Title: From George Washington to John Fairfax, 26 October 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Fairfax, John

Mount Vernon 26th Octr 1785.

You will proceed in the Stage from Alexandria to Boston, without losing a day that can possibly be avoided; & when arrived at the latter place, deliver the Letter herewith given you to the Hone Thos Cushing, Lieut: Governor of the State of Massachusetts, who resides in the town of Boston, & whose directions you are to follow.
The intention of your going thither is, to bring one—perhaps two Jack asses, which have been imported for me from Spain: a

Spaniard is arrived with, & attends the first; & probably if the second is arrived, there will be one with him also: one, or both of these men, according to the instructions they may have received in Spain, or agreeably to the directions you may receive from the Lieut: Governor, are to come on with you & the Jacks.
As you will have to ride back, & as this will be the case also with the Spaniards, (if there are more than one) Horses, if it is thought improper to ride on the Jacks, will be to be bought—& as females will answer my purposes best, I desire you to buy Mares: let them be young, sound & of good size, as I propose to put them to the Jacks in the season for covering: Lieut: Govr Cushing will furnish you with money, and aid you with his advice in this purchase; as also to defray your expences in returning.
You know too well the high value I set upon these Jacks, to neglect them on the road in any instance whatsoever; but if the one which is now at Boston, & the other if it arrives in time, should come on under their proper keepers, your business will then be to see that every thing necessary is provided—leaving the management of them to the Spaniard or Spaniards who will attend them, & who best know how to travel & feed them. See however (if their keepers are drunken & neglectful) that due attention & care are bestowed on these animals.
As I do not mean to be at the expence of hiring & bringing on an Interpreter (altho’ neither of the Spaniards should speak English) you would do well before you leave Boston, where by means of one you can communicate your sentiments to each other, to settle all the necessary points for your journey: that is, your hour for setting out in the morning, which let be early; taking up in the evening—number of feeds in the day, & of what kind of food—also the kind & quantity of Liquor that is to be given to the Spaniards in a day. In this govern yourself by the advice of the Lieut: Governor—I would not debar them of what is proper; any more than I would indulge them in what is not so. Be attentive to the conduct of these men, as from their good or bad dispositions I shall be enabled to judge whether to keep one of them or not; if either shou’d incline to stay in the Country with the Jacks. Having settled the principal points with them before you leave Boston, you will easily understand each other in smaller matters by signs, ‘till you return to New York; where,

by means of the Spanish minister’s attendants, you may if necessary, settle a fresh plan.
Not expecting that you will travel back faster than the Jacks can walk, it is possible you may reach New York before you take a halting day, which, if not too far, would be best, as here probably the Spaniards will require it, on account of meeting their Countrymen in the family of Mr Gardoqui, the Spanish Minister: however, if they think a halt sooner is necessary, you must be governed by their opinions—as the Jacks must not be hurt by travelling them too fast, or improperly.
Let the Jacks be put separate & with no other Creatures, lest they should get kicked, & hurt themselves or hurt others; & if it is necessary they should be cloathed, (which you must know before you leave Boston) provide Blankets or such other cloathing as their keepers think best, at that place.
Keep an exact account of your expences from the time you leave home until you return to it again; remembering that Dollars in the States of Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania & part of New Jersey, pass at 7/6; bordering on New York, & in that State for 8/—and in all the New England Governments at 6/ as in Virginia—all other silver, & gold, in that proportion.
Altho’ I do not think there is any probability of the Jack, or Jacks having left Boston before you will arrive there; yet at, & after you leave the City of New York, it may be well to enquire now & then along the road whether this may not have taken place; the circumstance of which will be very notorious if it has happened. For this reason, if there is a Stage which passes thro’ Hartford in Connecticut, & so along the post road to Boston; it will be better to pursue this rout than to go by the Stage-boat from New York to Providence.
As soon as the Stage gets to its Quarters at night, immediately engage your passage for the next day—lest you may be too late & thereby detained a day or two for its return. Make use of the Stage Waggons—the Stage Coaches are too expensive.
As soon as you get to Boston, write to me, or get somebody to do it, by the Post—informing me whether there are one, or two Jacks; in what condition they are, with other particulars—& when you expect to commence your journey back.

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Tupper, 26 October 1785
From: Tupper, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Dear General,
Pittsburgh Octr 26th 1785.

We have just returned to this place from an unsucessful attempt to Survey the Western Territory, Coll Parker who will deliver this will be able to inform your Excellency the reasons of our not succeeding agreeable to our wishes—I am greatly charmed with the Country, it exceeds any I ever saw, and I know of nothing that will prevent me Commenceing one of the first adventurers in that delightfull Country—I intend on my return to Consult with General Putnam and no doubt we shall fall upon some plan to engage a number of our friends to join in a scheme so interesting as that of settling in that Garden of America—One thing which will induce me to settle in that Country is, that your Excellency promise to honour us with a visit which I shall set more by than the Interest I possess in Massetchusetts.
I hope these will find your Excellency in possession of all the happiness human nature is capable of—Coll Sherman, Capt. Martin and the Surveyors with us desire their most dutiful regards to your Excellency, please to present mine to your Lady, to Mr Lun Washington and his Lady.
Dear General, some of your friends may exceed me in expressions of regards &c. but believe me when I assure your Excellency that no one can exceed in affection that of Your Excellencies most dutiful humble Servant

Benj. Tupper


Title: From George Washington to Patrick Henry, 29 October 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Henry, Patrick

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon Octr 29th 1785

Inclosed I give your Excellency the trouble of receiving an official letter from me, which I beg the favor of you to lay before the General Assembly.
Your letter of  enclosing the appointment of Colo. Neville, in the room of Majr Massey, came duly to hand; & the latter was forwarded by a safe convey[anc]e.
I have never yet seen the report of the Commissioners for examining the best course for a cut between Elizabeth River & the Waters of No. Carolina—Your Excellency was so good as to offer me a copy of it, but the matter has either slipped your memory, or the letter which contained it has miscarried. With respectful compliments, in which Mrs Washington joins me, to Mrs Henry—& with very great esteem & regard. I have the honr to be—Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Patrick Henry, 29 October 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Henry, Patrick

Sir
Mount Vernon Octr 29th 1785

Your Excellency having been pleased to transmit me a copy of the Act appropriating to my benefit certain shares in the Companies for opening the navigation of James and Potomack Rivers, I take the liberty of returning to the General Assembly through your hands, the profound & grateful acknowledgments inspired by so signal a mark of their benificent intentions towards me. I beg you, Sir, to assure them, that I am filled on this occasion with every sentiment which can flow from a heart warm with love for my Country—sensible to every token of its approbation and affection—and sollicitous to testify in every instance, a respectful submission to its wishes.
With these sentiments in my bosom, I need not dwell on the anxiety I feel in being obliged, in this instance, to decline a favor which is rendered no less flattering by the manner in which it is conveyed, than it is affectionate in itself.
In explaining this obligation, I pass over a comparison of my endeavours in the public Service with the many honorable testimonies of approbation which have already so far overrated, and overpaid them; reciting one consideration only which supercedes the necessity of recurring to every other.
When I was first called to the station with which I was honored during the late conflict for our liberties, to the diffidence which I had so many reasons to feel in accepting it, I thought it my duty to join a firm resolution to shut my hand against every pecuniary recompence. To this resolution I have invariably adhered. From this resolution (if I had the inclination) I do not consider my self at liberty, to depart.
Whilst I repeat therefore my fervent acknowledgments to the Legislature for their very kind sentiments and intentions in my favor—and at the sametime beg them to be persuaded that a remembrance of this singular proof of their goodness towards me, will never cease to cherish returns of the warmest affection and gratitude, I must pray that their Act, so far as it has for its object my personal emolument, may not have its effect. But if it should please the General Assembly to permit me to turn the destination of the fund vested in me from my private emoluments, to objects of a public nature, it will be my study in selecting

these, to prove the sincerity of my gratitude for the honor conferred on me, by preferring such as may appear most subservient to the enlightened, and patriotic views of the Legislature. With great respect & considn I have the honor to be Yr Excellencys Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Charles Washington, 29 October 1785 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Charles

Letter not found: to Charles Washington, 29 Oct. 1785. On 23 Nov. Charles Washington wrote GW: “Your Letter of the 29 of Octr, I recd by Mr Muse.”


