you could be accomodated therein.
               If you have no accts later, I have the pleasure to tell you that by a letter from your good mother to Mrs Washington, that she, & little Lincoln were perfectly well on the 11th of this month—and, by her account, that he continued to be the fine sprightly child you left him.
               The enclosed, though out of season now, will serve to show that your letters did not sleep with me in silence.  It went by Mr Jay, and was returned by him with the following paragraph in a letter dated London 23d June.
               "On Sunday the 15th of this month I arrived here. The next day I made enquiries for Mr Lear, and was informed that he had gone to Liverpool to embark for America. I asked whether it was probable that letters sent by the Post would find him still there—the answer was, that it was highly improbable. Under these circumstances, & well knowing the jealous attention now paid to letters passing through the post office, I thought it most advisable to forbear making the experiment, & to return that letter to you."
               The copy of my letter to Mr Young, from whom I have received no acknowledgement, will be of no other use to you now, than to shew what were, and still are, my wishes; that if any enquiries after for back lands should be made in your presence, you might be enabled to bring mine into view. The plan with

                  respect to my Mount Vernon Estate, I have no idea could be carried into effect in this Country.
               I had it in contemplation to visit that place about the last of September, or beginning of October, but the rebellious conduct of the people in the Western counties of this State renders the journey uncertain—& may defeat it altogether. With very great sincerety and Affection—I am always yours

                  Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Jay, 30 August 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Jay, John

                  My dear Sir,
                  Philadelphia Augt 30th 1794.

               Your letter of the 23d of June from London (and duplicate) have both been received; and your safe arrival after so short a passage, gave sincere pleasure, as well on private as on public account, to all your friends in this Country; & to none in a greater degree, I can venture to assure you, than it did to myself.
               As you will receive letters from the Secretary of States Office giving an official account of the public occurrences as they have arisen, & progressed, it is unnecessary for me to re-touch any of them: & yet, I cannot restrain myself from making some

                  observations on the most recent of them, the communication of which was received this morning, only; I mean the protest of the Govr of Upper Canada (delivered by Lieutt Sheaffe) against our occupying Lands far from any of the Posts which, long ago, they ought to have surrendered; and far within the known, & until now, the acknowledged limits of the United States.
               On this irregular, & high handed proceeding of Mr Simcoe, which is no longer masked, I would rather hear what the Ministry of G. Britain will say, than pronounce my own sentimts thereon. But can that government or will it attempt, after this official act of one of their governors, to hold out ideas of friendly intentions towd the United States, & suffer such conduct to pass with impunity?
               This may be considered as the most open & daring act of the British agents in America; though it is not the most hostile, or cruel; for there does not remain a doubt in the mind of any well informed person in this country (not shut against conviction that all the difficulties we encounter with the Indians; their hostilities—the murders of helpless women & innocent children along our frontiers, results from the conduct of the Agents of Great Britain in this Country. In vain is it then for its Administration, in Britain, to disavow having given orders which will warrant such conduct, whilst their Agents go unpunished; whilst we have a thousand corroborating circumstances and indeed almost as many evidences (some of which cannot be brought forward); to prove that they are seducing from our alliances (endeavouring to remove them over the line) tribes that have hitherto been kept in peace & friendship with us, at a heavy expence, & who have no cause of complaint except pretended ones, of their creating; whilst they keep in a state of irritation the tribes who are hostile to us, & instigating those who know little of us, or we of them, to unite in the War against us; and whilst it is an undeniable fact that they are furnishing the whole with Arms, Ammunition, cloathing—& even provisions, to carry on the War—I might go further, & if they are not much belied—add men also, in disguise. Can it be expected I ask, so long as these things are known in the United States—or at least firmly believed, and suffered with impunity by G. Britain, that there ever will, or can be any cordiality between the two Countries. I answer NO!  and I will undertake, without the gift of prophecy, to predict, that it will be impossible to keep this Country in a state of amity with

                  G. Britain long, if the Posts are not surrendered. A knowledge of these being my sentiments, would have little weight I am persuaded with the British Admn; nor perhaps with the Nation, in effecting the measure: but both may rest satisfied that if they want to be in Peace with this Country & to enjoy the benefits of its trade &c. this is the road to it.  withholding them, & the consequences we feel at present continuing, war <will be> inevitably.
               This letter is written to you in extreme haste, whilst the Papers respecting this subject are copying at the Secretary of States Office, to go by Express to New York, for a Vessel which we have just heard Sails tomorrow: you will readily perceive therefore I had no time for digesting—& as little for correcting it. I shall only add that you may be assured always of the sincere friendship & Affection of Your Obedient Hble Sert

                  Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to the Marquis of Lansdowne, 30 August 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Lansdowne, the Marquis of

                  My Lord
                  Philadelphia Augt 30th 1794

               I have had the pleasure of receiving your Lordship’s letter introducing to me Mr Taillerand Perigord.
               It is matter of no small regret to me that considerations of a public nature, which you will easily conjecture, have not hitherto permitted me to manifest towards that Gentleman the sense I entertain of his personal character and of your Lordship’s recommendation. But I am informed that the reception he has met with, in general, has been such as to console him, as far as the state of society here will admit of it, for what he has relinquished in leaving Europe. Time must naturally be favourable to him every where, and may be expected to raise a man of his talents and merit above the temporary disadvantages, which in revolutions result from differences of political opinion.
               It would be painful to me to anticipate that the misfortunes of Europe could be the cause of an Event, which on every personal account would give me the truest satisfaction—the opportunity of welcoming you to a country, to the esteem of which you have so just a title, and of testifying to you more particularly the sentiments of respect and cordial regard with which I have the honor to be Your Lordship’s Most Obedient servant.


Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 31 August 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Lear, Tobias

                  My dear Sir,
                  German Town, 31st.
                     Augt. 1794.

               On the 28th. I wrote you two letters. In one of them I intended (but forgot it) to have made a request that you would enquire after the lad that used to wait at Suter’s (William I think his name was) whose servitude had expired, and if disengaged and his character good, as well as handy, to engage him for me at eight Dollars P. Month, (with the other allowances known to you) being what I am now obliged to give, to the most indifferent set of servants I ever had. When I mention William I do not mean to confine myself to him, although his qualifications as a waiter (the only light in which he has appeared to me) to be very good;—any other genteel looking and well made man (not a giant or dwarf) might answer equally well perhaps, if sober, honest, good tempered, and acquainted with the duties of a house Servant, & footman.

                  Sincerely & affectionatelyI remain Yours


Title: From George Washington to Robert Lewis, 31 August 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, Robert

                  Dear Sir,
                  German Town [Pa.] Augt 31st 1794.

               Your letter of the 19th Instt has been received, & I will answer such parts as require it.
               The money in your hands, belonging to me, may be lodged in Alexandria, & made subject to Mr William Pearce (my manager) his order. This will answer all the purposes of your coming down, if he is advised thereof—At the sametime write, & transmit me the accts, that I may see who have paid, and who are delinquents. Charge every thing due to yourself in the account; as I have an insuperable objection to after reckonings.
               The ensuing Rents may be applied in purchasing in the Leases if to be accomplished on advantageous terms—but do not deceive yourself as to the calculation of receiving 10 prCt on the money advanced. For illucidation, take this example—suppose a tenement at £5 pr annum is bought in for £100, & rented

                  afterwards at £10 pr Annum—what prCt do I receive in this case?  not 10 prCt surely, but 5 prCt only; because £5. would have been reciev’d if no purchase had been made, and the £100 loaned to you, or any other person would produce the other £5; of course I gain nothing by the purchase. This statement might, & probably had occurred to you, but to make the matter certain I thought it would be best to mention it.
               If advantageous purchases can be made, & the Rents arising are inadequate, upon notice thereof I will fall upon some expedient to enlarge the fund. & the time of purchase may be extended to the days of grace allowed by the Leases, or the Replevy Bonds where given.
               In all cases of Transfer under the authority of Mr Muse, request in my name, & behalf, a copy of the licence given by me, to him, for this purpose before you bring ejectments which you may not be able to support. The reason I require this is, because I cannot have recourse to my papers at Mount Vernon to furnish copies from thence.
               I am very well satisfied with what you have done with my property in Winchester, Bath & on Potomac River but wish you had mentioned the terms on which you had offered the latter—and whether there was no condition made with the tenant at Bath, that if I should want the house for my self, or a friend, during the Season of resort to the Waters, it was to be cleared & got in order for me, or for such friend, without hesitation or delay; without such reservation I might as well be without the house—nor do I recollect (not having your letters by me) whether you have, in any of them mentioned in what condition they are. They cost me £150 cash to build them.
               Give my love, in which Mrs Washington unites, to Mrs Lewis—& be assured of the friendship & regard of Your Affectionate Uncle

                  Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 31 August 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Pearce, William

                  Mr Pearce,
                  German Town [Pa.] 31st of Augt 1794.

               In your last letter of the 24th instt came a copy of the conditions of Colo. Lyles Bond; but you did not give the date of it; which reason the purpose it was wanted for, cannot be accomplished until the date is transmitted.
               In one of the early letters I wrote to you, I pointed out a method, which if you would observe, it would be impossible to omit any thing to which an answer was required: that is, when you are going to write, take up the letter, and in reading it, make a short note of every part as you come to it, on the back of a letter, a piece of waste paper, or Slate, to which a reply is necessary—Having gone through the letter in this manner, you begin your own, and note after note, as the contents are inserted in your letter, is scratched out. By this means no part of a long letter can ever escape notice, by not carrying the whole in your memory, when you sit down to write, or by being called off while you are writing it.
               You have not, in any of your letters, said any thing of what you had done, or was about to do, respecting the drilled Wheat & Barley. I would have you make the most you can of the first, and give the other another fair trial; for if it yields on my Estate in the proportion that Wheat does to Barley in this Country, the culture of the latter must be more profitable than that of the former. Whenever the sowing of any field is compleated, let it be noted in the Weekly report; with the quantity of Seed which has been given to it.
               The usual practice on those who have been Siezed with the ague & fever, has been, after the third fit, or as soon as it intermits regularly, to give an emetic, which often carries it away without the Bark, or other application.
               The land Mr Gunnel speaks of, lyes in Loudoun County, although it is within 18 or 20 miles of Alexandria—But if the facts which he relates with respect to the Trespass thereon can be clearly proved, request Colo. Simms of Alexandria, or any other who practices in Loudoun Court, & is well recommended to you, to bring suit against them: for it is really shameful to be treated in the manner I am by people who take such liberties with my timber & wood during my absence—under a supposition they may do it with impunity.

