Title: From George Washington to William McWhir, 12 October 1789
From: Washington, George
To: McWhir, William

            Sir,
            New York, October 12th 1789.

          I have received your letter of the 18 ult., and am glad to learn from it that my Nephews apply with diligence to arithmetic and english composition—these are two branches in which I have always thought them deficient—and have ever been pressingly desirous that they should be made well acquainted with them.
          George may be instructed in the french language, but Laurence had better apply himself, for the present, to his arithmetic, writing and composition.
          As you have failed in your endeavors to obtain a mathematical Instructor, it is not probable that any success would attend an advertisement in a paper here—however, I will have one inserted.
          I can give no particular opinion respecting the Boy whom you represent to be an uncommon Genius—but I would willingly give any reasonable encouragement towards the cultivation of

talents which bid fair to be useful. I am Sir, your most obedient Servant

            G. Washington.


Title: From George Washington to Joseph Mandrillon, 12 October 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Mandrillon, Joseph

            Sir,
            New York, October 12th 1789.

          At this late hour I do myself the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 25. of October 1788—and thank you for the book, which you were so polite as to send to me entitled “Literary and Political fragments collected in a journey to Berlin.” I am Sir, Your most obedient servant

            G. Washington.


Title: From George Washington to John Mason, 12 October 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Mason, John

            Sir,
            New York, October 12th 1789.

          I have received your letter of the 14th of August together with its enclosures, for which, as well as for the polite offer of your services, I beg you to accept my best thanks.
          On the 16th and 25th of August I wrote to the House of Fenwick, Mason and Co. requesting them to furnish me with a quantity of the best claret, which letters, I presume have got to hand. I am Sir, your most obedient Servant

            G. Washington.

            P.S. I enclose to you the first of a set of exchange on Messrs Jauge et du Preis which I will thank you to receive for me when it becomes due.
            It was given for money advanced to a Frenchman who was in distress—to pay his passage to France.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Newton, Jr., 12 October 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Newton, Thomas Jr.

            Sir,
            New York Octr 12th 1789

          A variety of avocations has prevented my giving an earlier acknowledgment to your letter of the 17th of July. I will now thank you, Sir, to furnish me with an Acct of the quantity & cost of the materials which have been placed on Cape Henry by the Commissioners appointed by the Assembly of Virginia, for the purpose of building a Light-house—as you have been so obliging as to offer to do it.
          I am sorry that you have not yet recd any of my outstanding debts, but am not without hope that you will be able to collect at least some part of them shortly. this case is hard, and I believe singular. I am, Sir, Your most Obedt Sert

            G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Blair, 13 October 1789
From: Blair, John
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Williamsburg, Octr 13th 1789.

          The honourable commission which you have been pleased to offer me in the service of the United States came to hand the tenth instt accompanied by your very polite letter, & the laws which have passed relative to the office.
          When I considered the great importance, as well as the arduous nature of the duties, I could not but entertain some fears, that I might find them well adapted neither to my domestic habits, my bodily constitution, nor my mental capacity; in every other respect, the office promises me a very desirable situation, for which I know not how sufficiently to declare my gratitude.
          I have determined to make an experiment, whether I may be able to perform the requisite services, with some degree of satisfaction, in respect both to the Public and my self; and I request permission to assure you, Sir, that if any extrinsic circumstance were necessary to induce my acceptance of the appointment, I could find none so powerful as a wish of the man, who possesses the love & veneration of every American, the respect & admiration of all the world. I have the honour to be, with more deference & esteem than I know how to express, Worthy Sir, Your most obedient & affectionate servant,

            John Blair


Title: Tobias Lear to Alexander Hamilton, 13 October 1789
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir
            United States October 13th 1789

          The sum of two thousand five Dollars is necessary to be advanced to take up notes which were given for money advanced for the household of the President of the United States previous to the organization of the Treasury Department.
          This sum added to two thousand Dollars which you have already advanced for the purpose of taking up Notes, will compleat the payment of all Monies advanced for the use of the President of the United States previous to your coming into Office—One thousand Dollars will likewise be wanting for the President and a Dft on Boston for five hundred—In my absence Mr Robt Lewis will draw from you such money as may be wanting for the use of the House-hold during the journey of the President. I have the honor to be with perfect respect Sir Yr most Obt Servant

            Tobias Lear
            S. P. U. States


Title: To George Washington from David Humphreys, 13 October 1789
From: Humphreys, David
To: Washington, George

          Seventeen Miles east of Camden [S.C.]
          My dear GenlOctr 13th 1789.
          Having been led to believe that this route was the shortest & best, we left Augusta this day week; and having now an opportunity by Charles Town, I write (in conformity to the intimation

you was pleased to give) for the purpose of keeping you advised of our progress.
          From the Savannah at Augusta to the Congaree at Friday’s ferry, a distance of about 80 or 90 Miles, is a continuation of Sandy Roads and Pine Woods. Houses are scarce & accomodations miserable. The Congaree, formed by the junction of the Saluda & Broad River just above Friday’s ferry, is navigable for Boats with 60 Hogsheads to the latter. Two miles from which is the new Town of Columbia, now the Capital of the State, in which they are erecting the largest State House on the Continent, for the General Assembly to occupy next Spring. At Camden Elliot Lee is said to have lost at play Magnolio & a dozen more excellent Horses. Magnolio is now at Santee about 20 Miles below Camden; & might be purchased for two hundred Pounds.
          In our Journey we broke, at different times, the Pole & Axtle Tree of the Carriage, which we got repaired at Friday’s ferry.
          On the 10th we made a Journey of forty miles from the Congaree to the Wateree. At the Head of the Boat Navigation, on the latter, Camden is situated. The two Rivers Congaree & Wateree form the Santee by their conflux, about 20 Miles below Camden. At this place we passed Sunday, visited the grave of De Kalb & obtained some informations relative to the interesting military transactions which happened in & near it. Camden does not contain quite so many Houses as Augusta, but they are larger and better built. The Inhabitants have an elegant Assembly Room, and are entertained with Concerts or Plays every week. We drank Tea at the House of a Colo. Kershaw, who was the very first Settler of Camden; & who is also the founder of three other considerable Towns. He had been extremely useful to Genl Lincoln in the War.
          Yesterday we came from Camden to this place by 12 O’Clock. After refreshing our Horses, we set out to make another Stage. In passing from the House on a side-hill, one of the hind Wheels crushed to the ground under us, and every spoke in it was broken. At some places, where we found nothing but pines for 20 miles & not a House in that space, the Catastrophe would have been truly distressing. Here we were fortunate in finding accidentally a House-Joiner from Camden. We collected Tools

enough in four or five Miles to begin a new wheel; and I hope the disaster will not retard us more than 24 hours. Although we have very unfavorable accounts of the heaviness of the roads through which we are to pass; I expect we shall reach the borders of North Carolina by a great exertion, tomorrow night.
          We have not yet heard any thing from New York Since we left it. The only News Paper which has fallen into our hands was from Charles Town, & contained accounts of violent tumults in France. Curiosity is strongly excited, but I do not imagine we shall learn the farther particulars before our arrival in Virginia—Adieu, my dear General, and be pleased to believe me Your sincerest friend & most devoted Servt

            D. Humphreys


Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 13 October 1789
From: Jay, John
To: Washington, George

            New York 13th October 1789.

          Mr Jay has the honor of informing the President of the United States, that yesterday afternoon he received a letter from Sir John Temple in the following words, vizt
          “New York 12th of October 1789, Sir. I beg leave to submit in the most respectful manner, the enclosed memorial to the consideration of the Government of the United States. The memorialist informs me he hath in his possession all necessary and proper vouchers and documents to establish fully the facts set fourth in his said memorial. I am with very great respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble Servant. John Temple.”

          The memorial mentioned in this letter is herewith enclosed, No. 1.
          That considering the informality of the measure, he thought it best to give Sir John an opportunity of reconsidering it, especially too as the propriety of any application to Government on the subject was at least doubtful, he therefore wrote this morning to Sir John as follows.
          “New York 13th October 1789. Mr Jay presents his compliments to Sir John Temple and returns herewith enclosed the memorial which accompanied the letter Sir John did him the honor to write yesterday.
          Mr Jay takes the liberty of advising Sir John to consult some able and discreet Councellor as to the measures proper to be taken on the occasion; unless the intention of his letter is merely to convey intelligence of the facts stated in the memorial, in which case Mr Jay on its being returned will immediately lay it before the President.”
          That he has just received from Sir John Temple a letter herewith enclosed, No. 2.
          As Sir John requests nothing of Government it does not appear to Mr Jay necessary that the President should at present do any thing on the subject.
          Mr Jay would have waited on the President with these papers, but he really finds himself too much indisposed to go out, having just returned from a ride with a severe head ache.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 13 October 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