Title: From George Washington to David Humphreys, 30 October 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Humphreys, David

My dear Humphreys.
Mount Vernon Octr 30th 1785.

Since my last of the 1st of September I have received your favor of the 17th of July, which was brought to this Country by Mr Houdon; to whom, tho I had no Agency in the matter, I feel great obligation for quitting France, & the pressing calls of the Great Ones to make a Bust of me, from the life. I am not less indebted to the favourable opinion of those who you say are anxious to perpetuate my name, and to be acquainted with the Memoirs of my life. So far as these are connected with the history of the revolution, and other public documents, they may easily be got at—all beyond these is, I conceive very unimportant. My letter of the 25th of July which I presume you have received long ‘ere this (but for fear of a miscarriage, having a rough copy by me, I send you a duplicate) will have conveyed my sentiments so fully that I shall add nothing further on the subject at this time, than to assure you that I was then, and am still, perfectly sincere in the proposal it contained.
I am very much obliged to you for the Poem you sent me, I

have read it with pleasure, and it is much admired by all those to whom I have shewed it.
Nothing new has happened since my last; nor is it probable anything interesting will happen until the different Assemblies convene—Congress as usual, are proceeding very slowly in their business—and, shameful as it is, are often at a stand for want of a sufficient representation. The States have been addressed by them on the subject, but what will be the effect I know not. To me there appears such lassitude in our public Councils as is truly shocking; & must clog the Wheels of Government; which, under such circumstances, will either stop altogether, or will be moved by ignorance, or a few designing Men. With every sentiment of esteem and regard I am your sincere friend and affecte Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Charles McKiernan, 30 October 1785
From: McKiernan, Charles
To: Washington, George

Sir.
Philadelphia October 30th 1785.

The inclosed letter from Sir. Edward Newingham with the small package that accompanies this, I hoped to have the honor of delivering to your Excellency in person, but I find that my deceased fathers affairs require my immediate attention in this quarter.
I regret Sir. that no opportunity has offered to forward them to you before.
Somtime before I return to Europe I intend myself the honor to wait on your Excellency in person, to receive your commands, should you be pleased to favour me with any, for that part of the world—I am respectfully your Excellencys most Humble and verry Obedient servant

Charles McKiernan


Title: To George Washington from Luke Cuisnier, 31 October 1785
From: Cuisnier, Luke
To: Washington, George

My Lord (Copy)
Baltimore 31st Octr 1785

I am a Frenchman, Arrived in the Continent the 14th June 1782. I was One of the Passengers of the Briga[ntine] Betsey, Obliged to Save ourselves at Lewis Town, at the Entrance of the Delaware, that Briga[ntine] having been Captured by Two of the Ennemy’s Frigates; Monsr Le Chevlr de La Luzern, Gave me Charge of the Affairs of his House, of his Cash, of his Correspondence, & of his Private Bussiness, I found it Dissagreeable in his House, as the Ennemy’s I had in France followed me. I Complain’d of it, in a Letter I had the Honour to write Monsr Luzerne, then at his Country House, he wrote me for Answer I had nothing to fear from my Ennemy’s in Continuing to do my duty, & I Stayed with him till the time of his Departure. I have tried for this Some time, to have myself Instructed in the language of this Country, for which reason, I wish’d to place myself with an American in his Counting House, not having Succeeded, I put up Different Bills in Philadelphia, that I would work in a Counting House, or with any other Person, in another line of Bussiness, Should it be in the Town or in the Country, without demanding a Farthing of Wages. I was at that time in a Condition to make that Sacrifice, Monsr Luzerne having given me at Parting 1000 Tournois of Gratuity, & 500 for my Passage, when I would Return home, with a Certificate of his Satisfaction & not having Succeeded there, I Came to Baltimore. Monsr Danmeurs has received me in Quality of his Secretary the 27th June last, I have Suspected that Some Persons here, or Some of my Phila. Ennemy’s have endeavoured to Dissaffect the

Peop⟨le⟩ that Interest themselves in my favor, against me, I Can Attest My Lord, that I have never Said any thing, to the Prejudice of any Person, in France, or upon the Continent, nor have I wrote any thing either Directly or Indirectly, (but what my Superiors made me write) I know my Ennemys Seek to hurt me, with all their Power, which is very unlucky for me, but Nevertheless, I hope My Lord, that you will permitt me, to lessen my Trouble, in taking my Part, for that Slander is always Dangerous for a Person, that has not any Protection in a Country, If there was any Proof to the Contrary of that, I now have the Honour to write you, my Lord, I merit your Indignation & Punishment having Spent the Money I had for my Passage to France & not havng any thing for my Present Employ, If I Could be of any Service to you My Lord in Managing any Part of your Affairs, I Should think myself much Oblig’d to you in obtaining that favor, I have it in my Power to be of Some Service, Should it be in writing & to take Care of your Possessions, as also in Agriculture. I am &c.

L: Cuisnier

I know not My Lord, to Speak the English Language, but I Can write it tolerable, or pretty well, but as I write with greater ease the French language, I use it to write this Letter.


Title: From George Washington to George Gilpin, 1 November 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Gilpin, George

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon Novr 1st 1785.

After I had written to you on Saturday, I saw Lund Washington, who informed me that he had seen you the day before, & understood from you, that it would not be convenient for you to spare your Scow until next Week—as your letter to me says it may be had tomorrow I fear, in order to accomodate me, you have been induced to put your self to an inconvenience. To prevent which, I give you the trouble of this letter, as it would give me real concern if this were to be the case. The difference to me is very trifling whether I get it this Week or next; I therefore beg that you would make the time perfectly suitable to your own business, & let me know it, to which I will conform thankfully.
I am much obliged by the assurance of procuring me a level, and shall depend upon it. and am very much so, for your kind offer to come down & put me in the best mode of getting up Mud, which may facilitate my experiments greatly—With great esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William le Washington, 1 November 1785
From: Washington, William le
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia 1st Novr 1785