               You may inform Mr Pierce Bailey that my selling, or not selling that tract, depends upon getting the terms of my asking, complied with. These are Fifteen hundred pounds (Virga currency)—Five hundred of which to be paid down, and interest on the other two thirds until discharged—the credit to be agreed on which may be 3, four, or more years; provided the land & a Bond is given as security for payment of the principal; and some unquestionable surety for the regular discharge of the interest on the day it becomes due. Mr Gill of Alexandria came up to my price, but we differed with respect to the Interest. There is about 300 acres of it, with two good Mill Seats on it—one wholly mine, the other on difficult run which divides my Land from others. There is also a good deal of meadow land on the tract.
               I have no objection to your putting up the Still which is at Mount Vernon, if any advantage from it can be derived under the tax, which is laid upon it; which Doctr Stuart & others, who have Stills, can give you better information than I am able to do.
               What is the matter with young Boatswain?  who, to the best of my recollection has been on the Sick list many Weeks.  I wish you well and am Your friend &ca

                  Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 31 August 1794
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

                  Sir
                  Mount Vernon Augt 31st 1794

               I Receved your letter of 24th Instt, Mr Groves the person who I have imployed as overseer For Union farm, is a Maried Man & has four Children he Comes well recommended—from Several others as well as the Mr Masons, and he is said to be Very attentive to his Business & Carefull of his stock If he should a[n]swear this description I shall not be Affraid but the business will be Carried on well, and from what I have seen of him I have a Very favourable opinion of him my self.
               I have not heard any thing from Pine lately, the last I heard of him he had gone to the Federal City.
               In my last letter I informed you That the people ware Sickly with the Ague & Fever.  they Continue to have it Very much yet and the young Gardener has had a sevear atack of the Nervous fever & for several days Doctor Craick had but little hopes of his Giting over it But he is now Gitting the better of it—we have Lost the Girl Jinney at Dogue run she died Last Wednesday Evening in Labour she Could not be delivered of her child, Doctor Craick was sent for as soon as I had Notice of her Situation but altho he was with her 2 days and a night he Could not Deliver her we have a Tollarable prospect for turnips but they do not Answear my Expectation for The fly took the first sowing which has made them rather backward for a good full crop.
               my youngest Daughter has had The Ague & fever but has got better and my Eldest is Likewise much better than she has been for some time past. but I fear her Complaint is such that it Cannot easily be removed so as for her to git intirely rid of it.
               while the people keeps so Sickly I do not like to leave home, and as we shall Nea[r]ly be done seeding wheat by the Last of next week I must put it off till Then The money Is paid to

                  Mr William hartshorn as you Derected.  I am Sir with Greatest Respect Your Humble Servt

                  William Pearce

                  P.S. Mr Butler desired me to request the favour of a recommendation from you Respecting his soberiety &c. & That he undersants the raisig Thorn hedges, he sais his Giting a good place depends on it. W.P.


Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 1 September 1794
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

                  My dear Sir,
                  George Town [Md.] Septr 1st 1794.

               I have this moment been made happy by the receipt of your acceptable & good letters of the 28th ultimo, with their enclosures.
               The mail being on the point of closing will only allow me at this time to acknowledge the receipt of your favors, and express

                  the grateful sense which I have of your continued kindness towards me. The offer which you have the goodness to make of appointing me one of the Commissioners is an additional mark of your friendship for me, as well as flattering to me in a high degree. I must beg a few days to consider of it, and by some indirect means inform myself of the special duties which may be incumbent on the Commissioners, after which I will have the honor to give a decided Answer.
               My best respects await Mrs Washington & my warmest regards my young friends & Mr Dandridge With the highest respect & most sincere Attachment I am & always shall be My dear Sir Your grateful & affectionate Servan[t]

                  Tobias Lear.


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 2 September 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                  Sir,
                  Treasury Department September 2. 1794.

               The state of my health since you were pleased to refer to me the letter from Governor Mifflin of the 22 of August has been such as to delay the necessary previous examination in order to a reply—and prevents now its being as full and particular as I had wished it to be.
               I premise for greater clearness, that by official influence, I understand, that influence which is derived from Official Situation, whether exerted directly in the line of Office, or collaterally and indirectly in other ways.
               It will readily be concurred, that a Spirit, like that which has been stated to have prevailed, would frequently discover itself in forms so plausibly disguised and with so much duplicity of aspect as not to be capable of being rendered palpable by precise specification and proof—It appeared, for example, among other shapes, in observations on the exceptionable nature of the Laws tending to foment disatisfaction with them—in recommendations of what has been called legal or constitutional opposition, in a disrespectful and disparaging demeanor towards the Officers charged with their execution, and in severe Strictures on

