Title: To George Washington from Gouverneur Morris, 3 March 1789
From: Morris, Gouverneur
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Paris 3d March 1789

The above is Copy of what I had the Honor to write the twenty third of last Month. Since that Period there are Advices here which announce the ReEstablishment of the King of Great Britain’s health, but from a Letter I have just now received from the Marquis de la luzerne, I am disposed to Doubt of the fact.
The other Day I saw the Duc de Castries who served in America under the Title of the Comte de Charlu he desired to be remembered to you and so did General DuPlessis who has been promoted lately and who desires that you and every Body else should be informed of it. Our friend the Marquis de la fayette is now in Auvergne attending his Election. This Country presents an astonishing Spectacle to one who has collected his Ideas from Books and Information half a dozen Years old. Every Thing is a l’Anglois and a Desire to imitate the English prevails alike in the Cut of a Coat and the form of a Constitution. Like the English too all are engaged in Parliamenteering

and when we consider how novel this last Business must be I assure you their Progress is far from contemptible.
Poor Genl de Chattellux is no more. I have seen his Widow an amiable Woman who is not the less lovely for the Tears she sheds to his Memory. A fine Boy remains as the Pledge of connubial Tenderness. I think it would give her great Pleasure if you took the Trouble to mingle in a short Letter Condolence for one Event, and Congratulations for the other. You would in that Case oblige me by confiding the Letter to my Care. Excuse me I pray for dropping this Hint and do me the Justice always to beleive that with sincere Esteem & Respect I am yours

Gouvr. Morris

P.S. My most respectful Compliments await Mrs Washington.


Title: From George Washington to Francis Peyton, 3 March 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Peyton, Francis

Sir,
Mount Vernon March 3d 1789

I have received your letter of the 12th Ulto enclosing your Account with me—The Balance of £12.9.4½ due to you, I shall direct to be paid as soon as I can make it convenient—The reason of its not having been discharged before must be owing to the order being involved (in my books) with the Account of Colonel Mercers Estate from whence the wheat was brought

and of course not coming so immediately under my observation as it would have done if not connected with that Account. I am, Sir, Yr Most Obedt Hble Sert

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Hugh Young, 3 March 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Young, Hugh

Sir,
Mount Vernon March 3d 1789

Your letter of the 16t Ulto came duly to hand and I must beg you to accept of my thanks for your polite attention to the little commission which you was so good as to offer to execute for me. I am very glad that the Goosberry slips are in so good a condition, and hope they will arrive here without any injury.
You will be so kind as to thank Captn Dyer, in my name, for his attention to the slips and his politness in refusing to accept any freight for them, which, however is contrary to my wishes.
Mrs Washington joines me in Compliments to Mrs Young and yourself. I am &c.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Richard Conway, 4 March 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Conway, Richard

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon March 4th 1789

Never ’till within these two yrs have I experienced the want of money. Short Crops, & other causes not entirely within my Controul, make me feel it now, very sensibly. To collect money without the intervention of Suits (and those are tedious) seems impracticable. And Land, which I have offered for Sale, will not command cash but at an under value.
Under this statement I am inclined to do what I never expected to be reduced to the necessity of doing—that is, to borrow money upon interest. Five hundred pounds would enable me to discharge what I owe in Alexandria &ca; and to leave the State (if it shall not be permitted me to remain at home in retirement)

without doing this, would be exceedingly disagreeable to me. Having thus fully & candidly explained myself—permit me to ask if it is in your power to supply me with the above, or a smaller sum? Any security you may best like, I can give; and you may be assured, that it is no more my inclination, than it can be yours, to let it remain long unpaid. Could I get in one fourth part of the money which is due to me by Bonds—or sell any of the landed property which I am inclined to dispose of, I could do it with ease; but independently of these—my Crops and Rents if I am tolerably successful in the first, or have common justice done me in the latter would enable me to do it. Your answer will much oblige—Dr Sir Yr most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 5 March 1789 [letter not found]
From: Biddle, Clement
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Clement Biddle, 5 Mar. 1789. On 15 Mar. 1789 GW wrote to Biddle: “I have now before me your letters of the 16th Ulto ⟨&⟩ the 5th & 8th Inst.”


Title: From George Washington to John Dawson, 5 March 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Dawson, John

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon March 5th 1789

I have duly received your letter of the 23d of last Month; and thank you for the information contained in it. I think with you that the subject is of great moment; and hope such measures may be adopted, respecting the Western Country, as will prevent the United States from receiving any detriment. I am with sentiments of great regard Dr Sir Your most Obedt & Hble Sert

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James Madison, 5 March 1789
From: Madison, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Baltimore March 5th 1789

On our journey hither we have fallen in with the Bearer of the Electoral votes of Georgia. They are unanimous as to the President and are all thrown away on individuals of the State as to the Vice President. The Representatives were not chosen when the Gentleman set out, but the election was to take place in a day or two after. General Matthews, he tells us will be one, Mr Baldwin another, & the third either Osborne, or Genl Jackson. All the Candidates I understand are well affected to the Constitution. In South Carolina the Votes for Presidt were also unanimous, as the Gentleman informs us. Of the others 5 were given to Mr Rutlidge and the remaining two not to Mr Adams. The badness of the Roads & the weather prevented our getting to this place sooner than last Evening, by which means we lose two days. R.H. Lee left this on his way to New York on Monday morning. Mr White had preceded him a day or two. With the highest esteem & mo: affect, attacht I am Dr Sir Yours

Js Madison Jr


Title: From George Washington to Richard Conway, 6 March 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Conway, Richard

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon March 6th 1789

I am much obliged by your assurance of Money—Mr Lear waits upon for it, and carry’s a Bond, drawn in the manner you requested. I am very well satisfied to allow 6 per Cent (the Interest of Maryland) because I have not the smallest doubt of the readiness with which you could lend any sum on those terms. If it is necessary that the Bond should be taken in Maryland I will exchange the one now sent for another to be given at George Town or opposite to Alexandria (at which ever Ferry I may pass) I would have done it this day but being to set of tomorrow for Fredericksburg in order probably to discharge the last Act of personal duty, I may, (from her age) ever have it in my power to pay my Mother it would be very inconvenient for me.
Upon collecting my Accounts by Mr Lear the other day, it was found that though 500£ will enable me to discharge them, yet it is incompetent to this and the other purpose the expences of my Journey to New York if I go thither; If therefore you could add another hundred pound to the former sum it would be very acceptable. Mr Lear is provided with a Bond for this sum also.
As you said nothing about security, in your letter, none is given, but I am not less willing and ready notwithstanding to include it in another Bond if you desire it. I am Dear Sir &c.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Lund Washington, 6 March 1789
From: Washington, Lund
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
March 6th 1789

I was this Day inform’d by my nephew Lund Washington, that he was a few Days past in the Cty of Stafford, when he was told by Mr John James and his sons, that it was frequently mentioned by people in that Cty, that we shoud have a very pretty President at the head of our new Government, one Who had pd of his Debts within the time of the war with paper money altho it had been lent to him in specia.
Now Sir if this report be true you may readily tell where it originated and proves beyond a Dobt that Colo. Mason is no Friend of you[.] your bond to him for the Land you had of him was pd in paper Money altho at the time of payment he made no objection to receiveg it, yet some time after he mention’d in a Letter to me his haveg sustained a loss by that payment, which Letter I remember to have shew’d ⟨mutilated⟩ I was in Alexandria when I received the above information, soon after I see Mr Lear who told me you intended early tomorrow for Fredericksburg thinking I might not see you I have wrote that you may so soon as possible know your secret Enemy & Am Dr Sir. your sincere Friend & very Hbl: Servt

Lund Washington

P.S. the Mr James’s father said that they beleived the report was first propogated by Colo. Coock who is Colo. Masons son in Law.


Title: To George Washington from Frederick Phile, 7 March 1789
From: Phile, Frederick
To: Washington, George

Most Honored Sir
Philada March 7th 1789

I know well that your Excellency’s Goodness will induce You to excuse me for troubling you, on a Subject which is very interesting to me, and on which the future welfare of my Family very much depends; the United Suffrages of confederated America, have named you as President under the new Constitution, and I have no doubt your known Attachment to your Country, will make you obey its calls, and that you will accept of this important Office; If so, Your Excellency will have the nomination of the persons to fill the different Offices in the United States, and as the new Congress will have the sole power of levying Imposts and regulating Commerce, a Collector, and a Naval Officer, will be among the earliest of the Appointments.
I therefore presume to solicit your Excellency to be pleased to nominate me as Naval Officer for the Port of Philadelphia, which Office I have filled (I flatter myself with reputation) either as a Deputy, or Principal, upwards of thirty five Years; more than twenty Years previous to the revolution, I acted as Deputy Naval Officer for the Port of Philadelphia under Doctor Thomas Graeme, and did the Duties of the Office, I continued as Deputy under his Successor Mr Richard Hockley, and afterwards untill the declaration of Independence, under Mr Richard Penn, of these Gentlemen I received a Salary for my Service, and by that, and the Practice of Medicine (which is my

Profession) I supported my family; Soon after the revolution, and the Organization of Government in Pennsylvania, His Excellency the President and honorable Supreme Executive Council appointed me Naval Officer to the Port of Philadelphia, which Office I have continued to hold, and have the Appointment at this time, but as all Appointments under the State must cease in a very short period, it depends on your Excellency’s Goodness in a great measure Whether or not, I shall be continued under the new Constitution.
The present duties of my Office are now to enter and clear out all Vessels, to grant Registers for Vessels, to qualify Captains to the Truth of their Manifests (which are lodged in my Office) and have the Same Power as the Collector to seize smuggled Goods, I also examine all the Entries of Goods imported, and Invoices which pay a Duty after their having being first examin’d, by the Collector, or his Deputy, in order to see whether the Duties have been properly settled at the Collectors, and of which I keep a registry in my Office, the Naval Officer thus acting as a Check to the Collector. I did the Duties of both the Offices from the begining of the Year 1781 untill the Year 17⟨ ⟩ when the Legislature thought proper to new model the Department and Mr Sharp Delany was appointed Collector, and I was continued Naval Officer. Your Excellency will therefore observe, that I have from a very long Practice had every Opportunity of acquiring an intimate Knowledge of the duties of the Office, and with respect to my Conduct in executing the duties of said Office, I flatter myself I am able to produce the most ample Testimonials from the Executive of the State, I will only add, that I took an early and decided part in favor of the late Glorious revolution; I was with the Militia in the Field, and was an Exile from the City of Philadelphia, whilst it was possessed by the British; I suffered considerably in my Property during the Contest for American Liberty, I have a numerous family to support (consisting of seven Daughters) and have lately met with some heavy losses; I have many Years ceased to practice as a Physician on Account of the Office, as I could not attend both, and it would be very difficult ever to recover my Practice again, it therefore would be of the utmost importance to me and my helpless Family, to be continued in the Said Office.

