Title: To George Washington from James Washington, 19 October 1798
From: Washington, James
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Berlin 19th Octr 1798

The Government of the U.S. of America have given a brilliant example that it knew well how to unite the true interest and welfare

of the State with the happiness & prosperity of its Citizens; insomuch that those who are at the greatest distance cannot but admire a government founded on so excellent a basis. I do not stop here, I dare carry my views further and declare how happy I should be to count myself a subject of that Government, and to obtain the appointment of an Officer in the Army which has the advantage of your Excellency at the head of it.
The name which I bear, and the honor which I have of being a Relation to your Excellency leads me to hope that you will grant me your valuable protection. I am a Native of the Hague in Holland, where there are still some relations of the name. We are a branch which quitted England to establish themselves in Holland. It would be only abusing the precious time of your Excellency to enter at this moment into a detail of the family; I shall therefore content myself with only adding, that I beleive I have in my power authentic proofs to shew that I am related to the greatest man of the age.
I served before the Revolution of 1795 as an Ensign in a Regiment of Infantry in the service of their High Mightiness the States General of the United Provinces. I made the unfortunate Campaign of 1794 when I was 20 years old. During 3 years that I have been in Germany I have applied myself to the study of those Sciences which were most suitable to the career I had commenced, and which I should never have abandoned, had I not been reduced to the alternative of a dismission or perjury towards my lawful Souvereign and thereby have become a wretch in the service of a bad cause. I have made the tour of Saxony and come to Berlin, where I have formed an acquaintance with Mr Adams, who has had the goodness to take charge of this letter to co[n]vey it to your Excellency. In speaking of Mr Adams, permit me to add, that in case you should judge it necessary to have more information concerning me, I flatter myself that the Hereditary Prince of Orange and many other persons of distinction to whom I have the honor of being known, would give satisfaction.
Should I be so happy as to have my proposal approved, and your Excellency should be disposed to favour me with a place in the Army under your Command, I would go next Spring to America to wait the Orders of your Excellency—and to make a disposition favorable to those circumstances, I shall go to the Hague where some affairs require my presence.

I ask pardon of your Excellency for having intruded upon you so long. Should you be pleased to grant the favor I have solicited, my gratitude & acknowledgements will be expressed in the highest degree, and it will be putting it in my power to prove at all times the profound Respect with which I have the Honor to be Your Excellency’s most obedient & most Humble sevt

James Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Washington, 19 October 1798
From: Washington, William
To: Washington, George

[19 October 1798]

Your letter of September the 27th I received, a few days ago by Major Simons. In conformity with your request I have enclosed a list which consists of such persons who I have reason to believe are desirous of obtaining commissions in the Army . . .
I had indulged the pleasing hope that I had made a final retreat into the peaceful shades of retirement, but at this momentous crisis I shall not hesitate when I shall have my appointment officially announced (at present I know nothing of it, except what appears in the public prints,) to obey the summons of my country, especially when I know that the army is to be commanded by a chief for whom I have had the highest respect and veneration.
Please to make a tender of my best respects to Mrs. Washington. With the greatest respect and esteem, your very obedient servant.


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 20 October 1798
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Trenton [N.J.] Octr 20. 1798.

Recollecting your anxiety that General Pinckney might [not] feel satisfied with the military arrangements of General officers proposed by you, I seize the first moment to relieve you from it. This morning Mr McHenry has received from Genl Hamilton a letter dated yesterday, in which is the following passage: After mentioning the arrival of General Pinckney, Genl Hamilton says—
“You will learn with pleasure that he sent me a message by young Rutledge purporting his entire satisfaction with the military arrangement, and readiness to serve under my command. Communicate this to our friends Pickering & Wolcott, as I am not well enough to write them by this post.”
I think, in a former letter, I expressed myself confidently, that General Pinckney’s good sense and patriotism, joined with his great respect for you, would ensure his satisfaction with your arrangement.
I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 15th acknowledging the receipt of mine of the 3d instant. Contrary to my usual

practice, I find I omitted taking a copy of it: but I recollect it communicated political information, and that my motive at the time was your present important official station, which rendered proper such a communication; as well as to gratify that interest which you could not as a citizen fail to take in the great concerns of your country. I could venture to assure you of my continued attention on this head, if I had competent aid in my office in writing letters on business foreign & domestic, aid which I ought to have, & for which I must ask at the ensuing sessions. I have indeed an excellent chief clerk, vastly more capable tha[n] Mr Taylor for writing letters; but he has so much business as Chief Clerk, that I need another for the particular purpose of maintaining common correspondencies, either directly by himself, or in preparing draughts for my signature.
I have also thought that a direct correspondence between the department of state and the governors of the several states would be very useful, and the idea met the President’s approbation. It would be useful by the information I should communicate, and it would gratify and conciliate those whose cordial cooperation is so important, and whose influential situations enable them to command extensively great respect & attention to their opinions.
The correspondence between Talleyrand & Gerry concerning X. Y & Z. you will recollect offended the “delicacy” of the latter gentleman, who avowed himself by the name of Hautval; and addressed to Talleyrand a letter declaring that “his delicacy could not but be severely hurt to see himself, under the appellation of Z. performing a part in the company with certain intriguers, whose object doubtless was to derive advantage from the credulity of the American envoys, and to make them their dupes.” The quality of this gentleman’s delicacy you will see in the following extract of a letter from Mr King, which I received this morning. “Colonel Trumbull, who was at Paris soon after the arrival there of the Commissioners, has more than once informed me, that Hauteval told him, that both the douceur and the loan were indispensable, and urged him to employ his influence with the American Commissioners to offer the bribe as well as the loan.” The Corruption of these scoundrels is unbounded. In the publication of the dispatches from our Envoys, altho’ not enjoined secrecy in respect to Mr Hauteval, yet as the envoys mentioned him with respectful language,

I voluntarily substituted Z. for his proper name. I am with great respect, sir, your most obt servant,

Timothy Pickering


Title: From George Washington to the South Carolina Society of the Cincinnati, 20 October 1798
From: Washington, George
To: South Carolina Society of the Cincinnati

Gentlemen,
Mount Vernon 20th Octr 1798.

I have been honored with your favor of the 30th of August communicating the resolve of the Cincinati of the state of South Carolina respe[c]ting the propriety of altering the Ribband to which the badge of the Society was directed by the constitution to be appendant, as indicative of the union, between the United States and France, and have transmitted it to the Secretary General, to be laid before the Society at the next general meeting of its Delegates. With very great Esteem & regard I have the honour to be Gentlemen Your most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Adams, 21 October 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Mount Vernon 21st October 1798

The letter with which you were pleased to honor me—dated the 9th instant—was received by the last Mail; and demands my particular acknowledgments.
It was with sincere concern I received the account of Mrs Adams’s low state of health, and your consequent indisposition. If my fervent wishes would restore her, and you, to perfect health, this object would soon be accomplished: and in these wishes, Mrs Washington unites with, great cordiality.
In her behalf, and for myself, I thank you for your kind wishes respecting us. She is as well as usual, and I am quite recovered of the fever with which I was afflicted sometime ago; and nearly so of the debility in which it left me.
If the Office of Adjutant General had been vacant by the nonacceptance of Mr North, no one could have filled it more agreeably

to my wishes than either of the Gentlemen suggested by me in the arrangement made with the Secretary of War—of course General Dayton would have been an acceptable appointment. It appears however, by a letter I have lately received from the War Office, that Mr North has not declined the honor you did him. With great consideration & respect I have the honor to be Sir Your Most Obedient & Most Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Rawleigh Colston, 21 October 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Colston, Rawleigh

Sir
Mount Vernon 21st Octr 1798.

It is not more than three or four days since your letter enclosing one from Mr Thomas Marshall, has been received.
That Gentleman is, as I myself also am in doubt whether more than one draug[h]t has not been made upon me by Colo. Marshall, for the taxes which he has been so kind as to pay for my land in Kentucky. But as the voluminous papers which I brought from Philadelphia are not yet finally adjusted, and I am not, in consequence, able to ascertain this fact by an easy reference to them; I shall pay to your order, on demand, the full balance as stated by Mr T. Marshall—viz. £17.7.3: leaving the Sum of £8.17.3 to be discounted hereafter, if, upon the assortment of my Papers it shall appear (as I think it will) that it has been paid to some one, authorised by Colo. Marshall to receive it. I am—Sir Your Most Obedt Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 21 October 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 21st Octor 1798.