I have the Honour to Inclose your Excellency a Lr which Charles Anderson Pelham Eqr. Member of Parliamt in England gave me, w’erein he inform’s me he has acquainted your Excellency who I am & my Intent of making a Tower of America.
Having Deposited fifteen hundread Pounds Stirling in the Hands of Messrs Saml Smith & Son, Bankrs—London, of which they, give me an acknowledgment in their Lrs of Credit to me dated the 7th, & 9th July 1785—to be disposed of in Bills of Exchange as I may find it Necessary—Upon which Lrs I have received One Hundread pounds Stirling of Nath. Tracy Esqr. Boston, but Some Merchts in this City not knowing Messrs Saml Smith & Son, Sign[at]ur[e] made difficultys in taking my Drafts.
Mr Pelham likwise informes me he has a Short time ago had the Honour of Introducg a gent. to your Excellency so that his Sign[at]ur[e] I make no dought but is known to your Excellency.
As I find a Difficulty in disposing of my drafts as afore mentioned, I take the Liberty of forwarding the Inclosed Letter of Introduction from Mr Pelham to your Excellency requesting that if your Excellency find the Inclos’d Lr to your Sattisfaction that you’ll do me the Honour of a Letter by the Earliest Oppertunity which may give Sattisfaction to the Merchts of this City in regard to my person & Cercumstances.
As Soon as I have Setteled my Affairs in this City I Shall have the honour to pay my respects in person to your Excellency as I pass for South Carolina—and I most Sincearly wish that my personally Acquaintance may procure me an Oppertunaty in having it in my power to return the great Obligation which your Excellency will lie me under by applying with my request. I have the Honour to ratify myself with the Highest respect & Esteem Your Excellencys most Obedt & most Hble Servant

Willm le Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Fitzhugh, 2 November 1785
From: Fitzhugh, William
To: Washington, George

My Dear Sir
Chatham, Novr 2n[d] 1785

I beg Leave to return you my Thanks for the Loan of Peter—and I am happy that I have it in my Power to send him Home unhurt. Tarquin has recover’d the Laurells he lost at Alexandria—His Opponents were, old Cumberland, and Herod, the Property of Doctr Ross; both which he beat with great Ease.
I have a fine 2 year-old Doe, perfectly tame, which I beg your Acceptance of. She shall be sent with the Orchard Grass Seed, as soon as I can get a small Cart or waggon that can carry her without Injury. I am with respectfull Compliments to your Lady & Family, in which I am join’d by Mrs Fitzhugh, Dear Sir your Aff. & most Ob. Ser.

W. Fitzhugh


Title: To George Washington from Jean Le Mayeur, 2 November 1785
From: Le Mayeur, Jean-Pierre
To: Washington, George

sir
Richmond 2 9bre [November] 1785

the letters of introduction your Excellency was pleased to honor me for frederiskBurg and Richmond have all been delivered, in consequance of them i have received Great civility from Mr Fitzhugh, General Spotswood, the attornay General, Mr harrison spiker of the house of delegates, Mr Carry, speker of the Senate, and Mr George weeb; i have dine or Engage’d to dine with Every one of this gentlemen. i Lodge in the same house with Col. Carry and we dine togedeur whan he is in town.
Gouvneur henry to whom i Gave the first letter offerd me his services.
i am short of Expretion to make proper thinks for your Excellencys fevors as well by these letters of introduction as by your other kindness. also to make to honorable Mrs Washington sufficient ackenoledgments for the Extreme obligation i am under to her—i have the honor to be with a Great Respect of your Excellency the most obeissain and humble serviteur

doct. Le Mayeur

The races have bigen this day and the flage of trus bilong to Mr Good wene, also at petesburg.


Title: From George Washington to Patrick Henry, 3 November 1785 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Henry, Patrick

Letter not found: to Patrick Henry, 3 Nov. 1785. The ALS was advertised by Charles Hamilton, sale no. 98, item 298, 29 July 1976.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Ridout, 4 November 1785
From: Ridout, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir—
Bordeaux 4th Novemr 1785.

I had the honour to receive a few days ago Your Excellency’s letter of the 20 August, inclosing others for the Marquis de la Fayette, Mr Humphreys & the Baron de Secondat the two first I forwarded immediately—the other I directed & delivered. I

have not yet had the pleasure to see the Baron de Montesquieu. As he passed thro’ this place not many days ago, on his way to a Seat in the Neighbourhood of it—he was so obliging as to call on me, but unfortunately I was not at home; he will spend the winter here.
I wrote your Excellency the 7th of September by the Brig Peggy Capt. Cunnyngham, bound to Baltimore by whom I sent the Package mentioned in your letter—& which by mistake, had not been delivered me in due time—I addressed it to the Care of Colo. Tilghman, who has I hope by this time received it—I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedient & very Humble Servant

Thos Ridout


Title: From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 5 November 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Randolph, Edmund

Dr Sir,
Mount Vernon 5th Novr 1785.

Pursuant to the request of your last letter (dated about the middle of Septr) I had an attested copy of the proceedings of the Potomac Company—& those of the Directors, taken from their Books and sent it to you by Post, in time for the Meeting which was proposed to be held by the Directors of the James river navigation on the 26th of that month in Richmond; and requested, if it should be agreeable, to have a copy of your proceedings sent me in return. Having heard nothing from you since, & having experienced many instances of inattention & neglect in the Post Offices; I now take the liberty of enquiring whether my letter written as above, has reached you—If it has not, I will send another copy, tho’ it will not come so seasonably as the first. My best respects to your Lady, & with very great esteem & regard I am Dr Sir &c.

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from David Pearce, 6 November 1785
From: Pearce, David
To: Washington, George

Exclent Sur
Glocestur [Mass.] 6 Novmr 1785

have it once mor to hand your oner my Respeckts ass it has So hapend I had a Ship at bilboa onbord Sd Ship Mnsur Gardequa Pleased to Ship a jackass for your oner & Sd anemal Saf has arived & from my Regards have goot him on ther & Nursed him

Stroong & by gardequa Dereckton have Sent him on to boston to Letent governr how after he had him was Desears to have me Carey him by warter ass I had a wesell bound to your Place I allso aquanted him that I would cary him but after wating a most a weeck heard nothing from him the wind f[a]ir was obligd to Send Sd wesell on I have Persented by the hands off mr Harts horn the bil of Ladn & charg of Paseg & wilst at cap ann wish if free from arror Pleeas to Pay ⅌ gentelman. Reman your Very Humbel St

David Pearce


Title: From George Washington to Lafayette, 8 November 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

My Dr Marqs
Mount Vernon 8th Novr 1785.

Having written fully to you about the first of Septr; & nothing having occurred since worth reciting, I should not have given you the trouble of receiving a letter from me at this time, were it not for the good opportunity afforded me by Captn Littlepage, & my desire not to suffer any of your letters to remain long by me unacknowledged.
I have now to thank you for your favors of the 9th & 14th of July; the first by Mr Houdon, who stayed no more than a fortnight with me; & to whom, for his trouble & risk of crossing the Seas (altho’ I had no agency in the business) I feel myself under personal obligations. The second giving an account of your intended tour, which, if compleated in the time you propose, will

exhibit a fresh instance of the celerity of your movements. My good wishes have attended you thro’ the whole of it; and this letter I hope will find you arrived at Paris in good health.
Doctr Franklin has met with a grateful reception in Pennsylvania. He has again embarked on a troubled Ocean; I am persuaded with the best designs, but I wish his purposes may be answered—which, undoubtedly are to reconcile the jarring interests of the State. He permitted himself to be nominated for the City of Philadelphia as a Counsellor—a step to the chair, wch no doubt he will fill; but whether to the satisfaction of both parties is a question of some magnitude, & of real importance to himself—at least to his quiet. His Grandson shall meet with every civility & attention I can shew him when occasions offer.
One of my Jacks is, by advices, arrived at Boston; but I still adhere to the request contained in my last, if you can have it complied with without much difficulty.
Your old aid George has taken to himself the wife of his choice: the honey Moon is not yet passed; when that is over, I will set him about copying your Letters. I add no more at present but the sincere & affectionate regard which I bear to you, & in which Mrs Washington & all here join—as we do in respectful compliments & best wishes for Madame de la Fayette & your little flock. It is unnecessary to tell you how much I am, My Dr Marquis Yrs &c. &c.

Geo: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Cushing, 9 November 1785
From: Cushing, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boston November 9th 1785

This will be handed you by Mr Fairfax, to whom I have delivered the Jack, & sincerely wish you may receive him in safety, & in good order—I have directed Mr Fairfax in general to observe the directions received from Spain, with respect to managing & feeding this animal. I have delivered him also a good Mare which I have purchased on your account, for one hundred Spanish dollars. I did not purchase another as it was unnecessary—the Spaniard declined to ride, he said it was necessary for him to walk in order to lead the Jack—I understood upon his first arrival that he was to accompany this animal in order to take the care of him until he was delivered to you, but now he says, it was left with him to do as he pleased, either to go forward to Virginia, or to return to Spain from this State—I suppose his being something out of health & a little home sick, discourages him from proceeding on so long a journey—however I have prevailed upon him to proceed as far as New York, where I hope the Spanish Minister will either persuade him to proceed on to Virginia or permit one of his servants, who may understand the management of these creatures, to proceed with & take the care of the Jack—I have furnished Mr Fairfax with thirty dollars to defray their charges upon the road, I offered him as much more as he should judge necessary to carry him thrô the Journey, but he said, as he had some money left that you gave him, he did not chuse to take any more, for fear of being robbed on the road, more espescially as he could readily procure more at New York, Philadelphia, or Baltimore, if he found he had occasion for it—he has bought a saddle & bridle to return with for which he gave three pounds, Nine shillings Lawfull Money. I remain with great respect Your Most obedient, humble Servt

Thomas Cushing


Title: To George Washington from George Mason, 9 November 1785
From: Mason, George
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Gunston-Hall Novemr 9th 1785.

The Bearer waits on you with a Side of Venison (the first we have killed this Season) which I beg Your Acceptance of.
I have heard nothing from the Assembly, except vague Reports of their being resolved to issue a Paper Currency: upon what Principles, or Funds, I know not; perhaps upon the old thread-bare Security, of pledging solemnly the Public Credit. I believe such an Experiment wou’d prove simular to the old vulgar Adage, of carrying a Horse to the Water. They may pass a Law to issue it, but twenty Laws will not make People receive it.
I intended to go down to Richmond about the 15th of this month, to have reported the Compact with the Maryland Commissioners; but I have lately had so severe a Fit of the convulsive cholic, or the Gout in my Stomach, that I dare not venture far from Home: it held me from Sunday Evening ’til Tuesday Morning, & has left me so weak, that I am hardly able to walk across the Floor.
We hope to hear that you, your Lady, & Family are well; to whom Mrs Mason & the Family here present their best Compliments, with those of Dear Sir Your affecte & obdt Sert

G. Mason


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Vaughan, 9 November 1785 [letter not found]
From: Vaughan, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Samuel Vaughan, 9 Nov. 1785. On 30 Nov. GW wrote Vaughan that he had received his “favor of the 9th.”


Title: To George Washington from Tench Tilghman, 10 November 1785
From: Tilghman, Tench
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Baltimore 10th Novemr 1785.

I have had the honor of your letter of the 2d with one for Mr Rawlins inclosed, which I delivered myself. He confesses his delinquency, but pleads sickness—business at Annapolis and other matters, by way of Excuse—he however has promised to have your Designs compleated by saturday Night—If he keeps his word, I will forward them by the Monday’s Stage under cover to Fitzgerald. Mrs Tilghman desires to be joined in Compliments to Mrs Washington and yourself with Dear Sir Yr most Affect: Hble Servt

Tench Tilghman


Title: From George Washington to William Fitzhugh, 11 November 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Fitzhugh, William

My Dr Sir
Mount Vernon 11th Novr 1785.

I pray you to accept my thanks for your favor of the second, & for the present which it announced—than which nothing could be more acceptable, as I am desireous of getting into a stock of Deer with as much expedition as the nature of the case will admit. But if the Doe you offer me is not inconvenient to yourself; I shou’d be glad if she could remain at Chatham until a small paddock which I intend to enclose this Winter for the reception of these animals, is railed in—when I will fall upon some method, least liable to accidents, to bring her up.
I congratulate you on your success on the Falmouth turf. Our old acquaintance Saml Gallaway retired from the Alexa races, & from the pomps & vanities of this World almost in the same instant—having taken his departure for the impervious shades of death as soon as he got home. My respectful compliments, in which Mrs Washington [joins], are offered to Mrs Fitzhugh. I am Dr Sir &c.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Patrick Henry, 11 November 1785
From: Henry, Patrick
To: Washington, George

Dear sir.
Richmond novr 11th 1785

The post Yesterday brought me your Favors. That which was official I have just sent down to the Assembly. The Result shall go to you as soon as I get it—The Report concerning the intended Canal I could not send you ’til now, having obtained a Copy of it only two Days ago. Mr Andrews tells me the Comrs could not take a very particular View of the Ground, having gone to it shortly after the great Storm which happen’d in Sepr. But it seems universally agreed that the Cut ought to go from Pasquotank thro’ the Dismal as reported. I understand Opposition will be made to this usefull Undertaking by some people in Carolina, & that it will be usher’d forth under the Guise of public Spirit, taking Alarm at a Measure which will place the Trade of that Country in a Situation of Dependance upon the Will & Pleasure of this—To obviate such Cavils I have recommended to some Friends of the Scheme to preface the Act proposed to be passed on the Subject with a Declaration, in the clearest Terms, that the Benefits resulting shall be reciprocal to both States, & that a Conference be offer’d to hear & refute Objections—I am apprehensive that the Measure may not be brot forth into Discussion with the Advantages that could be wished, & the Nature of it requires: The Men of Business in the House being generally unacquainted, & in some Measure inattentive to it. I think a Line from you on the Subject, if the Report has yr approbation, would have a good Effect—If Success can be given to this Navigation, & at the same Time to that of Potowmack & James River, great Things must result. And indeed, nothing more is necessary in this Canal Business, than giving a proper Direction to the Efforts which seem ready for Exertion.
Mr Andrews further tells me he thinks one Lock necessary for the southern, & another for the northern End of the Canal, for letting out & in the Vessels, &c. & that the Waters of the Lake

will be sufficient for a constant Supply to the Canal. I wish the Report had been more particular, but such as it is I inclose it to you, & will be much obliged by yr Observations on the Subject. Mrs Henrys Compliments with mine are respectfully presented to your self & your Lady & with the most sincere Attachment I remain dear sir your most humble Servant

P. Henry


Title: To George Washington from Battaile Muse, 15 November 1785
From: Muse, Battaile
To: Washington, George

Honourable Sir,
Berkeley County Novr 15th 1785

as I returned from Alexandria I directed the Overseers on Doctr Seldens Estate to get out their Wheat as Fast as Possable and Send it down, which I expect they will do. I have ready here 200 bushels but I cannot get waggons to Hall it untill next month—when the weather Permits I Shall Send down as fast as I can get waggones to hall it. what butter I have which may be about 140 lb. I shall Lodge at Mr Andrew Wales, about the 10th of next month.
I shall be much oblige to you to give me Perticular Instructions how I am to settle with the Tenants where they have paid Paper money—as its’ a Matter of Consequence to you as well the Tenants, a Final Settlement cannot Take place until that is fixed—and where the Tenant In possession has Purchased He is desirous to have the Matter setled before He Pays for His write of the Lease, the Former Tenant will not Make good the depreciation and forbids the Tenant in Possession to do so—therefore if the Law is in your Favour they will not Pay nor settle only agreeable to the receipts given them unless they are distressed—which must be the Case Should the Law Intitle you to a settlement by the secale. I am not Fully acquainted with the Law but in my opinion that the words of the Law are that where their has not been a Final Settlement of accts that then the depretiation is To Take Place—but where accts have been fully Settled they are to remain so. I See by a receipt of Mr Lunn Washington given Collet for £36 in 1779 when their was only thirty pounds due this Looks Like their might have been something said on the Subject when Mr Washington received the money. I shall be much Oblige to you to Instruct me Perticularly on this business —as I wish to sattisfy the Tenant⟨s⟩ and to make a Proper statement in a Renttal that it may be Known from Time to Time the ballances due. I Suppose Colo. Samuel Washingtons receipts given the Tenants are good and that I need not Take

up any receipts of His or others. I have the Honour to be your Obedient Humble Servant

B. Muse

P.S. I have not received any money, I Visit your Fauquier Tenants next week—I a⟨s be⟩fore. B.M.


Title: To George Washington from Antoine-Félix Wuibert, 15 November 1785
From: Wuibert de Mézières, Antoine-Félix
To: Washington, George

General
Hispaniola Cap-français 15. of November 1785

Pray, give me the Leave to remember to your Excellency my most Respectfull duty, & Enquire about the present State of your Health, for Which Every good Citizen must pray, Since you are our Common father & the Protector of those Who Have Endured the Calamities of this Last Great War.
Altho’ I came over here on account of the Benefit of the air for the Recovery of my Health; & Shelter myself under the Hospitable Roof of few Charitable friends of mine against the Want I Was, in While in Philadelphia; & the disagreable Consequences of the Horrid poverty in a Country Where I Had no Credit, nor friend, nor any Kind of Support to relieve & Keep myself With; I am, However, no Less resolved & it is my only & Last Wish to Return to the Liberty-Land again & Die in a Country Which I Have always Considered as my own native one, Ever Since June 1776.
Therefore, General, I do Humbly Entreat you Would be So good as for tell me, in the most Certain Way, When & in What time the Congress Will pay the interets of our Certificates, mine is a Continental one, Also my Little proportion in the Lands to be divided among the officers & Soldiers of the Late Continental Army: I do Sincerely Wish to Have Some good Information about that, for I do much dislike to be at the Other’s Expence & troubles; Indeed, I do not Live but in the most piercing Anguish of mind! Here is, then, the Sad Consequences Which fall upon us, But much more peculiarly on mySelf, Who Have amazingly Suffered or in England or on Board of the British Squadrons for mostly all the War. Since the close of the Hostilities, I Was Confined in my Bed By many Infirmities for near 9 months: Doctr Chovet one of the Phisicians I Had Called for, Governor Dickinson, Colo. Shee & many other good & Credible gentlemen Dare Say & assert that I Was on the point to Lose my Left Leg. In that fatal Illness during 9 months, I Was twice in Less than 4 in a Dying State, Walking afterwards on my Hands & Knees for 6 Weecks; & upon Crutches for 3 months: I do only thank to Doctr Chovet’s Sagacity & tender Cares; &, Since, the Change of the air in Hispaniola Which has been of great benefit to me, Since my Both Legs are Entirely Cured & Safe: Nevertheless

I am not Less reduced, as now, to the grievous & Shamefull Condition to ask to Some & Beg to Other for my But too Well deserved Bread.
Pardon me, Worthy & Memorable Commander, for this Sudden Start from my part! I do Really Know But too Well all What you Have Said & Done in the Behalf of Every Individual of your Army: all America, But What I Say! all the World Rightly proclaims your Eminent Virtus & Hallow your Blessed Name! When, then, Shall We Cease to be tormented By the Horros of su⟨ch⟩ Distress; & Complain for the Congress’s undeserved forgetfulness? it is What I dont ⟨see⟩.
Suppose the Congress Would not Soon pay the interets of the Continental Certificates, So is mine, neither deliver up our allowance of Land; I shall Humbly Beg Your Excellency’s goodness & recommandation, for Some new appointment of Engineer in the Congress or any of the States Service; then I Shall Deem mySelf much Honored & too Happy to find Some opportunity to Shew My faithfull attachment to the Public Service: at Least, General, at Least, I ⟨would⟩ Honestly keep my Life!
I Do quietly Live on a retired Place, the Marquis De Gallifet’s plantation, 6 miles from the City of Cap-français, administered By one Mo. Odelucq Senior, an old friend of mine, Who, With much ado & Cares, has, at last Restored me to the former State of Health Which I had Lost for this 2 years past. the Said plantation, Sugar Work, is the Very Rural delights Seat for Somebody Who don’t Like the noise of the World, on account of Mo. Odelucq⟨’s⟩ peacefull, meek & Studious temper, &, above all, His aversion for all Who We may Rightly Deem Hurtfull in the Least to the Body, Estate & the dignity of the Man. Not Any Body, General, But men of Credit & Wisdom, Comes Here, unless invited By my friend: I dare Say that Gentleman is one of the most devoted, among the french, to the Continental Soldiers, & the Best Wishes for the good & the Wellfare of the American Liberty; for He took always Very friendly much part in our distresses as Well as in our Prosperity; In a Word he is true Republican & Born to be free. He Would Esteeme Himself But too Happy in Entertaining the Protector of the Rights of Mankind Rather than many Idle & Vain Glorious Generals in the World, By Some of Whom he is Sometimes diverted from, When they Land Here; this is his Dearest Wish & Greatest piece of Consolation,

about What We talk together most all Long Day. There is about one thousand of Slaves upon that plantation, all Well & tenderly Keept & managed accordingly to the principles of Humanity & Charity of that Honest Superintendant 12 years ago There is one fine Kitchin garden Wherein Roots, Vegetables of Every Kind may be Seen. the Waters abundantly Runs all the year, in the Spite of the Hotest Summer’s Days, through the plantation, So that the people may Commodiously Wash & Bath any Where they Walk about the place. the game is But Very Little; But as for the fish, there is in plenty. Saddle & chair-horses are in great number. We Have one Very good & able Phisician With a Very Large & Compleat apothecary’s Stock. In fine that Place is Generally provided With all the Conveniencies of the Life; profit With pleasure may, at Will; be found & Joined in this Beautifull & Solitary Country-Seat. I have the Honor to Be With the most profound Respect General your Excellency’s The Most Humble & the most obedient Servant

Colonel Wuibert, Cinctusof the Late Continental Corps of Engineers

P.S. Being one among the members of the Society of the Cincinnati, I do now Stand in Need of the Engraved Patent or Diplome & the Silver medal of our Order, for Such pieces Cannot be dispensed With: the french are much Cavilling upon that Head. I do Belong to the Committee of the State of Pennsylvania. Pardon, General, Pardon, if I take upon mySelf to be So free & Give you So many Troubles. ⟨A.⟩ Wbt


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Cushing, 16 November 1785
From: Cushing, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boston November 16th 1785

The foregoing is a copy of mine of the 9th instant by Mr Fairfax, who set out on his journey together with the Spaniard & the Jack on the 10th instant—I have not as yet been able to procure from Mr Peirce of Gloucester, nor from Mr Cabot of Beverly their respective Accounts for the passages of the Jack Asses, & therefore cannot as yet send your account of expenditures relative to the Jacks, but have at present taken the liberty to draw a Sett of bills of exchange dates November 16th 1785 for the sum of three hundred dollars in favour of Messrs Isaac & William Smith merchants of this Town on their order, payable at ⟨mutilated⟩ sight, which I doubt not you will honour, ⟨as soon⟩ as I can procure the accts above referrd to, I shall send forward your account. In the mean time, I remain With great respect & esteem Your most humble Servant

Thomas Cushing


Title: To George Washington from David Stuart, 16 November 1785
From: Stuart, David
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Novr 16th [17]85 Richmond

It was my misfortune soon after my arrival here, to be confined for several days by sickness; occasioned by lodging in a house newly built, whose walls were perfectly damp—I mention this circumstance by way of accounting, for my not having written to you as yet, and given you some account of our proceedings—Tho’ indeed so little is yet done, that I can now only inform you of what is proposed to be done, rather than what is done—Much time at the beginning, was spent in examining the legality of the Speaker’s, and Mr Lee’s elections. I have only to observe on this matter, that from the manner in which it was conducted, it appears to have originated more from a spirit of

faction, than any regard to an infringment of the Constitution—An attempt is making, which I fear will prove too successful, to postpone the payment of the present taxes—Indeed, some state the inability of the people to be such, as to require an entire remission—This, considering the pressing demands of Congress, and the necessity of a punctual compliance with our own domestic engagements, is certainly strange policy—I think for my part, it may be attended with very fatal consequences; since the people, from being unaccustomed to a regular payment of taxes, may at length refuse to pay any. I have heard so many express favorable sentiments of the Port bill, that I am induced to hope, it will take place; and with the amendment, of striking out some of the places now nominated—Soon after the news of the declaration of war by the Algerines, against us, arrived; information was given to the Executive, that there had three of that nation just come to Norfolk—As it was concieved they were spies, they have been sent for—On examination, however, it seems they are Moors, and subjects of the Emperor of Morocco—Tho’ not confined, yet I understand they are watched. The inhabitants of Kentuck, have sent in their petition by their Delegates, praying a separation—It is so sensible, respectful, and moderate, that it seems to produce conviction on every mind, of the propriety of the measure—The members nominated to Congress, in lieu of Mercer and Hardy, are Coll Lee, and Coll Carrington—There were several other Candidates for these places, who were not ashamed openly to sollicit votes. Indeed, I am very sorry to observe, that Richmond abounds with people watching for place⟨s⟩ and who omit no opportunity of paying court to the very honourable Members—Mr Braxton has been chosen into the Council—The embarrassed state of his affairs, ought to perhaps to have been an objection to putting him in a place, which may be considered in some measure as an asylum—Your letter to the Governor has been read in the House; and a bill is brought in, repealing the former law according to your petition; and giving you full power, to appropriate to any purposes you may think fit, the donations of the Assembly—It will I suppose be transmitted to you by order of the House, as soon as it has passed. I have heard much approbation and satisfaction expressed at your declining those donations—I inclose to you a bill, now under the consideration of

the House, giving powers to Congress to regulate our trade—its fate will not be decided till friday week. If therefore any amendment occurs to you, I shall receive it with pleasure—I believe I have now unloaded my budget—I therefore conclude with desiring my Compliments to Mrs Washington, and the family at Mount Vernon—I am Dr Sir with sincere regard Your Obt Servt

David Stuart


Title: From George Washington to Lamar, Hill, Bisset, & Company, 18 November 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Lamar, Hill, Bisset, & Company

Gentn
Mount Vernon 18th Novr 1785.

Inclosed you have a copy of my last—Since which I have been honored with your favor of the 22d of Augt—This Letter will be

conveyed to you by —— in the ——, which will return immediately to this river & afford a safe & good conveyance for the Wine ordered by Mr Hill—the cost of wch as soon as I am advised of it shall be paid by a Bill on London. I am Gentn &c.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Marsden Pintard, 18 November 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Pintard, John Marsden

Sir,
Mount Vernon 18th Novr 1785.

I have had the honor to receive your favor of the 19th of August from Madeira, accompanied by a box of Citron, Lemons & Onions; for which I pray you to accept my grateful thanks. If a favourable opportunity should offer directly to this river, at a proper season of the year, you would encrease the obligation you have already laid me under, by sending me a few slips of the vines of your best eating Grape; and a young fig tree or two.
From my esteem for your father, & the good opinion I have always heard expressed of you, it gives me pleasure to learn that you are appointed by Congress Commercial Agent for the United States at the island of Madeira & Porto Santo, & I wish you may long continue in the Office to the mutual satisfaction of yourself & employers. I am Sir, Yr mo: Obt hble Servt

Geo: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Rumney, Jr., 18 November 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Rumney, John Jr.

Sir,
Mount Vernon 18th Novr 1785.

Since my last, I have been favored with your Letter of the 3d of July, accompanied by patterns of the Irish flag; but as the prices were not annexed, I could form no judgment, nor make any choice from a comparison thereof with those of the former: nor indeed is it now essential, as the one I had fixed upon in my

last, is cheaper I presume than either of the present samples wou’d be, & will answer my purposes equally well. I hope too the former are in forwardness, & that I may expect them soon—at any rate before the season for laying them shall advance upon me.
Inclosed I send you a Bill on London for fifty pounds sterling, towards payment for those Flags; & will follow it with another to the full amount as soon as I am informed of the Cost of them.
I acquainted you in my last that the House Joiner whom you sent me, answered my expectations fully. He is a good workman & a sober well behaved man. I am thankful to you for making so advantageous a choice; but as there seems to be a difficulty in obtaining a Brick layer, & indeed a risk attending it which I was not acquainted with at the time I applied to you to procure these artizans for me—I now wish you to decline all further enquiries after one.
I pray you to present (when opportunity offers) my respects to your father; and to be assured yourself of the esteem & regard with which I am, Sir, &c.

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Tench Tilghman, 18 November 1785
From: Tilghman, Tench
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Baltimore 18th Novr 1785

I have, by dint of dunning, obtained the plans in Stucco from Mr Rawlins, sooner than I expected—I forward them under cover to Fitzgerald, with a desire that he will send them to Mount Vernon as quickly as he conveniently can.
We are told by the prints that his Catholic Majesty has presented you with four Jacks, and that one or two of them have actually arrived. If this be so, and they all come safe, I should suppose you would not keep them all about you, but divide them in such a manner as to make them extensively useful, and at the same time prevent their interfering with each other in

covering—In such case, I have been strongly sollicited by a number of Gentlemen upon the Eastern Shore of this State to write to you, and request if you have not already made other arrangements, that you would be good eno’ to let one of these useful Animals go to that part of the Country—My Brother James lives at Talbot Court House, the Central spot of the Eastern Shore Counties, and convenient to the State of Delaware also—If you should incline to send one of the Jacks there, he would engage not only to take charge of him, but to be accountable for the Monies you may set upon him for covering—I do not mean to press this matter upon you. I will only say that by complying with the request I have made, you will confer the greatest of obligations upon a number of your fellow Citizens, who from the peculiar situation of their Country, have occasion for draught Cattle less expensive in the Articles of Forage than Horses—I am with Sincere Respect & Esteem Dear Sir Yr most obt & very hble Servt

Tench Tilghman


Title: From George Washington to Charles Vaughan, 18 November 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Vaughan, Charles

Sir,
Mount Vernon Novr 18th 1785.

I have had the honor to receive your favor of the 25th of Septr by Mr Corbett.
I am at a loss to express my sense of the great attention of Mr Vaughan (your good father) to me, or of the obliging manner in which you have executed his request. The Puncheon of rum is safe arrived. & I pray you to receive my acknowledgments of, and to present my thanks for it, to your generous Parent. I wish I had something more agreeable to offer.
Permit me to ask your acceptance of a dozn barrls of the Superfine Flour which I make at my Mill. The quality of it is generally esteemed, & I hope what I now send will not discredit the Brand.
It is to be regretted that Countries which could mutually assist

& benefit each other, & which have dispositions to do so, should be prevented by an interposing power. but this being the case, I despair of seeing any change in the political system, until G:B. shall be convinced, by experience, that the contracted & illiberal policy she is now pursuing, has recoiled upon herself. In the meantime, it is to be lamented, that, any of her distant dependencies should suffer from the effect of such ill-judged regulations.
Being now fixed under my own Vine & my own Fig tree, it would give me great pleasure to entertain you in the shade of them. There to assure you of the esteem & regard with which I have the honor to be, Sir, Yr Most Obedt and obliged Hble Servt

Go: Washington

The Flour intended for your use, is branded on the head of the Cask, G. Washington Burr Superfine and marked & numbered on the side SV—No 1. a 12.
There was a misapprehension wch occasioned the S. instead of C.


Title: From George Washington to Lund Washington, 20 November 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Lund

Dear Lund,
Mount Vernon 20th Novr 1785.

I know as little of G:W.s plans or wishes as you do, never having exchanged a word with him upon the subject in my life. By his Advertisemt—& from what has frequently dropped from Fanny, he is desireous of getting a place in this Country to live at. Before their marriage he & Fanny were both told that it

would be very agreeable to Mrs W. & myself, that they should make this House their home ’till the squalling & trouble of Children might become disagreeable. I have not repeated the matter since, because it was unnecessary—an offer once made is sufficient. It is hardly to be expected that two people as young as they are, with their nearest connexions at extreme points, would like confinement: & without it, he could not answer my purposes as a Manager or Superintendant, unless I had more leisure to attend to my own business, which by the by I shall aim at, let the consequences, in other respects, be as they may.
These however are no reasons for detaining you a moment longer in my employ than suits your interest, or is agreeable to your inclination, & family concerns. But as the proposition is new, & hath never been revolved in my mind, it will take some time to digest my own thoughts upon the occasion before it is hinted to another. In the mean while if I can do with the aids you offer, & for which I sincerely thank you, I will ask your constant attention no longer than this year—at any rate not longer than the next. The inexplicitness of this answer cannot, I presume, put you to much if any inconvenience as yet; because retirement from, & not a change of business, is professedly your object.
However unlucky I may have been in Crops &c. of late years, I shall always retain a grateful sense of your endeavours to serve me; for as I have repeatedly intimated to you in my Letters from Camp, nothing but that entire confidence which I reposed, could have made me easy under an absence of almost nine years from my family & Estate; or could have enabled me, consequently, to have given not only my time, but my whole attention to the public concerns of this Country for that space. I am your sincere friend &ca

Geo: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Archibald Cary, 21 November 1785
From: Cary, Archibald
To: Washington, George

My Dear Sir,
Senate Chamber [Richmond] No. 21st 1785

I have to Acknowledge the rect of two of your letters one by Doctor Lamair, an agreable and skilfull Gentleman in his Profession, the other by Mr Webster which I only recd on Thursday last.
It will always Give me pleasure to Shew every Mark of Civility to Any Gentleman who is Honord with your notice. the latter Gentleman has Solicited and obtained an Act for Secureing to the Authors of Litterary Works an Exclusive Property therein for a limitted Time, which I think just.
We have had but little business of Consequence before the Senate as Yet, one of the most Consiquence was for appointing

Delegates to Congress. Hardys Death and Doctor Lee’s Appointment Occasined two Vacance’s which are Fill’d with Edwd Carrington and Henry Lee Junr We have placed Braxton in the Council in the Place of Wm Nelson resign’d and Confirm’d Tazwell on the Genl Court bench.
The House of Delegates have been and are busy on the New Code of Laws, I Expect from them Several of the Bills this day or to Morrow. at this Moment they are debateing a Bill for Takeing off the half Tax which is now Collecting, a very impolitick Step and which if it should pass as it is now on its Passage, I judge will be rejected in the Senate.
I omitted to Mention a Bill which has passd both Houses founded on Your letter respecting James & Potomack Rivers. in which your request is Fully Comply’d with.
I Am realy Fearful we Shall not rise before March. I Am Sure if they go through the new Code of Laws it will Imploy them near that time. Nothing determined yet as to the Assessment but judge it will be rejected. A Petition for a General Emancipation has met justly that Fate. on recollection I mention a Bill Passd both Houses for Naturalisation of the Marquis De La Fayette. and one for Fixing the value of Gold pr Penny waight. all of which Except German is to Pass at 5/4 the latter at 4/⟨10⟩ the Penny Waight.
A Warm Contest took place for the Chair of the Delegates You must have heard our Friend Succeeded, after which a Strong push was made to Vacate his Seat in the House Many who Assisted in placeing him in the Chair, were of opinion he was not elligible and many who was agst his Takeing the chair were of opinion his Seat was Legal and he Carry both by near the Same Majoraty Say 6. or 7.
When does my Friend Intend Sending for his Bull and his Ladys Cow Calf, they are Fine, and shall be taken good Care of. but I design You shall pay by the Perticular Exertions of Your Jack Ass this Spring on a Jenny of Mine, I had two but by far the Finest died from the bite of a Mad Dog this Summer.
do you never Intend to Spend a little time with Your old J[ame]s River Friends, and altho all are truly so Yet Few of your old ones are left, but Neither on this river or Any other is there one More Sincerely so than Your Most Obt & Hble Servt

Archibald Cary

Present my Complyments to your Lady. the Grass Seed I Gave You is the Guania Grass I saved about 6 Qts of Seed it is an Annual Plant. A.C.


Title: From George Washington to William Bailey, 22 November 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Bailey, William

Sir,
Mount Vernon 22d Novr 1785.

I have received your favor of the 19th. The expensive manner in which my Nephews are proceeding at George Town, added to some other considerations, have determined me to remove them from the Academy at that place, to Alexandria.
I have already for about fourteen months residence, paid to Mr Stoddart & yourself £125.11.0 on their Accot; & it appears from your letter of the above date, that for near half that time, they are yet owing for Board—& have an Accot besides for cloathing; & these too almost independent of their schooling. I am Sir Yr Obt hble Servt

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Stephen Bloomer Balch, 22 November 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Balch, Stephen Bloomer

revd Sir,
Mount Vernon 22d Novr 1785.

The expence attending the residence of my Nephews at Georgetown so far exceeds the idea I was led to entertain when they went there, that, in behalf of their Guardian, I am compelled to remove them.
When they were sent to the Academy under your management, I was informed by Colo. Fitzhugh, that the charge for schooling & Board (if I am not mistaken) was £31 each—Cloathing if judiciously applied & properly attended to, I knew could not be a very great expence, for boys of their standing. But to my surprize, I have already paid Mr Stoddert £67.18.6—Mr Bayly £55.5.2—& yesterday in a letter from the latter, I am informed that there is half a years board due to him for each—& an accot of cloathing besides, yet to be exhibited.
The leading motive Sir, which influenced me to send them to Georgetown was, their boarding with you; & I expected from what had passed between us, after the intervention which had occasioned the suspension of it, they would have returned to you: but now Mr Bayly writes me that he also declines boarding them after the 24th inst: & points out a third person.
These several circumstances combining, added to a conviction founded in experience, that I cannot restrain the profuse & improper advances of Goods for them at a distance, have induced me to bring them to Alexandria, where I shall be a witness to their wants, and can supply their necessities upon more advantageous terms, than they have been hitherto. I am revd Sir &c.

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Drayton, 23 November 1785
From: Drayton, William
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Charleston S.C. 23. Nov. 1785

As Chairman of the Committee of the South Carolina Society for promoting & improving Agriculture & other rural Concerns, I am directed to inform your Excellency, that you are unanimously elected the first honorary member of that Society.
This mark of their Respect the Society thought ⟨wa⟩s with peculiar Propriety due to the man, who by ⟨his⟩ gallantry & Conduct, as a Soldier, contributed so ⟨em⟩inently to stamp a Value

on the Labours of every ⟨A⟩merican Farmer; and who by his Skill and Industry ⟨in⟩ the Cultivation of his own Fields, has likewise distinguish’d himself as a Farmer.
It adds to the Satisfaction, which I feel in conveying to you these Sentiments of the Society, that it affords me at the same Time an opportunity of expressing the high Esteem & Regard, with which I have the Honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant

Wm Drayton, C.J.


Title: From George Washington to Elizabeth French Dulany, 23 November 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Dulany, Elizabeth French

Friday—past 2 ’Oclock [c.23 November 1785]

General Washington presents his best respects to Mrs Dulany with the horse blueskin; which he wishes was better worth her acceptance.
Marks of antiquity have supplied the place of those beauties with which this horse abounded—in his better days. Nothing but the recollection of which, & of his having been the favourite of Mr Dulany in the days of his Court ship, can reconcile her to the meagre appearance he now makes.
Mrs Washington presents her Compliments and thanks to Mrs Dulany for the Roots of Scarcity.


Title: From George Washington to John Paul Jones, 25 November 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Jones, John Paul

Sir,
Mount Vernon Novr 25th 1785

I have been honoured with your letter of the 18th of July from Paris enclosing certificates in favor of Captns Stack & Macarthy.
I pray you to be assured that I should have pleasure in doing justice to the merits of these Officers, and obliging you if the power of deciding lay with me. But, though I am in sentiment with the Gentlemen who have declared in favor of the pretensions of Captns Stack & Maccarthy’s right to become members of the Cincinnati, yet, in matters of opinion I have no authority to pronounce them such.
As French Officers, having borne Continental Commissions, my opinion is that their best mode would have been, to have got themselves admitted as members of State Society before the Kings edict, or order in Council took effect, for if I mistake not all Officers in the Service of France whose names are not particularly enumerated in that order are excluded thereby. This however is a matter of which they, or you, can be better ascertained of than I. At any rate nothing can be done in this Country until the next General Meeting; and that cannot happen in less than Eighteen months, and may be much longer delayed. I have the honor to be Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Lawrence Kortright, 25 November 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Kortright, Lawrence

Sir,
Mount Vernon 25th Novr 1785.

If it was in my power to give you the information, & the satisfaction which is required in your letter of the 10th of October; I would do it with pleasure: but not recollecting enough of the

particular circumstances attending the Sloop Hester—the whole of the business respecting this & other vessels, being entirely within the Department of the Quarter Mr General, I can offer nothing which will facilitate your settlement with the public.
I do remember very well that the service, in the Spring of 1776, required an impress, & purchase of Vessels; that orders issued to the Quarter Master General for that purpose; & I have some recollection that the Sloop Hester was one of those Vessels which were taken into the service of the public, & that she was afterwards sold to Colo. Sears: but upon what terms; what became of her after that; how the Accots respecting her stand—or how the matter is to be finally settled, I know not. I am Sir &c.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Edward Newenham, 25 November 1785
From: Washington, George
To: Newenham, Edward

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 25th Novr 1785

Since I had the honor of writing to you on the 20th of March, which was done in haste (having but little notice of Capt: Boyle’s intended departure, before the time appointed for his sailing—& then to send my dispatches to Richmond 125 miles)—I have been favored with your letters of the 3d of March, 25th of May, & 23d of July. The first was forwarded to me by Captn Bibby, whom I have not yet had the pleasure of seeing; tho’ he gives me assurances of it, & to whom I shall have pleasure in rendering any services in my power consistently—if it should be found necessary.
The opposition which the virtuous characters of Ireland have given to the attemps of a British Administration’s interfering with its manufactures, fettering its commerce, restraining the liberties of its subjects by their plan of reform &[c]a &ca, will hand their names to posterity with that veneration & respect to which their amor patriae entitles them.
Precedents, as you justly observe, are dangerous things—they form the arm which first arrests the liberties & happiness of a Country. In the first approaches they may indeed assume the garb of plausibility & moderation, & are generally spoken of by the movers as a chip in porrage (to avoid giving alarm)—but soon

are made to speak a language equally decisive and irresistible; which shews the necessity of opposition in the first attempts to establish them, let them appear under what guise or Courtly form they may; & proves too that vigilance & watchfulness can scarcely be carried to an excess in guarding against the insiduous arts of a Government founded in corruption.
I do not think there is as much wisdom & sound policy displayed in the different Legislatures of these States as might be; yet I hope every thing will come right at last. In republican Governments it too often happens that the people (not always seeing) must feel before they act: this is productive of errors & temporary evils—but generally these evils are of a nature to work their own cure.
The situation of affairs in Ireland, whilst the propositions were pending in the Parliament of it, would, I concluded, be a means of postponing your voyage to this Country; but as those seem to have met their quietus, I hope nothing else will intervene to prevent your fulfilling your expectation of coming in the Spring; the season will then be favourable for crossing the Atlantic.
Had I been present & apprized of your intention of making an aerial voyage with Monsr Potain, I should have joined my entreaties to those of Lady Newenham to have prevented it. As yet, I see no object to warrant a gentleman of fortune (happy in himself—happy in a family wch might be rendered miserable by a disaster, against which no human foresight can guard) running such a risk. It may do for young men of science & spirit to explore the upper regions: the observations there made may serve to ascertain the utility of the first discovery, & how far it may be applied to valuable purposes. To such alone I think these voyages ought at present to be consigned—& to them handsome public encouragements should be offer’d for the risk they run in ascertaining its usefulness, or the inutility of the pursuit.
I have neither seen, nor heard of Mr Tharpe the s[t]ucco worker mentioned in your letter of the 23d of July. A good man acquainted with that business would have come very opportunely to me, as I had, & now have a large room which I am about to finish in this way. I have at length engaged a person to do it; who from having no rival, imposes his own terms, which

I think are exorbitant—good workmen of any profession, would meet encouragement in these States.
For the many marks of attention which you have been pleased to bestow on me—I feel myself your Debtor: could my picture which is placed in a groupe with Dr Franklin, the Marqs de la Fayette & others in your library, speak the sentiments of the original, it would salute you every morning with its acknowledgements. I have never seen more than one picture of Genl Green, & that a mezzotinto print, sent to me a few days ago only, by the publisher a Mr Brown at No. 10 George Yard, Lombard street, London; taken it is said from a painting done at Philada.
The Magazines, Gazettes &ca which you had the goodness to forward to me, came safe: & I pray you to accept my thanks for them. My best respects, in which Mrs Washington joins, are presented to Lady Newenham & yourself. With sentiments of great esteem & regard, I am Dr Sir Yrs &c.

G: Washington