I hope Your Excellency will forgive my troubling you with so long a letter on this Subject, and have not the least doubt but your Excellency will take such measures, as will be most likely to promote the real Interest of that Country for which you have so often manifested your Attachment; and should you think proper to favor me with your Sanction and Patronage in the present Business, it would ever be remembered with the most lively Gratitude. I am with the greatest Respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedient and very humble Servant

Fredck Phile


Title: To George Washington from James Madison, 8 March 1789
From: Madison, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philada March 8th 1789

We arrived here yesterday evening where we have met with Mr Dawson just from New York. When he left it, 18 Representatives and 8 Senators had assembled. It is not certain when the deficiencies will [be] made up. The most favorable conjectures postpone it to Monday Sennight. The members attending are chiefly from the Eastward. I do not learn that a single member except Mr White is from a State South of Pennsylva, unless indeed Dr Tucker is to be included in the exception. The N. Jersey Reps, are not yet announced. Mr Clarke it is supposed will be one. Mr Cadwallader, Mr Boudinot, and Mr Shureman, are talked of as the others.
I find that the communication made you from Kentuckey corresponds with an official letter to Congs from Govr St Clair, which speaks of the same emissary, and the same errand. Notice has been transmitted of the affair to the Executive of Virga in order that regular steps may be taken, if sufficient ground be afforded, for apprehending the incendiary. The project of G. M—n for establishing a Colony beyond the Mississippi is also going on. It is the opinion of Mr Brown, as explained to Mr Griffin, that em[i]grations to the Spanish territory will be enticed

from Kentuckey, as rapidly, as the allurements of the latter place, have obtained them from the Atlantic States. All these circumstances point out the conduct which the New Govt ought to pursue with regard to the Western Country & Spain.
I dropped you a few lines from Baltimore mentioning the unanimity of the Electoral Votes of S. Carola & Georgia for a Presid. & the manner in which the Secondary votes were disposed of. I am Dr Sir Yr truly affecte

Js Madison Jr


Title: To George Washington from Battaile Muse, 8 March 1789
From: Muse, Battaile
To: Washington, George

Honorable Sir.
Leesburg [Va.] March 8th 1789

Your Letter with three Counterparts of Leases by Magor Willis I received a few days ago—For which I am much oblige To you. I shall attend To your Commands & will do Every thing in my Power To Serve you.
I have Endeavoured To Collect a Sum of money for you—I have not received one Shilling Since I wrote you Last—the Tenants in Frederick are distressed—they will not Pay untill their Repleveys are out—I shall go To Fauquier the Last of this month To Collect what I can before I can make distresses, as To

makeing the Tenants all Comply with their Leases it Cannot be done untill our Laws are Better Executed—which I wish To See in my Life Justice Prevail Bettween Man & Man.
I am willing that Colo. Fairfaxes Papers Should be Lodged with the Reverend Mr B. Fairfax for Him To Furnish me with Such Papers as may be required from Time to Time[.] I Proposed To Colo. Nicholas To Let the Bulk of them Stay at Mount vernon—He gave for answer they aught to be with me—I have Sent To Him For and order—He is now in Kentuckey and will not return untill June—Colo. Fairfaxes Book of accts Leases and Tittle Papers—may be Necessary for To be in my hands—ready in Case of need—the Leases I wish to receive as Perhaps ⟨tho⟩ Some of them are Expired about the First day of may. I Shall Call at Mount vernon on yours & Colo. Fairfaxes Business if I get well—In the Intrim you will Please To advise me of what may be necessary as before that Time I hope you will be at the head of Congress[.] I am Sir, with Every Sentiment of Regard your Most Obedient Hble Servant

Battaile Muse


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

My dear Sir
New York 9 March 1789

By the last post on the 5th instant I informed you of the number of Members of the new government who had assembled here. There are no additions since, excepting one representative from New Hampshire, and one from Massachusetts.
There is some competition between east and West Jersey, respecting

the election for representatives, which have delayed the members from that state Appearing—None from Delaware & Maryland—were they present, the two houses could be formed with the addition of Jersey.
The Legislature of this state have broken up without appointing Senators The house insisted the Senators should be chosen by the two houses assembled in convention, while the senate were of opinion that each house should have a negative on the other—The house consisted of a Majority of Antifederals—The Senate of federals—The latter have in the judgement of people exhibited an honorable fir⟨m⟩ness, hazarding a local injury, by the removal of Congress, for want of their Senators, rather than saddle the government with two antifederals—The representatives for this state are chosen, but the choice will not be declared for some time—It is probable there will be 4 Opposers, and 2 supporters of the government. I am dear Sir Your respectfully Affectionate

H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from George Clinton, 10 March 1789
From: Clinton, George
To: Washington, George

New York 10th March 1789

⟨Mutilated⟩ more than probable that, when the Result of the late Election for President of the United States shall be disclosed, your Excellency’s Presence will be required in this City—Under this Impression permit me Sir to sollicit the Honor of your Company at my House until suitable Accomodations can be provided for you—Should Mrs Washington accompany you, it will give additional Pleasure to my Familly.
I shall be greatly gratified by being apprized seasonably of your Excellency’s Approach to this City that I may be prepared to receive you in a manner which will accord as well with the high Respect due to you as the personal Attachment & Esteem I have for you.

With most respectful Compliments to Mrs Washington in which Mrs Clinton joins me, I have the Honor to be Dear Sir your most Obedient Servant

Geo: Clinton


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Gorham, 10 March 1789
From: Gorham, Nathaniel
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York March 10th 1789

I sincerly congratulate your Excellency upon the unanimous call which you have received from your Country to preside over its Councill & to execute its Laws—that it may be an event conducive to the wellfare of the People and of happiness and honor to yourself is my most earnest wish.
It would have afforded me great pleasure to have taken a part in the Legislature of the new Government had my private affairs admited thereof—but the necessary attention to a large and young Family forbad it.
My situation however is such that it would be very agreable and convenient to me to execute the duties of the principal Revenue Officer in Massachusetts—provided I might be so happy as to meet your Excellencys approbation and nomination to that Office.
As I can easily conceive Sir that you may be much incommoded with applications of this kind I shall endeavour to give your Excellency as little trouble as possible.
And shall therefore only observe that I have been nineteen years in the public service. that I lost a large proportion of my property by the destruction of Charlestown in the begining of the late War—and that I have a Family of nine Children.
Any of the Gentm. from Massachusetts will be able Sir to inform you in what light my appointment woud probably be

viewed by the People of that State—praying that the best of heavens blessings may attend you—I remain with every sentiment of esteam and respect Your Excellencys most Humble Servant

Nathaniel Gorham


Title: To George Washington from Caleb Gibbs, 11 March 1789
From: Gibbs, Caleb
To: Washington, George

Boston March 11th 1789

Suffer me Dear Sir to congratulate your Excellency on the appointment to the first seat in this Republic, more especially when called to fill this important station by the united voice of a free people. In this Office by the tener of the constitution, It is with your Excellency, from whence will orriginate many appointments under the New Government; and in the distribution of which, may an old servant flatter himself that he shall not be forgotten. I have no family except the most amiable of Women for my wife. Business at present I am not so engaged in but what with the least disadvantage could leave and at the shortest notice. If it is possible I shall visit New York and take Mrs Gibbs with me by the first or second week in April, when I once more promise myself the real happiness of seeing your Excellency, and satisfying Mrs Gibbs in this pleasing event; In the mean time If ought in my life claims your Excellency’s least attention may I venture at a lasure hour of being honored by a Line from you. If this should meet your Excellency at Mount

Vernon I pray you t⟨o⟩ offer me in terms of Respect to Mrs Washington & family. With the sincerest attachment I have the honor to be Dear Sir Your Excellency’s Most Obedient humble Servant

C. Gibbs


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 11 March 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

My Dear Sir
Mount Vernon March 11th 1789

I was favored last evening by yours of the 20th Ulto and am glad to be confirmed in the idea that a spirit of unanimity is becoming still more prevalent.
My having company with me at present & my being occupied with my private concerns, will be considered by you as sufficient reasons for my writing in a laconic manner. I will therefore reply to the principal scope of your letter with all that brevity, frankness & friendship, which, in such cases, one friend has a right to expect from another.
Should it become inevitably necessary for me to go into the chair of government, I have determined to go into it, free from all positive engagements of every nature whatsoever. This is the answer I have already given to a multiplicity of applications; and I have assigned as the true reason of my conduct, the predominant desire I had of being at liberty to act with a sole reference to justice & the public good. But without deviating from that line of proceeding which I had chalked out for myself, I may be permitted to say to you, my dear Sir, that you need not doubt my inclinations are very sincere & very strong to serve you, if I can do it, consistently with my duty to the public. This I say, because I have known you in public life: for I do not intend to be swayed, in the disposal of places, by motives arising from the ties of friendship or blood.
What offices there may be under the new Government, or what pretensions may be urged in favor of the different candidates I cannot pretend to foretell: all I will add at present, is, that you may rest assured I am, with sentiments of real affection Your friend and Very Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from George Walton, 11 March 1789
From: Walton, George
To: Washington, George

Sir
[Augusta, Ga.] 11th March 1789.