                  what were denominated rigorous and irregular proceedings of those Officers, calculated to foster public contempt and hatred of them—in ambiguous hints Susceptible of different interpretations, but easily applied by the passions of those to whom they were addressed to purposes of opposition.  To enter into an exhibition of these instances would require a long detail, an appeal to persons now within the discontented Scene whose apprehensions would restrain them from becoming voluntary witnesses—and would after all be liable to specious controversy about their true import and nature.
               I therefore confine myself to those instances of opposition and discountenance to the Laws by persons in Office, which are unequivocal.
               Among those who composed the meeting noticed in my report to you of the 5th of August, referred to by the Governor in his Letter, which was holden on the 23 of August 1791, in the County of Washington were the following public Officers of Pennsylvania (Vizt) James Marshall Register and Recorder, David Bradford Deputy to the Attorney General of the State—Henry Taylor and James Edgar Associate Judges, Thomas Crooks, William Parker, Eli Jenkins and Thomas Sedgwick Justices of the peace and Peter Kidd a Major of Militia.
               Among those who composed the second meeting noticed in the same Report, which was holden on the second of September 1791, at Pittsburgh, were, besides James Marshall and David Bradford above mentioned—the following public Officers of Pennsylvania (Viz.) Edward Cook and Nathaniel Braden Associate Judges, Nehemiah Stokely and Thomas Moreton, Colonels of Militia, the last a member of the Legislature of Pennsylvania, John Cannon and Albert Gallatin members of the Legislature of Pennsylvania, the former since a Justice of the peace.
               Among those who composed the third meeting noticed in the same Report, and which was holden at Pittsburgh on the 21 of August 1792, were, besides John Cannon, David Bradford, Albert Gallatin, James Marshall, and Edward Cook, before mentioned, the following public Officers of Pennsylvania (Viz.) John Smilie, Member of the State Senate, Thomas Wilson and Samuel Giddes, Colonels of Militia, William Wallace, then Sheriff now Colonel of Militia, John Hamilton, Sheriff and Colonel of Militia, and Basil Bowel, Captain of Militia.

               It may happen in some instances that the Offices annexed to particular names may not have been holden at the specified times of Meeting. But this cannot materially affect the consequence to be drawn, as well because it is believed that the instances which may have been omitted to be noticed are very few—as because the conduct of the persons concerned has continued in a uniform Tenor of opposition.
               The circumstance has been noted in the cases in which it was known to exist. These are of John Canon and William Wallace. It is understood, that the former was appointed by the Governor a Justice of the peace in May last. The time of the appointment of the latter as Colonel of Militia is not particularly known.
               The evidence, to which immediate reference may be made, of the Agency of the forgoing persons at the meetings alluded to, may be found in the cotemporary public gazettes of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia which contained the proceedings at large of those meetings, with the names of the persons of whom they were respectively composed. The Govern<or> can be at no loss to obtain more legal evidence of the fact if he desire it—and of the identity of the persons.
               The following cases present other instances of opposition to the Laws by Officers of Pennsylvania. John Hamilton before mentio<ned> Sheriff of a County and Colonel of Militia, is affirmed by Jacob Forwo<od> and Robert Johnson Collector of the Revenue to have been one of a party who seized the said Johnson when travelling about his duty tarred and feathered him.

               Caleb Mount then a Captain since a Major of Militia, stands charged before Isaac Meason and James Finley, Assistan<t> Judges, by information upon Oath of Benjamin Wells, Collector of the Revenue and his Wife, with being of a party that broke into the House of the Said Collector sometime in April, 1793.
               Andrew Robb a Justice of the peace stands charged by information upon oath before Jacob Beason another Justice of the peace with having offered a reward of Ten pounds for killing the Excise man meaning as was understood, Wells the Collector. This fact is stated on the information of the said Collector.
               James McFarlane, who commanded the Rioters in the second attack upon the House of the Inspector of the Revenue, on the 17th of July last was a Major of Militia.
               David Hamilton, a Justice of the peace, was the person who

                  previous to that attack went to the House with a summons to Surrender.
               William Meetkirk, a Justice of the peace, Gabriel Blakney a Colonel of Militia and Absalom Beard, Inspector of Brigade, were three of four persons who went as a Committee from the Rioters assembled at Braddocks field on the  to demand of the Inhabitants of Pittsburgh the expulsion of Kirkpatrick, Brison and Day, as friends to the Laws.
               Edward Cook, the Associate Judge already mentioned, was the Chairman of a Committee at the same place, which ordered the expulsion of John Gibson and Presly Neville for the same cause.
               Satisfactory testimony of These several last mentioned facts can be had from Abraham Kirkpatrick and Presly Nevill now in this City and well known to the Governor.
               The following cases are instances of conduct in Office denoting an unfriendly temper towards the Laws.
               James Wells, a Justice of the peace and an Associate Judge, upon information of an assault committed upon John Webster Collector of the Revenue, in the execution of his duty in an attempt to Seize some Whiskey illegally distilled, told the Collector that he had never read so worthless a Law as the Revenue Law of Congress—that he expected no person in the Country would have been rascal enough to take a Commission under it, that if the Whiskey had been seized he would have thrown it into the road, and he was sorry the person who made the Assault had not knocked down the Collector. No measures were taken to cause a redress for the Assault. This statement is made on the information of the said Webster.
               Jacob Stewart and William Boyd Justices of the peace severally declined to issue process against Jacob Snyder a Distiller who was charged before them with having threatened another distiller named Stoffer with burning of his House or Some other injury, if he should enter his Still at an Office of Inspection This statement is made on the information of Benjamin Wells the Collector, who affirms to have received it from Stoffer.
               Joseph Huston Sheriff of the County of Fayette stands indicted at a Circuit Court for having refused or declined the service of Warrants and Suppœnas issued by Isaac Measan and James Finley Assistant Judges of that County in the case of the Riot