            Sir,
            New York Oct. 13th 1789

          In the selection of characters to fill the important offices of Government in the United States I was naturally led to contemplate the talents and disposition which I knew you to possess and entertain for the Service of your Country. And without being able to consult your inclination, or to derive any knowledge of your intentions from your letters either to myself or to any other of your friends, I was determined, as well by motives of private regard as a conviction of public propriety, to nominate you for the Department of State, which under its present organization, involves many of the most interesting objects of the Executive Authority. But grateful as your acceptance of this Commission would be to me, I am at the sametime desirous to accomodate to your wishes, and I have therefore forborne to nominate your Successor at the Court of Versailles until I should be informed of your determination.
          Being on the eve of a journey through the Eastern States, with a view to observe the situation of the Country, and in a hope of perfectly re-establishing my health, which a series of indisposition has much impaired, I have deemed it proper to make this communication of your appointment in order that you might lose no time should it be your [wish] to visit Virginia during the recess of Congress, which will probably be the most convenient season, both as it may respect your private concerns and the public service.
          Unwilling as I am to interfere in the direction of your choice of Assistants, I shall only take the liberty of observing to you that, from warm recommendations which I have received in behalf of Roger Alden Esqr., Assistant Secretary to the late Congress, I have placed all the Papers thereunto belonging under his care. Th⟨ose⟩ Papers which more properly appertain to the Office of Foreign-Affairs are under the Superintendance

of Mr Jay, who has been so obliging as to continue his good-offices; and they are in the immediate charge of Mr Remson. With sentiments of very great esteem & regard—I have the honor to be Sir—Your Most Obedt Hble Servt

            Go: Washington

            I take this occasion to acknowledge the receipt of your several favors of the 4th and 5th Decr of the last—and 10th of May of the present year and to thank you for the communications therein. G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Armand, 13 October 1789
From: Washington, George
To: La Rouërie, Armand-Charles Tuffin, marquis de

            Dear Sir
            New-York Octr 13th 1789

          I have been honored with the receipt of your letters of the 5th October 1788  and 18th June last—the former I only received a few days ago by Major de Berdt.
          In answer to your observations respecting the monies due to your Officers from the United States, I can only express my regret that the political circumstances of the country have not heretofore capacitated a more punctual compliance with its engagements—But as there is a prospect that the finances of America will improve with the progression of its government, I can not but entertain a belief that the cause of the complaint will be removed and Confidence restored to our public Creditors—The measures to effect this desireable purpose must be proportioned to the means we possess: and altho’ they may be slow, yet I trust they will be certain in their operation—I shall add to your satisfaction by informing you that the political affairs of the

United States are in so pleasing a train as to promise respectability to our Government and happiness to our Citizens.
          The opposition offerd to the reform of our federal Constitution has in a great measure subsided and there is every reason to predict political harmony and individual happiness to the States and Citizens of confederated America.
          The Revolution announced by the intelligence from France, must be interesting to the Nations of the World in general, and is certainly of the greatest importance to the Country in which it has happened—I am persuaded I express the sentiments of my fellow Citizens, when I offer an earnest prayer that it may terminate in the permanent honor and happiness of your government and people.
          I am much obliged by the flattering and affectionate sentiments expressed in your letters—and I request you to believe that I am with great regard Dear sir your most obedient Servant

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Gouverneur Morris, 13 October 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Morris, Gouverneur

            Dear Sir,
            New York, October 13th 1789.

          In my first moments of leisure I acknowledge the receipt of your several favors of the 23 of February, 3 of March and 29 of April.
          To thank you for the interesting communications contained in those letters, and for the pains you have taken to procure me a watch, is all, or nearly all I shall attempt in this letter—for I could only repeat things, were I to set about it, which I have reason to believe have been regularly communicated to you in detail, at the periods which gave birth to them.
          It may not however be unpleasing to you to hear in one word that the national government is organized, and as far as my information goes, to the satisfaction of all parties—That opposition to it is either no more, or hides its head.
          That it is hoped and expected it will take strong root, and that

the non acceding States will very soon become members of the union—No doubt is entertained of North Carolina, nor would there be of Rhode Island had not the majority of that People bid adieu, long since to every principle of honor—common sense, and honesty. A material change however has taken place, it is said, at the late election of representatives, and confident assurances are given from that circumstance of better dispositions in their Legislature at its next session, now about to be held.
          The revolution which has been effected in France is of so wonderful a nature that the mind can hardly realise the fact—If it ends as our last accounts to the first of August predict that nation will be the most powerful and happy in Europe; but I fear though it has gone triumphantly through the first paroxysm, it is not the last it has to encounter before matters are finally settled.
          In a word the revolution is of too great magnitude to be effected in so short a space, and with the loss of so little blood—The mortification of the King, the intrigues of the Queen, and the discontents of the Princes, and the Noblesse will foment divisions, if possible, in the national assembly, and avail themselves of every faux pas in the formation of the constitution if they do not give a more open, active opposition.
          To these the licentiousness of the People on one hand and sanguinary punishments on the other will alarm the best disposed friends to the measure, and contribute not a little to the overthrow of their object—Great temperance, firmness, and foresight are necessary in the movements of that Body. To forbear running from one extreme to another is no easy matter, and should this be the case, rocks and shelves not visible at present may wreck the vessel.
          This letter is an evidence, though of a trifling sort, that in the commencement of any work one rarely sees the progress or end of it. I declared to you in the beginning that I had little to say. I have got beyond the second page, and find I have a good deal to add; but that no time or paper may be wasted in a useless preface I will come to the point.
          Will you then, my good Sir, permit me to ask the favor of you to provide and send to me by the first Ship, bound to this place, or Philadelphia mirrors for a table, with neat and fashionable but not expensive ornaments for them—such as will do credit to

your taste—The mirrors will of course be in pieces that they may be adapted to the company, (the size of it I mean) the aggregate length of them may be ten feet—the breadth two feet—The panes may be plated ware, or any thing else more fashionable but not more expensive. If I am defective recur to what you have seen on Mr Robert Morris’s table for my ideas generally. Whether these things can be had on better terms and in a better style in Paris than in London I will not undertake to decide. I recollect however to have had plated ware from both places, and those from the latter came cheapest—but a single instance is no evidence of a general fact.
          Of plated ware may be made I conceive handsome and useful Coolers for wine at and after dinner. Those I am in need of viz. eight double ones (for madeira and claret the wines usually drank at dinner) each of the apertures to be sufficient to contain a pint decanter, with an allowance in the depth of it for ice at bottom so as to raise the neck of the decanter above the cooler—between the apertures a handle is to be placed by which these double coolers may with convenience be removed from one part of the table to another. For the wine after dinner four quadruple coolers will be necessary each aperture of which to be of the size of a quart decanter or quart bottle for four sorts of wine—These decanters or bottles to have ice at bottom, and to be elevated thereby as above—a central handle here also will be wanting—Should my description be defective your imagination is fertile and on this I shall rely. One idea however I must impress you with and that is in whole or part to avoid extravagance. For extravagance would not comport with my own inclination, nor with the example which ought to be set—The reason why I prefer an aperture for every decanter or bottle to coolers that would contain two and four is that whether full or empty the bottles will always stand upright and never be at variance with each other.
          The letter enclosed with your draught accompanying it will provide the means for payment—The clumsy manner in which Merchants (or rather their Tradesmen) execute commissions, where taste is required, for persons at a distance must be my apology, and the best that can be offered by Dear Sir Your most obedient and affecte humble Servant

            G. Washington.

            Mrs Washington presents her compliments to you.
            P.S. I was in the very act of sealing this letter when yours of the 31st of July from Dieppe was put into my hands—accept my sincere thanks for the important communications contained [in] it, and for the tables which accompanied. I shall add no more now, except that in the morning I commence a tour, though rather late in the season, through the States eastward of this. Adieu, yours

            G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Gouverneur Morris, 13 October 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Morris, Gouverneur

            Sir
            New York 13th October 1789

          My letter to you, herewith inclosed, will give you the Credence necessary to enable you to do the Business which it commits

to your management, and which I am persuaded you will readily undertake.
          Your inquiries will commence by observing, that as the present Constitution of Government and the Courts established in pursuance of it remove the objections heretofore made to putting the United States in possession of their frontier posts, it is natural to expect from the assurances of his Majesty and the national good faith, that no unnecessary delays will take place. Proceed then to press a speedy performance of the treaty, respecting that object.
          Remind them of the article by which it was agreed that negroes belonging to our Citizens should not be carried away; and of the reasonableness of making compensation for them. Learn with precision, if possible, what they mean to do on this head.
          The commerce between the two Countries you well understand—you are apprized of the sentiments and feelings of the United States on the present State of it; and you doubtless have heard that in the late Session of Congress, a very respectable number of both Houses were inclined to a discrimination of duties unfavorable to Britain; and that it would have taken place but for concilitary considerations, and the probability that the late change in our Government and circumstances would lead to more satisfactory arrangements.
          Request to be informed therefore, whether they contemplate a treaty of commerce with the United States, and on what principles or terms in general. In treating this subject, let is be strongly impressed on your mind, that the privileges of carrying our productions in our vessels to their Islands, and bringing in return the productions of those Islands to our own ports and markets, is regarded here as of the highest importance, and you will be careful not to countenance any idea of our dispensing with it in a treaty. Ascertain if possible their views on this point; for it would not be expedient to commence negociations without previously having good reasons to expect a satisfactory termination of them.
          It may also be well for you to take a proper occasion of remarking, that their omitting to send a Minister here, when the United States sent one to London, did not make an agreeable impression on this Country; and request to know what would be their future conduct on similar occasions.