In execution of an act of the Legislature of this State, and in conformity to my own wishes, I do myself the honor to enclose a copy of the said act, together with copies of the several papers, on which it was founded, and to which it refers.
It is needless for commentaries on transactions so extraordinary and flagitious: but I cannot forbear to observe, that, whilst proceedings of this kind are permitted, it will be wholly out of the power of this State to preserve that Peace with the Savages which, it would seem, is so much the object of the Union—It has, unfortunatly, been some time the lot of the good people of this County to be made the subject of much calumny & opprobrium abroad, when the true cause was ascribable to men invested with public trust. And who, instead of pursuing the objects of their appointment, have suffered themselves to be lured into the debauching principles of Speculation, tempted by the rich taritory, easy navigation, and salubrious climate, within the limits of our Republic: so that our advantages, afforded to us by the liberal hand of Nature, and of our exertions in the late War, have become our curse. I have no doubt, Sir, of your feeling sensibly for our situation, and that you will, by your Vigilence and Zeal for the safety and general welfare of the United States, point out effectual measures in our behalf in future—Inclosed is a Copy of my letter of this date to the Governor of North Carolina. I am &c.

Geo. Walton


Title: To George Washington from John V. Weylie, 11 March 1789
From: Weylie, John V.
To: Washington, George

Honoured Sir,
Alexandria 11th March [1789]

I have made bold to write these few lines to you to Thank you for my Education my Parents being Poor were unable to Give me much So that had it not been for your Generosity to Which I owe for my Learning I Might have remained without any all My life But since You have been so Bountiful to The Poor Inhabitants of this town As to set up A free School for the benifit of the poor Children Whose parents were not able to Give them a proper Education I being one of them that Reap the benifit of your bounty have here made bold to write this Letter to you for I understand you are going to New York therefore my Good wishes shall forever attend you for the Lord to bless you in your going out and in your coming in The prayers of all the poor Children in the free school as well as those of their parents Should be on you night and morning to protect you and your Lady from all perils and dangers, however Mine in particular shall be offered up to heaven for your safety for the Lord to vanquish all your Enemies in this world and to Crown you with everlasting life in the world to come I shall enlarge no farther but shall conclude by styling myself your most obedient most humble and most Devoted svt till death

John V. Weylie


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 12 March 1789
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

My dear Sir
New York 12 March 1789

It is a circumstance of great chagrin to the members of the new government who are assembled here, that they have received no additionals since my last. They remain at 8 senators and 18 Representatives.
Letters are forwarded to the absent members of Maryland

Delaware and Virginia; but if the two houses are not formed untill effected in consequence of those letters, a month at least will elapse. The south Carolina Members are not expected in less Time than a month. I am my Dear sir with the greatest respect & affection Your most Obedient humble Servt

H. Knox


Title: From George Washington to Battaile Muse, 12 March 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Muse, Battaile

Sir,
Mount Vernon March 12th 1789

Your Letters of the 16th and 25th Ullto are before me. The draft upon Mr Wales for £20 enclosed in the former was duly discharged by him. The order for one hundred barriels of flour enclosed in the letter is herewith returned—Altho’ the Cash, as any thing that could produce it, would be very acceptable to me at present, yet I am not so much in want of it as to sink 20 per Cent to obtain it—which I must have done, had I taken your flour @ 26/ when the highest price that can be got for it in Alexandria is 21/6 or 22/ if the cash is paid immediately.
As I do not yet know what will be the Amount of my taxes for this year and have some certificates of my own I must decline your offer to lodge a sum in the hands of the Sheriff in Interest Warrants to discharge my taxes.
I wrote to you on the 21st Ulto by Colo. Willis, and gave you my instructions very fully with respect to the management of my Lands under your care—I must therefore refer you to that letter for any information you wish upon this head.
I have enclosed you a bond of Kennedy’s and Speake’s which I would wish you to put in suit immediately if there is any prospect of recovering either from the principal or Security—I have also sent you the draft of an advertisement which I will thank you to have inserted in the Winchester paper for four weeks and pay the printer therefor.
I mentioned in my last my acceeding to ten per Cent on your collection of my Rents &ca if that rate was allowed by others of the same business, but I presume that you are to get in what

is now due on the usual rate of 6 per Cent, and that the ten percent will commence upon the collection of future Rents. I am. &ca

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Francis Hopkinson, 13 March 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Hopkinson, Francis

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon March 13th 1789

Your good humour of the 3rd, which made me laugh heartily, has fairly driven me out of the field, not, indeed, into the Potowmac, but into a resolution not to strain my wits in making one word of reply, except in sober earnest.
This preliminary being settled—I will tell you all I have to say, in three words: though one might perhaps suffice, for you know they say “a word to the wise is enough”—and why not to the witty? Be assured then, that my inclinations to serve you are sincere & strong—not because I have a friendship for you (for friendship ought to have nothing to do with the matter) but because I think you capable of serving the Public well. Yet you will suffer me to add, that, from the time when I began to fear it would become unavoidably necessary for me to go again into public life, I determined in that case to go into it free from all possible engagements of every kind whatsoever. To this determination, I have faithfully adhered. For I conceived my own reputation, as well as the interest of the community required,

that I should be totally at liberty, when in office, to act with a sole reference to justice & the public good. In all cases—I am, dear Sir, Your friend & Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Robert Dick, 14 March 1789
From: Dick, Robert
To: Washington, George

Sir
Bladensburgh [Md.] 14th March 1789

The enclosed paper has been some time in my possession. Thinking that at this time, it may possibly be of some service to the united States, that the contents of it should be known to you, I have presumed to give you this trouble, as it is probable You may never have seen a copy of it. You will perceive some inaccuracies in it, but these were in the copy I took it from. With great respect I am Sir Your Most Obedt hum. Servant

Robt Dick


Title: From George Washington to Henry Lee, 14 March 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon Mar: 14th 1789

Your letter of this date, was put into my hands on my return from a ride at the moment dinner was waiting; for wch reason I have only time to express—in a single word—my love & thanks for the sentiments contained in it; and to assure you, that my best wishes, in which Mrs Washington unites, are presented to Mrs Lee; and that with sincere regard and affection I am ever Yours

Go: Washington

P.S. If we have any thing which can be of service to Mrs Lee on her passage please to commd it.


Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 15 March 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Biddle, Clement

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 15th March 1789

I have now before me your letters of the 16th Ulto & the 5th & 8th Inst. Mrs Washington’s Slippers and Clogs have come safe to hand, the latter, however, are not such as she wished to have—she intended to have had leathern Gloshoes made, and will, by the first convenient opportunity, return the Clogs to Mr Palmer and get a pair of Gloshoes.
I am very sorry that you did not get the quantity of Buckwheat which I wrote for in time to ship on board the Sloop

which you say has sailed for Alexandria. The season is now so far advanced that I have not time to procure it from any other quarter, and must therefore have it from Philadelphia at any rate. A disappointment would be of inconceivable detriment to me. I should sustain a loss of its utility as a manure and derange my system of Crops thereby—I must therefore request that you will delay no time in procuring it, that it may be sent round by the next vessel.
I will thank you to send me four flax wheels—and a box of the Havannah Sugar containg 150 lb. or 200 lbs. as the box may be, if there is any to be had on reasonable terms with you.
As Mr Smith has not remitted any money to you on my Acct I have enclosed a bank Note for One hundred dollars which you will pass to my Credit. With great esteem I am, Dear Sir, Yr most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Embree & Shotwell, 15 March 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Embree & Shotwell

Gentlemen,
Mount Vernon March 15th 1789

I wrote to you on the 28th of January, according to the terms upon which you proposed to procure a quantity of Clover seed for me—and have laterly becom very impatient for its arrival—A disappointment in obtaining the Seed seasonably would lay me under an unspeakable disadvantage—much greater than the total loss of the seed would do—for I shall not only be deprived of the benefit which might accrue from it this year but shall be deranged in the system of Cropping which I have determined to persue, and the ill effects thereof would be severely felt for many years to come—I must therefore beg Gentlemen that you will not fail to ship the Clover and Timothy Seed on board the first Vessel bound for Alexandria as my fields are

preparied for receiving the spring grain with which they are to be sown and will wait for them. I am Gentlemen Yr Most Obedt Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from George Walton, 15 March 1789 [letter not found]
From: Walton, George
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from George Walton, 15 Mar. 1789. On 29 May GW wrote to Walton: “I have received by Colonel Gunn your honors letters of the 11th and 15th of March.”


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 16 March 1789
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

My dear Sir
New York 16 March 1789

The members of the government are the same as when I wrote you last, excepting Mr Maddison Mr Page and Mr B. Lee from Virginia—But it is expected from information received, that a sufficient number of members will be assembled in the course of this week to form a quorum. I am my dear Sir Your respectfully affectionate humble Servant

H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from Jeremiah Olney, 16 March 1789
From: Olney, Jeremiah
To: Washington, George

Providence [R.I.] 16th March 1789.

