Title: To George Washington from Rodolph Vall-travers, 12 November 1792
From: Vall-travers, Rodolph (Rodolf)
To: Washington, George

May it please Yr Excellence! Sir!
Rotterdam, Haring’s-Vliet, 9ber—12th 1792.boarding at Mrs Anna Hamilton’s.

An official Letter, dated the 2d of April, recieved but a few Weeks ago, from Thos Jefferson, Esqe Secretary of State for your united american Republics, in answer to Part of the Contents of four of mÿ Letters to Yr Excellence, claims my humble and thankful Acknowledgments. I hope a fifth Letter of mine, dated the 10th of June last; transmitted, with a new Supply of instructive Materials for my worthy, ingenious and laborious Friend, John Churchman, the american Geographer; and entrusted to the special Care of Mr C. Maÿer, Agent of Adrian Valck Esqe of Baltimore, sailing from this City to Baltimore, on Board the Wachtsamkeit, freighted with 400. german Emigrants; came likewise safe to Hand: which I shall be glad to hear.
It is with Joy I observe; considering the Multiplicity of political Objects, which so gloriously engross Yr Exc.’s chief Cares; that my humbly tendered Services, of an œconomical, philosophical and literary Nature, have been, most judiciously, referred to the peculiar Attention of the illustrious American Academical Society for promoting useful Arts & Sciences. The very great Honor conferred on me by my ensued Adoption into that learned Body of american Worthies, adds a new Spur to my strenuous Exertion of my poor Abilities, in promoting their beneficent Pursuits, to the utmost Extent, not of mÿ manÿfold Opportunities, but of mÿ too limited Powers.
As a true American Fellow-Citizen, not only by my universal Philanthropy, and peculiar Esteem and Attachment to the happiest, wisest, freeest & most respectable Nation on Earth; but even by several Grants of Land made me, whilst in England, in Georgia, Carolina, and Newengland: maÿ I presume to offer Yr Excellence some Services also in the political Line, which may occasionally occurr on this Continent?

The ten Provinces of the austrian Netherlands, together with the Bishopric of Liege; now invaded by the french Assertors of civil & religious Liberty, very likely soon rescued from the grasping Claws of the twoheaded Monster of the imperial Eagle, and restored to their antient Liberties & Independence will, undoubtedly be happy, to enter into a close Alliance of Friendship, Protection & Commerce with your united States, on the same Principles, as France and Holland, their contiguous Sister-Republics. The Ports of Ostend & Antwerp will readily recieve, on moderate reciprocal Duties, yr Rice, Tobacco, Furs, newbuilt Ships, Irons, Sugar, dried & Salt Fish, Bee’s Wax & Spermaceti—Candles, dried Fruits of all Sorts, Timber &c. and you may recieve in Return all Sorts of Linnen, Sail-Cloths, Cordage, Threads, Hosierÿ-Goods, Hardwares &c. with a large Ballance of Cash. So beneficial & mutually desirable a Connection I shall be proud to bring about, with the powerful Influence of my Friends at Brusselles, Antwerp, and Ostende, as soon, as duly authorised thereto. In that Case, I wou’d shift my Residence from this Place to Brusselles, to act, first, as your Consul, or, as ÿr Resident, with an adequate Power & Salary.
  Shou’d the U.S. have Occasion for anÿ further Supplies of ready Money, for their public Services, those very Netherlands, especially the wealthy Clergy thereof, wou’d, I am sure, be ready to lend almost any Sum, especially at this Juncture, on your public Security; even at 5. pr Ct with an additional 3. pr Ct annually, as a sinking Fund for the total Extinction of the whole Capital and Interest, in less than thirty Years. Shares of a hundred Dollars each, cou’d be sold at Bruxelles, at Antwerp, at Liege, and at Amsterdam, and halfyearly Interests paid, by the most capital Bankers: Mess[r]s Fred: Romberg & Son, at Brusselles & Ostende; Mess[r]s Earlborn [F. E. van Ertborn] & Co: At Antwerp; Mess[r]s Pankouke [Panckoucke] & Co. at Liege; and Mess[r]s Staphorst & Hubbard, at Amsterdam, ÿr Agents; allowing them 1. pr 1,000. for their Commissions. Even So, Millions of Dollars wd soon be subscribed for. Mess[r]s Fontain & Van Dooren, merchants of this City, with a corresponding Part of their House at Amsterdam, offer likewise their Services, in similar Operations, as Co-Agents to the United States; whose Solidity, credit, and Reputation, will give full Satisfaction on an impartial and fair Enquiry.

Give me Leave, most worthy Sir, to Subscribe myself, with infinite Veneration of your eminent public and private Virtues—Your Excellence’s Most sincerily devoted humble Servant:

J. Rodolph Vall-travers.

P.S. The News, just now recd from Flanders import: that DuMourier, the french General, after having gained an obstinate Battle, and taken Mons, has capitulated with the Austrian Commander in chief, the Duke of Saxe-Teschen, Governor of the austrian Netherlands, & granted the following Articles. 1st) The whole german Army to evacuate all the Netherlands, with their Arms, a Fieldpiece to each Regimt & their Bagage[.] 2nd) to declare all the A. Netherlands, free & independent, under the Protection of the Republic of France, and at full Liberty, to chuse their own Form of Government.
Roterdam, 9ber 12th at Night.
P.S. DuMou⟨r⟩ier is said, to have written ⟨a⟩ peremtory Letter to their h⟨i⟩gh mightenesses, the States of the Seven united Provinces of this Republic, insisting:
1st) That all the french Emigrants shou’d be banished from their Territories.
2.) That the Republic of Fran⟨ce⟩ shall be avowed & acknowledged, as an independed State.
3.) That the Treaty of Friendship & Alliance made with their former King, shall be confirmed & ratified with the present french Républic.
4.) That all the Magistrates established since the Revolution, by a prussian Army, shall be deposed, and the former magistrates, antecedent to the said Revolution, be restored to their former Places;
5.) And all the exiled Dutch Patriots recalled.


Title: From George Washington to Jaquelin Ambler, 13 November 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Ambler, Jaquelin (Jacquelin)

Sir
Philadelphia Nov. 13. 1792.

Be pleased to pay to Messrs Johnson, Stuart & Carrol Commissioners of the Federal buildings on the Patowmac, or to their order, or by the order of any two of them, the second instalment of the monies granted by the state of Virginia towards the said buildings.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 13 November 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Commissioners for the District of Columbia

No. 13.
Gentlemen,Philadelphia Novr 13th 1792.
I have duly received your letter of the 13th of October, enclosing a list of the sale of lots in the federal City; with the prices of which I am more gratified than I am by the number which have been disposed of. I am pleased to find that several of your Mechanics were among the purchasers of lots, as they will not only, in all probability, be among the first improvers of them, but will be valuable citizens.
I agree with you in opinion that the ground in such eligible places as about the Capitol and the President’s House, should not be sold in squares; unless there are some great and apparent advantages to be derived from specified buildings—immediate improvement—or something which will have a tendency to promote the advancement of the City.
The circumstances under which Mr Blodget bid off the square near the Capitol, were such as occur at almost every public sale, and in that instance, his having done so, appeared very proper for the interest of the public: I agree, however, with you, that it would be best for the circumstance not to be generally known.
How far the idea which Mr Blodget suggests of having an Agent to pass through the several States, to dispose of lots, might be beneficial or not, I am unable to say; but it appears to me, that if a respectable and responsible Character, in the principal town of each State, could be authorized to dispose of the public lots, as purchasers might appear; provided the matter could be so arranged

that no confusion or inconvenience should arise from the same lot being disposed of by two or more agents, (which might possibly be done by monthly returns being made from the several Agents to the Commissioners, ascertaining the day—and even hour of each sale, to be by them confirmed previous to any payment: a small per Centum to be allowed the Vender—and all private sales to cease a month before every public sale) it would be a means of accommodating persons in different parts of the Union, and would expedite the sale of the lots. But this, as well as Mr Blodgets suggestion (which rather appears to me to be hawking the lots about) must be weighed and determined upon according to your best judgement and information.
I think that a further public sale in the spring, or early in the summer, would be advantageous. For it is desireable that every opportunity which could be made convenient, on account of the season and other circumstances, to dispose of lots in this way, should be embraced.
In proportion as numbers become interested in the federal City, and the public works advance, a constant attendance at the spot will be more and more requisite on the part of those who superintend or direct the business thereof; and I am of opinion it will be found necessary, as neither of the Commissioners reside there, that some active and competent character, vested with proper authority by them, should be constantly on the ground to superintend the business carrying on there. But who this person shall be, is altogether with yourselves to chuse—and the various and essential qualifications requisite in him will readily occur to you. With great esteem, I am, Gentlemen, Your most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 13 November 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Tuesday [Philadelphia, 13 November 1792]

I am glad the detention of the Ship gives you an opportunity of forwarding the enclosed. Yours

G. W——n


Title: Tobias Lear to Henry Knox, 14 November 1792
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Knox, Henry

United States [Philadelphia] Novr 14th 1792

By the President’s command T. Lear has the honor to return to the Secretary of War the dispatches from Mr Seagrove, which were submitted to the president yesterday.
The President thinks there are some parts of these communications which should be laid before Congress, and requests that the Secretary will select such as may be proper & have them communicated accordingly.

Tobias LearSecretary to the president of the United States.