                  which was committed at the House of a Collector of the Revenue in April 1793. This is the same with the instance mentioned in my Report.
               The following is a case of peculiar and rather of a mixed complexion relating both to conduct in Office and conduct out of Office—and including in it a specimen of that species of discountenance to the Laws which I have thought it most adviseable as a general rule to forbear entering into, but which being in this instance ascertainable by the acknowledgements of the party and by respectable testimony at hand, seems proper to form an exception to that rule, which may be useful, by way of example and illustration.
               It is mentioned in my Report, that the Supervisor of the Revenue in September 1792 was sent into the refractory Counties among other things to collect evidence of the persons concerned in the Riot in Faulkners case. When at Pittsburgh, he applied by Letter to Alexander Addison President of the Court of Common pleas who resided at the Town of Washington to engage his assistance, in taking the Depositions of persons who were named to him by the Supervisor as able to testify concerning infractions of the Laws, and in causing some of the best informed Witnesses to attend a Circuit Court of the United States about to be holden at York Town.
               The Judge not content with declining an agency in the business, in his answer to the application, digresses into a Censure on the Judiciary System of the United States which he represents "as impracticable, unless it be intended to sacrifice to it the essential principles of the liberty of the Citizens and the Just authority of the State Courts"—and afterwards declares, that were it his duty to do what was requested of him (which however he states in a manner different from what the Supervisor seems to have intended) "he should do it with reluctance, because he should be serving a cause which he thought unfavourable to liberty and the Just authority of the State Courts."
               Without examining the sufficiency of the reasons, which led to declining the agency proposed to him—without commenting upon the observations which seek to derive a part of the Justification for it from the resentment of the people against the Laws and the danger of losing their confidence by a compliance with what was desired of him; topics, the propriety of which in the

                  mouth of a Magistrate might well be contested—it cannot admit of a doubt, that there was a great unfitness in a Judge of Pennsylvania indulging himself with gratuitous invectives against the Judiciary System of the Government of the Union; pronouncing it to be impracticable, unfavourable to liberty and to the Just authority of the State Courts. It is difficult to perceive in such a digression the evidence of a temper cordial to the institutions and arrangements of the United States. The particulars of this affair have been long Since in possession of the Governor.
               Judge Addison in a letter, an extract from which was lately transmitted by the Governor to you—acknowledges in terms that he "had endeavoured to inculcate constitutional resistance" to the particular Laws in question.  Here is proof by his own confession that the weight of his influence was exerted against those Laws.
               It is not easy to understand what is meant by the terms "constitutional resistance"—The Theory of every constitution presupposes as a first principle that the Laws are to be obeyed. There can therefore be no such thing as a "constitutional resistance" to Laws constitutionally enacted.
               The only sense, which I have been able to trace as that intended by these terms, and the equivalent ones "legal resistance" ["]legal opposition" which have been frequently used by the opposers of the Laws—is that every thing should be practiced to defeat the execution of the Laws short of actual violence or breach of the peace; accordingly that endeavours should be used to prevent the accepting or holding Offices under them by making it matter of popular contempt and reproach to do so and by a humiliating and insulting treatment of those who should accept or hold those Offices that non compliances with the Laws by persons having Stills should be countenanced and promoted—that means of intimidation, guarded so as to escape legal animadversion, should be superadded, to discourage compliances to obstruct the establishment of Offices of Inspection and to deter from attempts to coerce delinquents, in fine that every obstacle which was supposed not to amount to an indictable Offence should be thrown in the way of the Laws.
               The conduct of Judge Addison in particular instances as it has been represented will perhaps afford no ill comment upon his expressions.