Permit, great Sir, an humble Individual to congratulate you on the pleasing and singular circumstance of the unanimous election of your Excellency to the dignified Station of the first

Magistrate of the United States; and, at the same time, to felicitate the Union on your acceptance of that important Office as an Omen of their approaching prosperity, happiness and glory.
Your Excellency has probably, since the knowledge of your appointment, anticipated many applications similar to that which occasions this address, particularly from Persons who, with me, esteem it their greatest honor in having taken an active part in the late glorious Revolution, Served under your immediate Command in the Army, and met with your approving Notice and Attention. I am perswaded therefore, that your Excellency will not expect any other apology for my thus intruding on your important Moments, than the Reason which urges me to do it: and this is, the Desire, natural to all Mankind, of being placed in such a situation, with respect to Business, as/ will enable me to preserve my Independency, by a competent acquisition of Property.
The Collectors of the several States in the Union are to be nominated, if not solely appointed, by your Excellency as President. The State of Rhode-Island, tho’ it has hitherto refused, will undoubtedly ere long adopt the federal Constitution, when a Collector must be appointed for the State. It is an Office I am anxious to obtain: if your Excellency should be under no engagement in consequence of a prior application; and your knowledge of my Character will, in your own estimation, warrant my appointment to it, I will endeavour to manifest my Gratitude by an upright, impartial, and faithful discharge of the Trust reposed in me; which I am sure would be infinitely more pleasing and satisfactory to a Mind, like yours, fraught with the sincerest Wishes for the public Weal, than any private testimony thereof could possibly prove.
I intended to have done myself the honor, and gratified the great inclination I have of again seeing your Excellency, to have made this application in Person; but an unfortunate Fall, by dislocating two Fingers and breaking a Bone of my right Hand, has deprived me of that pleasure; and I fear my Name, written with my left, will scarcely be legible. I have the honor to be, with the highest Veneration and Respect, Your Excellency’s Most Humble & Most Obedt Servant

Jereh Olney


Title: To George Washington from Edward Stevens, 16 March 1789
From: Stevens, Edward
To: Washington, George

Sir
Culpeper County [Va.] March 16th 1789

The Privilege taken in addressing you with this Proceeds from a presumption that new regulations in the Commercial affairs of the United States will shortly take place, which perhaps may cause a diferent arrangement of the Customs (from those at Present) in this State, and make an appointment of Officers to carry the same into effect necessary Should any such thing happen. I now take the Liberty of offering my Service for an appointment in that Line. It is natural to wish for that which is most Productive. The Norfolk district, I am vain enough to think I might once have obtained from the Legislature of this State but at that time it was out of my power to enter on the Office. Colo. Parker who was then appointed has now given it up by taking a Seat in Congress. Should no Person offer that may be thought more worthy and deserving I shall be thankfull for it. And can venture to declare none will be more attentive or desirous of a Punctual and faithfull discharge of the Trust. I am most respectfully Sir Your very Obedt hum: Servt

Edward Stevens


Title: To George Washington from Robert Lewis, 18 March 1789
From: Lewis, Robert
To: Washington, George

Dear Uncle:
Fredericksburg, March 18, 1789.

We received yours of the 15th instant, and are happy to here that all your family are well. I shall ever consider myself under a thousand obligations for the proffered post, and think the confinement you speak off rather a pleasure, and hope from my assiduous attention to merit that station. I wrote my aunt the proposals you had made, and, at the same time, my readiness to accompany her at a minute’s notice. My grandmother was very well disposed to lend the carriage, but on condition that it should be returned when of no further use to my aunt. All the family join in love to you, and believe me in the interim to be yours Very affectionately,

Robert Lewis


Title: From George Washington to James Mercer, 18 March 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Mercer, James

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon, March 18. 1789

In receiving you cannot feel more pain than I do by communicating the following information; but as necessity, it is said, has no law, we both must submit to it.
 It is now several years since I have been looking for payment of the debt which is due to me from the estate of your deceseased father John Mercer Esquire—I have been promised it is true considerable sums from time to time by Colonel John Mercer; but it is equally true that I have either not received the money, or received, in such a manner, so disproportionable to his promises, as to be of very little service to me. and for the last twelve months I have not obtained a shilling, nor heard one tittle from him—although at his own request I agreed to receive money in small driblets merely to accomodate him—a mode by no means answering the most valuable purposes for which it was wanted.
This being a true state of the case, and my necessities growing more and more pressing (which I have repeatedly in a full and friendly manner communicated to that Gentleman) candor obliges me to declare to you that unless matters are placed upon a very different footing than what they now are and in a very short time too, I shall resort to other expedients than fruitless applications.
Did it suit my purposes to lend money at interest, that interest, it will be granted, ought to be paid with punctuality—but lending money is so far from being the case with me, that I have been obliged from dire necessity to borrow money at 6 ⅌ct, with very hard conditions annexed to it, and even under these disadvantages I am unable to supply my urgent wants —I am thus explicit for the purpose of evincing to you that necessity alone prompts me to make this plain, and unequivocal declaration, and because I would not if the bond &ca are put in suit have improper motives ascribed to the act—more especially as it can be proved that I have done, and am still willing to do every thing which in reason can be expected from me, under the circumstances I have mentioned to avoid it. with very great regard and esteem, I am Dear Sir &ca

G. Washington

P.S. If the deed of confirmation for the land on 4 mile-run which I bought from the attornies of your Brother Colo. George Mercer, is in your possession I should be glad to receive it —and if you can inform me from recollection whether Deeds passed to me, at the sale of the Shenandoah land, for the two lots I bought there it would oblige me —I can find none among my land papers, and could wish to have the title to it secured.


Title: From George Washington to William Craik, 19 March 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Craik, William

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon March 19th 1789

This letter will be handed to you by Mr Dunnington (my tenant in Charles City) who can, more fully than I, explain to you the nature and circumstances of some disputes in which the land he lives on is involved. To enable him to do it more clearly I enclose you a plot of the Land. Two matters it seems will call for your attention—namely to dispossess one Perry of part of my property which he holds under a younger Patent—and to secure for my benefit vacant land within the heart of my tract, which one Stromat has surveyed; but not having complied with the tenor of your Laws is subject to a Proclamation warrent—by which I may still avoid the evil which his possession of the Land would incur. To effect the last, will require secrecy and dispatch; for should it transpire that I am about to take out a Proclamation Warrent he would no doubt be beforehand with me. I submit these matters to you, under the uncertainty of not knowing what Steps are proper for me to take—and indeed, circumstanced as I am at this moment, because I have not time to take them—The Proclamation Warrent Mr Dunnington says will cost 31/3 but as I have no certainty that it can be obtained; as I mean to proceed upon sure ground in both cases; and for a stranger reason than either, because I have it not; I send you no money at this time, to prosecute these matters if in your Judgment it shall appear advisable to prosecute them—For the fact is, it would have been for my interest to have sunk my demand altogether upon Adams rather than to have taken his Land having paid more than the worth of it to others to relieve it from the Incumbrances which were on it. Under these circumstances I feel sore and very unwilling to open more sources of expenditure. I am Dr Sir Yr Friend & Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 19 March 1789
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

My dear Sir
New York 19th March 1789

I thank you for your favor of the second instant which I received by the last post.
The extreme badness of the roads is given as the reason that the number of members necessary to form a quorum of both houses are not yet assembled. Mr Patterson of the Senate, and Mr Griffin and Mr Moore of the representatives are the only additional since my last —The number therefore at present nine senators and 22 Representatives. No Jersey members present excepting Mr Patterson—& none from Maryland or Delaware—

but it is probable a sufficient number will be assembled by the 27th instant. I am With great respect Your most Obedent humble Sevt

H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from Bushrod Washington, 19 March 1789
From: Washington, Bushrod
To: Washington, George

Dr Uncle
Alexandria March 19th 1789

I was very sorry that Business at Court obliging me to be in Town on Monday last, prevented me from calling at Mount Vernon on my way up. Since then I have been, & I suppose shall continue to be under the necessity of attending Court all the week; should you not leave Home before Sunday, I shall on that day wait on you.
The Letter which accompanies this, I Recd a few days ago with a request to forward it to you. I am not intimately acquainted

with Mr Scott & can therefore say nothing from my own Knowledge with regard to his pretensions to the office for which he is a candidate. I have been informed by those upon whose candour & Judgment I can rely, that he stands high in the line of his profession, & has practised long with reputation & success. His character in private life I believe, stands fair. He has had a very liberal Education, & has this to recommend him, that his circumstances are disencumbered, easy & Independent. I have taken the liberty of communicating to you the character which I have had of this Gentleman, concieving that you would wish to recieve all the information which can be given respecting those who are candidates for office. If the application at this time be improper, I must bear the blame, as he requested me if it appeared to me to be so, to suppress it, and in that case I have to beg your pardon as nothing would distress me more than to give you offence. Wishing you in every Situation of Life Health & happiness I am Dr Uncle Your affect. Nephew

B. Washington

N.B. I have applyed to Colo. Lee for your Deed he says that it is executed & in the hands of Mr Chs Lee who goes to Rich. next week & will have it proved.