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Stoddert, 14 November 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Stoddert, Benjamin

Sir,
Philadelphia Novr 14th 1792

Your favor of the 24 Ulto came duly to hand, but the variety of important matters which pressed between the receipt of it, and the meeting of Congress, allowed me no time to give it an earlier acknowledgment: and now, I pray you to consider what I am about to say, as coming from me in my private capacity.
It has always been my opinion, & still is so, that the Administration of the Affairs of the Federal City ought to be under the immediate direction of a judicious & skilful superintendant, appointed by, & subject to the orders of the Commissioners (who, in the eye of the law, are the responsible characters)—One in

whom is united knowledge of Men & things—industry, integrity impartiality and firmness. And, that this person should reside on the Spot. This, I believe, is also the opinion of the Commissioners. and if they think Mr Blodget possesses these qualifications (I know very little of him myself, and after what has happened shall be cautious in recommending) or, that he is the most competent character that presents who is willing to undertake, & ready to enter upon the duties of such an Office; their appointment of him will meet my entire approbation.
I can readily conceive, Sir, that the motives to your communication were pure & laudable, & shall give you credit for them accordingly—On my part, permit me to add, that I have a mind open to information, and a disposition always to correct abuses (that shall come properly before me) as far as I am able; but I am sure it is unnecessary to remark to a person of your observation, that from the two great interests which divide the Federal City, & the lesser ones into which these are branched, it will be found difficult if not impossible for any set of Commissioners whatsoever to steer clear of censure. One wants this thing—another wants that thing—and all, or most of them perhaps want things which our resources are incompetent to the accomplishment of. You will excuse my candour therefore, my good Sir, for observing that there is in my judgt but one line of conduct proper for these Gentlemen to pursue & that is to take a comprehensive view of the trust reposed in them—the general expectation of the community at large—and the means to effect it—form their plans agreeably thereto upon sound and just principles; & see that they are carried into effect by whomsoever they shall employ in the Execution thereof. without regard to any local concern or interest whatsoever. Such a conduct will meet general approbation, and of none, I am persuaded more than your own. With esteem I am Sir—Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Anthony Whitting, 14 November 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Whitting, Anthony

Mr Whiting,
Philadelphia Novr 14th 1792

Your letter of the 9th came to my hands last night, and though I am much hurried, will briefly observe, that I had rather repair my Seins, and fish myself, than hire the landing with the Negros. If a good price could be obtained for the Landing without the Negros, and an express prohibition of Waggons coming thither, I should like, & would prefer that. But at any rate repair, & keep the Seins dry and out of the way of Mice, that you may have an alternative. In the mean while, give it out, and make it as public as you can, that the landing alone, or landing and Boat, (with the prohibition above) is to be Rented; but that the Person renting is to furnish me with a certain quantity of Shad & Herring, to be specified, in the early part of the Season. Or if the Boat is reserved, I could easily catch what fish I should want at the landing by Bishops House; which used to be, and no doubt still is, a good fishery. If after giving this notice, and enquiring what Colo. Mason used to receive for his best landing, and what others, on both sides of the River get for theirs, you should have an Offer from a person of good character, & in whom confidence could be placed, similar to what is given for the best—I would advise you to take it. and either secure the fish wanted for my own use from them—or reserve the Boat, & catch for yourself at the Mansion House.
It will no doubt occur to you, when you are making enquiry into the Rent received by Colo. Mason & others, whether the Landings are furnished with convenient & secure houses, as mine is, for securing and preserving the Fish; and make the difference in the price if they are not, which these are entitled to.
It is not in my power to fix a Rent or hire for the Landing, because I do not know the usual price of the best, with the conveniences mine have; and this I must take, or not Rent. Take care, if you should hire it, to stipulate that the person hiring shall have

nothing to do with the Shore after the Shad & Herring Season is over—nor with the Houses beyond a limited time; otherwise, I might sustain unexpected inconveniences.
I presume, it would be better for me to take £25 for the Stallion than have him to Winter & therefore consent to its being done.
Among other reasons for not hiring my hands with the Shore is, that I do not want to take them so long from the ground I wish to get in prime order in, and between the Old Clover lot and H——Hole. I am Your friend & well wisher

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 15 November 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

[Philadelphia] Thursday Eveng 15th Novr 1792

The letter enclosed, intended for Govr Blount, appears to me to be very proper.

Go: Washington


Title: Memorandum from Thomas Jefferson, 15 November 1792
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia, 15 November 1792]

  Department of State, to wit:
The requisites of the Law having been complied with on the part of the Ship Canton fitted out from the port of Philadelphia, on a voyage to India, Hugh Alexander Makee Master thereof became entitled to a passport in the usual form, which was this day granted.
(N.B. The above passport is one of the six which were signed by the President previous to his departure for the southward.)
Certified to the President of the United States this 15 day of November 1792.

Th: Jefferson


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 16 November 1792
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] Nov. 16. 92.

Th: Jefferson has the honor to submit to the inspection of the President a set of copper promisory notes, & coins, made by Boulton, the superiority of which over any thing we can do here, will fully justify our wish to set our mint agoing on that plan. they are obscured by the sea-air.


Title: To George Washington from Elizabeth Willing Powel, 17 November 1792
From: Powel, Elizabeth Willing
To: Washington, George

My dear Sir
[Philadelphia] November 17th 1792

After I had parted with you on Thursday, my Mind was thrown into a Train of Reflections in Consequence of the Sentiments that you had confided to me. For tho’ they were not new, yet I had flattered myself that a nearer View of the Consequences that would probably ensue upon your quitting a Trust, upon the proper Execution of which the Repose of Millions might be eventually depending, would have pointed out to you the Impropriety, or to use a stronger Word, the Impracticability of carrying your Intentions into Effect—Regard for you and Anxiety for the Wellfare of our common Country, have determined me to submit to your Consideration the Thoughts which have occured to me on this Subject, and which, I think, it would be inconsistent with my Friendship for you to withold. That you have obtained the Love, Respect and Confidence of the Citizens of the United States is a Fact as well substantiated as any that we are in Possession of; and, be assured, that I am as superior to the Meanness of Adulation as you are incapable of receiving it with Pleasure. Your honest Mind is not a Soil for it to take Root in, nor are your Ears attuned to listen, with Delight to the Syren Song of Flattery; nor, on the other Hand, do I mean to give you Pain by wounding your feelings. I well know your invincible Diffidence, and your Sensibility with respect to public Opinion; on the last therefore I must lay some Stress. Be assured that a great Deal of the well earned Popularity that you are now in Possession of will be torn from you by the Envious and Malignant should you follow the bent of your Inclinations. You know human Nature too well not to believe that you may have Enemies. Merit & Virtue, when placed on an Eminence, will as certainly attract Envy as the Magnet does the Needle. Your Resignation wou’d elate the Enemies of good Government and cause lasting Regret to the Friends of humanity. The mistaken and prejudiced Part of Mankind, that see thro’ the Medium of bad Minds, would ascribe your Conduct to unworthy Motives. They would say that you were actuated by Principles of self-Love alone—that you saw the Post was not tenable with any Prospect of adding to your Fame. The Antifederalist would use it as an Argument for dissolving the Union, and would urge that you, from Experience, had found the present

System a bad one, and had, artfully, withdrawn from it that you might not be crushed under its Ruins—that, in this, you had acted a politic Part. That a Concurrence of unparralelled fortunate Circumstances had attended you—That Ambition had been the moving spring of all your Actions—that the Enthusiasm of your Country had gratified your darling Passion to the Extent of its Ability, and that, as they had nothing more to give, you would run no farther Risque for them—that as Nature had not closed the Scene while your Carreer was glorious you had, with profound Address, withdrawn yourself from a Station that promised nothing to your Ambition, and that might eventually involve your Popularity. The Federalists consider you as their own and glory in the Possession. They gave what a great and generous People might offer with Dignity and a noble Mind receive with Delicacy. They made no Oblation on the Altar of Idolatry or Vanity; their Offering was the Effect of Gratitude, Respect, Affection and Confidence to the Man that had, materially, assisted them in rearing and establishing the glorious Fabric of Liberty. Will you withdraw your Aid from a Structure that certainly wants your Assistance to support it? Can you, with Fortitude, see it crumble to decay? or, what is still worse behold the Monster Licentiousness, with all his horrid Attendants, exalted on its Ruins? I know you cannot you will not. But you will say that there are Abilities and Virtues in other Characters equall to the Task; admitting the Fact, it does not prove the Expediency of the Inference you have drawn from it, If there is not a Confidence in those Abilities and that Integrity they cannot be beneficially applied. I will venture to assert that, at this Time, you are the only Man in America that dares to do right on all public Occasions. You are called to watch over the Welfare of a great People at a Period of Life when Man is capable of sustaining the Weight of Government. You have shewn that you are not to be intoxicated by Power or misled by Flattery. You have a feeling Heart, and the long Necessity of behaving with Circumspection must have tempered that native Benevolence which otherwise might make you too compliant, the Soundness of your Judgement has been evinced on many and trying Occasions, and you have frequently demonstrated that you possess an Empire over yourself. For Gods sake do not yield that Empire to a Love of Ease, Retirement, rural Pursuits, or a false Diffidence of Abilities which those that best know you so justly appreciate; nay your very Figure is

calculated to inspire Respect and Confidence in the People, whose simple good Sense associates the noblest qualities of Mind with the heroic Form when it is embellished by such remarkable Tenets of Mildness and calm Benevolance—and such I believe was the first Intention of Nature. You love philosophic Retirement; convince the World then that you are a practical Philosopher, and that your native Philanthropy has induced you to relinquish an Object so essential to your Happiness. To do this I am certain that you need only give free Exercise to those Sentiments of patriotism and Benevolence which are congenial to your Bosom. Attend to their Verdict—Let your Heart judge of its Truth—Its Decrees will be confirmed by Posterity. That you are not indifferent to the Plaudits of the World I must conclude when I believe that the love of honest Fame has and ever will be predominant in the best the noblest and most capable Natures. Nor is the Approbation of Mankind to be disregarded with Impunity even by you. But, admitting that you could retire in a Manner exactly conformable to your own Wishes and possessed of the Benediction of Mankind, are you sure that such a Step would promote your Happiness? Have you not often experienced that your Judgement was fallible with Respect to the Means of Happiness? Have you not, on some Occasions, found the Consummation of your Wishes the Source of the keenest of your Sufferings? God grant that your Mind may be so enlightened that you may, on this Occasion, form a true Judgement and may the eternal Disposer of human Events watch over your welfare. May the Remnant of your Days be happily and actively employed in the Discharge of those Duties which elevate and fortify the Soul. And may you, till the extremest old age, enjoy the pure Felicity of having employed your whole Faculties for the Prosperity of the People for whose Happiness you are responsible, for to you their Happiness is intrusted. Adieu believe me as I ever am Your sincere affectionate Friend

Eliza. Powel


Title: From George Washington to Anthony Whitting, 18 November 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Whitting, Anthony

Mr Whiting,
Philadelphia 18th Novr 1792

Your letters of the 9th & 14th instt came duly to hand. To the first I hastily replied the morning after it was received, and shall add nothing further on that subject, in this letter, respecting the Fishery.