Several causes have concurred, to retard the acknowledgment of the receipt of your favour of the 26th of August.
At the time it came to hand, I was much engaged in matters that could not be well postponed; and before I got through them, I was siezed with a fever which was unremittingly severe for several days, and left me in so debilitated a state as to render writing, and business generally (when it could be avoided) not only irksome, but improper, & was forbidden by my Physicians.
During this state of convalescence, letters which required prompt attention, were pouring in upon me. This state of things; not knowing what the Presidents final decision would be; and not perceiving that I could say more to you on the subject of relative rank than I had done in former letters—unless to dilate on the several points which had before been touched, (and this appeared to me to be unnecessary, as your own ideas would anticipate all I could say) I delayed from day to day to do what I am now in the act of doing—that is writing to you.
I can again, my dear Sir, with much truth & sincerity repeat to you, the declaration made on a former occasion, namely, that if

an amicable arrangement of precedence could have been settled between Generals Hamilton, Pinckney, and yourself, previous to the nominations, it wd have been perfectly satisfactory to me; but driven as I was, to make it myself, at the time, and in the manner it was transmitted—I was governed by the best view, & best evidence I could obtain of the public sentiment relative thereto. The Senate acted upon it under an impression it was to remain so, and in that light the matter is understood by the Public—and it would be uncandid not to add, that I have found no cause since to believe, I mistook that sentiment. Let me add further, that as an Army was to be raised de novo—fourteen years after the Revolutionary Troops had ceased to exist that I do not see how any Resolution of the ancient Congress can apply at this day, to the Officers of that army. If it does, and the matter is viewed by others as it is by you, will any field officer of that army serve under General Dayton? Would it not deprive the President of the advantage of selection & arrangement? and what difficulties & perplexities would not follow if this idea & conduct should prevail generally? Accompanied with the opinion which you seem to have imbibed, of incidental Rank. Few knowing, & deserving officers of this description would feel very easy under such a decision, or be content with a feather, if they conceived that Rank meant nothing when inserted in their Commissions. On what ground did the Baron de Steuben command a separate Corps in the State of Virginia in the year 1781—and Colo. Hamilton a select one at the Siege of York if Incidental Rank does not give command according to circumstances and discretion of the Commanding General?
But I am running into details which I did not intend. It would (if you could reconcile it to your own feeling) give me sincere pleasure to see you in the augmented Corps—a Major General. We shall have either no War or a severe contest with France; in either case, if you will allow me to express my opinion, this is the most eligable time for you to come forward. In the first case to assist with your council & aid in making judicious provisions & arrangements to avert it. In the other case, to share in the glory of defending your Country; and by making all secondary considerations yield to that great & primary object, display a mind superior to embarrassing punctilios, at so critical a moment as the present.
After having expressed these sentiments with the frankness of undisguised friendship it is hardly necessary to add that, if you

should, finally, decline the appointment of Majr General, that there is no one to whom I would give a more decided preference as an Aid de Camp—the offer of which is highly flattering—honorable—& grateful to my feelings, & for which I entertain a high sense.
But, my dear Genl Knox, (and here again I speak to you in the language of candour, & friendship) examine well your mind on this subject. Do not unite yourself to the ⟨Suit⟩ of a man whom you may consider as the primary cause of what you call a degradation, with unpleasant sensations. This, while it was gnawing upon you, would (if I should come to the knowledge of it) make me unhappy; as my first wish would be that my Military family—and the whole Army—should consider themselves as a band of brothers, willing & ready, to die for each other. I shall add no more than assurances of the sincere friendship & affection with which I am Dear Sir Your ⟨illegible friend illegible

Go: Washington⟩


Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 21 October 1798
From: Washington, George
To: McHenry, James

Private & ConfidentialMy dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 21st Octr 1798

Enclosed is a copy of the Presidents letter to me, which I request may be, with this letter, burnt as soon as they are read, & no more said respecting the contents than might be proper for him to hear repeated again; Otherwise, a knowledge that the contents of my letters to, and from him, are in possession of others, may induce him to believe, in good earnest, that intriegues are carrying on, in which I am an Actor—than which, nothing is more foreign from my heart.
I return the Press copies which were enclosed to me. But in future, whenever you require my opinion on any points, let them be stated in your letter, or on a paper to remain in my possession; without wch my acts, & proceedings, will appear incomplete & misterious.
Do you mean to furnish me with a copy of the letter you wrote

to the President from hence, & of his Instructions to you, or not? Long, long since I informed you that it would be extremely useful to me (if I was to have any hand in selecting the Officers for the four Regiments & Cavalry, proposed to be raised in the Southern division of the Union) to be furnished with a list of the Captains & Subalterns therein, who served in the Revolutionary Army; but none has ever been sent. This, with the dates of their Commissions might be a means of coming at many valuable Officers, and preventing many disputes hereafter.
Has Mr Wolcott received any answer to his letter to the President? and to what effect. You know that I am always Your sincere friend and Affecte Humble Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. It is sometime since Nelly Custis enclosed you a Postnote, furnished by me to discharge your advance for the Colours—Has it ever been received?


Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 21 October 1798
From: Washington, George
To: McHenry, James

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 21st Octr 1798

Your letter of the 16th instt came by the last Mail. The enclosures are well calculated to effect their objects. But the explicit declaration contained in the one to General Knox, added to his knowledge of my sentiments on the subject of relative Rank, leaves little hope, in my mind, that he will obey your summons, and render his aid in the manner required of him.
I hope no difficulty will occur with General Pinckney; and if he cannot be prevailed on to remain at the Seat of Government until the 10th of November, (the ulterior day allowed for the assembling of the Major Generals) that you will avail yourself of all his information relatively to the characters best qualified to Officer the Corps allotted to the States of South Carolina & Georgia; and as far as his knowledge extends, of those of No. Carolina and Tennessee also.
I have said in the beginning of this letter, that the enclosures were well calculated to effect there objects. but I must except that part of them which relates to the Officering the New Corps in the Southern and Western States, as greatly inferior to the one I suggested in my last letter to you, dated the 15th instant: first, because it involves more delay; and 2dly, because the chance of obtaining good Officers is not equal.
If the President of the United States, or the Secretary of War had a personal, & intimate knowledge of the characters of the applicants, the mode suggested by me would be indelicate & improper; but at such a distance, & in cases where information must govern, from whom (as I observed in my former letter) can it be so much relied on, as from those whose interest—honor—and reputation is pledged for its accuracy?
The applications are made, chiefly, through members of Congress. These, often times to get rid of them; oftener still perhaps, for local & Electioneering purposes, and to please & gratify their party, more than from any real merit in the applicant, are handed in, backed by sollicitude to succeed, in order to strengthen their interests. Possibly, no injustice might be done, if I was to proceed a step further, and give it as an opinion, that most of the candidates brought forward by the opposition members, possess sentiments

similar to their own, and might poison the army by dissiminating them, if they were appointed. If, however, the plan suggested by you is to be adopted, indeed in any case, you will no doubt see the propriety of obtaining all the information you can from Majr General Pinckney—and if he accepts his appointment, and cannot be prevailed on to remain with you until the other Majr Generals assemble, to request him to call on Brigr General Davie on his route to Charleston, and after a full, & free conversation with him on fit characters to Officer the quota of Troops from the State of No. Carolina (and Tennessee if he can aid in it) to inform you of the result, without delay.
I hardly think it will be in my power to attend at Trenton or Philadelphia at the time allotted to the Majr Generals. 1st because I am yet in a Convalescent State (although perfectly recovered of the fever) so far at least as to avoid exposture, and consequent Colds; 2dly, My Secretary (Mr Lear) has had a severe fever, and is now very low; and sevl others of my family much indisposed: and 3dly & principally, because I see no definitive ground to proceed upon, if I should go, from any thing that has hitherto appeared. Nor is it probable you will have received the Presidents Instructions, and Genl Knox’s answer in time to serve me with notice of the results, by the 10th of November. I mean for me to get there; on, or about that day.
If General Pinckney could be prevailed on to remain with you, & there was a moral certainty of meeting Generals Hamilton and Knox, I would, maugre the inconveniences, and hazard I might run, attempt to join them, for the valuable purpose of projecting a Plan in concert with you, and them; which might be ineffectually accomplished at a partial meeting. I shall, therefore, stand prepared, as well as the situation of things will admit, and wait your full communications on these several points—and govern myself accordingly. With great esteem & regard, I am—Dear Sir—Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to the District of Columbia Commissioners, 22 October 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Commissioners for the District of Columbia

Gentlemen.
Mount Vernon 22 Octr 1798

Your favor of the 18th instt, enclosing a letter from Mr Blagdin of the same date, came duly to hand; and although I am perfectly satisfied that by doing the Carpenters & Joiners work with my own People, by a correct Bill of the materials required, & obtained from a reputable Mill on the Eastern Shore to suit the buildings, that I could save a thousand dollars under that head alone—yet, to avoid trouble to myself—to avoid disputes between workmen, having no controul over, but acting independently of each other; to avoid sending Negro Carpenters to the City, and having them to provide for there, and above all, taking into consideration what may, eventually, happen next year, and my employment in consequence—I have resolved to agree to Mr Blagdin’s terms: that is, to give him Eleven thousand dollars to build the two houses, according to the plan agreed on, and agreeably to the specification which has been presented to me; and must be produced & referred to, as the criterion by which the work is to be judged. I, taking upon myself the execution of the Painting & Glasing; and furnishing the Iron Mongery, agreeably to the Bill which he exhibited; the quantity of nails not to over-run the specification—that is, by allowing him the amount of that item, he is entitled to no further call upon me for an increase.
I have never entered into a contract of this sort, and of course little skilled in drawing one; for which reason, it would be an act of kindness if you would cause efficient articles to be drawn under your Inspection & correction: the cost of wch I am willing to pay—Whatever is customary on the part of the Employer, I am willing to comply with; nothing occurs to me as necessary, at present, except defraying the cost; and this I am ready to do by depositing the means in the Bank of Columbia, to be drawn for by a Gentleman in the City, upon Mr Blagdin’s producing Bills of cost, of the materials for carrying on the Work, and the amount of Workmens wages, every Month, fortnight, or week, as shall be stipulated.
On the part of the Employed I presume there are many essentials,

requiring him to be bound to the performance of—And is it not necessary, & usual that these should be secured by Bondsmen?
But I will add no more on a Subject with which you are much better acquainted than I am. I shall be punctual in the fulfillment of my part of the agreement, and only wish to have the counter part equally well observed. For I find, including the price of the Lots and enclosing them, with the cost of the buildings, in the manner I am proceeding, the Rent I shall be able to obtain, will scarcely give me common interest for the money that will be expended. But having put my hand to the work I must not now look back. With very great esteem & regard I am—Gentlemen Your Most Obedient and Obliged Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Marshall, Jr., 22 October 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Marshall, Thomas Jr.

Sir,
Mount Vernon 22d Oct. 1798

Your favor of the 4th of August came safe to my hands under cover from Mr Colston—whom I have authorised to draw upon me for the full balance as stated in the a/c transmitted by you.
It dwells however upon my mind (but not perfectly) that the first item therein—viz.—£8.17.3 has been paid to some person who appeared authorised to receive it; but as My voluminous Papers (brought from Philadelphia) are not yet all opened and assorted, I am not able to ascertain this fact, or speak with the least decision on the subject, and there fore have, as beforementioned, desired Mr Colston to draw upon me, in favor of his correspondent in Alexa., for the whole amount.
If, hereafter, it should be recollected by Colo. Marshall, or appear by any receipt I shall find, that the above Sum of £8.17.3 has been paid, it can be allowed in the next account.
I feel much obliged by your kindness in paying the Taxes of my land upon rough Creek, for the years 1796 and 1797; and for the services you have rendered me in entering them at the Auditors Office for future taxes, agreeably to your late Act of Assembly, relative

to non-residents. and you would add to the obligation by continuing to pay the dues thereon as they arise, & drawing upon me for the amt.
But previous to this, let me request the favour of you to enquire of Mr Short (if you should see him) whether he has done any thing in this matter, or not; for not having heard for a long time in what Situation, or jeopardy the Land might be, Genl Spotswood who had business to transact with that Gentleman, and he understood it was threatened, was requested to ask him to examine, and do what was needful to rescue it, if really in danger, from the threatned evil—which he kindly promised to do. My best wishes & respects are offered to Colo. Marshall. I am Sir—Your Most Obedt Hble Ser.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 23 October 1798
From: Washington, George
To: McHenry, James

Dear Sir
Mount Vernon 23d Octr 1798.

It gave me very sincere pleasure to find by your letter of the 17th—recd last night—that Genl Pinckney accepts his appointment in the Army of the Unite[d] States.
If it would not be too inconvenient for him to remain at the Seat of Government until the 10th of next month (the ulterior day, allotted for the assembling of the Majors General at Trenton or Philadelphia) and you would advise me thereof, immediately, I would make every exertion in my power to meet them at that time.
For a variety of reasons, which will readily occur, the sooner such a meeting could take place the better; and perhaps no time, season, or circumstances, would be more convenient than the one proposed; nor more eligable for the purpose of concerting a Plan, upon general hypothesis; and rectifying, as far as possible, the evils which have proceeded from delay in Recrui[tin]g. With great esteem and regard I am—Dr Sir—Your Most Obt Serv⟨t⟩

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Lambert, 24 October 1798
From: Lambert, John
To: Washington, George

Much Respect’d Sir
Pittsgrove Salem County West JerseyOctober 24. 1798

it Gives me much Pleasure to inform you of the very great Improvement we have found by being Careful to Cultivate the Large Sort of Clover. the Summer before this we had About 80 Acres of the Small Red Clover—being a dry Sumer we Could not mow 3 bushels of Seed[.] this Summer being a like dry but haveing about 70 Acres of the Large Sort of red Clover we have mawn we hope 60 bushels of Seed on the like poor worn out Lands. you know the Common run of our lands are worn out but if we Can grow a Quantity of feed or hay the land may be improveed I have Shewn the 2 distinct Sorts growing Close by Each other and it has Convin[c]ed Gentlemen to their Surprise the Very Great difference. As you love improvement I thought you would not think this A trifling Affair.
I intend to keep Some of this Sort of red Clover att Mr John Coopers in ray Streett No. 152 att 16 Dollars a bushel my Neighbours buy it Very redyly att that Price. I hope you will overlook all my Imperfections and believe that no one more Sincerely Respect You than Your Obedient Servant

John Lambert


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Law, 24 October 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Law, Thomas

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 24th Octr 1798.

Your letter of the 17th instant was handed to me by Mr Lear, and I should have sent you the enclosed check on the Bank of Alexandria for two hundred and fifty dollars sooner, had we not

expected you at this place on friday or Saturday last, according to promise—and been looking for you every day since.
All I ask is, that you would have me secured in the loan of this sum, for the purpose of erecting a Hotel for Mr Tunnicliff, in the same manner you do the $750 lent on your own A/c.
The family here unite in love and best wishes for Mrs Law, Eliza and yourself; and I am, with great esteem & regard—Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Isaiah and Alexander Thomas, 24 October 1798
From: Thomas, Isaiah,Thomas, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Walpole, N.H. Oct. 24 1798

As a specimen of literary and miscellaneous “folio of four pages,” printed weekly in this place, we send you the paper which accompanies these. Do us the honour to accept of the numbers as they are published. We have a laudable ambition of numbering so worthy a Man among our readers. With profound respect, We are Sir, Your obedt & humble servts

Ish & Alexr Thomas


Title: From George Washington to Bushrod Washington, 24 October 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Bushrod

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 24th Octr 1798.

Your letter of the 19th instant came duly to hand. I think you were perfectly right in accepting the appointment of Associate Judge—Not only for the reasons you have mentioned, but on every other account.
I only regret that Judge Wilson had it not in his power to have postponed his exit (which I am persuaded he was not indisposed to do) to a later period. The Elections in New Jersey are not favourable, & in Pennsylvania—so far as we have heard—are bad. What these, and such like will produce, is left for wiser heads than mine to foretell. I auger very ill of them.
I wish your Circuit may be pleasant and honorable to you, and that you may return safe to your family & friends. The Season is propitious for a Southern tour and I hope your attention to the duties of your present Office will give satisfaction. Of some of the Judges who have gone that Circuit their has been heavy Complaints—I am Yr sincere friend & affecte Uncle

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from the District of Columbia Commissioners, 25 October 1798
From: Commissioners for the District of Columbia
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Washington 25th October 1798

We received your Letter of 22d Inst., and in consequence, have caused the Draft of an agreement to be made, such as appeared to

us to correspond with your ideas, but lest any alterations might be wished, we advised Mr Blagdin to wait on you with it, and to take with him the Plans, specifications &c, so that if you have stamped paper, the duty on which will be seventy five cents per sheet, the writings may be copied and executed at Mount Vernon; but if not, (as is probably the case) they may be written and executed here, after Mr Blagdin’s Return. We are, with sentiments of great respect, Sir, Yr Mo: Obt Servts

William Thornton
Alexr White


Title: To George Washington from William Thornton, 25 October 1798
From: Thornton, William
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
City of Washington Octr 25th 1798.

Some Days before the Board had the honor of your last Communication I had applied to Mr Blagdin to make out all the various Estimates expressed in your Favour to me of the 18th Instt, and I meant to obtain a Specimen of the different mouldings; thinking your People could work better by them, than by Drawings. What I requested was only in proviso; for I thought it might finally be a matter of hesitation, whether it would be better to submit to a higher charge than your People would render necessary, or encounter the Difficulties arising from the procuring of Timber & Scantling, sending it up as required &c: for although it would have been a pleasure to me to have endeavoured as much as laid in my power to relieve you from a portion of the Trouble, yet you would still have had some cares that might be inconvenient; and, upon the whole, as your People will not remain unusefully employed, it will perhaps give you greater Satisfaction in the end, to form a Contract in the mode you have proposed. Mr White and I have formed a Contract, with which Mr Blagdin will wait on you.
Mr T: Peter shewed me an Estimate of General Lee’s Property in this City. It is extravagant if he possesses the Lots; but I believe he is not the Proprietor, for I think he sold some of them to Presley Thornton, who re-sold them to John Tayloe of Mount Airy. I cannot ascertain the Fact till I see some of the Parties, and I have

not yet had an opportunity; but it would be a matter of little Consequence, as you could not think of allowing such a price.
There may, in the price of your Houses, be a little reduction made in the end Walls; for, as the Board allowed me the Lot adjoining yours (it being awarded to me by Messrs Young & Law for the Premium which I had not demanded from motives of Delicacy, but which I was entitled to for my plans of the Capitol) and I am willing to prepare for a House or Houses on a similar plan, the Chimnies may be run up at the same time, & I will allow you half the Price of that Wall, besides entitling you to build on the Line of Separation, which will give you seven Inches more space in your House; and, with your permission, I will write a few Lines to Amariah Frost, a Magistrate in New England, who purchased on the other side of you, and make the same proposal to him, by which you will gain seven Inches more on the other side, and save half the Expense of the wall, provided he agree to the plan, of which I will send him a Copy. It is not customary to demand the moiety ’till the Parties build, which might be a consideration if the immediate additional Expenditure were great, but it is very inconsiderable, and more than repaid by the increase of space, if reimbursement were never demandable; but we shall be bound to repay it, and I hope sooner than present appearances warrant. Indeed if I had not suffered by some late heavy losses; not in Speculations, but matters of Confidence, to the amount of between four & five thousand Dollars, I should have been enabled to carry up a House now—I hope, however, to assist in making a respectable Row of Houses.
I do not recollect to have heard you mention a Well; nor has Mr Blagdin spoken of one, although it would save him much trouble and expense, and perhaps may be necessary. This however you will consider: in the mean time I shall not notice it to him.
I think five feet areas very narrow: They are damp, and keep the Kitchens so, by excluding the Sun and air; tending thereby to render them unwholesome: Six, seven, or eight Feet, would be better I think; but the Regulations do not at present allow of such extent. In the grand Houses in London they are very wide. Mr Law says as wide as twelve feet. I have seen them, and think he has mistaken; but eight, or perhaps seven would do; so that allowing a Foot for the Copeing, the Pavement would be twelve feet in the Clear. Houses that have the Kitchens behind do not require such wide

front areas—but as your Houses will be inaccessible behind, & large Casks must be gotten into the Cellars it will be worthy of consideration. I am dear Sir with the greatest respect your affectionate Friend &c.

William Thornton


Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 26 October 1798
From: Washington, George
To: McHenry, James

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 26th Octr 1798.

The enclosures transmitted in your letter of the 20th instant are retd.
I derived great pleasure from General Pinkneys declaration to General Hamilton; and wish you to inform him, that I feel happy in the thought of having him as a Coadjutor, if our disputes with France are to be decided by the Sword.
Let me hear from you as soon as possible on the subject of my last letters to you—dated the 21st and 23d Instant—and be assured of the sincere esteem and regard of Your affectionate

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 26 October 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

Dear Sir
Mount Vernon 26th Oct. 1798.

I have been duly favored with your letters of the 15th & 20th Instant; and received great satisfaction from the communications in both.
That General Pinckney not only accepts his appointment in the army of the United States, but accompanies the acceptance with declar[at]ions so open & candid, as those made to General Hamilton, affords me sincere pleasure. It augers well of the aid that may be expected from his Services.
I should suppose that a Correspondence between the Department of State, & the Governors of Individual States, would be attended with salutary consequences, whilst no evil that I can perceive, would flow from it. By such communications as would be proper to make to them, the well disposed part would be possessed of useful information, and those of a contrary description would, in many cases, be bereft of a plea which they often make—the want of it. To enable you to do this, and to execute with ease the other important duties of your Office, you ought, certainly, to be allowed all the Aid that is necessary.
If Mr Gerry has it in his power to dispel the cloud that hovers over him, I wish, on account of his Country; for his own sake; and as the only attonement he can make to his Colleagues for his seperate transactions, & secret conduct with the French Minister, that he would come forward with an open, and manly representation of all the circumstances that occurred, and governed in that business. Though nothing can excuse his secret negociations—a measure of this sort is the only One I can see, that can irradicate unfavorable Suspicions. I fear however, that vanity, which may have led him into the mistake, and consciousness of being duped by the Diplomatic Skill of our good, & magnanimous Allies are too powerful for a weak mind to overcome. With very great esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to the District of Columbia Commissioners, 27 October 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Commissioners for the District of Columbia

Gentlemen,
Mount Vernon Octr 27 1798

When Mr Blagden came here yesterday with your favor of the 25 inst., and the plans, specifications &c. of my houses, I was out on

my usual ride about my farms, and when I returned home I found Company, which prevented my answering your letter by him.
The sketch of an agreement enclosed in your letter comports fully with my ideas. I have made one or two triffling alterations in it in consequence of some conversation with Mr Blagden, and I now take the liberty to enclose two Copies of the Agreement, and an additional Copy of the specifications. The agreements are drawn on unstamped paper; but I presume it may be stamped in George Town. If it cannot be done there, Doctr Thornton will be so good as to have new agreements drawn for me on stamped paper.
I pray you, Gentlemen, to accept my best thanks for the trouble you have had in this business, which I assure you I should not have given, had I not been induced to build these houses more with a view to promote the necessary improvements in the City, than from any expectation of p[r]ivate emolument from them. With great respect & esteem I am Gentln Yr most Obedt Servt


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 27 October 1798
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Trenton [N.J.] Oct. 27 1798

The inclosed interesting pamphlet is a faithful translation from the original French, transmitted to me by Mr King. As it details facts which demonstrate the perfidy and violence of the French Government, I had it translated, and recommended it to the printer in this place; hoping the dissemination of it in America might do good. I think the Government could expend money in no way more usefully. It is astonishing to hear what audacious lies are propagated by the partisans of France: one would imagine the utmost ignorance and credulity to be found in the United States incapable of swallowing them. This morning I heard the following.

Mr William Bell of Philadelphia (an honest merchant who lived just over against you in Philadelphia) lately attended the court at Easton in Pennsylvania. On his way thither, he was told by some of the country people (Germans) that they were displeased very much with the Government, for making the alliance and seditious bills. By the alliance (when desired to explain) Mr Adams, a son of the President, was to marry a daughter of the King of Great Britain; and General Washington was to hold the United States in trust for that King! And it is for these purposes, said they, that an army is to be raised, and window taxes levied!
Altho’ I have not before heard any thing so foolish and absurd as this, yet the idea of an Alliance between the U. States & Great Britain, we daily see is held up as a scarecrow before the eyes of the people. This reminds me of a curious fact. (I call it a fact because I have it from a man of honour to whom the person who paid the money told it). Whilst Adet was here, several members of Congress (some of each House) were actually paid, by his direction, considerable sums, for giving him the earliest information, that you had concluded an alliance with Great Britain! This was not the only object for which French money has been paid to members of Congress. I say this on the same authority: but I am not at present at liberty to name my author.
This morning I had a letter dated yesterday from General Pinckney, acknowledging the receipt of your letter, which I forwarded to him. He hopes to be at Trenton next Monday morning. I am very respectfully Sir, your most obt servt

Timothy Pickering


Title: From George Washington to William Thornton, 28 October 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Thornton, William

Dear Sir.
Mount Vernon 28th Oct. 1798

When Mr Blagden came here on friday, I was engaged in my usual ride; from which I only returned a little before dinner, and found Mr & Mrs Law, with Govr Crawford & his lady here. These circumstances, and Mr Blagden’s return immediately after dinner, allowed me no time to acknowledge the receipt of your obliging favor of the 25th Instant.
For the information you have been so kind as to give me relatively to General Lee’s City property, I thank you; but I had no idea of allowing him more for half lots than whole ones were to be obtained at.
If you have determined to build a house or houses of similar elevation with those I am contracting for, you shall be extremely welcome to avail yourself of my end wall and to run up your chimneys accordingly, without any allowance being made therefor (which I cannot accept) as the kindnesses I have received from you greatly overpay any little convenience or benefit you can derive from my Wall. If Mr Frost is disposed to build a house immediately, or very soon; and will give it an accordant elevation, it would be agreeable to me that he should erect Chimnies at the South end similar to your’s on the North end of my buildings. With respect to your own accomodation you will please to give Mr Blagden such Instructions when he enters upon the Walls as to suit your views perfectly.
Whether, as there is water so handy, it be necessary to sink a Well, is a matter that circumstances must regulate. If one should be dug, I would range it with the partition Wall of the buildings, that if ever they are occupied as distinct houses, one Pump with two leavers and pipes may subserve both.
I am in sentiment with you and Mr Law, that a five feet area is too narrow; but whence the remedy? If the regulations will not allow more, and cannot be altered, it must be indured, or the buildings must recede from the Street which would be exceptionable in another respect.

Although the Commissioners have been obliging, and ready throughout the whole of this business to render me every aid I could wish, and I am persuaded would continue to do it; Yet, as I shall be bound by Contract (with Mr Blagden) to supply his wants, agreeably to the Conditions of it, and this can be accomplished with more ease by an Individual than by the Board; the sitting of which, at times, may be impeded by the absence of some of its members when most inconvenient for his calls; & as you reside in the City, and [are] always there, & have moreover been so obliging as to offer to receive the Bills and pay their amount (when presented by Mr Blagden) I will avail myself of this kindness: and accordingly, send a check upon the Bank of Columbia, which will carry a credit of five hundred dollars (left there) when I was in the City last, to be drawn for by you, for the above purpose, as occasion may require: and at all times on notice being given, the Bank shall be replenished, & subject to your draughts to satisfy the Bills of expend[it]ure, of which you will be so good as to inform Mr Blagden.
Upon conversing more fully with Mr Blagden upon the frontispiece of the Doors, & considering that to make them of Stone instead of Wood, will add durability to the work, I have agreed to allow the difference—viz. $150; that they may be executed with the latter—and as he represented in strong terms, the wishes of Mr Francis that a part of the Cellars should be vaulted, for the benefit of Wine, I have agreed to this also. He thinks the additional cost may amount to $100 dollars more; but having made no estimate thereof it shall be charged at what it really stands him.
Whether he begins, or not, to lay the foundation of the buildings this Autumn, he ought by all means to have the Stone & sand on the spot to begin early in the Spring. The carting now, is so much better than it will be then, that he must find this an eligable measure. His lime too ought to be secured, and his flooring Plank to be good & procured early—tried up—and seasoned—or the floors will shrink. With very great esteem & regard—I am—Dear Sir in haste Yr Obedt & obliged Hble Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. From the fund put into your hands, by the enclosed Check on the Bank of Columbia, be so good as to pay the expence of Recording the Deeds from the Commissioners to me—The cost of the Stamps—and other incidental charges accruing on the Lots and Buildings.


Title: To George Washington from John Quincy Adams, 29 October 1798
From: Adams, John Quincy
To: Washington, George

Sir
Berlin 29th October 1798

I have the honor to enclose herewith, a letter from a young Gentleman who bears your name, and who flatters himself with being (though distantly) related to you. He is by birth an Hollander, but of a family originally English, which went over from England, and settled in the United Netherlands, sometime near the beginning of the present century.
At the commencement of the present War, he served in the Dutch troops, and was for some months a prisoner in France; but at the period of the Revolution, which made his country an ally to France, he resigned his Commission and is now desirous, if an opportunity of service should present itself in America, to go there—His superior officers several of whom are here bear honorable testimony to his character and conduct—His rank was that of an Ensign—He expects to spend the Winter here, in the further pursuit of military knowledge—From the favorable account I have had of him, I have not hesitated to comply with his request in transmitting the enclosed letter, and in promising to deliver to him such answer as you may think proper to make to his application.
I am happy, in having this opportunity, to express my warm and cordial participation in the joy, which all true Americans have felt,

upon finding again secured to our Country, the benefit of your important services, by your acceptance of the command of her armies. However much to be regretted, is the occasion, which has again summoned you from your beloved retirement, there is every reason to hope, that the spirit of firmness and dignity which your example has so powerfully contributed to inspire, and maintain, will either obviate the necessity of another struggle for our independence, or once more carry us victoriously and gloriously through it.
I received in London, the Letter which you did me the honor to write me, at Mount Vernon on the 25th of June of the last year, and beg leave to offer you my grateful thanks for the favorable sentiments, which you were pleased to express in it relative to myself, and my continuance in that line of public service, to which I had the honor of being introduced by your choice; a circumstance which I shall always cherish, as one of the most flattering and honorable events of my life.
Renewing the most ardent wishes for your health and happiness, I remain with perfect respect, Sir, your very humble and obedient Servant.


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 29 October 1798
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
New York Oct. 29 1798

Some ill health in my family, now at an end as I hope, interfered with an earlier acknowlegement of your favour of the 21st instant. The contents cannot but be gratifying to me.
It is my intention, if not prevented by further ill health in my family, to proceed on the first of November to Trenton—My aid to the Secretary to the full extent of what he shall permit me to afford will not be withheld. But every day brings fresh room to apprehend that whatever may be the props the administration of the war department cannot prosper in the present very well disposed but very unqualified hands. Most respectfully & Affecly I have the honor to remain Dr Sir Yr obliged & obet servant

A. Hamilton

P.S. I had forgotten to say that General Pinckney has given proof of a cordial satisfaction with the Military arrangement.


Title: To George Washington from Israel Shreve, 29 October 1798
From: Shreve, Israel
To: Washington, George

Dear General,
Washington Bottom 29th Octr 1798

I receiv’d your Exceys Letter dated the 1st of this Instant two days ago accompaned with one from Mr Ross who has Just returned from Kentucky, his absence occationed the Letter not comeing to hand sooner, the uswage your Excellency mentions in your Letter that you have receivd from me, I must Acknowledge and that I have Sold some of the Land at nearly double is true. Just after I Purchased a flow of Cash was Left in this Country by the Militia Army, which gave a Sudden rise to Land, which oppertunity I inbraced But Cannot Git the money As it becomes due which Imbarasses me in my Contract with you, Just as I Receivd your Exceys Letter, I was runing out a peace of Land I had just agreed to Let my Brother Samuel have, who is to pay £800 Cash for, he Lives seven miles from Alexandr[i]a within the Bounds of the Federal City he Says he Can Sell for Cash, & will hand the Installment Due Last June to you and by the time next Installment is due I will Collect if possable from those that Ought to have paid up Last May from whom a sufficient Sum was Due & Much more, from this Bargan with my Brother who is a Punctual man I have enough due in time to pay of all the Judgement Bond and £800 to spair from which I Calculate to raise the Installments as they become Due.
Notwithstanding your Excellencys Letter is in rather Severe terms against me yet I hope your goodness will Cause you to forbear a Little, the Land I hold here my Stock &c. with the Bonds I have is my all, I think I Live a Sober Life useing all the industry I am Capable of to Maintain my famaly who must raise or fall with me, if the rigor of the Law is inforced against me It will be Exceeding Distressing not only to my person But to an Aimable Woman and a famaly of Innocent Children, who Look up to me for every thing they Need, your Excellencys forbearance a Little while will be a Great happiness to my famaly, otherwise we must be involved in Misery, If a Cape is Served upon my Body It will not enable me to pay the Debts. If an Execution is Levied on my property and all

Sold by the Shiriff, for want of Money it would Sell for so trifling a Sum, as would be the most Distressing to me & my famaly who as yet Live in repute as a farmer, I Can Dispose of my property better than the Sheriff Can, if I Can Collect money so as to pay of what is due to your Excellency, without being Distressed I Shall have three or four thousand pounds property Left, your Security is good the Land is greatly improved since I Bargained for it, I hope I am not that Careless trifling man as your Excellency may have a right to think I am, the Exceeding Scarcety of Cash has made me unfortunate, I am altogether in your power I know; and plead for your forbearence, I am in the hands of one of the Greatest Charactors in the World, and one who I hope will be Mercifull if not for my Sake, for the Sake of an Innocent famaly My Brother I fully Expect will pay the Installment due into your own hand Sooner than the Law can raise it.
 If Life & health permits I Shall See Mr Ross in a few days & inform him of the Bargain with my Brother and use all my endeavours to put of Entering up the judgement untill further orders from your Excellency, as he has Gave me untill the tenth of next month, to be Harrast with the Law is next to Death to me, ⟨Cash⟩ is unnessary As all can be better done without it than with it. I am your Excellencys Most Obedt Servt

Israel Shreve


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 30 October 1798
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
War Department 30 Octbr 1798

I had the honour to receive your letter of the 23d Instant.
I received a letter this morning from the President, by which I find, that Mrs Adams’ health is so low, and her life so precarious, that it will be impossible for him to leave her till it becomes absolutely

necessary for him to meet Congress. I regret extremely this circumstance, as well on account of the cause, as being deprived of his opinions. But that no delay may thence arise to the service, he authorises me, in case the generals and I should judge it necessary, that the officers of battalions should be appointed, before the meeting of Congress, to fill up their commissions out of the blanks I have in my possession.
General Pinckney who is here, for a few days, I expect will give his attendance on the 10th of next month, at which time I also expect General Hamilton.
Inclosed is a copy of a letter from General Knox, declining the appointment of third Major General, so that we cannot count upon his aid or assistance.
Having disclosed to you the object of this conference in my letter dated the 16 inst. I flatter myself it will be in your power to give your attendance on or about the 10th of November next at this City or Philadelphia, as the case may be; and that you will bring with you the letters and recommendations respecting candidates from the Southern district, and all such papers as may be useful, as well as the inclosed list of officers who continued in service to the end of our revolutionary war. With sincere respect & esteem I have the honour to be Dr Sir Your most ob. & hble servt

James McHenry

P.S. 8 o’clock P.M. I have this moment received your letter of the 26 inst. and a little satirical note from Miss Custis, which I must correct her some day or other for having written.


Title: To George Washington from William Thornton, 30 October 1798
From: Thornton, William
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
City of Washington Octr 30th 1798

I had yesterday the honor of your very kind Letter, inclosing a check on the Bank of Columbia, for five hundred Dollars, to be appropriated to the erection of the Houses you contemplate, which shall be duly applied. The Deeds will require re-copying on stampt paper, which I will take care to execute.
I return my sincere thanks for your goodness in offering me the Advantage to be derived from carrying up Chimnies for a House adjoining yours, but I had no Idea of increasing my Obligations when I mentioned this Subject. I thought it would be a mutual Benefit, and proposed it accordingly. It is customary in Philadelphia, and elsewhere, to carry up the division Walls in this manner, half the Ground being given up to the party who commences building, and the expense of the division Wall equalized, as a matter of course. Any other Mode of proceeding would be injurious to you; and, I hope you will permit me to decline doing you an injury when I do myself a Benefit. I am under a continual Obligation to you, which I shall never forget, and all I can ever do in return will be insufficient to shew my regard, attachment, and grateful remembrance of your past favour. Accept dear Sir, my best respects, & sincerest Wishes for your Health and Happiness

William Thornton


Title: To George Washington from William Washington, 30 October 1798
From: Washington, William
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Charleston [S.C.] Octobr 30th 1798

Since my Letter of the last Post, John Parker of Charleston, the Son of William, has expressed a desire of entering the Army; He is a young Man of good Character and I think that he may with propriety be placed on the List of Ensigns. John Green of Augusta in Georgia has lately been strongly recommended to me, by General Glascock & Colonel Gordon of that State, as a person well qualified for the Commission of Captain either of Cavalry or Infantry. I have very little acquaintance with Mr Green but I place ⟨more⟩

confidence in the recommendation of General Glascock & Colonel Gordon.
The friends of Lieutenant George Izard have expressed much uneasiness at seeing Mr Francis Huger of Charleston placed over his head with the Rank of Captain in the new raised Corps of Artillerists notwithstanding Mr Izard has been a Lieutenant for several years and Mr Huger, altho he is rather older & sustains a good Character is believed to be very little acquainted with military Matters, and I am apprehensive that without Mr Izard is promoted that their uneasiness will be increased when the Appointments for the Army about to be raised are made; for as none of the Officers who were in the Army during our revolutionary struggle are willing to enter into the Army with the Rank of Captain I have been under the necessity of selecting such young Men as support good Characters & are willing to enter the Army notwithstanding they have not seen any actual Service. Altho Mr Izard is a very young Man yet I think that his solidity of Judgment military knowledge & other qualifications entitles him to the rank of Major particularly when it is considered that we shall be under the necessity of appointing Persons to the next Grade who are not much older & not to be compared to him in point of military Information; If however an objection should lie against him on account of his youth I would wish to see him placed at the head of the Captains required from this State.
As I understand that no person has been appointed to the Command of the Corps of Artillerists lately raised I think proper to mention to you John Faucheraud Grimkie of Charleston as a person well qualified for that Command. He is placed the third on my List of Commandants of Regiments, but he was not placed the last because he was inferior to either of the other two in point of there qualifications which are proper for an Officer, but because he is not of so robust & hale a constitution as either of the others. He was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Artillery Service last war and always esteemed an excellent Officer.1 am Dear Sir with the highest Regard & Respect, Yr Very Obedt Servt

W. Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Frederick Ramnitz, 31 October 1798
From: Ramnitz, John Frederick
To: Washington, George

Sir:
Spandaw near Berlin 31st October 1798 at 2 oClock in the morning

From the enclosed news paper printed at Hamburg, the 26th October 1798, I see under New-York head dated the 25th August 98, with much regret, how many of the Citizens of Philadelphia & New York are hurried to the Grave by the raging Yellow Fever—As my Intention is good, I hope your Excellency will forgive my taking the liberty of sending a Medicine without being called upon for it; more so as this medicine from an observation of thirty Eight years, always has saved Mankind in Sickness which had for foundation great Loss of Blood; and as the present Medicine appears not to have been used yet there, I am still in greater hopes that making use thereof; will prove the desired effect; as after the Experience I have had; it has been the quickest and most sure Medicine to clear the Blood of its sharpness.
I therefore must humbly request your Excellency to have the Medicine which I have sent, used by one of the Physicians there agreable to the Instructions enclosed, among those unfortunate who are already taken with the Yellow-Fever, as also to use it as a preservative among those persons that live in the place where the Yellow Fever is raging.
I further beg your Excellency to rest assured that I am well convinced, that there is with you the most experienced Physicians, as well as best methods used in any sickness; still it cannot be attributed to me a forwardness; if I with disinterested view, wish to give my Advice in a Sickness which appears to have taken daily encrease, I therefore beg your Excellency and the Honorable Physicians

there, only to consider me as a person who wishes to contribute his best, to save with good Advice what can be saved.
Your Excellency will oblige; if you will not have the Medicine sent, examined by Physicians there, untill it has been used, to avoid Certain prejudices, which might take place.
Therefore to try this Medicine as speedily as possible, I have sent a small lead box containing this Medicine; With pleasure would I have sent a greater quantity of this Medicine; but my Circumstances do not admit of it to defray the Expences; But should this Medicine prove to have the agreable effect, I will immediately discover upon the order of your Excellency, the whole composition thereof; in case this Medicine is not to be had there I will forward 50 @ 100 w. of it without much delay.
I further assure your Excellency as Father of the good Americans, that the Medicines sent is one of the surest as to its operation and that it is not composed of any thing attended with bad consequences, on the contrary it will better the state of the human Body, all this I declare before God—As your Excellency will see that I have no interested view in this case—I sincerely hope; you will have this medicine tried, and shall with pleasure receive an answer that it had its good effect.
I further flatter myself your Excellency will not let my name be known for to avoid public disturbances and disadvantages.
May it please our Superior that the Medicine I have sent, may not remain without blessings; in which case I hope it may be kindly received & supported by your Excellency—In the meantime I am with the greatest Regard Your Excellency’s Most Humble Servt

(signed) Medicine Druggist Ramnitz

P.S. Your Excellency will please to forgive my letter, being written in a hurry and not altogether fluently; if I assure you that only two hours before the Mail was closed this day, that I received the news of this fever rageing there; & in that time had to prepare the Medicine, and to give you my opinion thereupon.
I flatter myself in the meantime that long before receipt of the present, the Almighty God will have cleared the country from this tremenduous sickness in the meantime I cannot check my desire, to hurry to your aid, and to exercize with all in my power to watch for your dear Life, which is so much respected and revered in all quarters of the Globe, as well as that of all your beloved Citizens—To close, I can only say yet, that the medicine sent has the qualities

not alone to clear the Body of all bad humors, but also to give the Body new strength, I therefore have no small hope, but that it will check the yellow fever, I further assure your Excellency upon Honor, that in the most obstinate sickness in Children, such as small pox, and by grown people in putrid fevers, this Medicine has always operated with success. My earliest wish is yet, that the Almighty God may soon send us the pleasing information, that your Country is cleared of this Calamity.

(signed) John Frederick Ramnitz


Title: From George Washington to James Anderson, 1 November 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Anderson, James

Mr Anderson,
Mount Vernon 1st Novr 1798

Circumstances may render it necessary for me to make a journey to the Seat of Government: and letters which I expect every Post day, will determine whether I shall take it or not. If I go, my departure will be sudden, and how long I may be absent from home, is uncertain; I do not expect however, that it can exceed four, or at most five Weeks.
With respect to the Farms and Meadows I shall say but little; for as a rotation of Crops is agreed upon; and the fields designated for the Crops of next year; nothing more is necessary than to pursue strictly the means that are to carry them into effect—and to obtain, by every contrivance that can be devised, all the manure that can be raised or made for the Corn Crops, at the several Farms; For unless these fields are highly manured, the reduction of the quantity of ground for this article, will prove a ruinous measure; because all the Succeeding Crops depend entirely upon the improvement these fields receive for Corn. of course, if that crop does not succeed, all the rest must fail.
As the Meadows seem to be progressing in a very good, & proper train, I shall say nothing more, relatively to them, but to

desire that you will proceed in the course you are in; and apply them to the uses mentd in the Rotation. The
[page missing]
⟨mutilated⟩ useless—and the pipe, & lea⟨mutilated⟩ tolerably low; to enab⟨mutilated⟩ Negro children, to draw w⟨mutilated⟩.
The sooner the field N⟨mutilated M⟩uddy hole is laid off for Peach ⟨mutilated p⟩lanted thereon the better it will be on ⟨mutilated⟩—When this is done, let the fi⟨mutilated⟩e rod (if the rows are intend⟨mutilated⟩art) from the fence which di⟨mutilated⟩ Corn) from it: this will make ⟨mutilated⟩ with the other fence leading to the Gum⟨sprg⟩ at right angles; and the short rows will but against the fence which divides No. 4 from No. 5. Great care & pains must be taken in laying the list, & crossing of it true, or the Trees will not be in a range more than one way, if they are that. A two pole rod would be too unwieldy to get his distance with between the rows; but it ought not to be less than one rod in length—and in taking his distance, he should be careful always to go straight—or his rows will be wider or narrower in proportion to his mistakes.
After the Wood at Muddy is all used, let the firing for Mansion house and your ⟨own⟩ be taken from the Wood South of the White Gates, where the thinning commenced last year.
Your enquiries after a distiller shd be diligent, that I may not be put to a nonplus, or sustain any injury from the interruption of the work for want of one after January.
The purchasing of Wheat, & selling of flour, I shall leave to your own judgment and discretion. But as the price of the former (except
[page missing]
The work for the Carpenters, ⟨mutilated⟩, and Bricklayers; and the other ⟨mutilated s⟩hould have it executed; is contained ⟨mutilated⟩perate Sheet of Paper, to be referred ⟨to⟩.
It never was my custom to trust ⟨mutilated⟩ the measurement of my Corn by the Overse⟨mutilated—⟩I always, when I had no Manager, and my Manager always, when I had one, ⟨or⟩ some ⟨ot⟩her person, if absent or unwell, saw this service performed; to prevent mistakes, ⟨or⟩ to prevent an over report of the measurement by scantily filling the Barrel; and I request that you would see this done, when a sufficient quantity is shucked & ready for lofting.
And I desire moreover, at the farms where there are two Corn houses, that an estimated quantity of Corn, sufficient to answer all

the purposes of the Farm from the first day of Jany next, until the first, or middle of November ensuing, may be deposited in one of these—the doors locked & secured, & never opened until the arrival of the new Overseer.
At some convenient time (but before the wet weather sets in) the Barn at Dogue Run should have the Earth raised around the low, and hollow parts of it; in order that all water that descends from the Roof, & higher grounds, may run freely off; otherwise the moisture will penetrate through the Wall & fill the Cellar with water or damps, which will rot the Sleepers & floor, as it did before.
A pump ought to be put into the Well at Union Farm without delay, otherwise the well will be
[page missing]
⟨mutilated⟩ that the Crop is know⟨mutilated⟩ proceeded from a sudden ⟨mutilated⟩ again—a safe way, especi⟨mutilated⟩ money will soon be great, a⟨mutilated g⟩iven to obtain a tolerab⟨le mutilated⟩ let the sales of the latter ⟨mutilated⟩ Water to keep the Stones ⟨mutilated y⟩our purchases of Whea⟨t mutilated⟩ the Mill ought to ha⟨mutilated⟩ her in constant ⟨mutilated⟩ quantum of work, and judicious buying and selling, that the nett profit must arise—as Millers wages, &ca &ca are the same whether he grinds little or much. Due attention to flour barrels, or staves should be had, that no interruption should proceed from that cause.
I have just received a letter from a Mr Parkinson of England (who may be expected with his family, and a number of domestic Animals every day) which has surprized me not a little; but as I shall leave with you, his letters to me, and my answer, I need not detail the cause of ⟨mutilated⟩ but shall give you my opinion of ⟨mutilated⟩ which may be shewn to him, if occasion should require it. I sincerely wish you health and success—and am your real friend and well-wisher

Go: Washington
⟨Mou⟩nt Vernon ⟨mutilated⟩ November 1798

P.S. I request you will endeavour to be informed of the arrival of Genl Lee, in Alexandria: Present ⟨this⟩ letter to him. Shew him Mr Bushrod Washington’s to me—ask him to execute his Deed to me, as I have done mine to him before sevl Witnesses, that it may be admitted to record.


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 1 November 1798
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Trenton [N.J.] 1 Novr 1798

I reced yesterday a letter from Major General Pinckney a copy of which as I knew it would give you pleasure is inclosed. Yours ever & affty

James McHenry


Title: To George Washington from John C. Ogden, 1 November 1798
From: Ogden, John C.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Novr 1st 1798

In continuation of my determination during life to state to public characters by letters, and the country by publications, the tyranny over the consciences, and infringement upon the laws of religious protection and toleration, I have now the pleasure to inform you, that Judge Patterson, in a late adjudication has decided in favor of the claim of Episcopalians, to the church lands in Vermont.
This is an event unexpected by many, who have observed the obstinate, violent, persevering spirit of sacrilege in all countries. The Robinson party in Vermont, who had a large share in this injustice are offended and hope by the State courts to foil the adjudication of the Federal.
This seizure was the result of fifteen years exertions on the part of President Wheelock of Dartmouth College. He presented petitions in behalf of the college to the legislatures of Vermont and New Hampshire, used all his influence and art in the Country, by prejudicing the youth under his care, flattering the bigotry, & indulging the ambition and avarice of the Clergy and leaders, to gain their aid and influence in the nefarious design. He gave the subject of the propriety of the seizure as a theme for discussion to the class he taught, and then decided himself against the church. This is one among thousands of the daily inventions, through the colleges to defeat our laws, spread prejudices and exalt their party.
In no period and in no part of the christian church has a more malicious, avaricious system of tyranny been invented or persisted in, with greater severity, than in the States of New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Vermont, for thirty years.
It is so long since I read Mr Duche’s letter to the Commander in Chief, soon after the beginning of the late war, that I cannot decide upon its merits, but if he had reviewed ecclesiastical history he would have found in the tyranny persisted in, under the political plans of Calvinists in Europe & the States, enough to

have warned military men and statesmen, almost in the name of heaven, of the usurpations, which were in store for oppressing all denominations and exalting Calvinists by war and sacrilege.
Wicked design has been followed by malevolent persecution & perseverance, as may be seen, by the public and private statement of facts, which legislative debates judicial procedure and public files illucidate. Whig, Tory, Federal, Anti Federal, Democratic Jacobin and Republican projects have alternately been varied by the Calvinists in the northern states to exalt themselves by public commotions.
I will prove it that to them only we owe the present political confusions and infidelity. The same hatred to the churches of Rome and England, which urged on that opposition, which is proved by the publications before the war, is now existing and practised upon. The members of both houses of Congress are, and have been partakers in this pillage. Mr Senator Langdon, Mr Senator Chipman—Mr Freeman of New Hampshire—many men in the national offices very many in the State employments and hundreds of our staunchest federalists are now at the bottom of the oppressions seeking popularity and promotion, or sharing the profits of the lands among themselves.
During this period, the clergy and other members of the church have been impoverished, abused and insulted. No pity has been exercised towards them. Leading members of the church have been intimidated and negligent⟨.⟩ Insult and Injury have united to destroy the exertions to gain justice and give information.
A hope that the Almighty was about to help Calvinists, awoke them to those prayers, sermons and civil feasts, which have brought us into a share with the present confusions of Europe. Some superior advantage, from possible political confusions, led the Calvinists to hope to secure their present sacrilege and pillage, by the prejudices of party. All denominations love peace, good government and toleration too well to be drawn by rebellion, sedition or violence to plunge themselves and the christian church into trouble, and make her & them tributary to any political party. Whether religion or liberty is the pretext, is immaterial, as long as both, are at this moment abused by the Calvinists to convulse the nation, through the means of pulpits and colleges.
The firmness of our chief magistrates and wisdom of our nation, have fortunately prevented convulsions by war in our homes. Calvinists are in some cases federalists, who six years since wished for

a share in the confusions of war and were violent advocates for French, Jacobin & Democratic politics.
Copies of this go by the post to Judge Patterson, and very many of our first magistrates, that the decisions of our courts may not be defeated or the restoration of the church property be neglected. That an end may be put to the sufferings of the clergy and their families, in the States of Vermont and New-Hampshire, and universal liberty of conscience continue to exist in the States. I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s devoted servant

John C. Ogden


Title: To George Washington from Peyton Short, 1 November 1798
From: Short, Peyton
To: Washington, George

Dear sir,
Woodford County (Kentucky) Novr 1st 1798

Immediately after my arrival in this Country I waited on Coll Marshall to know if he had paid up the full amt of your taxes on

the two tracts of Land on Rough Creek mentioned in your letter of the 16th July—Having answered me in the affirmative & informed me that he had drawn on you for the same, I conceived it necessary to make no farther enquiry into that subject.
I had occasion not long since to send a Messenger to the Neighbourhood of Capt. Abm Hite, the Owner of Woodrow’s military Survey of 300 acrs. interfering with your two tracts affsd & availed myself of that opportunity to write to him proposing the Purchase thereof in your Behalf—He was not at Home—therefore I recd no ansr but daily expect to hear from him—Shd I be able to effect the contemplated purchase you shall immediately hear from me—Colo. Marshall tells me you have mentioned that subject to him—I will therefore Sir, do nothing final without his ratification.
I shall always be happy, whenever you may conceive it in my power to serve you, that you command Sir, Your most respectful Hble Sert

Peyton Short


Title: To George Washington from Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 2 November 1798
From: Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth
To: Washington, George

Trenton [N.J.] Novr 2d 1798

Many thanks, my dear Sr, for your very friendly congratulations on my return to my Country—The apprehensions you mention I have reason to think would have been realized had not our Government followed up the publication of the dispatches by energetic measures. My Daughter’s health (thank God) is restored—Mrs Pinckney & myself are both well. I enclose you a copy of a Letter which I wrote to the Secretary at War on being informed that Genl Knox had refused to serve in the army as Third Major General. It gives me great pleasure to find that I shall have the happiness of seeing you here or at Philadelphia about the tenth instant. When I proceed to Charleston should you be at Mount Vernon you may be assured I shall avail myself of your polite invitation. My political sentiments on the present situation of our Controversy

with France are contained in my answers to the Princeton & Trenton addresses. I will not therefore repeat them. Be so good as to present my most respectful Compliments to Mrs Washington & Miss Custis, in which Mrs Pinckney & my Daughter would with pleasure unite, but they know not of my writing this letter, as I left them at Newark. Be assured I ever am with great sincerity Your devoted & affectionate humble servt

Charles Cotesworth Pinckney


Title: From George Washington to William Thornton, 2 November 1798 [letter not found]
From: Thornton, William
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: to William Thornton, 2 Nov. 1798. ALS, sold by B. Altman & Co., December 1969. Altman’s advertisement indicates that the letter was signed “with very great esteem and regard.”


Title: From George Washington to James Anderson, 3 November 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Anderson, James

Mr Anderson,
Mount Vernon 3d Novr 1798

By the way of Boston, I have just received a letter from Mr Richd Parkinson, dated “Liverpool 28th Augt 1798.”
The contents of this letter have surprised me; and that you may know from whence this surprise has proceeded, I shall lodge in your hands (as I am going from home, and may be absent four or five weeks) Mr Parkinsons first and second letters to me; and my answer to him; (a duplicate, and I think a triplicate of which I forwarded).
By this correspondence you will perceive that, Mr Parkinson, through the medium of Sir Jno. Sinclair, had seen the Plans of my Mount Vernon Farms, and was acquainted with the terms on which they were to be let. These terms I also deposit with you. It appears moreover by his first letter, dated the 28th of Augt 1797, that he intended to be in this Country in the month of March; and by his second letter of the 27th of Septr following, that his arrival might be delayed until April or May. It is evident also, from the

tenor of these letters, that he knew my farms could not remain uningaged longer than the month of September. Yet, he neither comes; sends an agent to act for him; nor even writes a line, to account for the delay; and to know on what footing his forme[r] proposition stood.
Under these circumstances, I had no more expectation of Mr Parkinson’s arrival (especially with such a costly Cargo as he represents) than I had of seeing Sir Jno. Sinclair himself, until his letter of the 28th of August from Liverpool came to hand.
Nor under the circumstances I have detailed, (which will appear correct from the papers I leave) do I know what Mr Parkinsons views now are. He surely could not expect, after having placed the Occupancy of one of my farms on a contingency—that is—his liking it upon an examination thereof; after promissing that this examination should take place by the month of May last; after letting me hear nothing more from him for a whole year; and after knowing that I was obliged to make arrangements for the ensuing year by the month of September in the present year, to find a farm ready for his reception in Novr.
If he did not expect this, Mr Parkinson stands in no other relation to me, than he does to any other Gentleman in this Country; and if he did expect it, it may with justice be observed, that, he has done so unwarranted by the information that was given him, and has entered upon the measure precipitately, having made no adequate provision for the heavy expence he is running into. But, as matters are circumstanced, the question now, is not what ought to have been, but what can be done to serve him.
With respect to my paying £850 for the freight of the Vessel, it is beside the question altogether, for the best of all reasons—viz.—because I have not the means. And with respect to the animals which are said to be embarked, I would put myself to greater, or less inconvenience in providing for them (upon just & reasonable terms) according to what shall appear to be his intention with respect to my River Farm. If it be to lease It on the terms which have been proposed. If there is a prospect of my being secure in letting it, and a prospect that the bargain will be durable; and lastly, if you can devise any expedient by which the business can be accomplished under existing circumstances, as they respect the coming and the going Overseers; the Negros; Stock; and growing grain; I should be well disposed to lend all the

aid in my power towards the temporary accomodation of the animals he has brought over. Except the Stallions, for whom, and more especially for their Keepers (who are generally very troublesome people) I have no conveniency at any of the Farms, and to suffer them to be in the Barns, or Stables with their horses, would be to risk the whole by fire. Nor have I any place at the Mansion house for either horses or men, as the conveniences thereat, are not more than adequate to the permanent, and occasional demands by visitors.
In a word, under the present aspect of things; and without seeing Mr Parkinson or knowing under what auspices he comes, I scarcely know what sentiment to express respecting him; or what is proper to be done in this business; and therefore must leave it to you to form an opinion when you can take a nearer view of the subject, after his arrival, if this shd happen during my absence, and act accordingly. To obtain a good tenant for River Farm, on just terms; with the prospects beforementioned, wd be an inducement to me to go great lengths in a temporary accomodation: but if this is not to be expected from Mr Parkinson, I feel no obligation on my part, to rectify mistakes which I had no hand in causing, & endeavoured to guard against I remain Your friend and well wisher

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Greenwood, 3 November 1798 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Greenwood, John

Letter not found: to John Greenwood, 3 Nov. 1798. When writing to Greenwood on 5 Nov., GW referred to “my last of the 3d instant.”


Title: From George Washington to William B. Harrison, 4 November 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Harrison, William B.

Sir,
Mount Vernon Novr 4th 1798.

It has often been in my mind to ask, (if your tenements near my Mill are not under leases already) whether you would be inclined to let them to me, for a term of years? for what term? and at what Rent?

I can assure you, most sincerely and candidly, that it is not because I want these tenements, that I make this enquiry; but to be relieved from Neighbours who are really a nuisance; and who could not live on the Land but by the practice of unjustifiable shifts. No care or attention within the compass of my power to use, can preserve my fields and Meadows from injuries, sustained by their Hogs, & other Stock. Rails are drawn from the Posts, in order to let in the latter, and slips made to admit the former, in many places through my ditches, to the destruction of my grain, & grass.
To guard against damages of this sort, is, I do aver, my sole inducement to this enquiry. But it is not to be infered from hence, that I am disposed to pay a Rent disproportioned to the real value of the Tenements.
I need not observe to you, Sir, that the land was originally poor; that it is exhausted beyond measure; that there is no timber on it; very little firing; and scarcely any Fencing. In short, that without aid from the adjacent Lands, which the tenants cannot obtain from the present Proprietors by fair means, the tenements cannot be supported much longer. This is a fair statement, & ought to be taken into consideration in fixing the Rent.
Under these circumstances, it is scarcely necessary to add, that I am not inclined to take the Tenements upon a short lease; for the reasons before mentioned; & because I should be obliged to have recourse to my own land to supply the deficiencies of yours; and that in a very short time too, to render the fields of any use. Unless the term therefore, for which it is granted, is commensurate with the expence to which I, or mine would be run, It would not answer my purposes to rent it.
It is not my expectation, or desire to disturb the present tenants, or such as you may have engaged, the ensuing year—My views extend to the year after, only, presuming your arrangements are made for 1799—Your answer will be agreeable to—Sir—Your Very Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Hawkins, 4 November 1798
From: Hawkins, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Tellico in the State of Tennessee 4 novr 1798

The bearer of this, Mr Silas Dinsmoor is agent of the Cherokees, and one of those chosen to carry into effect the benevolent plan devised by you, for bettering the condition of the Indians in the southern parts of the United States. He is going on a visit to the Secretary of War, and will pay his respects to you. It is with pleasure I recommend him to you, as a man who has faithfully and ably executed the trust reposed in him; and from whom you will have the satisfaction to learn, that the plan has succeeded notwithstanding the violence with which it has been assailed by the mischief makers in this quarter. The Cherokees are no longer to be called Savages, they are a decent orderly set of people, who possess unbounded confidence in the Justice of our government, and are worthy of its continued attention.
I beg you to assure Mrs Washington of my sincere wishes for a long continuance of her health and happiness to accept of the same for yourself and to believe me very sincerely and respectfully My Dear sir, your obedt humbe Servt

Benjamin Hawkins


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 4 November 1798
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

My dear Sir
Boston 4 November 1798

I have received your two favors of the 21st and 23d ultimo. They breathe a spirit of friendship and affection which has ever been ardently reciprocated by me.
The appointment of the third Major General having been explicity declined by me I have nothing to add on that subject but one single observation. To wit that you are the only decided personal friend who has advised my acceptance of it.
My offer of serving as your aid, in case of an invasion, arose from the sincere effusion of personal attachment, unmixed with regret or resentment.
But the possibility being suggested by you of my harbouring any secret “gnawings” upon the subject of rank, precludes decisively my having the satisfaction proposed of sharing your fate in the field.
I will not detain you one moment longer than to say in the presence of almighty God, that there is not a creature upon the surface of this globe, who was, is, and will remain, more your sincere friend than

H.Knox


Title: From George Washington to Henry Lee, Jr., 4 November 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry Jr.

Dear Sir
Mount Vernon 4th Novr 1798

Your letters from Fredericksburg and Stratford, have both been received; and their contents will be attended to when the list of applications come under consideration.
Tomorrow (being requested thereto by the Secretary of War) I shall set off for Trenton. This, of course, will deprive me of the pleasure of seeing you, while you are on the promised visit to this County. It is necessary therefore I shd inform you that, no report

(as indeed I expected would be the case) has been made by Mr Jesse Simms relative to Major Harrisons Land, adjoining my mill. And that, to my surprise, when I came to examine the details of your City property, more attentively than it was in my power to do in the hurried manner in wch the list of it was presented, and to make enquiry into the value thereof. I found that instead of lots of the Standard size (as I took it for granted they were) that each of those lying on Pennsylvania Avenue have been split into two parts (having only 25 feet front to them) and for these half lots, that I am asked more than lots equally convenient sell at. To receive payments on such terms, when my object was solely to accomodate you, could hardly be expected.
If you are disposed to part with your land near Harpers Ferry; Your land in Loudoun; any unincumbered property in the City; or, in short, almost any other that can be rendered productive—at a reasonable valuation by disinterested men of good character, I would accept it in payment rather than make difficulties, or be involved in disputes; although you well know that nothing will answer my purposes like the money, of which I am in extreme want, and must obtain on disadvantageous terms. But it is not to be expected from hence that I will receive the former at an arbitrary price, which every well informed person knows it cannot command.
The Deeds which passed between you and me in the month of April last, I sent to Mr Bushrod Washington to have recorded; asking him at the sametime if they were not defective in proper recitals? Enclosed, or rather with this letter, Mr Anderson will, when he hears of your being in Alexandria present you with his opinion thereon with a Deed ready drawn, according to my Nephews directions for your signature. The one from me to you, I have acknowledged before Evidences, and request you will do the same by that from you to me. With great esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Your Obedt & Affecte Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 4 November 1798
From: Washington, George
To: McHenry, James

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon Nov. 4th 1798

Your letter of the 30th ultimo, with it’s enclosures, has been duly received. And, agreeably to the arrangements made for the meeting of the General Officers on or about the 10th inst., I intend setting out tomorrow for Trenton; but, as I shall have some business in the Federal City which may detain me for a short time, and shall travel with my own Horses, which must necessarily be slower than to go on with Stage Horses, it may be Sunday, the 11th inst.,

before I reach Trenton, should the meeting be there. I shall, however, make no unnecessary delay until I reach the place of destination.
As, under present circumstances, it is not likely that Lodgings, especially in Trenton, could be had without some previous arrangements, I have to beg the favor of your securing for me the best you can, convenient to your Office, or wherever our business is to be transacted, against my arrival. A lodging Room is all I shall want, particularly for myself; my Secretary, Mr Lear, will be with me, who will also want to be accomodated with a lodging room. There will be four servants and six or seven horses, which may or may not be accommodated at the same place with myself, according to circumstances.
I shall take on with me all the letters & papers in my possession relating to Applications, recommendations for Appointments &c.

P.S. I have never yet recd from the Superintendant, any acct of the quantity of Military Stores belonging to the U.S.


Title: From George Washington to John Greenwood, 5 November 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Greenwood, John

Sir,
Mount Vernon 5th Novr 1798

In my last of the 3d instant, I requested you to send what you were about to do for me, to the care of the Secretary of War—James McHenry Esqr.—I repeat this request—and inform you that I shall set out this day, to meet him at Trenton—The sooner therefore I could receive the needful at that place the more agreeable would it be to Sir Your Obedt Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Hodgdon, 6 November 1798
From: Hodgdon, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia 6th Novr 1798

On the 11th I was honored with your letter of the 8th ultimo. Agreeably to your wishes therein expressed, I send by the way of Alexandria a farther supply of Stationary, answering to the enclosed invoice, which I hope will safely and speedily get to hand. By direction of the Secretary of War, I am making out for your use, a return of the principal articles on hand, in the Ordnance & Military Stores Department; as soon as finished, it shall be forwarded by the most speedy and certain conveyance: but for the

disorder that has again ravaged our City it would have been with you some time ago; I have been left alone in my Office, and could not possibly attend to it sooner. With respectfull consideration I am Sir, Your most Obedient Servant

Samuel Hodgdon


Title: To George Washington from Anna Young, 6 November 1798
From: Young, Anna
To: Washington, George

Respected Sir
Norwich Port [Conn.] Novr 6th 1798

You will no Doubt Think odd that I should presume To Write to You but When I let You know my Situation I hope you will Excuse me I shall Endeavour To State the Matter Intelligible as I am

capable of You know Sir that there was a Resolve of Congress that if An Officer Or Soldier Died in the Continental Service their Widow Or Orphan Children Should be Entitled to Seven Years Half pay And My Father Col. John Durkee Died In Service My Mother was His Executor and Went On To Hartford and Settled His accounts There then Employed Capt. Benjn Durkee to go on and Settle His account With the Continent and He Did and Came Back and petitiond the General Assembly of the State of Connecticut and Got a Grant for the Half pay My Mothers Death Happened about this time and Before We Had time to Get them there Came an Order from John Pierce Pay Master General to the Treasurer of Connecticut to Stop The half pay till there was an account Settled that Capt. Benjn Durkee had By Fraud recovered of him the Sum 408 Dol.⟨82⟩ I wrote on to Governor Trumbull then A Member of Congress About It I recieved A Letter from him that if I Administered On My Mothers Estate I might recover But Some People told Me that if I Did that I Should be Liable to pay all the Debts that My Father owed Which Was very Great in Consequence of his being in Co-Partnership and his Partners failing all Came on him and the Debts Being Contracted as long ago as the year 1762 that the principal & Interest was a great Deal more than the half pay & My Brothers Not Wishing to assist me in doing any thing about it it has Lain along till this and my Brothers are since Dead and I the only Heir and under Very Necessitous Circumstances Not able to see a Lawyer and if Should they have Such a faculty of protracting Buisness that I fear they Would get the Whole [.] Now Sir if you will be kind enough to Let me know Your Opinion about it if by paying out of it what was Obtained by fraud and as the Administrator on my Mothers Estate has Settled it and Done Nothing about it if I Should apply if you Think that Congress Will not Grant it to Me I am not able to Be att any Expence about it My Husband being a poor Man & A Large Family & he in not a Very good State of Health I have Unbeknown to him Wrote to You as I have been Confused by asking Men of knowledge Here some Saying one Way some another & the Great Esteem My Father always Expressed of Your be so Great a Friend to Justice and thinking that You Could tell Whether Or [not] there Was any Chance for me Induced me to petition you for your opinion if you Should Want any more than my Word who are unbeknow to You I can get it from Govr Trumbull Or Benjn Huntington Esqr. Your Compliance

Will [be] Looked upon as a E[s]pecial Favor from her whou wishes You Every Blessing am Sir with the Greatest respect Your Friend

Anna Young