Title: To George Washington from Hudson Muse, 20 March 1789
From: Muse, Hudson
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
Virginia Urbanna March 20. 1789

I have the favour to request of you to continue me in my present appointment as Naval Officer for The District of Rappahannock River flattering myself from the ⟨exper⟩iance I have had it will be in my power to discharge the du⟨ties⟩ of the ⟨of⟩fice as well, if not better than others who have not had ⟨the same⟩ oppertunity—and with Gentlemen acquainted with the Cir⟨cum⟩stances may I presume it would appear in my favour; it having been hitherto the pleasure of our Assembly so frequently

to remove the Office backwards and forwards from Tappahannock, to this place (which is the present Port of Entrance & Clearance for all Vessels) as to occasion me considerable expence & trouble in moving & processing Lotts & Houses Suitable for the purpose. Add to which, shoud a recommendation of my past, or present conduct be requisite, I have not a doubt, but I coud readily procur one from the Gentlemen in Office before whom my Accots have been laid, to satisfie the Honorable Gentlemen, that not an Office in the State has been better attended, or conducted with more propriety, Since I have had the management⟨.⟩ The favour will be most thankfully acknowledged by Your Excellencys Most Obedt Servant

Hudson Muse


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Ruston, 20 March 1789
From: Ruston, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philada March 20th 1789

The bearer of this, Mr John Churchman, is the person so well known for his discoveries in order to ascertain the method of finding out the Longitude at sea. Encouraged by a communication he has had from Sir Joseph Banks, (the President of the Royal Society) and others, he is very intent on prosecuting his researches for this purpose, with wch view he is going to New York, and as he is ambitious of being known to your Excellency, I take the liberty of troubling you with this leter of introduction from Dr Sr your obliged and obedient humble Servant

Thos Ruston


Title: From George Washington to Robert Dick, 21 March 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Dick, Robert

Sir,
Mount Vernon, March 21. 1789.

I am much obliged to you for the trouble you was so good as to take in forwarding to me the report of the Committee of Council at Quebec to Lord Dorchester. The paper contains many things of importance, and, although I do not doubt in the least its authenticity; yet, if there should not appear to be any thing indiscreet in the request, I should be glad to be more particularly ascertained of the evidence, or circumstances indicative of its authenticity. With great regard, I am Sir, Your obliged and humble Servant

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Battaile Muse, 21 March 1789
From: Muse, Battaile
To: Washington, George

Honorable Sir,
Berkeley County [Va.] March 21st 1789

Your Letter of advice dated the 19th of Last month by Major Willis I received by that Gentleman with three Counter Part of Leases—I shall attend to your Instruction and act in all Cases To the Best of my Knowledge and as tho for my Self. the Laws and Costoms of this Country must be on another Footing to Compel Tenants or others To fulfill their Engagement than they are in at this Time, I do not Expect To See this a happy Country in my Time—I do not Know where To Find a Lawer whose advice I can depend on—I am this day Seting out To your Estate in Fauquier and while their I shall Try To get advice respecting one or Two Leases and act acordingly, unless I should think Colo. Charles Simms the Best Councller & the district Court of Dumfries the Best Court To Try the Cases before, I am of opinion that Colo. Simms is the best Counceller & that the Circuit Court the Proper place for Tryal, therefore I shall wait I Beleave untill I see Him on that Business.
Scott desires a Suit may be Brought To Fauquier Court on Him respecting the Line, To may Court, To make the Business Perfect. the Court may, He Sayes, Grant and order Immediatly

for the Following Gentlemen To Settle the matter—Colo. Peyton & Powell Capn Moffitt & Turner and Mr Morze—I think they may Settle the matter & the sooner I suppose the Better—Please To advise me & say how Long I Shall Grant Leases for that Land as well any Vacant Lotts in Fauquier; the Lands there are not Very Valuable nor durable; I suppose 21 years would be the Best. as For the Lands in Berkeley and Frederick a shorter Time would be more advisiable unless and addequate rent should be offered. In order To have the renting of the Lands fixed To a Certainty Leases should be given on the spot To Prevent any dispute or unnessary Trouble, therefore I wish you To Sign a few Leases before you go to Congress Least Some should be wanting the Summer and Leave them (authenticated) with Mr Lear I have not altered any Covenant in the Leases on acct of their Paying Land Taxes—I only Excused them To Such a Time, on their Paying the Land Taxes, for not makeing their Orchards & Fulfilling their Leases—I considerd it was for your Interest—for during the war they Complained of Such distress was what prevented their compliance—Since which they have no reasonable Excuse—yet they will not do it—as To my Visiting them once or Twice a year—I have many of them Four & five Time yet they will not Comply—Perhaps your Letter may have some weight with them, I wish it may, To Prvent a Law suit Perhaps of Ten years when I shall be draged as a witness on the Business—which ⟨illegible⟩ Sent will not Compensate me—a commission of 10 ⅌ Sent is not in my opinion Extravagant or unreasonable I have sufficiently Experienced To the Contrary—therefore I expect you will think as I do and allow it to me on the present Collection as well for next year, yet it’s not and object I shall Contend about the Mr Mercers gave me 6 ⅌ Sent for many years—Exclusive of waggess for Lookeing after their Personal Estate—Docr W.C. Selden gave the same—all this Business I Kept as Long as I wanted and have given up many Estates under that Commission—and So I would all if I could do without it—their is Men that will do business for Less—no Doubt but the Gentlemen I have Served Found me Worthy of that Commission or they would not have Continued me as Long as I thought Proper to Serve them—I am now obliged to attend your Suit in Frederick Court agt Charles Rector —which will

Put me much out of my way besides Very Fatigueing, and after all I Fear he will not be able To Pay should He be Cast—the Bond of Covenants with David Kennady & Speake is a Proof of the acct you Sent me some years ago I Suppose—I have Kennadys assumed for £28. He is not able To Pay—& His Liveing in the Prison Bounds Prevented my seeing Him—I never heard of Speake—I will Enquire for Him—and if He is able I will do as you direct—I have applyed & thretned Kennady at Least Ten Times—the Advertisement shall be Sent to the Printer at Winchester—I expect I shall get my price for my Flour as well Warrents before the 1st day of June—I received a Sum of money yesterday From Mr Ariss & a Man From Fauquier makes me Stand in your Debt about £47—in order To be before hand (as I am Genly with Every Man) I enclose a Draft on Mr Josiah Watson for £100. Should He Fail the money will be Paid to your order at my House the 1st day of april—if not, the Sum £100 shall be Paid the 1 st day of may To any Person you will direct To receive it in Alexandria on that Day I expect To receive a Sum in that Town—I ex⟨pect⟩ Mr Watson will Pay—Perhaps Capn Geo. Slacum is in Town if I desire my Letter to Mr Watson may be presented To Him in Case Mr Watsons Fails Payment as Perhaps He can Take it up.
I wish you To allow Mr Lear or your Manager To Shew me your Line between you & Colo. Fairfax when I run Colo. Fairfax Line as I am directed To Lott of & rent out the Belvoir Lands I am Sir with Every Sentiment of Regard your Most obedient Hble Servt

Battaile Muse


Title: From George Washington to Edward Stevens, 21 March 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Stevens, Edward

Dear Sir.
Mount Vernon March 21. 1789

The letter which you was pleased to address to me, on the 16th of this month, has been duly received; & in the acknowlegment thereof, I find myself at liberty only to make a few observations on the general subject of appointments to offices under the new government.
Should it inevitably prove my lot to hold the Chief Magistracy, I have determined to go into the office, without being under any pre-engagements, to any person, of any nature whatsoever. This answer I have already often given, & especially to some very importunate applications for the naval office in the district of Norfolk. And this line of conduct I have observed, because I thought (if I should be in the predicament before alluded to) the justice I owed to my own reputation & the justice I owed to my country, required that I should be perfectly free to act, while in office, with a supreme & undeviating regard for individual merit & the public good. Although I can easily conceive that the general principles on which nominations ought in good policy & equity to be made may be easily ascertained; still I cannot possibly form a conception of a more delicate & arduous task, than the particular application of those principles to practice. For no reasonable man will, I suppose, deny that the fitness of characters to fill offices & the comparative validity of the claims of different candidates, together with, perhaps some political considerations of a local nature, are objects principally to be attended to in making those nominations:

yet, every reasonable man must conclude, that, with the best possible intentions, it will be impossible to give universal satisfaction. You will perceive these observations are not designed to apply to any particular case; from them, however, you may collect my manner of thinking on the subject.
As from your known respectability in the State it was probably in your power to have obtained the office at Norfolk on the resignation of Colo. Parker; and as the circumstance of actual occupancy would undoubtedly have brought a great additional weight to your other claims, I almost wonder you had not taken that previous, and, apparently, essentially necessary step. For it appears to me, it will be a most unpleasant thing to turn out of office one man, against whom there is no charge of misconduct, merely to make room for another, however conspicuous his integrity & abilities may be.
In the mean time these considerations are barely suggested, with all that frankness which I trust would be expected from me—and under all the impressions of real respect & esteem with which, I am, dear Sir, Your most obt & very hum. Servt


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Vaughan, 21 March 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Vaughan, Samuel