               Benjamin Wells Collector declares that the said Judge then attending a session of a Circuit Court as President, at a public House, in the presence of Isaac Measan an Assistant Judge expressed himself, to him Wells in strong terms of disapprobation of the Laws laying duties on Spirits distilled within the United States, saying they were "unjust and unequitable—that the money to be raised was unnecessary and that there was no use for it"—and afterwards at the same place and during the same Session of the Circuit Court, sitting at dinner with a mixed company, spoke in terms of contempt of the Offices of the Inspector and Collectors of the Revenue, and of disrespect towards the Officers themselves. At the next term of the Court, Wells went to the same Tavern, but was informed by the Tavern keeper and his Wife that he could not be received there, assigning for reason that Judge Addison had declared that if they took him in again he would leave the House.
               Mr Stokely a Member of the Pennsylvania Legislature for Washington States that Judge Addison wrote a letter or letters in opposition to his election to the Legislature, and among other objections to him mentioned his having applied for or having had an intention to obtain an Office in the Excise.
               General Nevill Inspector of the Revenue mentions a circumstance of a light but of an unequivocal nature to evince the prejudices against the Revenue Officers which were manifested by Judge Addison even from the Bench. It seems that it was a practice not unfrequent for the Judges when sitting in Court to invite within the bar such persons who came into the Hall as they deemed of respectability. Judge Addison as General Neville affirms, repeatedly since the time of the meeting at Pittsburgh in August 1792—has given such invitations openly from the Bench, to those who were supposed to be of that description within view, omitting a Similar call or invitation to that Officer though present. He adds that his own son Colonel Nevill Standing by his Side in conversation with him has been thus invited, while the like attention was withheld from him in a manner too marked to leave any doubt of the motive.
               As the call of the Governor is for particular cases, I forbear to adduce confirmations of the prevailing Spirit of th<e> Officers alluded to from their extensive non compliance with the Law<s> in their capacity of distillers and from the neglect to bring to

                  Justice offenders against them who were at the same time breakers of the Peace of Pennsylvania. I observe indeed on this point the Governor entertains a different impression from that which I have<;> but after the most diligent enquiry, I am not able to discover a Single case of the punishment of any such Offender. There were indeed indictments found against persons supposed to have been concerned in the violence upon the Maniac Wilson, and against others supposed to have been c<oncer>ned in an assault upon one John Corner, an old man who <had> been unknowingly the bearer of the Letters containing processesses which were sent by the Deputy Marshall as stated in my Report: but it is not understood that any of these were prosecuted to Judgment.  The only cases known of actual punishment are of persons concerned in forcibly carryi<ng> off certain Witnesses in the case of Wilson. But this was on a Collateral point; and the cases of indictment respected transactions where humanity had been too much outraged to leave an option and where even punishment might have been inflicted upon Ground distinct from that of suppressing opposition to the Laws. I can learn no instance of the conviction and punishment of any person for a violence committed upon Officers or private Citizens cl<early> on account of their agency under, or friendly disposition towards the Laws; which is the more remarkable as the Rioters in Faulkeners case are asserted to have passed in open day through the Town of Washington to have parleyed there with Inhabitants of the Town and to have been afterwards entertained at two or three Houses.
               I have contented myself in the first instanc<e> with indicating particular cases and the sources of information without a formal exhibition of the evidence, because I could not fore see what cases in the view of the Governor would be proper for that an<im>adversion which he seems to contemplate; because considerable delay would have attended the collection of formal evidence in all the cases; and because in many of them the evidence is as accessible to the Governor as to myself: But I stand ready to afford the aid of this Department, in bringing forward testimony in any Cases in which the Governor may Specifically desire it. With the most perfect respect I have the honor to be Sir Your most obedient & humble servant

                  Alexandr Hamilton


Title: To George Washington from Henry Lee , 3 September 1794
From: Lee, Henry
To: Washington, George

                  sir.
                  Norfolk [Va.] Septr 3d 1794.

               Altho I have had near two days to reflect on the purport of the letr received from the secretary of the treasury on the first instant, I confess I am not yet releived from the agitation of mind produced by that communication.
               My greif for the necessity of pointing the bayonet against the hearts of our countrymen is equalled only by my conviction of the wisdom of your decision to compel immediate submission to the authority of the laws, & by my own apprehensions of my inadequacy to the trust you have been pleased to honor me with.
               I never expected to see so strange a crisis, much less to be called to the command of an army, on the judicious direction of which may perhaps depend our national existence, but being ready to give my aid on the awful occasion I was willing to take any part in the measures you might think proper to order for quelling the insurrexion without regard to rank or station.
               The honor you have fixed to my name by the late signal testimony of your approbation & confidence impress me with every feeling which the most affectionate gratitude can inspire.

               I will bestow invariably the whole power of my mind & body to give the most propitious effect to your wishes—If success attends my endeavours, I shall be happy indeed: if the reverse happens, I shall be truely miserable to the last hour of my life, because I shall attribute the public misfortunes which must ensue to my own incapacity, however strenuous & faithful may have been my efforts.
               With these feelings you will readily anticipate the keen solicitude I must momently experience to prepare myself for the fulfilment of the dutys expected from me.
               I cannot so certainly or so easily do this, as with you.
               If then the appeal expected be inevitable (which I pray heaven may still avert) let me entreat you to call me to you at once.
               A thousand things will occur relative to the army & its objects which I ought to understand in time & I ought also to make myself acquainted with the temper of the insurgents, the characters & views of their leaders & with the country in which the troops are to act. With most affec: attachmt & entire respect I have the honor to be your most ob. ser.

                  Henry Lee


Title: To George Washington from James Ross, 3 September 1794
From: Ross, James
To: Washington, George

                  Sir
                  Pittsburgh 3d September 1794.

               At the time I had the honour of receiving your letter of the 16th June, I also learned from the public papers that you had set

                  out on a visit to Virginia I therefore deferred an Answer, untill your return to Philadelphia should be Announced—before this happened the present tumults arose here which together with the interruption of the public Mail, and the general refusal of every one leaving this country to carry a letter, induced me to decline writing untill it should be certain that my letters would reach you. On my return home in the latter end of June I called upon Colo. Canon for the money due upon his Bond, he engaged to pay (without suit being commenced) on the first of September & I gave credit to his word—On the 27th of August he paid me two hundred and sixty seven dollars which I transmit by Mr Bradford.  The residue he solemnly promises to discharge before I come down to the next session of Congress.  I have little doubt of collecting this ballance provided the present disturbances do not oblige me to leave this country before that time, & I am now persuaded that your money is better secured than if a Suit had been brought & no Judgment yet obtained. he seems sensible of the indulgence which I have shewn, & feels himself under the obligation of observing greater punctuality with me than with other people.
               A Company was forming to purchase your lands in Washington County & would have agreed to give three & one third, or perhaps three & one half dollars per Acre, paying one fourth of the purchase money in hand & the residue in three equal Annual payments with interest payable Annually. This in my opinion would have been an offer worth your consideration, but the present state of affairs here has prevented these people from coming forward to me, & in all probability will defeat their association to purchase for the present. The farms which have been opened upon this tract are said to be in bad repair.
               Mr Bradford delivered your letters of the 1st & 6th of august from which I find that Colo. Shreve in consequence of Mr Jacksons information made proposals for your lands in Fayette County—About the time he wrote to you he came to me with a gentleman from New England & told me the same story of Mr Jackson. I assured him that there must have been a gross mistake & that he applied your Conversation about your Washington lands to those lying in Fayette & I fixed the price at six Dollars, since which I have not heard from them.  The Man from Cumberland mentioned in your letter of the 6th august called

                  upon me a few days ago, he had viewed the lands & improvements in Fayette & was well pleased with them—he did not think six Dollars per Acre a high price & agreed to make the first payment £2000 Pennsylvania money, but would close no bargain untill he sees an end of the present insurrections, he promises to return & give me an Answer before the first of November if the country is quieted.
               It is easy to see the effects which the insurrection must produce upon the real property & the credit of this Country—I shall therefore if possible close the bargain for the Fayette lands & wait your Answer as to those in Washington, taking the liberty of assuring you that were that property mine I would under present circumstances cheerfully accept three & one third Dollars per Acre for it.
               Colo. Griffin Green of Belle Prés on the Ohio river has some thoughts of purchasing the first tract of your lands lying below the mouth of the little Kanaway I have furnished him with a copy of the Platt that he may examine the lines & view exactly the situation & boundary of this tract, I shall have his Answer before I come down in November.
               I have Understood from Colo. Canon that he is to settle all his Accounts for Arrearages of the rents he has Collected for you, with Charles Morgan & that he is preparing to do it Speedily.
               The distressing state of things here will I am persuaded apologise for my delay in answering your letters & for my being unable to accomplish what would, in the ordinary course of public affairs, have been completely in my power & I beg you to be assured of the pleasure it will give me to contribute as far as in my power towards any arrangements of your property which you may wish to effect in this Country. I have the honour to be with the highest respect Sir your most Obedient humble Servant

                  James Ross.


Title: From George Washington to John Cowper , 4 September 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Cowper, John

                  sir,
                  Philada Sep: 4th 1794

               Your letter of the 20th Ulto with another from Christopher Cowper, enclosing 450 Dols. in Bank Bills, came to my hands by tuesdays post.  The receipt of the latter is acknowledged in my letter to that Gentn, & will be placed to the credit of the bond to Mr Jno. Lewis of Fredericksburg & assigned by him to me.
               This bond I shall return to Mr Lewis that it may be given to you upon a final settlement for the land; which I shall press him, in a letter I propose to write to him on monday next, to the execution of without delay; and that the nature of the disputes may be known to him, with all the circumstances attending them, must depend very much on your information, which I hope you will be so good as to afford him. I am &ca

                  Geo. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 4 September 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                  Septr 4—1794.

               The Secretary of the Treasury requests the favor of the President to send him the communications from the Governor, on which he not long since reported, containing imputations on the conduct of the officers of the U. States employed in the Western Counties.  They will be useful in forming the reply to his last letter, in which a considerable progress has been made.


Title: From George Washington to John Jay, 5 September 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Jay, John

                  My dear Sir
                  Philadelphia 5th Sepr 1794.

               This encloses a copy of my last—written, as you will readily perceive, with much haste; as one indication of it, I omitted the stamp of privacy; but you would not, I am well persuaded, consider it as official nor in any other light than as the private sentiments very hastily thrown together of Your Obedient and Affectionate

                  Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 6 September 1794
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

                  Sepr 6. 1794.

               The secretary of state has the honor of informing the President of the United States, that the recommendation of Judge Peters in favor of a pardon for Thomas Norton corresponds with the opinion of Mr Rawle, the district-attorney; that his subject is to be considered now, howsoever it might have been represented at first, as no more than larceny; that his long imprisonment is of itself a severe punishment, that it is probable from the representation of Judge Peters, that he may continue many months longer in gaol, before he can have his third trial, he having had two already; and that upon the whole it seems adviseable to pardon him.


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 6 September 1794
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

                  Saturday ½ past 12. [6 Sept. 1794]

               E. Randolph has the honor of inclosing to the President Mr. G. Morris’s private letter to him, of March 12 1794.
               E.R. forgot to inform the President, that the copy of the letter, which was supposed to have got out of the office thro’ perfidy, appears to have most probably passed some how or other from the office of the govr of New-York. For Mr Hammond sent a copy of it to Govr Clinton.


Title: To George Washington from Richard Dobbs Spaight, 6 September 1794
From: Spaight, Richard Dobbs
To: Washington, George

                  Sir
                  North Carolina New Bern 6th sep: 1794

               I have to acknowledge the receipt of the Secretary of the treasury’s letter of the 18th August respecting the proscribed privateers who were to be denied asylum in the ports of the United States except upon condition of their being dismantled of their military equipments.
               There have never been but two privateers of that description fitted in the ports of this state to wit the Vanqueur de Bastille

                  and L’amee Margueritte the former of these I did myself the honor to inform you in a former letter was dismantled and lay at one of the wharves at Wilmington the other has agreably to the instructions received from the secretary of War been restored to her former owners.  I do not know that any privateers of that description fitted out in other parts of the United States have been in any of the ports of this State as strict orders have been given to the commanding Officers in those counties in which the different ports lay to compel all such privateers to depart the port unless they deprive themselves of their military equipments, and I have received no accounts from them of the arival of any such vessel.
               I shall make use of every exertion in my power to carry into complete effect the instructions contained in the Secretary’s letter. I have the honor to be &c.

                  Rd Dobbs Spaight


Title: From George Washington to Peter Trenor, 6 September 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Trenor, Peter

                  Sir,
                  Philadelphia Sepr 6th 1794.

               Your letter of the 9th of May from Dublin, enclosing the duplicate of one written from Newry the 1st of October 1792, came safe to my hands a few days ago; but whether the original of the

                  last, and the one referred to in it of the 28th of January 1790 ever were received, by me, is more than my memory can decide upon at this time—I rather think they were not—but if they were, it is more than probable I forwarded them to the Revd Mr Fairfax (the other Trustee of Mrs Savage &) the only person in her behalf who has had any agency in the matter you write upon, since the year 1775, at wch time I was called by the voice of my country into the walks of public life to the suspencion of those of a private nature.
               It would seem by your letters, Sir, as if you conceived that the money due to the estate of Mrs Savage was either in my hands, & consequently at my disposal; or, that the Courts of Justice in this country were under my comptrol when you request directions may be issued by
               me that a finish may be put to the business, and after certain deductions are made, according to enumeration, that the residue may be placed in the hands of Mr Pollock of New York.
               With respect to the first of the<se> ideas I am sorry to inform you—that the arts, & ingratitude of Doctr Savage during his life time—the contentions respecting his Will, or Wills after his death—the suspension of Judicial proceedings in the course of the War with G. Britain—the delays of our Courts since that period—the chicanery of the Lawyers who were employed by the defendants to procrastinate the suit & stave off Judgment—and by throwing it into chancery after one had been obtained at Common Law have, hitherto, prevented any of the money due to & from the Estate of Mrs Savage from getting into the hands of her Trustees—whilst they, or rather Mr Fairfax; without any fund except that of his private purse is prosecuting—and it is to be feared to a fruitless issue—this Suit; as the accounts are various and unfavorable respecting the property left by the Doctor, and forasmuch too as the heir of his Security (who is also dead) is attempting to prove the want of Assits to make good this demand.
               I do not mean, however, that you should receive this account as accurate information—for, as I have before observed, having had no agency in this business (except now & then paying Clerks & sheriffs fees) for near 20 years I only relate what I have casually heard at intervals from Mr Fairfax; with whom, in future, you will be pleased to corrispond on this subject as he is better

                  able to give you the detail of the business than I am to sketch the outlines of it. Your last letter to me, and its enclosure, shall be forwarded to that Gentleman, who lives near Alexandria in Virginia.
               With respect to your other idea—viz.—that I would direct an end to be put to this business, I beg you to be assured, Sir, that I have no more right to intermeddle in the Judicial proceedings of the Courts in this Country than you have—but I can readily enter into the feelings of a person interested in the manner you represent yourself to be & therefore wish (if that would avail any thing) it was in the power of the Trustees to administer prompt & rigid justice to all who are interested in this matter. An affair which originated in an evil hour, by an injudicious and unhappy marriage, and will end, it is to be feared, in vexation and loss to all those who have had any concern in the affairs of the unfortunate Mrs Savage.
               Before I conclude I must be permitted to add, that having no private papers with me of so old a date as my letter to you in Novr 1786, you must be better acquainted with the information therei<n> given than I can be from recollection—But be it what it may, I am persuaded the view I had of the case at that time would warrant the details—I am—Sir, Your Very Hble Servt

                  Go: Washington