If the Mansn house people are permanently distributed to the plantations, to which they are destined; or, as soon as they are so; let all the Overseers know that they are no longer to look to the House gang for any assistance: on the contrary, that the work of every sort & kind whatsoever, is to [be] performed by the hands which are entrusted to them; Ditching alone excepted—and even this, when it is accompanied with a Post fence, they are to dig the holes for those Posts with their own people; for so long as they derive this extra assistance, and are helped out of every difficulty, they never will exert their own force to the best advantage; and the case invariably will be, that the House gang will be little more than an encouragement to their idleness instead of performing some settled work of their own, which will count, and tell something. I am sure, that every plantation is abundantly stocked with hands, fully adequate to all the purposes of it; except ditching; which they could not perform to advantage, although their force might be competent to it. There is but one case in which I can see any propriety in aiding of them; and that is, in work that can only be done at a particular season, or under particular circumstances, whe⟨n⟩ their own strength cannot effect it in the time limited by that season; or by those circumstances. For instance, clearing, or breaking up, a piece of ground which cannot be touched after it is absorbed with water: which reminds me to tell you, that if those spots in the Mill meadow, which could not be got into corn last Summer, is not broke up before the ground gets too wet this fall, you will not reclaim it in the course of next year; which will be a real injury to that lot, & a grievous eye-sore to every one that looks into it. This also is the case with the lot below it, and is the reason why I earnestly desire that no more may ever be attempted than can be compleatly accomplished; for I repeat, and repeat again; that I should be better satisfied in having one acre of Corn land, or meadow ground, well prepared & cultivated, than two Acres imperfectly done—In a word, these things are never really done if they are not well done.
After having given you these ideas so fully, & so strongly, it is hardly necessary to add, as my desire, that what will remain as the House gang, properly, may be kept steadily to work at that place; under Will, or some other, if he cannot keep them to their business. The work to be done there, has been pointed out in more letters than one; and as there is a good deal of wood to be taken

off the ground proposed to be cleared; and which may serve for Coal wood, fire wood, &ca; and is very convenient. I have no doubt but your Axe-men belonging to the place I mean will all be employed therein, instead of going into the great-Wood, & generally, as far out of sight as they can get, to cut Wood for the House.
All the young Cedars between the fence by the Spring, & the Wharf, that are of a size to be removed with safety, may, at a proper time, be taken up, & form a fence from the style (leading to the Spring) along the Post and Railing of the Lucern Inclosure; and from the Corner of the Vineyard inclosure downwards, and parallel to the last. But my opinion is, that to insure there living, they ought not to be remov’d until the ground is hard froze, when they can be taken up with a large block of frozen earth adhering to their Roots. The efficacy of this I have proved most clearly. You did well to desire the Gardiner to preserve the Damson [s]cions, if there be enough of them to form one side of the fence to the vineyard Inclosure; otherwise it would have too much the appearance of patch work to insert them there at all: And as that enclosure will contain fruit principally, which is subject to great depridations; I have thought that the best live fence for that, except the side marked above for Cedar, and I hesitate even there too, had better be of the Honey locust; the seed of which not to be put more than Six Inches apart; that when they get to any size they may be so close, stubborn, & formidable, as to prevent an escalade[;] indeed I know of nothing that will so effectually, & at so small an expence, preserve what is within the Inclosure, as this plant.
The Gardener, I presume, ought to be acquainted with the proper Seasons for taking off, & setting out, the cuttings of the Lombardy Poplar, & those of the Weeping, & yellow Willow. If therefore you both agree that this is a proper one, I would have it set about fully, & compleatly; as there is nothing I have so much at heart as to introduce live fences around every Inclosure where Hogs are not Suffered to be: and this is the case of all the inner Inclosures at the Mansion house, and division fences at the Plantations. One Inclosure, may be fenced with the cuttings of one thing, and another with another, according to your means; and the ground which seems best adapted to this, or that kind of

Tree. Let me know what qty of the honey locust seed you have on hand—& take care to secure all those which may be on the Trees which grow by Johnstons Spring, at the River Plantation. Let the ground wherein these cuttings or Seeds are to be deposited, be well prepared for the reception of them; for they were absolutely thrown away last year; and the labour, whatever it might be, has turned to no account. I do not perceive by any of the Reports that you have got any Cedar Berries, to (manage &) Sow as I directed. I fear it is now too late; as they were falling (and in the greatest abundance) about the time I left Mount Vernon.
You have entirely mistaken my idea respecting the conducting of the Water from the present Spring, and those I desired might be opened (to see what a body of it I could collect). Instead of carrying it to the Wharf, my intention was to carry the whole, as high up the side of the Hill as the level of it would admit when the whole should be united at, or below the Spring (according as the level would allow) until it was brought as far, & right opposite to, the River front of the Mansion House (that is to the Vista in a line with the two doors which I had opened whilst I was at home, by stakes which I suppose may be standing there yet.) I wanted to see how high up the side of that hill I could carry the water, and what advantage I might hereafter turn it to: it was for this reason I wanted the Springs opened when they were low; and gums or half (old) barrels put into them; that a judgment might be formed of the quantity, &ca—and it was for this reason also I added, that the Ditchers might assist in conducting it. There will be some difficulty, I am sensible, in taking it over the sunken place East of the Spring House; but a trough would remove it: after which, the water would go on a level, as in the case of Sideland Meadows to the place I have in view—What banks there are to cut through between the Spring house, & the most westerly Spring that would be worth opening, at, or beyond the Hound kennel; or whether they lye as high as the Spring that is now used, if the level was traced, my memory is unable to inform me; but Water by cutting through, or winding round banks, may always be conducted to its own level—This, & carrying the aggregate quantity of what could be obtained, to the front of the House, was the objects I had in view.
I had like to have forgot to tell you that the Lombardy Poplars,

& Weeping Willows in the Serpentine Walks, may, as well as any others, be stripped to furnish you with cuttings, if necessary.
If the French furze is a fit thing for Hedging, and you have reason to believe the seed is good, I am very glad you bought it. Whether it is best to sow the Seed where it is intended to remain, or in beds to transplant, you must decide for yourself; but that you may not be deceived by bad Seed, try a certain number of Seeds in a hot bed, or any other method which will force them, to see what proportion of them will come up: do the same by the Clover seed you have, that I may know what dependence to place on its goodness.
There is a plant or two which went from Bartrams Garden last Spring, which he recommended in strong terms as valuable for hedging. make the most you can of the one you say is living.
I am very glad to hear that your growing Wheat has a good appearance. Will the first Sowed, & thin Wheat, ever appear thick enough, especially in No. 7 in the Neck? It was not the getting of Fodder, generally, that injured the Corn: Stripping the blade I believe did, and said so at the time; but the great evil proceeded from its backwardness (occasioned by the long drought in Summer) and want of heat after the rains fell, to mature it.
Have you taken measures to save what Turnip Seed you may want next year? The purchase of these things ought, by all means to be avoided.
Inform me in your next how many Hogs you have up for Porke, at each place. The Robberies which all your letters relate, must be stopped by some means or another; or the consequences will inevitably be those I have mentioned in my last. It is growing worse & worse every day; and if a good deal of pains is not taken to discover the thieves, and the receivers, there is no telling where the evil will end. I am willing to be at the expence of Sheep-bells, but this will prove but a partial remedy: the evil must be probed deeper than that.
The dificiency of Stockings is another instance of the villainy of those I have about me; for, as you justly observe, it is impossible that lame peter & Sarah’s work could amount to no more than 60 pair—The Gardeners Wife must now see that there is a just return of all that is given out & taken in—and when the work is handed over by her, to you, I am persuaded it will be safe. Let the Gardeners wife give work to, & receive it from, lame Peter as well

as others; & then the whole will come under one head. Their reports ought to be dated.
What painting has Tom Davis done; and what paints have you now on hand?
Mrs Washington desires you will order the ashes to be taken care of, that there may be no want of Soap.
The note, at the foot of the last River plantation return, is by no means such as I expected, or would wish to see again; because it gives no idea of the real state of facts, as it respects the increase, & decrease of the Stock. My idea of this business is, that every change that takes place in the Stock in the course of the week, should be reported; that is—every lamb that falls, and every one that dies, ought to be accurately reported; how else am I to form any opinion of the care taken of these, & other things; or to form any tolerable opinion of my business, if the reports are not from the actual state of things, but from what they may be, according to contingencies.
From the present appearance of things, I think it highly probable that in the course of the Winter, or Spring, Flour will bear a good price. I would have none of mine therefore sold without directions from me—but it might not be amiss, now and then, for you to give me some account of the Alexandria price of this Article, least the disposal of it should escape m⟨e⟩. In the meanwhile, if you should want money for any particular purpose, & have it not, advise me thereof, and it shall be sent to you. The price of Tobacco, and for the same reason, may also be mentioned to me. I am—Your friend & well wisher

Go: Washington

P.S. As occasions may occur when Tea & other Spoons (better than Pewter) may be wanted in the absence of my family & the Majors at Mount Vernon—I do by this conveyance, send half a dozen of each; The hurry, & distress in which Mrs Fanny Washington left Mount Vernon, occasioned omissions of many things, which otherwise would not have been the case.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 19 November 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir,
Philadelphia 19th Novr 1792.