My dear Sir
Mount Vernon March 21st 1789

I have just now been favored with the receipt of your letter, dated the 10th of Octor last; and would not delay to make my acknowledgments by the earliest opportunity. While I appreciate with gratitude the favorable sentiments you are pleased to express for me; I flatter myself, in the communication of the following ideas which have occurred on the subject of your letter, you will be persuaded I am influenced alone by that genuine frankness, which is most consistent with friendship & which I desire may ever be a characteristic feature in my conduct through life.
The event which I have long dreaded, I am at last constrained to believe, is now likely to happen. For that I have, during many months, been oppressed with an apprehension it might be deemed unavoidably expedient for me to go again into public life, is known to all, who know me. But from the moment, when the necessity had become more apparent, & as it were inevitable, I anticipated, in a heart filled with distress, the ten thousand embarrassments, perplexities & troubles to which I must again be exposed in the evening of a life, already near consumed in public cares. Among all these anxieties I will not conceal from you, I anticipated none greater, than those that were likely to be produced by applications for appointments to the different offices, which would be created under the new government. Nor will I conceal, that my apprehensions have already been but too well justified. Scarcely a day passes in which applications of one kind or another do not arrive. Insomuch, that had I not early adopted some general principles, I should before this time have been [wholly occupied in this business]. As it is, I have found the number of answers, which I have been necessitated to give in my own hand, an almost insupportable burden to me. The points in which all these answers have agreed in substance are: that should it be my lot to go again into

public office, I would go into it, without being under any possible engagements of any nature whatsoever: that, so far as I knew my own heart, I would not be in the remotest degree influenced, in making nominations, by motives arising from the ties of amity or blood: and that, on the other hand, three things, in my opinion, ought principally to be regarded, viz., the fitness of characters to fill offices, the comparative claims from the former merits & sufferings in service of the different Candidates, and the distribution of appointments in as equal a proportion as might be to persons belonging to the different States in the Union; for without pre-cautions of these kinds, I clearly foresaw the endless jealousies, and, possibly, the fatal consequences, to which a government, depending altogether on the good will of the people for its establishment, would certainly be exposed in its early stages. Besides I thought, whatever the effect might be in pleasing or displeasing any individuals at the present moment, a due concern for my own reputation not less decisively than a sacred regard to the interests of the Community, required that I should hold myself absolutely at liberty to act, while in office, with a sole reference to justice & the public good. It is true, in such a fallible state of existence [and from the want of a compet. knowledge of character] I may err [in my nominations]: but my errors shall be such as result from the head—and not from the heart.
The hurry I am at present in will not permit me to be so particular, as I wished to have been. Nor would the limits of a letter suffice to describe the difficulties which I fear might occur in conferring important offices upon persons, however meritorious they may really be, who have resided but a little while, & are consequently but little known in America. A single disgust excited in a particular State on this account, might, perhaps, raise a flame of opposition that could not easily, if ever, be extinguished. For the fact, I apprehend, will be found to be, that there will be a hundred competitors for every office of any kind of importance. Indeed, the number of offices will, in our œconomical management of the affairs of the Republic, be much fewer, as I conceive, & the pretensions of those who may wish to occupy them much more forcible; than many well informed men have imagined. In all events, so much I can with truth declare,

that several of the Candidates, who have already come forward, have claims to the public attention & gratitude which cannot be set aside without a palpable act of injustice. Some of them are men of unquestionable talents, who have wasted the flower of their lives, in the civil or military service of their country: men who have materially injured their properties, and excluded themselves from obtaining a subsistence for their families by the professions they were accustomed to pursue. There are some, I may add, who have shed the⟨ir⟩ blood, & deserved all that a grateful country has to bestow. Nor are they, in my judgment, incap⟨able⟩ of reflecting lustre on the most dignified stations.
From this simple, but just state of circumstances, you will perceive, my dear Sir, on what an oc⟨ean⟩ of troubles I am likely to be embarked. In the mean time, you will suffer me to observe, that, from the very satisfactory accounts I have been able to obtain of your Son’s abilities, accomplishments & dispositions, I am thoroughly persuaded he is capable of discharging the duties of a public office, with the greatest reputation to himself & advantage to the government which might employ him. But, however, I may be convinced of his merits; or, however, I may be disposed to serve him: you will be able to comprehend, from what I have already said, a part of the serious obstacles which will oppose themselves to the success of any Candidate, so partially known in America as he is. I have no conception of a more delicate task than that which is imposed by the Constitituion on the Executive. It is the nature of Republicans, who are nearly in a state of equality, to be extremely jealous as to the disposal of all honorary or lucratrive appointments. Perfectly convinced I am, that, if injudicious or unpopular measures should be taken by the Executive under the new Government with regard to appointments, the Government itself would be in the utmost danger of being utterly subverted by those measures. So necessary it is, at this crisis, to conciliate the good will of the people: and so impossible is it, in my judgment, to build the edifice of public happiness, but upon their affections.
Your good sense & native candour must serve me as an apology, for being thus explicit. Mrs W. & the family desire their most respectful Complts may be presented to you. I add no

more than that you may ever count upon the friendly sentiments & best wishes of him who has the pleasure to subscribe himself with real esteem & respect My dear Sir, Your Most obedient Most hble Servant


Title: From George Washington to John Canon, 22 March 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Canon (Cannon), John

Sir,
Mount Vernon March 22d 1789

I have received your letter of the 29th of January enclosing a statement of the Rents paid by the tenants occupying my Land which is under your care—The price of flour in your neighbourhood (which I am informed by Majr McCormack is 25/Virginia currency per bbl) will make me some amends for receiving the Rents in wheat instead of Cash which could not be obtained from the tenants for the rate at which those Lands are leased is so low, that it would require a considerable number of years to reimburse the monies which I have been obliged to pay to recover my property, if the price of produce was not higher than it has generally been in those parts.
I am not inclined to incur any more expences upon my mill in Fayette County, for it has already been such a source of expence & vexation to me that I am discouraged from making any attempt to repair it if money must be laid out for that purpose—However if it Can be put in order and made profitable to me by allowing the person who repairs it a share of the profits for a limited time, I should have no objection to its being done, provided an unreasonable length of time was not demanded for the person to receive a share of the profits.
The great distance that I am from my Land, and the little knowledge I have of its present state will not enable me to give

you any particular instructions respecting the management of it. As you are upon the spot—are acquainted with the particular circumstances—and, I have no doubt, are desireous of promoting my interest—you will take such steps as will conduce to the advantage of my property which is under your care. I would only observe generally, 1st That I would not wish to have the land incumbered with long leases (ten years is the extent of time that I am inclined to give a lease for) because it is probable that the rate at which it would now rent will not be so high as it may command a few years hence or if I dispose of it long leases will injure the sale very essentially. 2d I have found from long experience, that a punctual payment of the Rent, and a pointed compliance with the covenants of the leases are extreemly beneficial both to the Landlord and Tenant—for if the latter omits the payment of the Rent from year to year he will find it very difficult to accumulate enough at the end of 3 or 4 years to pay off his arrearages; where as, if he is convin[c]ed that he must do it at the experation of every year he will exert himself for that purpose, and the Rents are so low that an industrious man will never feel it, and no indulgence that can be given to a lazy person will ever be to his advantage—it will rather encourage his idleness—I would therefore never have the Rents postponed unless in some particular cases where the Tenant has suffered by fire, or is disabled by some act of providence. 3dly I observe in your Statement of the rents that some of the tenants have a deduction made in consequence of their getting, and putting up a number of Rails. I cannot see the propriety or Justice of this, because it is a matter by which the tenant alone is to be benefitted; if improvements of a durable kind were made there would be some plea for an abatement of the rent because I might receive an advantage of its inhancing the real value of the property; but it should always be certain that the allowance made does not exceed the value of the improvements.
You will be so good as to transmit me an annual account of the Rents—The disposal of the produce, and the money you may from time to time send me—This will enable me to keep a regular account of my Tenements and see in what situation they stand—You may remit money to me when safe opportunities offer eithe[r] to my Nephew Majr George A. Washington at this

place, or to New York, and give me leave to add, that it can at no time be more acceptable than the present. With due regard and esteem I am Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Sert

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Craik, 22 March 1789 [letter not found]
From: Craik, William
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from William Craik, 22 Mar. 1789. On 27 Mar. GW wrote to Craik: “Your favor of the 22d has been handed to me.”


Title: From George Washington to James Madison, 22 March 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Madison, James

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon [March] 22d 1789

Your favors of the 5th & 8th came duly to hand; the first from Baltimore, the latter from Philda. The design of this is merely to acknowledge the receipt of them, and to forward the enclosed; but I will add, as I have my pen in my hand, that Col. Bland, after having lain a weak with the Gent. at Gunston, after having been shipwrecked & land-wrecked, mired, fatigued with walking, &C. &C. arrived here on Saturday afternoon, and left us yesterday, probably to encounter new disasters in the Stage to Newyork. But as he is hastening to get there, he may arrive before this tale of his misfortunes, & will be able and willing to give them in detail himself. I am, &C.