          It is in my opinion very important that we avoid errors in our system of policy respecting Great Britain, and this can only be done by forming a right judgment of their disposition and views. Hence you will perceive how interesting it is that you obtain the information in question, and that the business be so managed, as that it may receive every advantage which abilities address and delicacy can promise and afford. I am Sir your most obedt humble servant

            Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Rochambeau, 13 October 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de

            Dear General,
            New York, October 13th 1789

          I have been honored with the receipt of your letters of the 31st of January and 17th of February last—and I should have had the pleasure to address you sooner, but a tedious indisposition, and very numerous avocations, since my recovery, have so entirely engaged my time as to leave me but very little, or no leisure for the agreeable duties of friendship.
          I embrace the obliging offer of His Excellency the Count de Moustier (who favors my letter with his care) to renew an intercourse which will ever give me pleasure—and to enhance your satisfaction by telling you that the political affairs of the United States are in so pleasing a train as to promise respectability to their government, and happiness to our citizens—The opposition offered to the reform of our federal constitution has in a great measure subsided, and there is every reason to predict political harmony and individual happiness to the States and citizens of confederated America.
          The Revolution, announced by the intelligence from France, must be interesting to the nations of the world in general, and is certainly of the greatest importance to the country in which it has happened—I am persuaded I express the sentiments of my fellow-citizens, when I offer an earnest prayer that it may terminate in the permanent honor and happiness of your government and people. with sentiments of respectful affection and esteem I am, Dear General, Your most obedient Servant

            G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Beauregard and Bourgeois, 14 October 1789
From: Beauregard and Bourgeois
To: Washington, George

            [New Orleans, 14 October 1789]

          We the underwritten Subjects of his Catholick Majesty residing in New Orleans on the River Missisipi, most respectfully beg leave to address ourselves to your Excellency on a subject in which we find ourselves aggreved and that we are in Duty bound to communicate to you, who are the Father and great Protector of your Country, whose Honor we are persuaded you will not suffer, even in the smallest degree to be tarnished with Impunity.
          Oliver Pollock acted as Agent for Congress and the State of Virginia in this Town during the early part of the late Revolution which has terminated so happily for the Rights of Mankind and to your immortal Glory. In the Year 1780 he had occasion for Money to support the Demands of the Army of Virginia then acting in the Western parts of that State; and to raise the necessary supply for that purpose, he offered us for Sale Bills of Exchange on France, at this Time we knew Pollocks circumstances to be very low, we always knew his Abilities as a Man of understanding to be mean, and that he being Ambitious, and grasping it was not improbable that he had rather assumed the Character of Agent than that he actually enjoyed it by any Appointment or Authority from Congress or the State of Virginia for indeed we conceived his Capacity inadequate to any office beyond that of a Pensylvania Constable. We therefore refused to purchase his Bills untill he convinced us that he was a regularly appointed Agent. This he delayed not to do, & by producing to us a Letter bearing date the 6th of November 1779 from Govr Jefferson of Virginia and the Board of Trade of that State authorizing & empowering him to draw Bills on the House

of Penet, Dacosta Freres & Co. of Nantz for 65.814 Dollars & five Ryals; This Letter at once removed our Doubts as to Pollock’s appointment, and as to his right of drawing Bills of Exchange as above related, and considering the afore said Letter as a Caution and Ample Guarantee to us for the due Payments of the Bills or in the alternate case of their being returned unpaid, that we should be reimbursed with all Damages which we might sustain in consequence, conformable to the usage of Merchants and the Laws of Bills of Exchange we unfortunately bought his Bills & paid him instantly in Gold & Silver for them.
          These Bills we sent to our respective Correspendents in France to do the needfull for us. we waited 18 Months in painful suspence for their Fate; at length we received advice that they were not and would not be accepted this information to us was alarming and it was rendered still more dreadfull to us by the news we had from the North that Lord Cornwallis had in the full carreer of success entered the State of Virginia from the South, Burnt all the Tobacco, and Ware Houses of that Country and from all and every appearance of things the War at that time did not promise a favourable termination for America, at this Period Pollock had neither Fortune, Character, or Credit, His insignificance, Poverty, and the general dislike of the good People of this Country towards him readily procured him a Passport to quit this Country leaving us hopeless, of ever touching a farthing of the Money he received of us for the aforesaid Bills, but the War took a favourable turn in 1782 and Great Sir under the Protection of Heaven as you evidently have been during the great revolution of America, you conquered your Enemy you conquered the most Puissant Power of Europe, and in the Year 1783 restored Peace to your grateful Country; Our hopes then revived, that Virginia ever famed for good faith would reimburse us the Money we advanced her Servant Pollock, in the moment of her Want.
          In 1784 we were informed that Mr Pollock had settled all his Publick Accompts with the State of Virginia in which he included our Demands with an allowed Damage of 18 ⅌ Cent and an Interest of 6 ⅌ Cent ⅌ annum. Yet untill the Year 1787 we heard no more on this Subject, When Daniel Clark, Pollock’s Agent here and they say is concerned with him, did inform us that he had orders from Mr Pollock to take up our Protested

Bills and to allow us 12½ ⅌ Cent damages & 5 ⅌ Cent ⅌ annum Interest and this in the Paper money of this Country of which 162½ Dollars were only equal to 100 Silver Dollars, we consented to take any Payment he made us having still confidence in the Honor and Justice of Virginia, that on a Representation from us she would reimburse us the difference between what he Pollock paid us and what he Pollock has charged the State with.
          As Mr Pollock has settled his account with the State of Virginia in solid Mexican Dollars so we humbly conceive he ought to have settled with us in the same solid money and not in Paper Currency at 62½ ⅌ Cent Loss. If Mr Pollock charges Virginia 18 ⅌ Ct Damages & 6 ⅌ ct ⅌ annum Interest on our protested Bills we humbly conceive he as an honest Man, should allow us the same.
          We are the fair Creditors and Claimants of the State of Virginia, we ask no more of her than what is honestly our due; She nobly settles with Pollock, and Pollock basely attempts to defraud us, as we believe he has defrauded her, We paid Pollock for his Bills in Gold and Silver, How does he reimburse us at the end of 9 Years? in paper Currency depreciated 62½ p. % under par. To God, the Honor of Virginia, and the Justice of the President of Congress, we submit our Claim with Humility trusting that the unconscionable and avaricious Pollock shall be compelled to pay us, a Sum equal to that which Virginia on the same account and for the same Purpose allows to him.
          We humbly take leave to enclose a State of our Accounts from a comparative view of them it may be seen at a Cast of the Eye how much Mr Pollock would wish to rob us of; Individuals may rob States with Impunity but they are seldom allowed to rob each other without being exposed.
          We now conclude this Representation with an humble Request that your Excellency will cause Justice to ⟨be⟩ done between us and Mr Pollock; praying the Omnipotent to take you into his holy Keeping & that you may be as successful in governing the United States of America as you have been in the Command of her Armies.

            Luis Toutant
            Beauregard
            Le Bourgeois


Title: From George Washington to Lafayette, 14 October 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

            New-York, October 14. 1789

          This is the first time I have written to you, my dear Marquis, since I have been in this place—and I have not received a line

from you in the same space of time. This has been a long interval of silence between two persons whose habits of correspondence have been so uninterruptedly kept up as ours; but the new and arduous scenes in which we have both been lately engaged will afford a mutual excuse.
          I wrote to you very fully in my last letters from Mount Vernon; and since that time the gazettes, which I know you receive, have given a pretty ample detail of our public proceedings—I therefore take the advantage of the politeness of the Comte de Moustier, (who is about returning to France) more with a view of assuring you that you are still remembered by me with affection—than with an intent to convey any political intelligence—I will only observe, generally, that the prospect is favourable to the political happiness of this country.
          The revolution, which has taken place with you, is of such magnitude and of so momentous a nature that we hardly yet dare to form a conjecture about it. We however trust, and fervently pray that its consequences may prove happy to a nation, in whose fate we have so much cause to be interested and that its influence may be felt with pleasure by future generations.
          Mrs Washington joins me in best wishes to you and your amiable Partner. I am, my dear Marquis, with very great affection, Yours

            G. Washington.


Title: To George Washington from James Mercer, 15 October 1789
From: Mercer, James
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Virginia—Fredericksbg Oct: 15th 1789

          I hope the necessity of the Case, will be a sufficient appollogy for my intruding myself on your Excellency, who must be too much engaged in the business belonging to yr important & very high office, to attend to business of a private Nature—I have however purposely delayed this application untill the recess of Congress, hoping that your Excellency may by that event, have the leisure to favour my request.
          The Records accompanying this, will shew your Excellency,

that this request is justifyable as far as the Consent of the parties interested requires—and I doubt not, if Leisure permits I shall be favoured with your Excellency’s answer previous to the 2d Day of December.
          It is however necessary for your Excellency’s understanding the points to which your answer is thought to be material to inform you, that I am sued as an attorney of my late Brother Colo. George Mercer by Wm Dawson—for three years Stewardship & the Shares of Crops made on my Brothers plantations in Frederick County for three years—previous to the Sale thereof in the year 1774 and for turning him off without Notice at the Sale, greatly to his Loss.
          The truth is, this Man was the most Stupid & ignorant Man ever entrusted with even the Care of Six Negroes—I never saw him from the time of first employing him but for an hour or so—never had or cou’d get any account from him the whole time—& was allways paying orders to Sherifs—blk Smiths Carpenters Wagoners &ca and the little that was made except the Wheat delivered at your Mill, he applyed to his own use, he sold the Stock at his pleasure, and went so far as to pillage the Lands of pine Timber, tho a very precious Article to the Estate—In one word his Conduct compelled my Brother to sell his Estate, which is now totally gone and now he demands of me out of my own Estate a Debt which if just cou’d have paid out of my Brother’s Estate, had he given Notice thereof while there was any Estate left—But on the contrary tho’ he promised me in your Excellency’s presence at the Sale to come & settle with me so soon as the sale shou’d be over, I never saw, nor heard of or from him, from the conclusion of the Sale untill the day I was arrested at his Suit about two years ago, after an interval of thirteen years; by which all persons privy to his bad Conduct, are now either dead, or removed to Kentucky—I trust however that your Excellency may at this day recollect enough to do me justice before Gentlemen—this Suit being now referred to such & got out of the Hands of Overseers, the common Jurors in Virginia.
          I have, also to shorten your Excellency’s trouble as much as I cou’d drafted a form of what I expect your recollection will enable you to say on this Subject which may be the easier varyed shou’d my expectations exceed your recollection—tho’ I think it probable that you may remember the wretched situation of