I have run over the four numbers of Genl Green’s letters to Congress—herewith returned—and find nothing contained in them, unmarked by you, which ought, in my opinion, to be withheld from the Public. Even those of the 3d of Novr 1780—tho’ quite unnecessary, might pass with an explanatory note on the then value of our paper currency.
It probably is best to [leave] out the scored part of No. 1, page 14, although, I am persuaded, it is no more than a statement of a fact, and not an unimportant one. In No. 4, latter part of page 57. nearly the same sentiment as that erased is conveyed. I am always Yrs &ca

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from George Skene Keith, 19 November 1792
From: Keith, George Skene
To: Washington, George

Sir
Keith-hall by Aberdeen [Scotland] 19th Novr 1792

I had the Honour of your Excellencys Letter of the 22d of June, which I shall carefully preserve for the sake of the subscription. I received at the same time your Secretary’s Letter of the 7th of May; both Letters bearing the Edinburgh Post mark of the 12th of September.
The best return I can make for the distinguishing honour of a Letter from your own Hand is [t]o send you some information on the Subject of Weights and Measures, an Uniformity of which as you justly observe, would be attended with the most beneficial effects to Commerce.
There are two things, either of which may be done by the Legislators of America—They may either establish such a standard as the nations of Europe will probably adopt; or they may concert with the different Courts of Europe, about establishing a connexion between some of the principal weights and measures presently in use, and a Standard taken from nature. I beg leave to send you two papers, which I have compressed into as little Room as possible—One of them contains some Observations on the Report of the Committee of Senate of the United States on this subject; and the other has sketched out the Outlines of a proposed application from the United States to the different Courts of Europe about establishing an Uniformity of Weights & Measures. They have cost me some labour in drawing up and compressing them⟨.⟩ And I have no view in sending them but to be useful to mankind.
Therefore I make no Apology to your Excellency for the form in which they are drawn up, excepting this that they would have been much longer in describing, and going round about every little circumstance, than by exhibiting them in the form a corrected report of the Committee of your Senate, and of an application from the States of America to the Courts of Europe.

To one of your elevated Mind Compl⟨i⟩ments are empty and Apologies unnecessary—I therefore request your Excellencys attention to the two first and the last pages of the Observations on the Report of the Committee of Senate, and to the first and last pages of the Outlines of the proposed application to the Courts of Europe—The mathematical information in other parts of these papers you can submit to those who have particularly studied the Subject.
I have only to request your forgiveness for the Liberty I take in writing your Excellency, and for sending my papers to be forwarded by your Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of London, that they may not be so long, as my last communication was in reaching America.
May God Almighty prolong your useful and valuable Life to a very remote period, for the good of those States, among whom your important services, your abilities and your virtues, give you a greater and a better influence, than may ever fall to the Lot of any of your Successers.
I beg offer of my best acknowledgements for your goodness in sending my Letter to my Aunt Mrs [Rachel] Barclay. I have the honour to be with the highest Esteem and Veneration for your Character, independent of the Respect due to your Rank Sir Your Excellencys most Obedient and most Humble Servant

Geo: Skene Keith


Title: To George Washington from J. R. Robinson, 19 November 1792
From: Robinson, J. R.
To: Washington, George

  [c.19] Nov. [1792]. Petitions for a military appointment, citing his experience as “an officer in the Sarvice of the united Stat⟨es⟩” during the Revolutionary War.


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 19 November 1792
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States [Philadelphia]November 19th 1792

I nominate the following persons to fill the Offices annexed to their names respectively, to which they have been appointed during the recess of the Senate.
Zebulon Hollingsworth to be Attorney for the United States in the Maryland District; vice Richard Potts, resigned.

Copland Parker, to be Surveyor of the Port of Smithfield in Virginia; vice James Wells, resigned.
James Gibbon, to be Inspector of Survey No. 4. in Virginia; vice Thomas Newton Junr resigned.
John Armistead, to be Surveyor of the Port of Plymouth in North Carolina; vice Thomas Davis Freeman, superseded.
Thomas Parker, to be Attorney for the United States in the South Carolina District; vice John J. Pringle, resigned.
I likewise nominate
Thomas Moffat, to be Surveyor of the Port of Fredericksburg in Virginia; vice William Lewis, who is appointed Keeper of the Light House lately erected on Cape Henry—and—
Benjamin Joy of Massachusetts, to be Consul for the United States of America at Calcutta, and other Ports and places on the coast of India in Asia.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 19 November 1792
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
United States [Philadelphia]November 19th 1792

The following appointments have been made in the Army of the United States, during the recess of the Senate; and I now nominate the following persons to fill the Offices annexed to their names respectively.

            Artillery
            Peter L. Van Alen to be Lieutenant; vice [Dirck] Schuyler, resigned; to take rank from 6th Septr 1792.

            Infantry
            Alexander Gibson to be Captain vice William Lewis declined.

            Howell Lewis to be Captain vice [Hugh] Caperton declined.

            William Preston to be Captain vice [William] Lowder declined.

            John Cummin[g]s to be Captain vice [William] Powers declined.

            Jonathan Taylor to be Ensign vice [Baker] Davidson declined.

            Andrew Shanklin to be Ensign vice [James] Hawkins declined.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Anthony Whitting, 21 November 1792 [letter not found]
From: Whitting, Anthony
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Anthony Whitting, 21 Nov. 1792. GW wrote Whitting on 25 Nov.: “Your letter of the 21st instant enclosing the Reports of the preceeding week was received yesterday.”


Title: To George Washington from James Mulryne, 22 November 1792
From: Mulryne, James
To: Washington, George

Worthy Sir,
Georgia November 22nd 1792

If I err by writing to the great it is not by wanton forwardness—but purely from a sincere wish for the welfare of my country—The ignorant per chance may utter a stroke of wisdom—which when cultivated by the wise may become permanent—therefore sir I humbly offer you my simple opinion on so important a Subject as concerns the peace of America (Georgia particularly) with the indians.
Great sums of money are yearly expended in presents to those tribes at large. they are like us Some from indolence and other

excuses omit attending at the place of distribution and such are not apt to impute their folly but the disappointment adds rancour and jelousy which causes altercation among themselves until the p⟨h⟩ilonium dies in oblivion as if no such gift ever existed for the nature of an indian is such no longer He enjoys the present no longer will he acknowledge the favor.
Britain on our northward line makes it an object to encourage their merchants to establish a commerce with those people—the merchant finds it to his account to do so[.] Spain on our South line (tho’ contrary to her common policy) sees it necessary to give the firm of Panthon Leslie & Co. all the protection in her power and this house finds it to their advantage to supply those people therefore these powers act by a political principle and the individual encouraged from interest.
At this time none but America makes presents (united States) and at this day none are under such contentions it is equally demonstrated to me with a certainty all this may be put an end to without risque of life by arms or even expend the enormous sums of money that is yearly exhibited.
If Merchants (of us) are encouraged to establish Stores for the conveniency of those people we then will be no better off than British or Spaniard as they will have equal power to attract—but let us extend on a more liberal principle. let Stores be established by Government for the indians with Such as may be necessary and those entrusted to be considered as mere agents by certain directions under penal Bonds & Security for their performance—those Goods to be dealt out at 20 ⅌ cent on the cost or so much as will answer the exportation to those Stores &c. in payment take the indians furr skins &c. by this means you please the idea atracts the indian and in time he becomes naturalized.
Permit me sir, to offer the following Questions and answers which naturally occurs—will the British and Spanish import Goods from Europe risque his life and property in a desolate wilderness and sell those Goods at 20 percent—will an Indian purchase, be friends or attach himself to any but those he finds it his interest to be so with—does America want any profit from this political adventure or wish any thing at present from the indians but peace—and will the British or Spanish Merchant encourage a trade of this nature or under any other idea but his 2 & 3 Ct ⅌ Ct on the cost of his Goods exclusive of his ⅌ Ct on

the returns of his furrs &c. the[se] and many more can be answered truly in the negative.
Can we offer more to the indian for his furrs, Skins &c. than the foreign merchant will not these furrs, Skins &c. circulate in our Country add to its wealth and manufactures—will not this mode of trade put a Stop to the petty traders who flew from the fangs of our laws by his transgression from some part of our dominion Settled among these people who are the instruments of our disputes by encouraging the Stealing of our Negroes and horses on both Sides—will not then America have the whole trade to herself obtain every end that can possibly be expected in that point of view—loose no lives, Sink no money if She makes none these and many others can be as easy answered in the affirmative.
In this case it would be political to advise a continuance of our usual poll tax 2/4 Sterling, this Year ½ Georgians will pay the former without demur—for it is natural to ask who would on such liberal principles when the reversion is offered by proclamation to the importer of Emigrants for the redemption of their passage that may come to our Country for the terror of bondage to the Stranger is horrid and the idea of this alone prevents the poor of other Countries (who would Cultivate ours) from Coming, if such modes as these are adopted in Six or Seven years our frontiers will be compleatly Settled by which means our monies withdrawn from this kind of commerce (if deemed necessary to our treasury[)]—and the indian must resign upon such terms as may be proposed for the idea of defence by arms to him would be vague.
If what I say can be of no use pardon me Great Sir for taking up so much of your time—to my weak head the idea is forcible and probable—the offer may be serviceable and if I should be honored with Call in consequence of this information—for the Georgia department—I will chearfully resign my own commerce Situated on my own plantation at South Newport in Liberty County to negociate so important a scheme for the interest of my Country and as to integrity and security for the performance of such business I believe I may be found equal to the demand. I am Great Sir with sincere obedience Your very Humble servant

James Mulryne


Title: To George Washington from Anthony Whitting, 22 November 1792 [letter not found]
From: Whitting, Anthony
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Anthony Whitting, 22 Nov. 1792. GW wrote Whitting on 2 Dec. acknowledging “Your letter of the 22d of Novr enclosing the Sheriffs account.”


Title: Tobias Lear to Thomas Jefferson, 23 November 1792
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Jefferson, Thomas

United States [Philadelphia] November 23d 1792

T. Lear has the honor to transmit to the Secretary of State the Commissions which were sent to the President for his signature, which they have received.
T. Lear begs leave to observe that in the Commission of Mr Joy, it is expressed: “He demanding and receiving no Fees or Perquisites”—which appears to be contrary to the fourth Section of the Act passed during the last Session of Congress, entitled, “An Act concerning Consuls and Vice Consuls.” If the matter should strike the Secretary in the same light as it does T. Lear, it will undoubtedly be rectified.


Title: Tobias Lear to Henry Knox, 23 November 1792
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Knox, Henry

United States [Philadelphia] November 2[3]d. [1]792

T. Lear has the honor to return to the Secretary of War the two letters from Major General Wayne, with their enclosures, which have been submitted to the President, whose remarks thereon are herewith enclosed.

Tobias Lear.Secretary to the president of the United States.


Title: Enclosure: Washington’s Observations on General Wayne’s Letters, 23 November 1792
From: Washington, George
To:

[Philadelphia] Novr 23d [1792]

Observations
On Majr Genl Waynes letter of the 14th Instt
It is unfortunate, & very extraordinary, that he should have suspended h⟨is⟩ opinion with respect to the disposition of the Army for the Winter, from a vague report of Mr H—⟨s⟩—declaration concerning the Western Posts. If this had been founded, he oug⟨ht⟩ to have looked for it from a better source, ⟨or⟩ to have disregarded it altogether.
Now, I presume, it is too late to worry what would—(had he not been unde⟨r⟩ false impressions) have been his plan into execution. But I think he ought to be cha⟨r⟩ged in strong, & explicit terms, to run ⟨the⟩ public to no more expence in the Barrack⟨s⟩ he is about to build, than what is indispensably necessary to cover & secure the Officers & Soldiers from the weather—avoiding all decorations, and as much as possible all conveniencies—considering themselves, as it were, under marching orders, to remove during Winter or in the Spring according to events & circumstances.
On the letter from D[itt]o dated 16th Novr
The difficulty, and as He (G.W.) calls it, the impracticability of providing Flour after the 15th of June, is New information, which if it had been given before, might have induced the authorisation of a larger Magazine of this Article: and now, if it does not militate with the arrangement made with the Secretary of the Treasury I should have no disinclination towards increasing the quantity. Of the Meat kind, after a sufficient quantity of that which is salted, is stored; the dependence ought surely to be on live Cattle—Stalled or Grass fed; As the expence of transportation in Carriages, or on Pack horses, would be immense—As

flour must always be carried, there may, & I think ought to be exertion used to get it forward in the best mode & time that can be embraced to the advanced Posts—for reasons which are too obvious to be mentioned.

G. W——n


Title: To George Washington from Warner Mifflin, 23 November 1792
From: Mifflin, Warner
To: Washington, George

Philada 23d 11 Mon[th]: 1792
To the President, Senate and House of Representatives of the United States—

“He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God”—2d Sam: 23.3.
Having for a long time felt my mind impressed with a religious engagement on your account, and a belief that if measures are not taken to redress the wrongs, and alleviate the sufferings and oppression of the African race in these states, the Almighty will manifest his displeasure in a more conspicuous manner than has yet appeared: The consideration whereof excites me in his fear, earnestly to sollicit and solemnly to warn you, to exert your power and influence, that right and justice may be done in this important case.

I have been also affected with the following declaration of the prophet, Vizt Ezek. 3.20. “When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die; because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sins, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembred; but his blood will I require at thine hand.[”]
21. “Nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man, that the righteous sin not, and he doth not sin, he shall surely live, because he is warned; also thou hast delivered thy soul.”
Now, I cannot view the declaration made by the first Congress, in substance to amount to any thing short of a solemn covenant, entered into with the God of Heaven and the whole earth; Vizt We hold these truths self evident, that all men were created equal, that they were endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, among which are life, liberty &ca; and which remains obligatory on the present Congress so to consider—How then have those rights become alienated, that Americans shall be permitted to continue to ravage the coast of Africa, thereby promoting murder, pillaging, plundering and burning its towns, and inslaving its inhabitants; and in the United States, while some of those very men, who perhaps with their own hands subscribed the aforesaid declaration, remain in the Supreme Legislature, that avaricious men shall be permitted to pass through the country, steal, buy, traffick, barter and exchange the blacks, as though they were indeed brute beasts, separating husband from wife, parents from children, even mothers from infant babes; yea, from all that is dear to men in this world except life, and indeed that also, as there are divers instances of their being murthered; others in iron fetters, huddled into jails till the number wanted is collected, then stowed into vessels for transportation to foreign parts, and sold into perpetual slavery; not permitting a parting leave between the nearest ties of nature. My soul now revolts at the infernal crime committed against innocent persons without provocation. Oh! let me now beseech you, not to think it too much degradation for you to reflect, was this the lot of one of your beloved, delicate wives, your tender babes, or near relatives, how then would you feel?
Do not you with me believe that there is a God of Justice, who will finally recompence unto all men according to the fruit of

their doings, and that he doth at one view, by his all-penetrating eye, behold the actions of men over the face of the globe; if so, how do we think he will look on the rulers of this land, when he beholds many of them faring sumptuously every day, living in ease and fulness, at the very time that they are inventing unto themselves instruments of music, and spending their precious time in vain theatrical and other amusements, and remember not the afflictions of their suffering African brethren; who in this country may be loaded with irons, under all the pangs of sorrow the human heart can be capable of enduring, for no crime whatever, but because it pleased God to suffer them to come into the world with a black skin; will not this make him your enemy, who is a God that is no respecter of persons.
I crave your serious attention to this important subject, and that while you may feel an animated warmth to fill your minds, when engaged respecting the natives of this land, you suffer a turn of thought respecting the conduct of Americans in Africa, and in this country also, towards Africans; and see if any savage cruelty of the natives, can exceed that of the white people towards the Africans, considering our superior advantage of civilization under the Light of the Gospel. Let us consider we are informed that the measure we meet to others is to be meted to us; and likewise that we may so conduct as never to feel the effects (in the full extent) of the declaration of the Almighty formerly delivered to a highly favoured people, in failure of complying with their covenants and engagements, Vizt—34.17. “Behold, I proclaim a liberty for you, saith the Lord, to the sword, to the famine, and to the pestilence.” Is there not reason to acknowledge that we have seen in some measure fulfilled a part of the first; are there not traces of the second, and do we not acknowledge that all three are subservient to Almighty Power; and has not our nation falsified its covenant? Oh! my countrymen and fellow-citizens, be serious on this subject, and allow me the liberty of a free expostulation with you; I feel for the welfare of my country, and my fellow-citizens; every one of whom I love; and believing myself every way equally interested with the largest part of your body in the welfare of my country, I hoped you would allow me freely, thus far to relieve my pained heart, who feel so much on account of the barbarous cruelties exercised on an unoffending people, which I am persuaded you generally have not

a full conception of, that under an apprehension of duty I have attempted in this manner to address you. Being with sincere desires for your welfare Your real friend

Warner Mifflin


Title: To George Washington from Alexander White, 23 November 1792
From: White, Alexander
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] Nov. 23d 1792.

A. White having received the enclosed from his Friend General Wood, could devise no method so effectual to inform the President of General Martins wishes and merits as by communicating the letter of General Wood.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 24 November 1792
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] Nov. 24. 92.

Th: Jefferson returns to the President mister Cooper’s pamphlet which he has perused with much satisfaction, & is thankful for the opportunity of perusing it, furnished him by the kindness of the President.


Title: Tobias Lear to Henry Knox, 24 November 1792
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Knox, Henry

United States [Philadelphia] Novr 24th [1]792

By the President’s command T. Lear has the honor to return to the Secretary of War the letter to Govrnor Lee—to Thomas Wilson Esq. & others—and the Copy of a letter to Genl Wayne, which have been submitted to the President & to inform the Secretary that their contents meet the ideas of the President.

T.L.S.P.U.S.


Title: To George Washington from John C. Ogden, 24 November 1792
From: Ogden, John C.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Portsmouth [N.H.] Novr 24th 1792

During times of war it is the duty of every individual to send that intelligence to head quarters, which may concern the honor or safety of the country. Such I conclude is the duty of citizens in days of peace. and that the President of the United States ought to be informed of every thing, in every part of the country, which concerns their religious or civil interests.
Deeply impressed with these ideas, which are collected from long observation, and undoubtedly are founded in the policy of government to know and attend to—I am led to transmit this, which more immediately is connected with my profession, and a trust reposed in me as a member of, and Secretary to a body, who have the care of a very valuable and extensive Church property.
Your Excellency is no Stranger, to the grant of the former British administration, of certain lands in many towns in New Hampshire and Vermont, to the Church of England and Society for propagating the Gospel, for supporting religious worship and instruction in those settlements which are more immediately on and near the banks of Connecticut river. The Society in England about four years since, quit-claimed their title in said Land to certain Gentlemen in this State and Massachusetts, as trustees for carrying the original design into effect.
Various frauds have been committed, and injuries done to this property, by which the original purpose is injured wantonly from the missdoings of the dissenting party. Trespassers have entered, and settled upon them, and many sources of controversy, and causes of action before civil courts aris⟨e.⟩ We once appealed to the Legislature for an act of incorporation, of our Trustees—but, from the violent opposition of The Honble John Langdon Esqr. then President of the State, and his council, we were oblidged to withdraw our petition—no one appeared as our friend but The Honble Mr Pickering, the present worthy Chief Justice of the Superior Court. The Lower house of assembly were in our favor. No time since has presented that favorable opportunity,