Geo. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 23 March 1789
From: Biddle, Clement
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] March 23d 1789

Yesterday I received your favour of 15th Inst. Mr Palmer took his directions from Mrs Washingtons Memorandum, but I will speak for the Goloshoes when the Clogs are returned with the New Directions. I have pd his Bill. As there is a Vessel goes this week for Alexandria I will get as much of the Buckwheat as I can onboard her & the whole in time to prevent Disappointment as there are several vessels going to Potowmack in the Course of a mon⟨th.⟩ The Flax Wheels shall be sent by the Present Opportunity and I will endeavour to get a Box of Spanish Sugar or some as nearly of that Quality as possible, if it not to be had as I have heard of none arriving lately The 100Ds. are to your Credit I am Sir Your Excellency’s mo. obed. Servt

Clement Biddle


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 23 March 1789
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

My dear Sir
New York 23 March 1789

The Jersey election being decided, the four members from that State will be here tomorrow or next day—Two members from Pensylvania who have hitherto attended the Assembly of that state which has now adjourned will also be here tomorrow evening—With the above and Mr Smith who has arrived here from Maryland the house of representatives will be formed on Wednesday or Thursday next.
The senate now consists of ten, and Mr Elmer is expected to arrive from Jersey tomorrow evening—Mr Reed of Delaware has been written to, and if he should arrive on Wednesday evening as expected, both houses will be formed on the 26th instant.
The opinions are various as to the manner of notifying the President of his appointment—At present it appears probable that Mr Charles Thomson will have the honor of announcing to the President his appointment—and when he shall arrive within a certain short distance of this City, that he be met by a committee of both houses. I am my dear Sir Your respectfully affectionate humble Servant

H. Knox


Title: From George Washington to George Mason, 23 March 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Mason, George

Sir,
Mount Vernon March 23d 1789

Your Coachman applied to me yesterday (through my Nephew) for employment. I informed him it was not my custom to treat with any one in the service of another unless it was well ascertained that a seperation was about to take place—nor then unless sufficient testimonials could be produced of sobriety—of Skill honesty and industry in the occupation that was followed. To the First, he replied that last fall he had given you notice of his intention to leave you, and that his design (before he made application to me) was to have gone to the Northward next month; Moreover that he had taught one of your own Servants to drive and his services now were of little use to you. And with respect to the latter, that he had no doubt of obtaining a character from you.
As the mans person and character are entirely unknown to me, I take the liberty of enquiring if this account be true? for I shall make no overtures to him, nor will I employ him (altho’ I want a Coachman) unless it is with your knowledge and consent he leaves you—nor then, as I have observed before, unless he can obtain such a character as will satisfy me. a perfect one is not to be expected—Information in this matter would, at this time, be very acceptable to me—I send therefore on purpose to obtain it—and if the man is at liberty to engage I should be glad (if it is convenient to you) to see him immediately. From motives

of delicacy when [he] was here, I refused to have any conversation with him, untill I first knew from you on what footing he stands—If to part, I would in that case thank you for information with respect to the wages and previledges you allow him and the services expected for them. To enter my service three weeks or a month hence would answer my purposes but to be ascertained of it, is immedeately necessary, that I may either depend upon him, or look out elsewhere. With compliments in which Mrs Washington joine—I am &c.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from George Mason, 23 March 1789
From: Mason, George
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Gunston-Hall March 23d 1789.

I thank you exceedingly for your very candid & friendly Letter, & will state to you exactly my Coachman’s Situation with me, as well as his Character; by which you will be able to judge whether he will be fit for your Service or not. He came into Baltimore, a Redemtioner from Germany, & entered into an Indenture to Colo. Fitzhugh (who thereupon paid his passage;) to serve him four years; he lived with Colo. Fitzhugh two years in Maryland, when upon hearing me say I was at a Loss for a Coachman, he recommended him to me, as an exceeding good Driver, & careful of Horses, but lazy and quarelsom among the Servants, told me that he had then little use for him, & if I chose to take him, with these Qualifications, & Faults, he cou’d very conveniently let me have him, for the two years of his remaining Service, at the proportionable price he had paid for him; I accepted the offer, & had an Assignment of his Indenture; which expired in Octor 1787; when he desired to continue in my Service, & being without any other Driver, I agreed with him for a year at £15 wages, besides his clothes; he was to serve me as a Coach-Man, wait at Table, & occasionally work in the Garden, take Care of my Stable & Horses, keep the Key of my Corn House, & give out the Corn: at the End of the first Year, I agreed with him again, upon the same Terms for another Year; but in neither Instance bound him by an Indenture,

or written Agreement; nor shou’d I have employed him the second Year, if I cou’d have got another Coachman, or had any Servant of my own capable of driving; he has never taught, or attempted to teach, any of my People to drive, except that a little Boy of mine has ridden one of the four Horses as Postilion; nor has he given me any notice that he intended to leave me, further than sometimes, upon quarreling with the Servants, or being reprimanded for misbehaviour, Neglect, or Idleness, I have heard in the Family, that he had threatned to leave me, & having also heard that he had offered to hire himself to McDaniel, the Tavern-keeper in Dumfries. As to his character, I think him an excellent Driver, & careful of Horses, if he has any body to do the Drudgery of the Business for him, and I believe him honest; he is also, if he pleases, a handy Servant in waiting at Table, but exceeding lazy, incorrigibly addicted to Liquor, and very turbulent & quarrelsom among the Servants, insufferably so when in Liquor, tho’ he has never presumed to be insolent to me; as to any other Service than as a Coachman, I have for some time past, given over the Expectation, finding than it was more trouble to extra⟨ct⟩ any other kind of Service whatever from him, than it was worth. This Sir, according to the best of my Judgement, is an exact & true Character of the man; and tho’ when he leaves me, I shall be without a Driver, I am not at all desirous of keeping him; as well on account of the above mentioned Faults as that he is a man of such restless & disatisfied Disposition, that no Dependen⟨ce⟩ can be placed in him. If therefore You chuse to employ him, I have no objection to parting with him, as I am sure will be the Case soon, if you do not. I beg my Compliments & Mrs Mason’s to your Lady & Family; and am with the greatest Respect & Regard, Dr Sir Your affecte & obdt Sert

G. Mason


Title: From George Washington to George Steptoe Washington, 23 March 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, George Steptoe

Dear George,
Mount Vernon 23d March 1789

As it is probable I shall soon be under the necessity of quitting this place, and entering once more into the bustle of publick life, in conformity to the voice of my Country, and the earnest entreaties of my friends, however contrary it is to my own desires or inclinations; I think it incumbent on me as, your Uncle & friend, to give you some advisory hints, which, if properly attended to, will, I conceive, be found very useful to you in regulating your conduct and giving you respectability not only at present but through every period of Life.
You have now arrived to that age when you must quit the trifling amusements of a boy, and assume the more dignified manners of a man. At this crisis your conduct will attract the notice of those who are about you; and as the first impressions are generally the most lasting, your doings now may mark the leading traits of your Character through life. It is therefore, absolutely necessary, if you mean to make any figure upon the Stage, that you should take the first steps right. What these steps are—and what general line is to be pursued to lay the foundation of an honorable and happy progress, is the part of age and experience to point out. This I shall do, as far as is in my power, with the utmost chearfulness; and I trust, that your own good sense will shew you the necessity of following it.
The first and great object with you at present is to acquire, by industry and application, such knowledge as your situation enables you to obtain, and as will be useful to you in life. In doing this two other important objects will be gained besides the acquisition of knowledge—namely, a habit of industry, and a disrelish of that profusion of money & dissipation of time which are ever attendant upon idleness. I do not mean by a close application to your Studies that you should never enter into those amusements which are suited to your age and station. They may be made to go hand in hand with each other—and, used in their proper seasons, will ever be found to be a mutual assistance to each other. But what amusements are to be taken, and when, is the great matter to be attended to. Your own judgement, with the advice of your real friends who may have an opportunity

of a personal intercourse with you can point out the particular manner in which you may best spend your moments of relaxation, much better than I can at a distance. One thing, however, I would strongly impress upon you, viz., that when you have leisure to go into Company that it should always be of the best kind that the place you are in will afford; by this means you will be constantly improving your manners and cultivating your mind while you are relaxing from your books; and good Company will always be found much less expensive than bad. You cannot offer, as an excuse for not using it, that you cannot gain admission there—or that you have not a proper attention paid you in it; this is an apology made only by those whose manners are disgusting, or who⟨se character⟩ is exceptionable; neither of which I hope, will ever be said of you.
I cannot enjoin too strongly upon you a due observance of economy & frugality—as you well know yourself the present state of your property & finances will not admit of any unnecessary expense. The article of clothing is now one of the chief expenses you will incur; and in this, I fear, you are not so economical as you should be. Decency & cleanliness will always be the first objects in the dress of a judicious & sensible man. A conformity to the prevailing fashion in a certain degree is necessary—but it does not follow from thence that a man should always get a new Coat, or other clothes, upon every trifling change in the mode, when, perhaps, he has two or three very good ones by him. A person who is anxious to be a leader of the fashion, or one of the first to follow it, will certainly appear, in the eyes of judicious men, to have nothing better than a frequent change of dress to recommend him to notice. I would always wish you to appear sufficiently decent to entitle you to admission into any company where you may be; but I cannot too strongly enjoin it upon you—and your own knowledge must convince you of the truth of it—that you should be as little expensive in this respect as you properly can; you should always keep some clothes to wear to Church, or on particular occasions, which should not be worne every day; this can be done without any additional expense; for whenever it is necessary to get new Clothes, those which have been kept for particular occasions will then come in as every day ones, unless they should be of a superior quality to

the new. What I have said, with respect to Clothes, will apply, perhaps, more pointedly to Lawrence than to you; and as you are much older than he is, and more capable of judging of the propriety of what I have here observed, you must pay attention to him, in this respect, and see that he does not wear his clothes improperly or extravagantly.
Much more might be said to you, as a young man, upon the necessity of paying a due attention to the moral virtues; but this may, perhaps, more properly be the subject of a future letter when you are about to enter into the world. If you comply with the advise herein given to pay a diligent attention to your studies, and employ your time of relaxation in proper company, you will find but few opportunities and little inclination, while you continue at an Academy, to enter into those scenes of vice & dissipation which too often present themselves to youth in every place, & particularly in towns. If you are determined to neglect your books, and plunge into extravagance & dissipation nothing I could now say would prevent it—for you must be employed, and if it is not in pursuit of those things ⟨which are⟩ profitable it must be in pursuit of those which are ⟨destructive⟩.
As your time of continuing with Mr Hanson will expire the last of this month, and I understand Doctor Craik has expressed an inclination to take you & Lawrence to board with him, I shall know his determination respecting the matter; and if it is agreeable to him & Mrs Craik to take you I shall be pleased with it, for I am certain that nothing will be wanting on their part to make your situation agreeable & useful to you. Should you live with the Doctor I shall request him to take you both under his peculiar care—provide such clothes for you, from time to time, as he shall judge necessary—and do by you in the same manner as he would if you were his own children; which if he will undertake, I am sensible, from the knowledge which I have of him, and the very amiable Character & disposition of Mrs Craik, that they will spare no proper exertions to make your situation pleasing a[nd] profitable to you; should you or Lawrence, therefore, behave in such a manner as to occasion any complaints being made to me—you may depend upon losing that place which you now have in my affections—and any future hopes you may have from me. But if, on the

contrary, your conduct is such as to merit my regard you may always depend upon the warmest attachment & sincere regard of Your affectionate friend & Uncle