the plantations under his care at the time of the Sale—his stupidity, & allmost idiotism at the Sale, so that he did not even know the Negroes or any thing else & was of no more use than a perfect Stranger[.] It is yet more likely that you may recollect the Trick he meant to put upon us, by directing us a round about Route to Mr Booths where we went to dine on a Sunday—purposely to avoid our seeing the Pine Timber cut on the Right Road which he sold to one Brady who had a saw mill—this I well remember accusing him off before you to convince you that I knew nothing of his flagitiousness, and I hope you recollect this & in particular, that he begged me not to say any thing to him then—and that he promised to come down & settle with me so soon as I shou’d be returned from the Sale.
          I have now only to add, that Dawson declines writing your Excellency as was agreed upon, he having nothing to communicate; I am therefore compelled to make my application singly—And beseeching your excuse for this trouble I beg leave to assure your Excellency that I am with the highest Respect & with constant prayers for your Happiness—Yr Excellency’s most respectfull—most obedient & very humble Servant

            Js Mercer


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Paine, 16 October 1789
From: Paine, Thomas
To: Washington, George

            My Dear Sir
            London Octr 16th 1789

          I need not tell you how much I rejoice at the prosperous accounts from America, or how happy I feel that you have relinquished the temptations of quiet retirement for the busy scenes of Public Good. Had the opportunity of your coming once more forward not have offered itself you might have injoyed retirement with serenity; but retirement would have lost

its felicity, had it been haunted, as would have been the case, with the impression of having declined, for the sake of ease, a station in which you could be so publicly useful. I am certain you will feel the happier for this sacrifice, because to be perfectly so the mind must justify itself in every thing.
          Mr Mappa the Gentleman who will present you this is an exiled Hollander, and, as I am informed, very capital in his line which is that of a letter-founder—I have given him a letter to Dr Franklin, the proper Patron of his Art, and as it is a branch in which improvement is wanted in America, I hope his coming will benifit both the Country and himself.
          Mr Jefferson who, I expect, will arrive as soon as this letter, will inform you of my proceedings here—I am constructing a Bridge of one Arch in Partnership with the Walkers of Rotherham Yorkshire—The Arch is 110 feet Span and five feet high from the Cord line—We began it in July and I expect it in London about the Middle of Novr—In the mean time I am going over to France—A Share in two revolutions is living to some purpose—I shall be exceedingly happy to see a line from you, which if addressed to the Care of Benjn Vaughn Esqr.—Jeffries Square London will find me any where. With every Wish for your happiness and Mrs Washington’s—I am—my Dear Sir your most affectiona. obedient Humble Servant

            Thomas PainePlease to remember me among the Circle of my friends.


Title: From George Washington to the Connecticut Legislature, 17 October 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Connecticut Legislature

            Gentlemen,
            New-Haven October 17th 1789.

          Could any acknowledgement, which language might convey, do justice to the feelings excited by your partial approbation of my past services, and your affectionate wishes for my future happiness, I would endeavor to thank you: But, to minds disposed as yours are, it will suffice to observe that your address meets a most grateful reception, and is reciprocated, in all its’ wishes, with an unfeigned sincerity.
          If the prosperity of our common country has in any degree been promoted by my military exertions, the toils which attended them have been amply rewarded by the approving voice of my fellow-citizens—I was but the humble Agent of favoring Heaven, whose benign interference was so often manifested in our behalf, and to whom the praise of victory alone is due.
          In launching again on the ocean of events I have obeyed a summons, to which I can never be insensible—when my country demands the sacrifice, personal ease will always be a secondary consideration.
          I cannot forego this opportunity to felicitate the Legislature of Connecticut on the pleasing prospect which an abundant harvest presents to its’ citizens—May industry like theirs ever receive its’ reward, and may the smile of Heaven crown all endeavors which are prompted by virtue—among which it is justice to estimate your assurance of supporting our equal government.

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from H. Duplessis, 17 October 1789
From: Duplessis, H.
To: Washington, George

            Honored Sir
            New Haven [Conn.] 17th October 1789.

          Altho it is the Highest of Presumption in Such unworthy object as me to dare to approach your excellency; yet that universal benevolence and Hospitality, which is the Characteristick of your Excellency has made me take the Liberty of troubling your excellency with my present distressed Situation. I have had the Honour of being during Sept. [7] years Professor of the french Language in the College of Maryland which bear your Illustrious name, where I discharged faithfully my Duty as will appear to your Excellency by the Letter, which I have taken the Liberty to inclose, from Dr Wm Smith to Dr Griffith. I was also honoured by General Smallwood with a letter for your excellency, which was handed to you, Honored Sir, by Dr Craig of Alexandria, being prevented by Sickness to wait personnally on your excellency. having fail’d in my expectation of being employed at Alexandria, I went to frederiskburg, where I Spent last winter, having gain’d the esteem and Approbation of the Gentlemen of that Town, as the numerous Testimonies which I have by me Testifys, and have for the Satisfaction of your excellency,

taken the Liberty of inclosing a Letter from Gen: Weedon to me written few days before I left that place—Since that Time, please your excellency, I have been the Sport of Adverse fortune, in So much that I have been obliged to dispose of my cloaths for Substenance, & that I am at this moment in custody for the Sum of three pounds lawful money, without any means Whatever of being released, and to continue my Journey to Boston, where I have friends that would better my situation—thus have I Taken the Liberty to intrude on your excellency with a Short detail of my distresses, in full Hopes that your excellency will not think me absolutely unworthy of its Notice, and will charitably take my distressed Situation into your consideration, and will gladden my Heart by being relieved from confinement, and able to pursue my Journey—Accept, Honoured Sir, the wishes and Sincere Prayers which I Shall continue to offer to God for the perservation of your excellency’s Life. I have the Honour to be with all possible Respect Your excellency most humble & most obliged Servant

            H. Duplessis

            P.S. the Bearer is the officer who has me in custody.


Title: From George Washington to Burgess Ball and Charles Carter, 18 October 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Ball, Burgess,Carter, Charles

            Dear Sirs,
            Newhaven 18th Oct. 1789.

          Having set out on a tour through the Eastern States, it was at this place your letter of the 8th Instt overtook me.
          Not having my fathers Will to recur to when I wrote to my Sister, nor any recollection of the Devises in it, I supposed she was entitled to a Childs part of the Negros; but if they were otherwise disposed of by that Will (as I believe is the case) she is certainly excluded; and the Sons only, and their representatives, come in. In this manner the division must be made.
          Every thing of personal property, not specifically disposed of by my Mothers Will had better be sold: with the proceeds of which, and the Crops, the Debts must be paid. The surplus if any, must be divided among the heirs.
          Being well convinced that the Gentlemen who were so obliging

as to examin and set a value upon my Lots acted from their best judgment, I am perfectly satisfied with their decision; and beg my thanks may be presented to them for the trouble they have had in this business. If they are not already sold, I am willing to allow three instead of two years credit for the payment of the purchase money—Interest being paid. In a word, as I do not want to tenant them, I should be glad to sell them on any reasonable terms, as that kind of property, at a distance, is always troublesome and rarely productive.
          I did not mean to give Mr Mercer the trouble of stating any formal opinion—all I had in view was to know if the formalities of the Law with respect to Inventorying, appraising, &ca could be dispensed with. If it could, I was sure no other difficulty would arise, as I knew my Mothers dealings were small—and the business consequently easily closed.
          I am exceedingly sorry to hear of the loss the Country has sustained from the Frost—The Crops of Corn in this State (Connecticut) along the road I have travelled, are abundantly great. I offer my best thanks to you for your kind services—and my best wishes to my Nieces and your families—and with sincere esteem and regard I am Your most Obedt and Affecte Hble Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 18 October 1789
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            New York 18 October 1789

          In obedience to your commands to write to you on all occasions I have the honor to inform you that Mr Kean arrived here yesterday from South Carolina. He brings a report which he received through such a channel as induces him to credit it, That a Mr Clark arrived at Savannah on the 2d of this month from the Rock Landing on the Oconee, and informed that the treaty had abruptly broken up without the Commissioners having been able to effect any thing owing to the excessive demands of McGillivray—That the day the indians went off the Commissioners

sent Genl Pickens and Colonel Few after McGillivray with an invitation to return, which he refused with circumstances of insult—And that the conduct of McGillivray and the indians is imputed to the intrigues of the Spania⟨rds⟩. If this report should be well founded we may soon expect to hear by the way of Savannah from the Commissioners. Any thing that may be received shall be immediately transmitted to you.
          The Count de Moustiers and the Marchioness de Brehan sailed this day. The Marchioness was exceedingly affected on her embark.
          The English packet for September arrived on the 16th—Letters from England state the National Assembly of France to be divided into parties.
          I had the pleasure of seeing Mrs Washington at Church to day in perfect health. I have the honor to be with the most perfect respect Sir Your Obedient Servant

            H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Coleman, 19 October 1789
From: Coleman, Samuel
To: Washington, George

          Richmond, 19 Oct. 1789. “If the United States should want an Officer, in any of the departments of Government in this State, who ought, in the execution of his office, to possess abilities, integrity and Application in an uncommon degree; give me leave to recommend to your Notice Colonel Thomas Meriwether, a Gentleman who hath long served this Commonwealth with honour to himself and great benefit to his Country.”


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 20 October 1789
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            New York October 20th 1789.

          Agreeably to your desire, I sit down to commit a few lines to the Post.
          Nothing worth particular mention has occurred since your Departure; except a report brought by Mr Keane from So. Carolina, that McGilivray the Indian Chief had, after a short conference, left our Commissioners, declaring that what they had suggested was only a repe[ti]tion of the old Storey and inadmissible, or something to this effect. It is added that the lower Creeks appear’d notwithstanding, willing to go into a Treaty, but the upper ones declin’d it—Genl Knox who has particularly conversed with Mr Keane, will doubtless give you a more accurate statement of what he brings—It seems however that he has his intelligence at second or third hand. With the utmost respect I have the honor to be Sir Your Obt and humble Servant

            A. Hamilton

            P.S. I have just seen a letter from a private gentleman of considerable intelligence now in N: Carolina, who gives an ill picture of the prospect there, respecting the adoption of the Constitution.


Title: To George Washington from William Reynolds, 20 October 1789
From: Reynolds, William
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Virginia York 20th October 1789

          The vicissitudes of fortune all Men are subject to, and perhaps few have experienc’d the truth of the observation more severely than myself. A small inheritance from my Father, somewhat accumulated from five years close and successfull application to business previous to the War, had encouraged me to look forward with satisfaction. but a series, I may say of almost uninterrupted ill success in trade during the War, in addition to receiving most of my specie debts in paper, hath reduced my funds so low, as to prevent my attempting to retreive those losses by pursuing the same line of business, finding myself at present

posses’d of little else except a large family depending on my efforts for their support. under those circumstances I was induced to request our Representative Colo. Griffin to offer my name as a Candidate for yr favour to some appointmt under the Federal Govermt. I rely on your goodness, in construeing this in the light I mean it which is truly to convey to you, the reasons which prevaild on me to ask employment of my Country, and to assure you it did not proceed from a desire of adding to a fortune already easy but purely to aid me in the support of an unfortunate family. I am with the greatest respect, & esteem sir Yr mo. Obedt Servt

            Wm Reynolds


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Smith, 20 October 1789
From: Smith, Thomas
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Carlisle [Pa.] 20th October 1789

          I had the honour of receiving your Letter of the 23d Ulto with its inclosures, by Mr Scott while I was attending Bedford Court last week, whereupon I sent up by the same Gentleman Directions to the Prothonotary of Fayette County to Issue a writ against John Stephenson without loss of Time, & gave pointed directions to the Sheriff to serve it immediately—I thought this necessary, because Mr Stephenson has sold his Land & is going to Kentucke as soon as possible—indeed he would have gone down before this Tim[e] had he not been detained by some Judgments which I had obtained against him as Executor of Col. Crawford. Mr Whaley, whom perhaps you remember, gave me this information the week before last at Westmoreland Court, &

expressed his fears that you would lose your Debt, or that the widow of the other obligor (who is already nearly ruined by being obliged to purchase Valentine Crawford’s Land a second Time) would be obliged to pay it; whereupon I requested Mr Whaley to write to you on the subject, which he accordingly did in the Letter which I herewith inclose—I think it proper still to send it, because although what he read to me related to this subject only, it may contain something else.
          Being on my way down from the western Courts when I was honoured with your Letter, it will be some time before I return to them, & therefore I sent your Letter to Mr Cannon by Mr Scott, by whom I also wrote to Mr Cannon on the subject of it, in pointed Terms, if you should much longer have cause of complaint, I shall entertain a different opinion of Mr Cannon from what I have hitherto had: I informed him that should he find it difficult to transmit money to you, he can send it to Carlisle, almost every week from Pittsburg, & I will with much pleasure send it forward without loss of Time; I have the honour to be with the utmost respect Sir your most obedient & very humble Servant

            Thomas Smith


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 21 October 1789
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Boston October 21st 1789

          Having received information that you intended to Honor this State with a visit, and wishing personally to shew you every mark of attention which the most sincere friendship can induce. I beg the favor of your making my house the place of your residence while you shall remain in Boston. I could wish that the accommodations were better suited to a Gentleman of your respectability but you may be assured that nothing on my part shall be wanting to render them as agreeable as possible.
          As Governor of the Commonwealth I feel it to be my duty to receive your visit with such tokens of respect as may answer the expectations of my Constituents & may in some measure express the high Sentiments of respect they feel towards you. I have therefore issued orders for proper escorts to attend you, & Colo. Hall, Deputy Adjutant General will wait upon you at Worcester, & will inform you of the disposition I have made of the Troops at Cambridge under the command of General Brooks & request that you would be so obliging as to pass that way to the town where you will receive such other tokens of respect from the People as will serve further to evince how gratefully they recollect your exertions for their Liberties & their confidence in you as President of the United States of America. The Gentlemen of the Council will receive you at Cambridge & attend you to town.
          I should be obliged to you on the return of this express to let me know when you propose to be in Boston & as near as you can the time of the day. I have the Honor to be, with every Sentiment of Esteem & Respect, Sir, Your most obedt & very hble Servant

            John Hancock


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 22 October 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

            Sir,
            Brookfield [Mass.] October 22nd 1789.

          A few miles west of this village I met the Express, who delivered me Your Excellency’s letter of yesterday. I have been so fortunate as to proceed thus far without any accident to delay my journey—should nothing occur to prevent me, I shall be at Weston to-morrow night—and I purpose taking dinner so early at Watertown on Saturday, as to reach Cambridge by half past 2 o’clock. Thence I presume we shall arrive within an hour at Boston. I am highly sensible of the honor intended me: But could my wish prevail I should desire to visit your Metropolis without any parade, or extraordinary ceremony.
          From a wish to avoid giving trouble to private families, I determined, on leaving New York, to decline the honor of any invitation to quarters which I might receive while on my journey—and with a view to observe this rule, I had requested a Gentleman to engage lodgings for me during my stay at Boston.
          I beg your Excellency to be presuaded of the grateful sense which I entertain of the honor you intended to confer on me—and, I desire to assure you of the respectful regard with which I am Your obliged and obedient Servant.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Pinckney, 22 October 1789
From: Pinckney, Thomas
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Charleston 22d Octr 1789

          I embrace the earliest opportunity of conveying to you my most grateful acknowledgements for the appointment of Judge in the fœderal Court of this District; and at the same time of expressing the extreme regret with which I am constrained to decline this flattering testimony of your approbation.
          I am well aware, Sir, that with You no considerations arising from personal inconvenience will, or ought, to justify a Citizen in withholding his Services from his Country; but, Sir, when you are informed that I have a numerous family & that my affairs are so situated as to require my own immediate & unremitted exertions, I trust I shall be exculpated from the censure of a criminal neglect of duty to my Country, and of an undue sense of the honor conferd by the appointment, in declining a favor, the remembrance of which I shall ever cherish with the most grateful sensations. With every sentiment of respectful affection I remain Sir Your much obliged and most obedient Servant

            Thomas Pinckney


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 23 October 1789
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Boston 23d October 1789

          Your Letter by the return Express I had the honour to receive at three OClock this morning: it would have given me pleasure had a residence at my house met with your approbation.
          I observe you had proposed taking an early dinner at Watertown, and proceed to Cambridge, and from thence to Boston on Saturday afternoon; I beg leave, if it should not interfere with your determination, or prove inconvenient, to request that you would so far vary your former intention, as to arrive in Boston by one OClock; in case this request should meet your approbation I beg the favour that you with the Gentlemen of your suit would honor me with your company at Dinner on Saturday, en famille, at any hour that the circumstances of the day will admit.
          I shall esteem it an honor if you will favour me with a few Lines by the return express with your determination on the subject. I have the honor to be with every sentiment of Esteem and Respect Sir Your very humble Servant

            John Hancock


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 23 October 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

            Sir,
            Weston [Mass.] October 23d 1789

          I have this moment received your Excellen[c]y’s polite letter of today—and have the honor to inform you that in consequence of suggestions made by the Gentlemen from Boston and the Depy Adjut. Genl (whom I met at Worcester this morning) that it would make it more convenient for the troops, many of which lived at a distance from the place of parade, if I should pass through Cambridge at an earlier hour than I intended, I thought it best to alter the time of my arrival at that place, which I had the pleasure to mention to your Excellency in my letter of yesterday—and the alteration which I had made I immediately communicated to you by a letter which the Gentlemen from Boston were so kind as to take charge of—but lest any accident should prevent that letter from getting to your hands, I would here mention that it is my determination to be at Cambridge tomorrow at 10’ o’clock, and from thence proceed to Boston as soon as circumstances will permit—where it is probable I may arrive by 12 o’clock, and will do myself the honor to accept your Excellency’s polite invitation of taking an informal dinner with you. I have the honor to be, Your Excellency’s most Obedt Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Orina, 23 October 1789
From: Orina
To: Washington, George

            My Friend,
            Concord [Mass.] October 23, 1789.

          The disposition which the British and other nations have Shown to acknowledge our independence, with the perfect liberty we enjoy, plainly indicate that Sovereign providence has bestowed upon us mental abilities Superior to what are in the possession of any foreigners.
          I am an original professor of human law, Social relation and civil policy; and with my most intimate Correspondent have found the principles of this inestimable Science altogether free from any kind of embarrassment both in theory and practice.
          By Divine favour, I will the fore-part of next week call at your lodging, and know whether you are disposed for a few minutes conversation with me: and as your feelings Shall then be they will doubtless be gratified. My Friend, Your most affectionate neighbour,

            Orina


Title: To George Washington from George Cabot, 24 October 1789
From: Cabot, George
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Beverly [Mass.] October 24th 1789

          The public papers having announced “that the President of the United States is on his way to Portsmouth in New Hampshire,” it immediately occurred to me that your rout wou’d be thro’ this village, & that you might find it convenient to stop here & take a little rest: shou’d this prove to be the case, permit me Sir to hope for your acceptance of such accomodations & refreshment as can be furnished in my humble dwelling, where 2 or 3 beds will be at your disposal.
          I am fully aware that by indulging this hope I expose myself to the imputation of vanity as well as ambition, & therefore shou’d hardly dare to have my conduct tried by the cool maxims of the head alone, but wou’d rather refer it to the dictates of my heart, where I gratify a sensibility which, in the most affecting concerns of life, I believe to be a sure guide to what is right. I have the honor to be Sir with sentiments of the most profound respect your devoted & most obedient Servant

            George Cabot


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Fielder, 24 October 1789
From: Fielder, Thomas
To: Washington, George

            Boston 24th Octr 1789

          T. Fielder presents most sincear Respects to his Excellency The President, of the united States of America[.]
          Has an uncommunicated Idea on Machinary which he hopes might be of utility to the Country.
          If when F. calls on Monday Morng at Eight his Excellency will condescend to appoint when he will honor him with a short interview, it will be esteem’d a very particular favor.


Title: To George Washington from the Massachusetts Legislature, 24 October 1789
From: Massachusetts Legislature
To: Washington, George

            [Boston] Saturday October 24th 1789

          The Governor & Council present their respectful compliments to the President of the United States & request the Honor of his company with his suite to Dine on Tuesday next at the Coffee house in State Street at 3 o’Clock P.M.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Newton, 24 October 1789 [letter not found]
From: Newton, Thomas Jr.
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Thomas Newton, Jr., 24 Oct. 1789. On 23 Nov. GW wrote to Newton: “Your letter of the 24th of October . . . has been duly received.”


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Titcomb, 24 October 1789
From: Titcomb, Jonathan
To: Washington, George

            Newburyport [Mass.] Oct. 24th 1789.

          Major General Titcomb presents his profound respects to the President of the United States & would humbly beg to be informed when he intends passing through the County of Essex. The Major General, & the militia of the County wish to be prepared to embrace the opportunity which thus happily presents, to exhibit as far as in their power their veneration for the high and important station & their admiration of the personal character of the President of the United States; Major Hooper who presents this request will wait on the President for an answer as he shall be pleased to appoint.


Title: To George Washington from Jabez Bowen, 25 October 1789
From: Bowen, Jabez
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Providence [R.I.] Octobr 25 1789

          I should have done my self The Honour of paying my Respects to you in person, did not my Duty require my attendance at The General Assembly tomorrow at South Kingston, where The great Question of calling a State Convention to adopt the Federal Constitution will be acted upon. we hope for a favourable Issue, but cannot be free from Fear, lest we may be disappointed Thro The Intrigues of The Enemies of all good Government. if we can agree to Call a Convention all will end well, if not our situation will be truly miserable.
          I shall be at Home on Sunday next and shall Think my self highly Honoured if you[r] Excellency will take Providence in your way on your Return, and spend a little time with us. I should hope That your Thus kindly noticing of us will not be of any disadvantage towards Establishing The great Cause That we have been so long engaged in promoting.
          Mrs Bowen presents her most Respectfull Compliments and hopes you will favour us with a Visit. with sentiments of the

highest Respect and Esteeme, I Remain Your Excellencys, most Obedent and verry Humble Servant

            Jabez Bowen


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 25 October 1789
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            New-York 25th of October 1789

          No further intelligence has been received from Georgia since the arrival of Mr Kean.
          This silence, and the powers with which the commissioners were invested to render the treaty advantages to the Creeks generally, and to their cheif particularly are sufficient to arrest the beleif of the report.
          The report itself originated perhaps in the apprehension or misrepresentations of some of the White people in Georgia.
          No occurrence since my last worthy of being commmunicated to you. I have the honor to be sir with the highest respect Your obedient Servant

            H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from Edward Carrington, 26 October 1789
From: Carrington, Edward
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Richmond Octo. 26th 1789

          I had the honor a few days ago to receive your Letter of the 30th Ult. enclosing a Commission for the Office of District

Marshal for Virginia, together with sundry Acts upon the Judiciary system. The confidence you are pleased Sir, to repose in me, in confering this Commission, is an evidence of your good opinion exceedingly flattering and gratifying; and the terms in which you have thought proper to communicate it, excite in my mind the highest sensations of gratitude and respect.
          Having indeavoured to possess myself of the extent of the duties and degree of responsibility involved in this Office, and also of the probable competency of emoluments to enable the occupant to execute it properly, I perceive that the former are very considerable, and that the latter can only be ascertained from experiment: this experiment I am willing to make, and shall be happy to continue in the appointment, should I find myself enabled to execute it with honor to myself, and advantage to the public.
          Being a Member of the State Legislature now in session, it is my wish not to vacate my Seat before the duties of this appointment may require it; this I Conceive will not happen before the period appointed for the sitting of the first District Court on the third tuesday in December, when I shall be ready to accept the office of Marshal, and to quallify according to the terms thereof. I have the Honor to be Sir, with the greatest respect your Most Obt humble Servt

            Ed. Carrington


Title: To George Washington from John Hancock, 25 October 1789
From: Hancock, John
To: Washington, George

            Sunday ½ past 12 oClock[Boston, 25 October 1789]

          The Governours Best respects to The President, if at home & at leisure, the Governour will do himself the honour to pay his respects, in half an hour—This would have been done much sooner, had his health in any degree permitted, He now hazards every thing as it respects his health, for the desirable purpose.


Title: From George Washington to John Hancock, 25 October 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Hancock, John

            Sunday 1. o’clock Boston October [25]th 1789

          The President of the United States presents his best respects to the Governor, and has the honor to inform him that he shall be at home ’till 2 o’clock.
          The President of the United States need not express the pleasure it will give him to see the Governor—but, at the same time, he most earnestly begs that the Governor will not hazard his health on the occasion.


Title: To George Washington from Michael Lacassagne, 26 October 1789
From: Lacassagne, Michael
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Louisville, October 26th 1789. (Rapids of Ohio)

          An affair has lately happened on the North West side of the Ohio, within the federal territory, which has, in a very great degree, excited my indignation, and which, in the opinion of all friends to liberty, in this quarter, calls aloud for the interposition of the supreme authority. You need not be informed that the legislature of Virginia granted to the officers and soldiers of the regiment distinguished by the name of the Illinois regiment, 150,000 acres of land, on the North West side of the Ohio, as a compensation for their extraordinary services in the late war; in this grant I possess a very considerable interest, and being anxious, both on my own and the public accounts to encrease the value of land on that side of the river, I have, at great trouble and expence, effected a settlement in the vicinity of Fort Steuben,

a continental post, a small distance above the rapids, at present commanded by Capt. Joseph Ashton. This settlement, tho’ unprotected, and consequently exposed to the incursions and depredations of the Savages, whereby it has actually Suffered, yet, from the encouragement given to settlers, promised, in opposition to every obstruction, a rapid increase. But the prospect, however flattering, from the idea of its being productive of both public and private advantage has been blasted by the imprudent (to say no worse of it) conduct of Capt. Ashton.
          One of the settlers owed another a small debt, which he was either unable or unwilling to pay; the creditor having no tribunal to which he could apply for the recovery of his debt, seized in a public manner upon an ax, the property of the debtor, which he declared he would keep as a security until his debt should be satisfied. The debtor applied to Capt. Ashton for redress, who heard his complaint, deputed the complainant a Constable, and ordered him to bring the creditor before him. The complainant being thus cloathed with power, set out on the execution of his new office, and seeing the creditor, who, from a suspicion of the complainant’s design in going to the garrison, had followed to know the event. They both appeared before the captain. The charge of having taken the complainants axe was then exhibited against him, and being asked what defence he had to make, he repeated the circumstances respecting the taking of the axe, as before stated, upon which the captain, without any proof of a felonious intention in the defendant, without consulting an officer of the garrison on the occasion; in short, without any thing to justify his judgement, pronounced the defendant guilty of Theft, and sentenced him to receive forty lashes at the public whipping post, which was accordingly executed.
          To a man who has any degree of sensibility—To a man who has ever tasted the sweets of liberty—To a Citizen of America, who feels himself secure in the consideration that he cannot be deprived of his liberty, or subject to punishment, but by the laws of his country—such a sentence executed in such a manner, must be worse than death itself. I love liberty—I reverence the laws of my country—but I detest and abhor the lawless hand of tyranny and oppression—To you, Sir, as the founder, the protector

of American Liberty, I have ventured in this case to appeal; and tho’ this information is by a private individual, who has no other claim to your confidence than what arises from a consciousness of the rectitude of his intentions, I hope it will not, on that account, pass unnoticed, but that an examination into this case may be directed, on which Every thing herein asserted, will by the testimony of men of character be proven incontestibly. I wou’d not be understood to mean, that I wish this enquiry to gratify any personal resentment against Capt. Ashton. No, Sir, I have lived on rather an intimate footing with that gentleman since his residence at the rapids, and never but in one instance similar to the present, have I, or I believe any person, had reason to censure his conduct—He is generally esteemed a good officer, but in the present case, and the one just alluded to, he has certainly acted subversive of those principles established by the American revolution. The public good is my object—I wish it to be universally known, and acknowledged throughout America, that the military must be subordinate to the civil power, and that in no government which boasts the honor and happiness of having you Sir, at its head, shall the military, on any pretence whatever, assume any authority or Jurisdiction in civil affairs—The reverse of this, particularly in the federal territory, must be pregnant with the worst of consequences—a man who Settles on the North West side of the Ohio, must do it under the persuasion, that he is amenable only to the known—the written laws of the government under which he lives—was it otherwise—was he to be subjected to the capricious will of some petty tyrant who may happen to command at some federal post, whose uninformed judgment shou’d be the Standard of distributive justice, the federal territory would continue a wilderness, and the fertility of the soil in vain court the hand of the husbandman.
          Nothing, Sir, I assure you, but a sense of the importance of the subject of this address cou’d have induced me to trouble you, and when I reflect (as I often do with pleasure) on the sacred regard you have always manifested to the rights of mankind in general, I flatter myself you will not suffer a citizen of America however obscure, to be unlawfully deprived of the benefit of those blessings which have been obtained at the expence of so

much blood and treasure. With great respect, I am Sir Your most obedient & very humble servant

            Ml Lacassagne


Title: To George Washington from Warner Lewis, 26 October 1789
From: Lewis, Warner
To: Washington, George

          Virginia, Warner Hall,
          Dear Sir,October 26’th, 1789.
          Engaged as you have been for some months past, I apprehended it would be intrusion for me to trouble you with a letter. With a hope that in the recess of Congress you have somewhat more leisure allowed you, I now take the liberty of replying to your favor of May last.
          You put a question the most proper that could be imagined to obtain the information you desire of the value of the land that was Bristow’s; and if my judgment does not err in returning an answer to your question, you will indeed have almost as good an idea of it as if you had seen it. I will not, as I dare say you will readily believe, Sir, intentionally deceive you, but give it as my opinion, that if Bristow’s be worth eight hundred pounds, the like quantity of such land as is about Warner Hall, with no more wood and timber, and equally destitute of improvements, would be worth sixteen hundred.
          I received not long since a letter from a Mr John Nicholson, who lives in Gloucester, wherein he makes the following enquiries, which I beg leave to give you in his own words—“What will General Washington take for his land on Back-creek, one half cash, the other half in good bonds, to be assigned and warranted?”
          “What will he lease it for, for two lives, the lessees obliging themselves to build a two story wooden house of four rooms, with all necessary out-houses and a barn?”
          “What credit will the General sell it for, or will he take good bonds on demand, warranted and assigned?”
          As it was not in my power to give mr Nicholson an answer to either of his interrogatories, I have thought it proper to make you acquainted with them, and whatever answer you may be pleased to return me, I will communicate to him.
          With the sincerest wishes for your health and happiness, and with the most perfect respect and esteem, I am, Dear Sir, your most obedient, and very humble serv’t

            Warner Lewis


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Bartholomew Bowen, 27 October 1789
From: Bowen, Thomas Bartholomew
To: Washington, George

            Charleston, South Carolina, October 27th 1789

          From the exalted Station to which the unanimous suffrages of your admiring Country have called you, will you, illustrious Sir, in the Chair of Empire, amidst the arduous direction of a multiplicity of important affairs, deign to honor with your recollection an inconsiderable and humble Individual, benignly listen to his simple story, and grant the prayer of his petition?
          Having dedicated my prime of life (and I hope not altogether in vain) to the service of the American cause in the late glorious contest, during the whole course of the War, and generally in the main Army under the immediate command of your Excellency, I had the honor to retire with the rank of Major, and the happiness of posessing the esteem of the Officers under, and with whom I served: as a testimony of which, I was, by the whole Pennsylvania line, unanimously chosen their Agent for receiving and delivering to them their Certificates of final settlement; and discharged that trust to their satisfaction and the approbation of the State legislature. I was also chosen by the Cincinnati of that State one of their Delegates to the first general meeting of the Society at which your Excellency in person presided. I have been likewise informed that I had also the honor of being, by the recommendation of General St Clair, on the return of Officers nominated by your Excellency on the proposed peace-establishment in 1783.
          Disappointed in the latter expectation and determining to apply myself to Industry for my future subsistance, I sold my Certificates, purchased the materials of a printing Office, and having taken into partnership a brother Officer who had been bred to that business, we in the latter part of 1784 commenced the publication of a Newspaper in this State under the title of “The Columbian Herald,” which is dignified, as its greatest merit, with a Head of your Excellency for a device. That partnership has been three years dissolved; and owing to my

ignorance of the mechanic part of the printing business, the conducting which became an additional expence consequent thereon, my profits have since scarcely afforded me a decent subsistance.
          Conscious of my want of consequence, and sensible of the variety of worthier applications which must have been made to you for Offices under the new Constitution, I had not yet presumed to solicit your auspicious patronage: But as I feel the imbecilities of a premature old age, and labour under the afflictions of ill health and a broken constitution (the consequences of so many years hardships in the field, uncommon even to a military life;) and well knowing, by having been long an obscure observer of your exalted virtues, that Benevolence (particularly to the Officers of the late Army) is one of those nearest your heart, I am encouraged to apply for your favor to render the short remainder of my life more probably guarded against the miseries of Age in want.
          An appointment to the trust and direction of the Post-office in this City, joined to my business here, would conduce to render this desirable end more easily attainable. If this inferior appointment is not immediately in the gift of your Excellency, a hint of your pleasure signified to the Principal in that department must of course have a decided effect.
          For this I humbly implore your benign and powerful influence; beseeching your gracious pardon for whatever inadvertant impropriety may appear in this direct application to the Great Chief Magistrate of the United States, and presuming to commit my fate to his beneficent hands.
          My Services, however inconsiderable, have at least entitled me to subscribe myself, Illustrious Sir, Your Excellency’s Most devoted and obedient Old Soldier and Servant

            Thomas B: Bowen


Title: To George Washington from Richard Cary, 27 October 1789
From: Cary, Richard
To: Washington, George

          Charlestown [Mass.]
          Honoured and much Esteemed Sir,Octor 27 1789
          I am prevented by the Weather (being Unwell) of Personally waiting on You, a Duty, I should have performed with great Pleasure.
          Its to be Regreted, Your Continuance among us, is so short.
          I look back with Gratitude, on Your Goodness, and Condescension, to me, when Your Family, was at Cambridge, and my Friend, the Late Mr Reed, was Your Secretary.
          I Request the Favour of Your Acceptance of the Inclosed, which perhaps may Afford some Satisfaction, on Reading, at Your Leisure.
          I add my best wishes, that You may be long Continued, [to] the care of a Gracious Providence, a Blessing to Mankind, and Enjoy every Felecity this, and a better World, can Afford.
          With Dutifull Regards to Your Good Lady, I Begg Leave to Subscribe, Honoured Sir, Your Obedient Humble Servant

            Richard Cary


Title: To George Washington from John Coles, 27 October 1789
From: Coles, John
To: Washington, George

            Charlestown [Mass.] 27th Octr 1789

          Be Pleased Great Father of thy people, to pardon the Presumtion of this Address, and behold thy Ser[v]ant, at this time, Surrounded with, (not uncommon to him) but Heart Breaking

Cares, for the fate of things, has Ordered them to Continnue, for Seven Years, and Seven, and almost Seven again, Whereby thy Servants Patience, and fortitude, has Came to a Stand, and he is Ready to fall, beneath the Burthen, of Sum of the Laws of his Country. thy Servant, was Born at Boston, and Brought up, to the Courts and Heraldry Painting, Married a faithfull Partner, at 19 years of Age, & Lost father, and mother, before he was twenty two, was an only Child, and Left to the wide world, with out friends or money. his family Increaseing, he Applyed him Self, to the Strickest Rules, of Industry, & Oconamy, and had not Sickness ben hard a pon him he might Prehaps, have ben Better of, However, haveing an Enterprizeing mind, he has by the Blessing, of Divine Providence, Notwithstanding all human things, Seemed to be against him, Suported his family, in the following Charrecters. Viz. a tradesman, a Labourer, a Soldier, a Seaman, and a Merchant, and is now Surrounded by, (whome Next to his Country he wishes to Live for) 9 Children, from 3 years old upwards, all he Ever had, 3 Boys, and 6 Girls, who together with there Parents Are now, Rejoicing on the arival of the Man, to whom only, they Can, unfold there Sorrows. Now if it may Plese thy Great Mind, to Consider, that thy Servant has by Great pains, and Labour, Paid up fifteene hundred Silver dollars, on Acount of his Losses at Sea, over and above the Loss of all the Vessels he was Conscerned in, and Still thare Remains a Ballance to his Credettors of 500 Dollars. this no Dowt thy Servant Could Pay, in two or three years Time, by Observeing the Same Rules, he has Done in all His former Payments, Viz. Receveing, nor Paying, no Visits. Subsisting on the meanest food, and dressing in the Meanest garb, also Divideing his time in Masonic Order. thus thy Servant has Proceeded, Amidst Discouregments, almost Insurmountable, haveing nearly all his Credettors Pushing at One and the Same time, Serveing Writs, with thair Great Expences, on thy willing, but Unable Servant. and the Payment of One Dett was only Reason for Saying, and why did you not Pay me, by another, and often has thy Servant, ben as it ware Obliged, to hurt his feelings by promasing, on a Poor foundation, to keep him Self from being imprisoned, and Rendered Unable, to Any way Provid for his young, and Helpless family. thus your Servant is the worst of Slaves, in a Country

of Freemen, and the Lives & Morals, of thy young Servants, his Children, Exposed by Poverty, Notwithstanding thy Servant has ben invinceable with Respect, to the Common Learning of his Children, which a few Lines, inclosed from his Oldest Son, may Evidence, thy Servant Prays, nither for Power, Riches, nor Honour, but only, if it may Plese, the President, of these United States, in Due time, to Remember the Poor mans Prayer and to use, his influence, with the Congress, when the Bankrupt Act, may Come forth, as that it may be Calculated to Defend, the Helpless, honest, and industrous Man and to Grant him Time, to Labour, for the Payment of his Just Detts, and Seport of his Family. Which if thy Servant Mistakes not, no Laws, with in these States, Defend him in at Present and thy Servant as in Duty bound, Shall Ever Pray.

            John Coles


Title: From George Washington to the President and Fellows of Harvard University, 27 October 1789
From: Washington, George
To: President and Fellows of Harvard University

            Gentlemen,
            Boston October 27th 1789.

          Requesting you to accept my sincere thanks for the address with which you have thought proper to honor me, I entreat you to be persuaded of the respectful and affectionate consideration with which I receive it.
          Elected by the suffrages of a too partial country to the eminent and arduous station, which I now hold, it is peculiarly flattering to find an approbation of my conduct in the judgment of men, whose reverend characters must sanction the opinions they are pleased to express.
          Unacquainted with the expression of sentiments which I do not feel, you will do me justice by believing confidently in my disposition to promote the interests of science and true religion.
          It gives me sincere satisfaction to learn the flourishing state of your literary Republic—assured of its’ efficiency in the past events of our political system, and of its’ further influence on those means which make the best support of good government, I rejoice that the direction of its’ measures is lodged with men, whose approved knowledge, integrity, and patriotism give an unquestionable assurance of their success.
          That the Muses may long enjoy a tranquil residence within the walls of your University, and that you, Gentlemen, may be happy in contemplating the progress of improvement through the various branches of your important departments, are among the most pleasing of my wishes and expectations.

            Go: Washington


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

            Sir
            War Office Tuesday evening 27th October 1789

          I have this moment received a letter from Mr Habersham at Savannah dated the 14th instant informing that he had received a letter from the Commissioners dated at Augusta the 5th instant, directing him to engage a passage for Captain Burbecks company to New York, which he had accordingly done with Captain Schemmerhorn who was to sail about the 20th instant.
          Mr Habersham adds “You will doubtless hear before you receive this, that they (the Commissioners) were disapointed with respect to a treaty with the Creek Indians.”
          I have not received any thing from the Commissioners. The Captain who brought the letter says McGillivray was affronted on his being asked whether he had powers to treat. A short time will bring the necessary explanations.I have the honor to be sir with the highest respect Your Obedient humble Servant

            H. Knox


Title: From George Washington to the Massachusetts Legislature, 27 October 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Massachusetts Legislature

            Gentlemen,
            [27 October 1789]

          To communicate the peculiar pleasure which I derive from your affectionate welcome of me to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, requires a force of expression beyond that which I possess. I am truly grateful for your goodness towards me, and I desire to thank you with the unfeigned sincerity of a feeling heart.
          Your obliging remembrance of my military services is among the highest compensations they can receive—and, if rectitude of intention may authorise the hope, the favorable anticipation, which you are pleased to express of my civil administration will not, I trust, be disappointed.
          It is your happiness, Gentlemen, to preside in the councils of a Commonwealth, where the pride of independence is well assimilated with the duties of Society—and where the industry of the citizen gives the fullest assurance of public respect and private prosperity. I have observed too, with singular satisfaction, so becoming an attention to the militia of the State as presents the fairest prospect of support to the invaluable objects of national safety and peace. Long may these blessings be continued to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts! and may you, Gentlemen, in your individual capacities, experience every satisfaction, which can result from public honor and private happiness.

            G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Jacob Milligan, 27 October 1789
From: Milligan, Jacob
To: Washington, George

          Charleston [S.C.] 27 Oct. 1789. “Mrs Milligan has taken the liberty to Send to Your Ladie a Preasent of A Baskett of the Fillagree Work of her Own Make which She begs Mrs Washington’s Acceptence of.”


Title: To George Washington from John Sullivan, 27 October 1789
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

            Illustrious Sir
            Portsmouth [N.H.] October 27th. 1789

          having the happiness to be informed that your Excellencey intends honoring this State with a visit, will you have the goodness to direct one of your aids to inform at what time you expect to leave Newbury, that your excellencey may be met at the Line and escorted to whatever Town you may think proper to honor with your presence; your Excellency may rely that although every Inhabitant of this State ardently wishes to pay you all the respect due to so exalted a Character yet being apprized of your Excellenceys wishes; every possible measure will be taken to prevent your being fatigued with such Acts of parade as will give

pain to the great personage to whom they feel themselves so much indebted; & for whose person and virtues they have such a well gounded Love and veneration. I therefore hope that your Excellencey will not deny them the satisfaction of paying to the Deliverer of their Country such marks of respect as may give the Least pain and trouble to the man they delight to honor. I have the honor to be Sir with the highest respect and Esteem your Excellencys most obedient and very humble Servant

            Jno. Sullivan


Title: To George Washington from David Humphreys, 28 October 1789
From: Humphreys, David
To: Washington, George

            My dear General.
            Petersburg [Va.] Octr 28th 1789

          I am taking occasion by a water conveyance to inform you, that we are thus far on our way to New York. But my principal object is to mention the political intelligence which we obtained in North Carolina. The prevailing opinion in that State (so far as we could ascertain it from repeated enquiries) is, that the Constitution will be adopted. However, many of those who are opposed to it think otherwise. I believe the information, most to be depended upon was given by Judge Williams of the Supreme Court (then sitting at Halifax) Mr Ireton of the Council, and Colo. Davie, viz., that the State is divided into ten Districts, that the members of seven of them taken collectively are equally divided for and against the adoption of the Constitution, and that the remaining three have a decided majority in favor of it. For example, Edenton District comprehends five Counties, & each County sends five members, who are said to be every one for the adoption. The other two reputed federal Counties are those beyond the Mountains.
          I have taken considerable pains to learn how the persons appointed to offices in the several States are considered by their fellow Citizens; & am happy to assure you that the appointments in general have met with almost universal approbation. The selection of Characters to fill the great Departments has afforded entire satisfaction: particularly in the Judiciary. I heard it repeatedly said in Halifax, that the Supreme Court would be the first Court in the world in point of respectability. These things cannot but augur well.
          We met your relation Colo. Washington, with his family, on their way to Charles Town.
          I will not intrude any longer on your time, than to assure you, that I am with the most unalterable & perfect friendship My dear General Your most obedient & very humble Servt

            D. Humphreys


Title: To George Washington from the Massachusetts Veterans, 28 October 1789
From: Massachusetts Veterans
To: Washington, George

            Boston October 28th 1789.

          The Petition of a Number of Invalids, late belonging to the Massachusetts line, in said Army, Humbly Sheweth,
          That although the Honble Congress of the United States have made Provision for the payment of Pensions Granted to Invalids of the said late Army, Yet, the period, at which the payment of the first half Year is to be made, is so far distant, And as they have not Received any Pension money for Upwards of 3 Year past, And as a hard Winter is Approaching, Unless they can receive some present releif, they will Inevitably Suffer.
          They therefore Humbly Pray Your Excellency, their late Worthy General, would be pleased to Commiserate their Unhappy Situation, and Grant them some immediate relief; without which they must still Suffer as they have hitherto. And as in duty bound shall ever Pray.


Title: To George Washington from the Vermont Legislature, 29 October 1789
From: Vermont Legislature
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            [Westminister, Vt. 29 October 1789]

          The Governor, Council, and Representatives of the State of Vermont in General Assembly, convened.
          Considering the natural connexion of this State with the United States, and deeply impressed with a sense of your affection for your Country, and the eminent Services you have rendered the United States, by your Wisdom perseverance and fortitude so constantly displayed in the recovery and establishment of their Rights, embrace the earliest opportunity of congratulating

you on your Appointment to the exalted station in which the Suffrages of a free people have placed you.
          The Citizens of this State, though early and uniformly engaged in the late revolution, have had no voice in forming that Federal System, which not only promisses stability to the Government, but peace and Security to the United States, Yet we should do injustice to their feelings, should we omit to express their warmest Sentiments of friendship to the United States, and their general wish to participate in the benefits of that Government to which from their local situation they chearfully contribute a proportionable part of their property.
          Be assured Sir, they feel the sincerest satisfaction in your appointment to the highest Station in the Federal Government, and wish you all that support and Assistance which may be necessary to the discharge of so important a trust, relying on the justice of the Government over which you preside, we presume those Obstacles which hitherto have prevented a Union of this State with the United States, will speedily be removed; and when we contemplate the disinterested principles which have always adorned your Character we cannot doubt your influence to hasten that happy period.
          Permit us Sir, to close this address with the most fervent prayers, to Almighty God, for a continuance of his Blessings on your person and Family, and that under your Administration, America may long be continued a free and happy Nation.