when we might renew our application. Under this embarrassment we have no present remidy, but as Attorneys for the Society in England, by an appeal to the Federal Courts. The indisposition of my countrys friend, Judge Sullivan, and the expectation of Mr Woodbury Langdons friend⟨s⟩ that he will succeed to the place of District Judge alarm our cares, and awake a solicitude, for the interest of the Church, which is necessary. The cause of this is, Mr Woodbury Langdon, has unjustly entered upon, and keeps possession of a valuable property, belonging to the Church in Portsmouth, which his brother and every other man in the State, say he has no honest equitable title to. He once attempted with others to obtain a seizure or forfeiture of the whole of these Church Lands, on the Grants (so called) into the treasury of The State, this failing they endeavored to lead the College to apply for a gift of this property to that institution, but without success. A few weeks since I was informed that a plan once had been concerted by individuals, to prevail on the State to seize those Lands for vacant, and sell them to individuals, to enrich the Treasury. This was the plan of the dissenting party, at which those Mr Langdons are at the head.
Mr John Langdon, had even wished to divide them among the dissenting meetings by act of government.
For a Clergyman to say any thing on the subject of civil appointments, may in general be improper. but when the rights and property of his religion are concerned, he will be excused for giving information relating to those particulars.
Many leading Churchmen press me to inform your Excellency on the subject—that we may shew our county—the Church and Posterity, that we have attempted to ward off dangers in a prudent and quiet manner.
What will further evince, not only the mad policy, but intolerant injustice of seizing the Church Land is—that they are appropriated to the teaching of religion in a county newly settled, by hardy industrious emigrants, from Towns, where they enjoyed the public worship of their maker—and schools for their children. Great numbers of these emigrant⟨s⟩ were american soldiers—who after the peace, & the loss of their final settlement securities, obtained deeds on mort[g]age of lots, built huts—married wives—have cleared farms—and now have large families (in a prolific country), of fine promising children. They mourn

the want of means to instruct them in religion and useful knowledge. The first settlers have sold generaly the school right of three hundred acres which was intended as a perpetual fund. To that six hundred acres only remain in most of those Towns, and these are church property—Many of these settlers are actualy Churchmen—They have paid road, town, and other taxes, during their residence, have virtuously submited to many hardships with the hope of doing good for their families and yet enjoying their religion. I have visited them, have eat, drank, and lodged in their houses during the summer past. I have heard their complaints—know their wants, and find a resentment raising against those who would deprive them of the benefit, which the Church, would long since have afforded them by sending Clergymen, among them—(Could we obtain an act of in corporation for our trustees)—This has been hither to prevented by the party under the influence of The Mr Langdons connections in New Hampshire. This State of facts is also known by the Bishops and Clergy, as well as by leading Lay-Churchmen through the States—It was my duty to inform them.
The nature of this letter will not require an answer—far be it from me to lead your Excellency into a correspondence on ecclesiastical subjects.
Altho I have seen a great want of due caution on the part of Dissenters, as to the religious rights of Churchmen, I wish not to draw Churchmen into any thing which is not just—peaceable prudent & proper. I remain Sir Your Excellencys devoted Servant

John Cosens Ogden Rectorof St Johns Church in Portsmouth—N: Hampshire


Title: Clement Biddle to Tobias Lear, 26 November 1792
From: Biddle, Clement
To: Lear, Tobias

Dr Sir
[Philadelphia] Nov: 26. 92.

The prices of Stocks for Cash in this City on the 1st August last were for

            6 ⅌ Cts
            21/4

            3 ⅌ Cts
            12/6

            deferred
            13/4

these I find by reference to my books & they may be called the same on this day with difference of one penny less on 6 ⅌ Cts being now 21/3. I am with great regard Dr Sir Yr ms. Obed. Serv.

Clement Biddle


Title: To George Washington from Andrew Ellicott, 26 November 1792
From: Ellicott, Andrew
To: Washington, George

Sir,
City of Washington Novr 26th 1792

With this you will receive an Almanac for the year 1793, which I calculated, and compiled, during my sickness last September. The astronomical part is adapted to the latitude, and meridian of the City of Washington.
My design in this work, was merely to assist other (laudable) endeavours, in bringing the City of Washington into Public notice: and if it should be so fortunate as to meet your approbation, I shall think myself amply rewarded. I am Sir your Hbl. Servt

Andw Ellicott


Title: Benjamin Hawkins to Tobias Lear, 26 November 1792
From: Hawkins, Benjamin
To: Lear, Tobias

No. 37
N. Carolina 26 novr 1792
On the same day you applied to me, I had a conference wth Mr Johnston and the representatives from N. Carolina the result of which this day is that Thomas Overton of More County or Henry Waters of [New] Hanover is equal to the appointment contemplated by the President.
Overton was I believe of the rank of Major in the line of the late Army, and of the State of Virginia, he removed into N. Carolina since the termination of the War, and has resided in the County where he now is in the district of Fayette, he is Lt Colo. Commandant of the cavalry of that district, and has been a member of the Legislature, and has supported a very fair and upright character.
Mr Waters is a native of North Carolina, of respectable connections, he is a young man of probity, the only advantage he has over Mr Overton is his being a native, but perhaps that is more than counterbalanced by the others being publickly known, and for some years respected in that part of the Country. I am with sincere regard sir, yr.ob. servt

Benjamin Hawkins


Title: To George Washington from the Vicomte de Rochambeau, 26 November 1792
From: Rochambeau, Donatien-Marie-Joseph de Vimeur, vicomte de
To: Washington, George

Sir,
[le] Cap [Saint Domingue]26th 9ber 1792. 4th year of Liberti.

I have the honour to informe your Excellency that I have been invested the Governement of St Domingo. The desire to Serve a second time the noble cause of Liberty has imposed to me the Duty to Cross the Atlantic Ocean again, and to Vow the rest of my Life, to the Service of my own Country. The pleasure to be nearer the seat of the glory of your Excellency, and to be in measure in my Correspondance to assure him of my everlasting respect, Was also among the reasons Which determined me to accept this dangorous Commission, in the very odd Circumstances under Which we Lie in Europe.
Capne Keating w[h]o will deliver this Letter goes to north

america to recoverer his health: I recommend this officer to your Excellency. I have the honour to be Sir, of your Excellency—the most humble and obedient Servant

the Governor g[ener]al of Sainto DomingoDtn Rochambeau


Title: To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 27 November 1792
From: Biddle, Clement
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philada Nov: 27. 1792.

Mr Randolph communicated to me your Orders that I should in person serve the process on the two men indicted for a riot in Washington County.
A Sense of Duty and earnest desire to execute it in such manner as would be most conformable to your desire, would make me undertake the Service in person but I am apprehensive that I may be lay’d up in the Attempt, as I have not only had repeated attacks of the Gout for several months past, but have been Afflicted with another Complaint which has prevented me from riding any distance on horseback.

From these Considerations I had prevailed on Captain Jonas Simonds formerly an Officer of Artillery and at present of the Customs, a man of respectability on whose firmness and prudence I could rely, to undertake the business and he was preparing to set off whenever I should be called on for the purpose.
If you should not, under these Circumstances, approve of this Arrangement I will however attempt to execute the business in person. I have the honour to be, with the greatest respect, Your most Obedient and very humble Servant

Clement BiddleMarshall in & for the Pennsylvania District


Title: Memorandum from Thomas Jefferson, 28 November 1792
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Gentlemen of the Senate [and] H. of Representatives
[Philadelphia, 28 November 1792]

I now lay before you, for your further information, some additional advices, lately received, on the subject of the hostilities committed by the Chuckamogga towns, or under their name and guidance.
The importance of preventing this hostile spirit from spreading to other tribes, or other parts of the same tribe of Indians, a considerable military force actually embodied in their neighborhood, and the advanced state of the season, are circumstances which render it interesting that this subject should obtain your earliest attention.
The Question of War, being placed by the Constitution with the legislature alone, respect to that made it my duty to restrain the operations of our militia to those merely defensive: & considerations involving the public satisfaction, & peculiarly my own, require that the decision of that Question, whichever way it be, should be pron⟨o⟩unced definitely by the legislature themselves.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 28 November 1792
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia Nov. 28. 1792.

The rise in the price of copper, & difficulty of obtaining it from other quarters, has induced the Director of the Mint (as I had the honor of mentioning to you yesterday) to turn his attention to Sweden, as the country from which according to his information it may be obtained on the best terms. he wishes that some means could be adopted of importing some on the public account. there is so little direct commerce between this country & Sweden that we shall be obliged to resort to some intermediate

port, & I have imagined that (our resident in Holland being absent) our Minister in London would be the best person to confide the business to for the present occasion. you will see by mister Rittenhouse’s letter inclosed that he proposes an importation of 30. or 40. tons from Sweden at present. the former quantity, by his estimate will cost between nine & ten thousand dollars. if you approve of this mode & quantum of supply, a bill from the Treasury of 10,000 Doll. on our Holland bankers payable to mister Pinckney, would be convenient for the Director of the mint, and mister Pinckney shall be desired to adopt the best means he can of having 30. tons of copper shipped from Sweden for the Mint. I also inclose the Director’s letter of yesterday asking a supply of 5000. D. for the current purposes of the mint, & have the honor to be with the most perfect respect & attachmt Sir Your most obedt & most humble servt

Th: Jefferson


Title: To George Washington from Anthony Whitting, 28 November 1792 [letter not found]
From: Whitting, Anthony
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Anthony Whitting, 28 Nov. 1792. GW wrote Whitting on 9 Dec.: “Your letter of the 28th of Novr . . . did not arrive until the 4th.”


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 29 November 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] Thursday Nov: 29th 1792

The Secretary of the Treasury presents his respects to the president; has the honor to transmit for his consideration the draft of a report pursuant to two references of the House of Representatives, concerning which he will wait upon the President on Saturday, being desireous of sending in a Report on Monday.


Title: To George Washington from the United States House of Representatives, 29 November 1792
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Washington, George

Sir,
United States [Philadelphia] the 29th of Novr 1792.

In obedience to the Order of the House of Representatives, I do myself the honor to transmit to you, their Resolution of this date, on the subject of an assay of foreign Coins. With the most perfect consideration, I am Sir, Your most obedient, and very humble Servant

Jona: Trumbull Speaker.


Title: To George Washington from Richard Peters, 30 November 1792
From: Peters, Richard
To: Washington, George

30 Nov. 1792

R. Peters’s respectful Compliments to The President & returns the Pamplet on the Foo⟨t⟩ Plough with Thanks for the Perusal. R.P. thinks there are many good & useful Observations in the Book, but he cannot prefer the Plough to the Bar Share Plough in Use among good Farmers here. The Idea of accomodating one Plough to many & different Operations may be well executed. But he would rather have different Ploughs for different Works. No Chip Share Plough can be kept in Order with the same Expence or Facility with the Bar Shares. The Friction is greater & the Weight encreased by the Dirt they carry with them. The Mode of fixing the Draft is good but not uncommon & that of altering the Plough so as to take more or less Land is better than commonly

practised but similar in a great Degree to the Mode used in the Dutch Plough—The Length in the Ground including the Spit & Share may make it run steady, but it seems to R.P. too long. The Plan of altering the Mould Board & the Cutter is ingenious but he fears our common Plough Men would soon disorder it.


Title: From George Washington to David Stuart, 30 November 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Stuart, David

Dear Sir,
Philadelphia Novr 30th 1792

Knowing that tomorrow is the time appointed for the monthly meeting of the Commissioners at George Town, I had intended to have written you a line or two on a particular subject by Wednesday’s Post; but one thing or another put it out of mind until it was too late. I now set down to do it, as the letter in the common course of the Post will reach George Town on Monday—probably, before you shall have left that place.
You will consider what I am now about to say as a private communication; the object of which is only to express more freely than I did in my last letter to the Commissioners, the idea that is entertained of the necessity of appointing a Superintendant of the execution of the plans & measures wch shall be resolved upon by the Commissioners of the federal City. one who shall always reside there. and being a man of skill & judgment—of industry & integrity, would, from having a view of the business constantly before his eyes, be enabled to conduct it to greater advantage than the Commissioners can possibly do unless they were to devote their whole time to it. Instances of this are adduced by some of the Proprietors; particularly in the alteration which has taken place in the Bridge, the delay consequent thereof—&ca. It is remarked by some of (the best disposed of)

them, that although you meet monthly—spend much time together—and are truly anxious to forward this great object; yet, from the nature of the thing, you cannot acquire at those meetings the minute information which a proper character always on the spot would do; and which is indispensably necessary to do in order to avoid mistakes, and to give vigor to the undertaking. And besides, add they, a man of fertile genius, & comprehensive ideas, would, by having the business always before him, seeing, shewing to, & conversing with Gentlemen who may be led, either by curiosity or an inclination to become adventurers therein, to view the City, obtain many useful hints, by means of which, and his own reflections, might suggest many useful projects to the consideration of the Commissioners at their stated (say) quarterly meetings, or at such occasional ones as he might, in cases of importance and immergency, be empowered to call.
But where, you may ask, is the character to be found who possesses these qualifications? I frankly answer I know not! Major L’Enfant (who it is said is performing wonders at the new town of Patterson) if he could have been restrained within proper bounds, and his temper was less untoward, is the only person with whose turn to matters of this sort I am acquainted, that I think fit for it. Th⟨ere⟩ may, notwithstanding, be many others although they are unknown to me, equally so.
Mr Blodget seems to be the person on whom many eyes are turned, & among others who look that way, are some of the Proprietors. He has travelled, I am told, a good deal in Europe; & has turned his attention (according to his own Account) to Architecture & matters of this kind. He has staked much on the issue of the Law establishing the permanent residence; and is certainly a projecting genius, with a pretty general acquaintance. To which may be added, if he has any influence in this Country, it must be in a quarter where it is most needed; and where, indeed, an antitode is necessary to the poison which Mr F——s C——t is spreading; by insinuations, that the accomplishment of the Plan is no more to be expected than the fabric of a vision, & will vanish in like manner. But whether with these qualifications, Mr Blodget is a man of industry & steadiness, & whether (as soon as it is necessary) he would take up a settled abode there, are points I am unable to resolve. As an Architect, Mr Jefferson has a high opinion of Mr Hallet, but whether Mr Hallet has qualities, & is

sufficiently known to fit him for general superintendancy I cannot pretend even to give an opinion upon. If Mr B⟨l⟩odget is contemplated for this office would it not be well to be on or off with him at once. [I] hear he is held in suspence on this head.
Have you yet decided on a Plan for the Capitol? Mr Carroll talked of their being sent hither—Is any thing done towards the foundation of the Presidents house? What number of lots are bona fide sold? In what squares do they lye? Let your Clerk send me a list. Do you receive offers to purchase at private Sale? If you have fixed on a time for another public Sale, ought not notice thereof to be immediately given; & measures adopted to make the thing known in Europe as well as in this Country; Inserting advertisements in the Gazettes of the latter at intervals between this & the Sale, by way of remembrancer. A little expence in these would be profitably incurred. How does [Andrew] Ellicot[t] go on? I am always, & Affectly Yours

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 1 December 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] 1st Decemr 1792.

The Secretary of the Treasury presents his respects to the President has the honor to submit to him the enclosed communications concerning which he will wait upon The President on Monday.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 1 December 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

[Philadelphia, 1 December 1792]

Mr Hammond starts three to one against you.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 1 December 1792
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] Sat. Dec. 1. 92.

Th: Jefferson has the honor to submit to the President the inclosed draught of a clause which he has thought of proposing to the committee to whom the President’s letter with the accounts of the Department of state are referred. he will have the honor of waiting on the President at one aclock, as well to explain any parts of it as to take his pleasure on the whole matter.


Title: Enclosure: Memorandum from Thomas Jefferson, 3 November 1792
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

  To the bill which shall be brought in for continuing the act of July 1. 1790. c.22. ‘providing the means of intercourse between the U.S. and foreign nations’ it is proposed to add the following clause.
And be it further enacted that where monies have issued, or shall issue, from the Treasury, for the purposes of intercourse or treaty with foreign nations, under the authority of the said act, or of the present or any preceding act, the President shall be authorized to refer the settlement & delivery of Vouchers, for all such parts thereof as in his judgment may be made public to the Auditor of the U.S., and for all other parts, to such person as he shall appoint, presenting for their government such rules as the nature of the case shall in his opinion require.


Title: Henry Knox to Tobias Lear, 1 December 1792
From: Knox, Henry
To: Lear, Tobias

My dear Sir
[Philadelphia] 1 Decr 1792

Be pleased to submit the enclosed letter to the President of the United States from Colonel Willet which I have just received. Yours sincerely

H. Knox


Title: Henry Knox to Tobias Lear, 1 December 1792
From: Knox, Henry
To: Lear, Tobias

Dear sir.
[Philadelphia] 1 Decr 1792

Be pleased to submit to the President of the United states, the enclosed from Genl Wayne. Yours sincerely

H. Knox


Title: Tobias Lear to William Hilton, 2 December 1792
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Hilton, William

Sir,
Philada 2d December 1792.

The President of the United States has received at his seat in Virginia, a number of plants from the Island of Jamaica, which were accompanied with a particular description of the plants sent, and a catalogue of the plants in the Jamaica public Garden.
As there was no Letter received with the plants, the President would not have known to whose politeness he was indebted for this mark of attention, nor where to have made his acknowledgements, had not the Memo[randu]m accompanying the plants & Catalogue pointed out the name of Mr Hilton: he has therefore directed me to beg your acceptance of his best thanks for the plants as well as for the polite offer to supply him with any others he might name, which are contained in the Catalogue. I have the honor to be &c.

T. Lear.


Title: From George Washington to Anthony Whitting, 2 December 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Whitting, Anthony

Philadelphia Decr 2d 1792
Mr Whiting,

Your letter of the 22d of Novr enclosing the Sheriffs account has been duly received; but no letter nor Report was receivd from you yesterday, as usual; which makes me fear that you are sick, or that some accident has happened; as I have never missed before, receiving on Saturday the letter and reports which you send to Alexandria on Wednesday. I am always anxious to hear

once a week from home; & to be informed by the letter & Reports how my people are, and how my business is going on; & I am more desirous of it now when it remains to be told what the Crops of Wheat, Corn, & other things will turn out, than common.
You were perfectly right in discharging Jones. He always appeared to me to be incapable of the management of a Plantation from his want of capacity; but for his in⟨d⟩olent or wilful neglects there can be no excuse; and he would meet with no more than his deserts if he was made to pay for the damage my Wheat fields have sustained: for he had sufficient warning from myself, before I left home, to guard him against this evil. It is to such inattention, & want of exertion, together with the opportunities that are given to my Negros, that Robberies have got to the height they are. If some of the Nights in which these Overseers are frolicking, at the expence of my business, & to the destruction of my horses, were spent in watching the Barns—visiting the Negro quarters at unexpected hours—waylaying the Roads—or contriving some devise by which the receivers of Stolen goods might be entrapped & the facts proved upon them; it would be no more than the performance of a duty which I have a right to expect for the wages they draw from me; and it wd redound much more to their own credit and reputation as good & faithful Overseers than runng about. I wish, however, that the Season may not be too far advanced for you to get a person to supply the place of Jones that will, in any wise, be competent to such a trust as must devolve on him, in the management of so important a Plantation.
I thought you had made it the particular duty of Old Matt to attend to the Fences?
By Post of the 18th Ulto, I sent you Tea & other Spoons for the use of the house; & expected that they, the Tea, Coffee, Sugar & Wine would have been at Mount Vernon before the day on which you say judge Cushing called at that place.
Wheat & flour are rising fast, & must bear a high price during the Winter & Spring; I again desire, therefore, that none of mine may be sold without particular directions from me; but keep me advised of the Alexandria prices of the Superfine, fine &ca that I may be able to decide on the time for disposal. In the meanwhile, let the Miller exert himself to get all the Wheat Manufactured as soon as he can, that it may be ready when a price shall

offer that would induce me to part with it. Wheat is now at 8/4, & flour forty odd shillings, & rising. In the Mill Reports, the weight of the Wheat ought always to be mentioned as well as the quantity received there; without this there can be no accurate acct of this business kept with the Miller—and that he should receive no more Toll Wheat & Corn than what is mentioned in the weekly returns, is really unaccountable. The Toll of my own Corn, which is ground there, amounts to nearly the whole of his credit: and of Wheat, rarely more than a bushel or two is brought to the credit of the Mill.
I have seen no account in any of the Reports, of the number of Bricks at Dogue run. I desired in a letter sometime ago that these might be counted, & assorted; that if they fell short of what were wanting for the Barn intended to be built at that place, the earth might be taken from the foundation of it this fall, to ameliorate by the Spring. That you may never forget directions that are given, it would be well to extract them from my letters, and place them in a pocket Memorandum book, that they may be easily & frequently resorted to; without this they may, when a letter is laid by go out of your mind, to my disappointment—and I would have nothing left undone which is required to be done, without being informed of it, & the reasons assigned; that I may judge of their weight. The Springs under the hill, which I requested should be opened, that I might, whilst they were at their lowest, see what water could be collected from the whole of them, cannot be done well when the weather is cold and freezing; nor will it ascertain the fact I wanted to know, after the Autumn and Winter Rains have filled the earth with water; for then, Springs may appear that would be entirely dry in the Summer; & that is the Season I should want the Water. Speaking of this, I had rather the water from these Springs should be carried round any little risings wch may be between the most westerly ones (which are worth opening) and that by the Dairy, than to have a deep ditch cut through them. In short, I want the water carried on its level to the front of the Mansion house, as it is done in Watered Meadows; that I may, if I should hereafter want to water any, or all of that ground, or to make a pond on the level, directly in front, along the Visto that was opened in a line between the two doors, that so much of the work may be done to my hands. Before I left home, I desired you to mark out another Visto on the West front

of the Mansion house, merely to see over what ground it would go, that I might thereby be enabled to decide, whether to open it or not; but as you have mentioned nothing of it in any of your letters, I suppose it is not yet done.
As I keep no copies of letters wch I write to you & always write in great haste (one thing or another always pressing upon me) it is more than probable I often repeat things over & over agn to you; but this I have preferred doing to remaining in Suspence of having done it at all—especially as you will consider it as a strong evidence that things so repeated are such as I am anxious about. In one of my last letters, I think I desired (I know I intended to do it) that you would, after you had finally designated the Mansion house gang, keep them steadily at work at that place—suffering them on no occasion, (unless very immergent ones) to be sent to any of the Plantations to work; for besides loosing much time in marching & counter marching, it weakens the exertion, & destroys the ambition of the different Overseers to excel one another in the good condition of their respective Plantations, when by extranious force they are relieved from difficulties which, more than probable, their own idleness has been the cause of. I can conceive nothing, except Ditching (which is a kind of trade) that the hands of every plantation are not competent to, & should be made to execute. Hedging—setting out cuttings for it—Planting, or sowing the Seeds according to the nature of them—&ca &ca as well as other things is to be done by them; under (where skill, & attention is necessary) the immediate eye of the Overseers. And as I have often, & often declared, this business of hedging must not be considered in the light of a secondary, or trifling, or an occasional thing; but on the contrary, as one of the first magnitude, & to be entered upon with as much serious intention to execute it well, as to prepare for planting Corn, or sowing Wheat—and the wheat I am more anxious to accomplish.
I now send you Mr Lamberts Pamphlet, with the observations of Mr Peters upon it, to whom it was lent, & who I think one of the most judicious farmers in this part of the Country. If there are any hints in the Pamphlet worth improving on, you will not, I am persuaded, suffer them to escape you. Sinking the point of the beam below the parrallel line of the spit, or share, is a very material deviation from the common mode of setting a plough;

and certainly ought to be tried by the rules & principle he has laid down. And this I conceive may be done with one of the bar shear plows which are now in use, as well as by a plow in all respects like the plate. I am Your friend and well wisher

Go: Washington

P.S. Perhaps you may not know, that if the Thursdays Post (which leaves Alexanda before day) is missed, no letter if sent to the Office even half an hour afterwards, will reach this place before Tuesday afternoon. Tuesdays Post from that place reaches this on Thursdays—Thursdays come in on Saturdays—and Saturdays not till Tuesdays, on account of Sundays intervening. You will see by this the necessity of sending up your Reports in time always on Wednesdays. It is more convenient for me to receive them on Saturdays than any other day; because between that & the departure of the Post on Monday, which gets into Alexandria on Wednesdays I can write with less interruption than at any other time.


Title: From George Washington to Arthur Young, 2 December 1792
From: Washington, George
To: Young, Arthur

Sir,
Philadelphia Decr 2d 1792.

I must begin this letter with an apology—no apology ought to be so satisfactory as the truth—and the truth is—that not receiving the account of the taxes of a Virginia Estate for which I had written (before I left this City during the recess of Congress) as mentioned in my letter to you of the 18th of June, the promise I then made of forwarding it to you in my next, had escaped me altogether, until I was reminded of it, lately, by a circumstance too trivial to mention.
A copy of the account is now annexed—the name of the Proprietor of the Estate is not inserted—but on the authenticity of it you may rely. That you may understand the principle on which the Land tax in Virginia is founded, it will be necessary to inform you, that by a law of that State, the Inhabitants of it are thrown into districts—say Parishes—in each of which, or for two, or more of them united, Commissioners are appointed to assess the value of each man’s land that lies within it—on which a certain per centum is uniformly paid.
No Negros under twelve years of age are taxed—nor are any under Sixteen subjected to the payment of County, or Parish levies. Horses, at present, are the only species of Stock, in that State, which pays a tax. Carriages were, when I left Virginia, and I believe still are, subject to a tax by the Wheel. It was then if I recollect rightly, about five dollars each wheel—but whether it is more or less now; or whether there be any at all, is more than I am able with certainty to inform you. With very great esteem & regard I am—Sir Your most Obedt & much obliged Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 3 December 1792
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Treasury Departmt 3d Decr 1792.

The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to submit to the President a communication of the 30th of Novemr relating to some additional objects which have been executed towards the completion of the Lighthouse Establishment on Cape Henry.
The Secretary, according to the best information in his possession, considers them as necessary objects, and respectfully submits it as his opinion that it will be advisable to confirm the Contracts which have been entered into by Mr Newton, in the first instance.
The Secretary, from experience, entertains a confidence in the discretion & judgment of that Gentleman which induces a reliance on the view taken by him of the subject on the spot, with the advantage of a knowledge of local, which cannot be possessed by any person here. A submission to arbitration might not be altogether free from hazard of an increased allowance and it is so apparent that the whole work has been accomplished upon such moderate terms, & so probable that it may not even have afforded

a due degree of benefit to the Undertaker, as to create a claim on the liberality of the Government in regard to collateral Contracts. All which is humbly submitted

Alexander Hamilton Secy of the Treasury.


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Harwood, 3 December 1792
From: Harwood, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Sir
Annapolis December 3d 1792

Thomas Harwood Esquire the present Commissioner of Loans of this State having resigned, I beg leave to Offer myself for that appointment, having acted with him in that Office from it’s commencement, I flatter myself I am qualified to fill that Station, not being personally known to you, I am favor’d with Letters upon the subject in my behalf, shou’d I meet your approbation to the appointment, it shall be my constant study not to forfeit the confidence and trust reposed in me. Sir I have the honor to be with great respect your obt Servt

Benjamin Harwood


Title: To George Washington from John Small, 4 December 1792
From: Small, John
To: Washington, George

[4 December 1792]

The Petition of John Small  Humbly sheweth, that your Petitioner is a native of the State of Virginia, and born in the County of Princess Ann, and from the Port of Norfolk served a regular Apprentiship to the Seas, which calling, as Commander of a Vessel, he has since followed: but from an unavoidable accident, on board the Ship Governor Livingston, (in which he acted as first Lieutenant) on her Passage from France with warlike Stores, for the State of Virginia, in having three of his Ribs, his Thigh and Coller Bones broken, he is rendered too infirm and lame to pursue that laborius occupation for the maintenance of himself and numerous family. And as the Gentleman who was appointed Manager of the Light-House on Cape Henry in this State is since dead, your Petitioner, convinced of the willingness of your honourable Body, to assist those who in the support of our Rights and Liberties have been rendered unable to support themselves and families, is induced to offer himself a Candidate to fill that important Office—And from his long services in the American War, in which he suffered greatly, as well as a particular attention to the management of Light-Houses, many of which your Petitioner has often frequented, and an acquaintance with Governor Johnson, to whom your Petitioner begs leave to refer your honours for his Character he humbly hopes that you will be pleased to honour him with that appointment and should he meet with your Approbation, he assures your honours, that the greatest assiduity and strictest attention shall be used, to merit your approbation, and fully to accomplish the laudable purposes for which the said Light-House was erected, And your Petitioner as in duty bound shall ever pray &c. &c.


Title: To George Washington from the United States House of Representatives, 4 December 1792
From: United States House of Representatives
To: Washington, George

Sir,
United States [Philadelphia]the 4th of december, 1792.

In obedience to the Order of the House of Representatives, of this date, I have the honor to inclose your their Resolution respecting certain estimates from the department of War, for the year one thousand, seven hundred and ninety three. With the most perfect respect I am, Sir, Your most obedient, and very humble Servant

Jona. Trumbull,Speaker of the House of Representatives.