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from H. Z., 24 March 1789
From: H. Z.
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Albany 24th March 1789

The object which I have in contemplation, in addressing this Letter to you, is to caution you, to beware of the artful designs, and machinations of your late Aid de Camp; Alexander Hamilton; who, (like Judas Iscariott) would for the gratification of his boundless Ambition, betray his Lord, and Master. It is, Sir, an undoubted fact, that this Man, while he was in your Excellency’s Family, did artfully endeavour, to lessen you in the estimation of the Officers of the army, and others, by holding your Abilities cheap; merely to induce an opinion, that he was your Oracle; and that your General Orders, and Letters, were the production of his Masterly Pen.
A high respect for your person, and a veneration for your Patriotism, and Military Character, heightened by the strong tie of gratitude (which I personally owe you) has prompted me, to give you this information; to prevent your being deceived, by

the fawnings of this wicked Man; who can readily assume any shape, to suit his nefarious purposes. With the most profound respect, I am, your Excellency’s Obedient Servant

H. Z.


Title: From George Washington to Robert Lewis, 24 March 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, Robert

Dear Bob.
Mount Vernon Mar. 24th 1789.

Your letters of the 18th to your Aunt and myself, found me at this place—where it is not likely I shall remain much longer.
It is not very probable, as I shall want to be well fixed at New York before I send for your Aunt—and the same Horses will have to carry us both there—that she will be able to commence her journey, for that place before the first of May. But in this, as in every dependent event of your life, I would advise you to prepare for it in time. If you are ready before it happens no possible injury w⟨ill⟩ be sustained thereby; but if the event is too forward for your preparations, very great inconveniences may. As soon as your Aunt is advised by me, of the time my horses will set out, your Couzen George will give you notice of it, that you may be here in time to commence your Squire-ship.
She joins me in love to my Sister, & requests that she & Mrs Willis may be informed of the pleasure she shall have in their companies. I am—Your Affecte Uncle

Go: Washington

P.S. I should be glad if you would send the enclosed Letter to Mr Fitzhugh.


Title: To George Washington from Francis Adrian Van der Kemp, 24 March 1789
From: Van der Kemp, Francis Adrian
To: Washington, George

Sir!
Kingston [N.Y.] 24. March. 89

The warmest thanks for your Excellency’s Kind wishes! indeed I believe my Situation happy—it answers my expectations perfectly, So that I want no more if I may enjoy it without interruption. I formed before, as it Seems to me at present, a wrong judgment of the retirement of a Camillus, a Sylla, a Diocletian—I thought it a great a heroic act, and perhaps it was So with the glorious Camillus; the other two acted rather as prudent and wise man, for the first time, after having all Sacrificed to their ambition. The illustrious Washington who Seems not indifferent, concerning the fate of my family, wil easily pardon this digression. I intended this Letter to accompagny Some Seed of Mangoul-Root, which the Rev. Dr Döll Spared for your Excellency. Every day I expected garden Seeds of different Sort from Holland—if they are Safe arrived, their participating with your Excellency will be me greatest Satisfaction. as I am with Sentiments of due respect Sir Your Excellency’s Most obedient Servant

VDKemp


Title: From George Washington to George Clinton, 25 March 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Clinton, George

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon Mar. 25th 1789.

With very great sensibility I have recd the honor of your letter dated the 10th instt and consider the kind & obliging invitation to your House until suitable accomodations can be provided for the President as a testimony of your friendship & politeness; for which I shall ever retain a grateful sense—But if it should be my lot (for heaven knows it is not my wish) to appear

again in a public station, I shall make it a point to take hired lodgings, or Rooms in a Tavern until some house can be provided. Because it would be wrong, in my real judgment, to impose such a burden on any private family, as must unavoidably be occasioned by my company: and because I think it wd be generly expected, that, being supported by the public at large, I shd not be burdensome to Individuals.
With respect to the other part of yr let⟨ter,⟩ which is expressive of a wish to be apprised of the time of my approach to the City, I can assure you, with the utmost sincerity, that no reception can be so congenial to my feelings as a quiet entry devoid of ceremony, be the manner of it what it may. With sincere good wishes, & respectful compliments to Mrs Clinton, in which I am joined by Mrs Washington I have the honr to be Dr Sir Yr most obedt Hbe Ser⟨vant⟩.


Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 25 March 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon March 25th 1789

Permit me, in one line, to acknowledge the receipt of your polite and obliging favors of the 9th 12th & 16th instt and to thank you for the information they contain. Public affairs seem to be in an awkward interregnum—and among other irksome circumstances, can not be quite congenial with the feelings of the attending members of the New Congress.
My best wishes, in which Mrs Washington unites, are presented to Mrs Knox & your family; and with sentiments of sincere friendship and great affection. I am ever Yours

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James Mercer, 25 March 1789 [letter not found]
From: Mercer, James
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from James Mercer, 25 Mar. 1789. On 4 April GW wrote to Mercer: “I have received your letter of the 25th Ulto.”


Title: From George Washington to John Dandridge, 26 March 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Dandridge, John

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 26th March 1789

The enclosed letters will shew you the reason of my not having written to you sooner upon the subject of the Land which you offered me. If the valuation mentioned by Colonel Lewis is agreeable to you I will take it at that; but if you think the price too low I am willing to wait for the payment of the debt due from

your fathers Estate until you can discharge it by some other means more agreeable to yourself at a more convenient time.
Your Sister Patty is well and joins your Aunt, myself and the others under my roof in love and best wishes to you and the family. With very sincere regard I am, Dear Sir—your Affecte friend & Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James Madison, 26 March 1789
From: Madison, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
New York March 26. 1789

The inclosed copy of Morgan’s invitation to his fellow Citizens was obtained from one of his friends, and forwarded to me from Pennsylvania. It is the most authentic & precise evidence of the Spanish project that has come to my knowledge. The instrument referred to as retained in Morgan’s hands in order to be signed by the adventurers, would still further explain the transaction.
No Quorum is yet formed in either House. The Senate want two Members: The House of Reps. four. It is probable that the members from N. Jersey who are at length proclaimed, two remaining members from Penna and Col: Coles who halted in Philada will come in this evening and supply the deficiency in one branch. The Senate have no precise prospect of the small addition required to their present numbers. With unfeigned attachment I am Dear [Sir], respectfully Your obedt hble servt

Js Madison Jr


Title: To George Washington from William Milnor, 26 March 1789 [letter not found]
From: Milnor, William
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from William Milnor, 26 Mar. 1789. On 1 April GW wrote to Milnor: “I have been duly favored with yr Letter of the 26th Ult.”


Title: From George Washington to William Craik, 27 March 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Craik, William

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 27th March 1789

Your favor of the 22d has been handed to me, and I beg you to accept my thanks for the prompt and decisive measure you have taken with respect to the Proclamation Warrant—and other matters relative to my Land in Charles County. I have no particular derection to give concerning the first except to proceed safely but not precipitately, as the latter though it may not involve greater expence than safe delay, May yet throw me into an advance of Money before I am prepared for it—for the truth, my expences have run so high of late years that I want a little time to breath—But I would not be understood by this to hazard any thing. I therefore leave the matter to your own Judgment. In a little Time, if the call for Taxes, do not devour

what is expected from my Rents, &c., My Nephew George A. Washington will be enabled to comply with the calls as they may arise.
The Surveyor, it is presumed, notwithstanding from Survey of the Vacancy will recharge, tho’ I do not see that he will have occasion to stretch a chain on the land—perhaps in this case some compromise may be made with him. I do not however mean by this to exempt from common usage, with esteem I am &ca

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Dawson, 27 March 1789
From: Dawson, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Alexandria Friday Eveng [27 March 1789]

The hurry of the Stage will deprive me of the honour of waiting on you agreeably to my intention.
On monday Last two senators & four members of the house of delegates were wanting to make a Congress—on that day Mr Elmer from New Jersey, Messrs Climer, Fitzsimons, Scott & Carrol left Philadelphia, & Mr Reid, Wilmington; we may therefore conclude, with certainty, that both houses were formed, on Wednesday or yesterday—Mr Chs Thompson will probably be sent forward to announce to the President his appointment. With much respect, I am Yr most Obt

J. Dawson


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 27 March 1789
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

My dear Sir
New York 27 March 1789

The house of Representatives want Yet four members and the Senate two. The first will not be formed until Monday, and the senate probably not untill Wednesday next the first of April.

Colo. Hanson of Alexandria is so good as to take charge of the cloth sent you from the Hartford manufactory, and also of some federal buttons manufactored in this City, both of which will I hope safely reach you.I am Dear Sir Your most Obedient humble Servant

H. Knox


Title: From George Washington to John Marshall, 27 March 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Marshall, John

Sir,
Mount Vernon Mar. 27th 178⟨9⟩

I have reasons for wishing that the enclosed letter could be conveyed with safety and expedition; but no opportunity offering from these parts, I take the liberty of committing it to your care on a supposition that the intercours⟨e⟩ between Richmond & the Western District will soon furnish one. With very great esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington