Title: From George Washington to Lafayette, 15 August 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

My dear Marqs,
Philadelphia August 15th 1787

Altho’ the business of the Fœderal Convention is not yet clos’d, nor I, thereby, enabled to give you an account of its proceedings;

yet, the opportunity afforded by Commodore Paul Jones’ Return to France is too favourable for me to omit informing you, that the present expectation of the members is, that it will end about the first of next month; when, or as soon after as it shall be in my power, I will communicate the result of our long deliberation to you.
News paper acct inform us that the Session of the Assembly of Notables is ended. and you have had the goodness (in your letter of the 5th of May) to communicate some of the proceedings to me, among which is that of the interesting motion made by yourself respecting the expenditure of public money by Monsr de Callonne, and the consequence thereof. The patriotism with which this Nation was dictated throws a lustre on the action which cannot fail to dignify the Author, and I sincerely hope with you, that much good will result from the deliberations of so respectable a Council, I am not less ardent in my wish that you may suceed in your plan of toleration in religeous matters. Being no bigot myself to any mode of worship, I am disposed to endulge the professors of Christianity in the church, that road to heaven which to them shall seem the most direct plainest easiest and least liable to exception.
Had not the account of your recovery accompanied that of your indisposition I should have felt many anxious and painful moments from the recital of the former. but let the first admonish you, my dear Marquis, against application too intense. This may disqualify you for the laudable pursuits to which zeal for the good of your Country and the honor of human nature may prompt you, and which may prove injurious both to yourself and it.
The politicians of this Country hardly know what to make of the present situation of European affairs. If serious consequences do not follow the blood which has been shed in the United Netherlands these people will certainly have acted differently from the rest of Mankind; and in another quarter one would think their could hardly be so much Smoke without some fire between the Russian and Turk. Should these disputes kindle the flame of war it is not easy to prescribe bounds to its extention or effect. The disturbances in Massachusetts have subsided; but there are seeds of discontent in every part of this Union; ready to produce other disorders if the wisdom of the present Convention

should not be able to devise, and the good sense of the people be found ready to adopt a more vigerious, and energetic government, than the one under which we now live—for the present, from experience, has been found too feeble, and inadequate to give that security which our liberties and property render absolutely assential, and which the fulfilment of public faith loudly requires. Vain is it to look for respect from a broad, or tranquillity at home—vain is it to murmur at the detention of our Western Posts—or complain of the restriction of our commerce—vain are the attempts to remedy the evil complained of by Mr Dumas to discharge the interest due on foreign loans, or satisfy the claims of foreign officers, the neglect of doing which is a high impeachment of our National character, and is hurtful to the feelings of every well wisher to this Country—in and out of it—vain is it to talk of chastising the Algirenes, or doing ourselves Justice in any other respect, till the wisdom and force of the Union can be more concentred & better applied.
In what accountable terms, My dear Marquis, shall I express or convey to you, my thanks for the Malteses asses. Believe me, however, when I assure you, that your friendship in this respect has embarrassed me not a little for with much truth I can declare that nothing was further from my thoughts than to make you more then the medium of application or to saddle you with more than the first advance in obtaining them thro’ you alone, I was enabled to accomplish this matter, and the desire of introducing animals of so much use into this Country prompted me to accept of your influence with admiral de Suffran, to whom, If I am under obligation, you would do me a singular favour to make my acknowledgments acceptable. With sentiments of the highest respect, and most perfect regard for Madam de la Fayette and the rest of your family and with the most Affecte attachment to you. I am ever, yours—

G. Washington.


Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 19 August 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

My dear Sir,
Philadelphia 19th Augt 1787.

By slow, I wish I could add & sure, movements, the business of the Convention progresses; but to say when it will end, or what will be the result, is more than I can venture to do; and therefore shall hazard no opinion thereon. If however, some good does not proceed from the Session, the defects cannot, with propriety, be charged to the hurry with which the business has been conducted: yet many things may be forgot—some of them not well digested—and others become a mere nullity. Notwithstanding which I wish a disposition may be found in Congress—the several States Legislatures—and the community at large to adopt the Government which may be agreed on in Convention; because I am fully persuaded it is the best that can be obtained at the present moment, under such diversity of ideas as prevail.
I should have had great pleasure in a visit to New York during the adjournment of the Convention; but not foreseeing the precise period at which it would take place, or the length of it; I had, previously thereto, put my carriage into the hands of a workman to repair, and had not the means of going.
I condole very sincerely with Mrs Knox & yourself on your late misfortune; but am sure, however severe the trial, each of you have fortitude enough to meet it. Nature, no doubt, must feel severely before calm resignation will overcome it. I offer my best respects to Mrs Knox, and every good wish for the family—with great regard & unfeigned Affect. I am Yours

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William McIntosh, 20 August 1787
From: McIntosh, William
To: Washington, George

Avignon [France] 20th August 1787.

The Founder of the Common-wealth of America has established such a reputation in the World, as to render an apology unnecessary, upon any subject applicable to the great object which he has achieved, or the rights of Humanity, and the laws of well regulated Societies.
After having, from an early period, followed active lines in Legislature, Finance, Colonization, & the study of Commerce, an impaired Constitution, & heavy losses by the Capture of the West India Islands in the late war, have created in my mind a contempt of ambition; excursions over most parts of our Terrestrial Globe, have given birth to sentiments, not unworthy of a Citizen of the world; and these principles, have seduced me to seek better health, & more contentment, in a simple retreat, under a milder Climate, & in a purer air, than belong to my own Country. The air which I have imbibed for three Years in the place from whence this is dated, is excellent; but the climate is intemperate, because it is inconstant, frequently partaking of extremes; and the liberty transfused under church Domination, breathes more Licentiousness, & tolerates more immorality, than my ideas can reconcile, in any Government.
In this retirement, a mind habituated to activity, & possessing its natural vigour, has often found entertainment in the political machinations of the cabinets of Europe; and very often has it been occupied by the unsettled state of the American republic: An event which I foresaw at a remote distance. I have lately perceived, with pleasure, that the formation of a more decided System, was agitated as an indispensable measure, which is probably, now under deliberation: The great Outlines; & the minute police, adapted to so extensive a field, and the discordant dispositions of the provincials, having been the subject of much private reflection, I have within these few hours, ventured to select some of my thoughts, & to commit them to paper. They are contained within the small compass of three pages, and are, with proper deference, submitted, for your perusal, Sir, without presuming to hope, that they approach to perfection; but, in perfect confidence, that if they do convey to your patriotic mind, some useful hints, they will be well received, and applied with effect.

It may seem strange, Sir, that a British Subject should feel an interest in the affairs of a Country, apparently disaffected to his. That conjecture may require some explanation. It is thus—Before the troubles broke out in America, I had prepared, and begun a plan for realizing a part of my fortune, & finishing the career of life in that Country, because I approved the Climates, & admired the temperance, industry, & prudence of the people. The petulance & false pride of the British Cabinet, obstructed that object. I thought that the Colonists were justified in their resistance; but, abstracted from the natural effects of Passions raised & warmed by injustice, I thought also, that in prudence, an accommodation, upon equal and equitable principles, would have been equally convenient to them. No wise man would wantonly thrust himself, & his means, into a Country, ravaged & disolated by a Civil War; After the restoration of peace, it did not appear to me that good order was also restored; as the measure of my means was also reduced to a smaller scale, it was incumbent on me to practice Circumspection; therefore, I could not hazard the application of a Remnant, before I could see a clear pavement to walk over. More over, my principles tell me, that when a political contest is finally adjusted, the (ties) of Consanguinity, and the obligations of personal friendship, should resume their former Stations in the mind; that a Similarity of manners, customs, Rights, Language, & religion, possess attractive qualities, & attach insensibly, and that the exercise of Commerce, should compose a new Cement, by that Confidence & Liberality, which neither the practice, nor the wealth of other manufactures, can Communicate.
This short account, will suffice, Sir, to satisfy your known candour and justice, that the author of the accompanying Sheet is actuated by good Sentiments; and will, likewise, induce you to believe, that no man entertains more lively Sentiments of true respect & Esteem for the person & virtues of General Washington than—

W. Macintosh


Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 22 August 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Biddle, Clement

Dear Sir,
[Philadelphia] 22d Augt 1787.

Since I came to this City, if I recollect rightly, you asked me if I now had, or could put up, a quantity of Herrings next season, for Sale.
Having revolved the matter in my mind, I wish in turn to be informed, if there is any responsible character who would enter into a contract for a number, to be delivered next Season? What number of Barrls he would contract for?—and at what price; to be paid on delivery—or on a credit to be agreed on? Answers

to these questions would enable me to determine with respect to the propriety of entering into such a Contract, and in case of it, to prepare accordingly.
Be so good as to inform me whether you have engaged the gudgeons for my Mill, or not, and when they will be ready? also with respect to the price of window glass 9 by 11. I shall want near 300 lights or squares—I am Dr Sr Yr Obt Ser.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from George Augustine Washington, 20 August 1787 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George Augustine
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from George Augustine Washington, 20 Aug. 1787. On 26 Aug. GW wrote George Augustine: “your letter of the 20th . . . came by the Post yesterday evening.”


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Spotswood, 26 August 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Spotswood, Alexander

Dear Sir,
Philadelphia August 26 1787

Having heard nothing from you, in reply to a letter I wrote you in answer to yours of the 25th of June, respecting your wishes to enter your Son on board the French Navy, I am led to apprehend a miscarriage, or that the letter to or from you may be lying in some of the Post Offices (a thing not very unusual) I therefore address you again on the subject.
The purport of my former letter was to ask, whether you had been encouraged to hope, or to expect much (from any Gentleman competent to advise you) from such a project, if not, whether it would not be better to delay your decisions on this point till enquiry could be first made and that, under the impression of the propriety of it, I would detain your letter for france till I could hear further from you on this subject among others for the Following reasons.
1. Because I think your Sons going into the French Navy would be attended with greater expence than you apprehend.
2. That the highest rank he could expect to meet at entrance would be that of Midshipman.
3. That for want of an interest always at hand his prospect of rising would be very unpromising.
4. That from a difference of Country, language, religeon and manners, the Service would soon become irksome and disagreeable to him and in the last place.
Because I do not think they are such good Seaman as the British or Americans.
Friendship and regard for you and your Son, induced me to make these observations before I parted with your letters (supposing a small delay could make no great difference in your plan) but if you have been well advised in the matter and will write me again I will immediately forward your letters with one

of my own to the Marqs de la Fayette. as the delay of your answer has far exceeded any thing that could have been expected, I shall be concerned if any inconvenianc⟨e⟩ should have resulted from it having every disposition to comply with your wishes in this, or any other respect wherein I can do it consistently—My love to Mrs Spotswood. I am &ca

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to George Augustine Washington, 26 August 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, George Augustine

Dear George,
Philadelphia Augt 26th 1787.

Not having received any letter from you last Week (by the Post which arrives here on Thursdays) I have, of course, nothing to reply to; but request to be informed of the depth of the Well (by the Kitchen door) from the level of the Brick pavement, which surrds it, to the surface of the Water within; and the depth of the Water. To be clear, if I am not so already, I want the whole depth from the surface & level of the pavement to the bottom of the Well; with the depth of Water therein—I have some intention of placing a pump in it, instead of drawing the Water up in a Bucket as at present, and for this purpose the enquiry is made. I also request that you wd send me the dimensions (in the same way you did the former one) of the Chimneys in the Parlour, common dining room, and your Aunts bed Chamber; and let me know if the present back and sides of the one in the dining room can be fitted to any other chimney that has no plates, and which is in common use. The Mill Irons will go by the next Vessel and I would send glass for the green house also but it appears to me that the price here is equally high with that in Alexandria—here it is 100/ by the box, wch is equal to 80/ with you; and the frieght, duty & Comn would be to be added. I go on the presumption that each box contains 12 doz., or 144 panes; of this, inform me how the case is at Alexandria. or how many square feet a box is said to contain there.

If the top for the Cupulo, & the directions which accompanied it, are well understood, I would (supposing every thing is on the spot necessary for it) have it put up immediately, whilst the weather is mild, still, and warm.
I have promised Mr Morris an exact pattern, made of wood, of Mr Youngs Iron Plow—when I speak of wood, I mean such parts of it as Nat cannot make true and perfect such as the beam—&ca—You will readily perceive that as this is intended for a model to make others by, that the whole of it ought to be as exact as it can be made—for this reason & knowing that Nat is a clumsey fellow, and supposing that Mathew wd do it in wood, more correctly, that I have mentioned wood; but as you know the intention, it may either be of wood, or Iron, or partly of both as shall be judged best on consulting Mathew & Nat. all I want is, that the Model may be a perfect representation in all its parts, and the putting of them together likewise of the original. The direction for fixing or setting you have in Mr Youngs letter.
You may make enquiry for a fit person to supply the place of Fairfax at the Ferry, but do not engage any before I return or you shall hear from me because I do not know but I may find it convenient to put both that and Frenchs under the care of the Farmer, or some one man.
I had written thus far when your letter of the 20th (which came by the Post yesterday evening) was delivered to me. I am happy to find by it that you have, at length, had a good rain. The Young Corn, Buck Wheat, Grain newly sown—and vegitables of every kind will undoubtedly be benefitted by it and may undergo a considerable change if the weather should continue to be seasonable.
If I am to form an opinion of the last harvest of Wheat & Rye, from the produce of the fields of lay Wheat & Rye at Muddy hole, it must be miserable indeed. The first containing 10 acres, yielding only 32½ Bushl⟨s⟩; and the other, containing 13 Acres, but 47½ of Rye—In neither case 4 bushels to the acre—If all turns out like these my prospect is indeed poor—not a moment therefore should be lost (if the Fly is among the Wheat to get it ground up before the little that is made be injured by this destructive insec⟨t)⟩—I beg therefore that this matter may be

closely attended to. If Merchantable flour can not be made of the old Wheat, it had undoubtedly better be given to the Negroes—And if necessity obliges you to resort to the Potatoes and Pease for their support I desire that the quantity used by them may be (of both) measured that I may not only know what they use, but what I make—without which my experiments will be inconclusive.
I am very well satisfied with the disposition of the stock agreeably to the list inclosed to me—but it would be very well to compare this list with the one taken sometime ago (in the Winter, I believe it was or fall) and make the Overseers if there is a difference acct for it—unless this is done no valuable end is answered by taking such lists; and they may sell, kill, or otherwise dispose of any part thereof with impunity.
How does your grass Seeds come on? particularly the clover; What sort of Clover is that in the Neck of the last years sowing? In short how does it look at all the places—old as well as new? Your Aunt informs me that there is a probability Mr B. Bassett will be Married soon; and that should it take place before I return, you do not Incline to carry Fanny down; thinking it may be improper to leave home while I am absent; but should the event happen I desire that this may be no bar to your accompanying her, as I see no inconvenience that can happen by so doing. Give my love to Fanny, and best wishes to Mr Lear. I am dear George Yr Affecte Uncle

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Elizabeth Powel, 31 August 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Powel, Elizabeth

[Philadelphia] Friday Morning [31 August 1787]

Genl Washington presents respectful compliments to Mrs Powell. The afternoons being short, it is proposed, to set off for Mr Pen’s precisely at 4 Oclock; for this purpose the Generals horses & Servts will be at Mr Powells a quarter before that hour; & the General will be ready for Mr Powells call at it.


Title: To George Washington from James K. Tobine, August 1787
From: Tobine, James K.
To: Washington, George

May it please Your Excellency
[August 1787]

With the most profound humility I beg leave to approach You, in order to implore You, Sir, that You would be pleased to permit Your Excellency’s most illustrious Name to be prefixed to a Subscription, which I am about to solicit towards the enabling me to print, & publish a certain dramatic Work, calld Americania & Seraphina, or the Immortal Friendship, An alegorical, musical Masque.
If this very Great (and to me most important) Favour, without Sir your knowing the tendency or Design of the Work, be inadmissible: I am ready to lay my poor Manuscript at Your Excellency’s Feet, and beg leave to Subscribe myself, Your Excellencys Most devoted Most humble and most faithful Servt

James K. Tobine


Title: From George Washington to John Paul Jones, 2 September 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Jones, John Paul

Sir,
Philadelphia Sept. 2d 1787

Should this letter reach you in time, the purport of it is, to beg your care of the enclosed to the Marqs de la Fayette; and to inform you that all the letters, Memorials, and Papers of every kind which had been transmitted to me as President General of the Society of the Cincinnati, were forwarded (not expecting to attend it myself) to the last General meeting holden in this City but how they were acted upon is not in my power to inform you, not being at it.
I have received, and have forwarded to my house the Bust you did me the honor to present me with, and shall place it with my own. wishing you every possible felicity I have the honor to be—Sir Yr Most Hble & Obed. Sert

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to George Augustine Washington, 2 September 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, George Augustine

Dear George,
Philadelphia 2d Septr 1787.

Your last letter of the 27th ulto came in due course of Post, and gave me the pleasure to hear that you had had a continuance of rain. Seasonable weather may bring on young Corn, & help that which was not too far gone. At any rate the Buck Wheat, and vegitables of every kind, must receive benefit.

When I expressed a wish to have the race widened from the mill upwards, it was on a supposition that the Water had not been turned into it; had I believed this was the case I should not have requested it; tho’ I shall not be at all dissatisfied at the delay occasioned by it, provided the work is well done; for to accomplish this was all I had in view.
The Acct you have given of the present State of the different species of Crops, is very satisfactory; a similar one, weekly, would give me a precise idea of them; but I trust I shall not remain here more than a fortnight longer to receive these accts, or any thing else.
By your Aunts letter to me, I find that Mr Hanson has applied to, and received payment from Mr Porter for the board of George & Lawrence Washington. I beg you will request (Mr Hanson) never to do the like again. Mr Porter must conceive very strangely of this; I am sure I do; & cannot acct for the application—And I further beg that you will, in my name, let your father know, in explicit terms, that if he will not keep me furnished with the means to defray the expences of these boys that he must take the whole of their affairs on himself. The demands upon me for money are too numerous & heavy to answer the calls I have on their acct. He seems not to consider that the calls on me for their schooling, board, cloathing &ca encrease with time, but on the contrary when a sum is once paid, that the matter is done with—Another quarter I suppose must be due, or nearly so, by this time, besides the Schooling—the Cloathing from Mr Porter &ca &ca—all of which I shall, I expect to be saluted by, as soon as I return. He ought to put the produce of their Estates (if they have any, and if they have not, I know what to depend upon) as fast as it is raised into my hands. this certainly would be as proper as to be keeping me constantly in advance, & exposed to Duns on their acct when I know not which way to turn, to obtain money to pay the pressing calls for Cash I own on my own Acct.
I am sorry to find that the Green paint which was got to give the dining room another Coat, should have turned out so bad; such impositions (besides the disappointment) are really shameful. I did not know that any part of the Boston leather was black, consequently could have no particular design in view at the time

it was sent—but as it is so—and good—it may be appropriated for shoes for the House Servants—Overseers &ca.
In my last I wrote to you for an exact model of Youngs Plough—to be made of Wood or Iron, or partly of both as Mathew and Nat might agree, for Mr Robt Morris; what I meant by a model was that it should be exactly of the size in all its parts, and as truely put together as Mr Young’s is; that the representation may be perfect for others to be made, & fixed by. Send it by the first Vessel after it is ready. and send with it also, a peck of what you conceive to be Youngs spring wheat; which, unquestionably, is the most indifferent looking of the two red kinds. accompany the Plow & Wheat with a line to Mr Morris.
I am well satisfied from the account given of the New ground, in your last letter, (in front of the House) that the Succours and Sprts together with the Huckleberry shrubs &ca, are not sufficiently destroyed to sow grain in, and therefore if you have not begun to do it desire that it may be delayed untill I return home.
Fairfax’s Terms, I suppose must be agreed to, though he seems disposed to make hay (or in other words Cloaths) whilst the Sun shines. Hardly any weekly report comes to hand by which it does not appear that Thos Greene is absent one or more days. I desire you will tell him that this custom is a bad one—contrary to any ideas I entertained when he was bargained with, and that it must be broke.
I desire you will send me the number of New blankets your Aunt has in her Store room. They are not to be had here but on high terms, and yet this is the year that all my people are entitled to receive them, except the Women who have had Children and been supplied on that occasion. do you know the Alexandria price for the large striped dutch blanketing? (15 I believe are in a piece)—If you do not, pray enquire & let me know when you next write. Also the price of Bills of Exchange drawn on London, at 30 days sight? that I may know whether it is best to sell here, or there.
Miss Allan’s letter has been given to Mr Rutlidge who has promised to forward, or carry it safe to Major Read. My love to Fanny, & best wishes to Mr Lear—With sentiments of great regard I am—Dr George—Yr Affecte Uncle

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from George Augustine Washington, 2 September 1787 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George Augustine
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from George Augustine Washington, 2 Sept. 1787. On 9 Sept. GW acknowledged George Augustine’s “letter of the 2d of this month.”


Title: To George Washington from William Gordon, 6 September 1787
From: Gordon, William
To: Washington, George

My dear Sir
London Sepr 6. 1787

I rejoice to find that your Lady has of late been troubled less than formerly with the bilious cholick. May She be wholly freed from it, & all prescriptions become unnecessary!
Thank you for your kind wishes, they are still needful. No settlement has yet offered. I am going on with my History, & toward the latter end of next month shall begin printing. Health & strength permitting, shall continue it till the work is published.
The bill upon Salem has been duly honored, & the money remitted & received. Had no apprehension on my own part, but that the publications alluded to were equally false with foregoing ones. Am sorry that the conduct of the Bay-men & Rhode Islanders has been so disgraceful, & given so much ground for reproaches.
Holland at present takes up the attention of the public. Am fearful it will terminate in a war. Should the ministry, alias the

king, involve this nation afresh in that dreadful judgment, may they succeed only in proportion to the equity of their conduct.
How far the seeds already sent, may have answered my good intentions must be learnt from future letters. Have sent you three quarters of a pound of larkspur to make the garden gay. They consist of equal shares of the double rose—the tall double rocket—& the dwarf double ditto. You have been engaged with others in a very arduous business. Shall exult upon finding that your united labours have provided a safe, efficacious, & permanent remedy, for the evils which have so long existed & diffused themselves so extensively. ’Tis mortifying that the advantages gained by the late glorious contest for that so fine a country should not be better improved. It is to be feared, that the scenes of blood which have taken place in this old world, will be repeated in the new, in some distant period; & that America in its turn will become the Aceldama, while Europe possibly may sink again into barbarism. These events however are so distant, that our happiness need not be much impaired with the thought of them.
Mrs Gordon joins in most affectionate regards to Self, Lady, the rest of the family, & Mr & Mrs Lund Washington, with my dear Sir Your sincere friend & most humble servant

William Gordon


Title: From George Washington to Charles Pettit, 7 September 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Pettit, Charles

Sir
Philadelphia Sept. 7th 1787

Having received the dimensions of three more of my Chimneys for which I want castings, I have to request them as follows.

                  3. 6½ high in front
                  }
                  First

                  1. 6½ deep

                  3. 3 Wide at the back

                  3. 2½ high in front
                  }
                  Second

                  1. 6½ Deep

                  3. 5 Wide at the back

                  3. 1 high in front
                  }
                  third

                  1.10 Deep

                  3. 5 Wide at the back

The above being the exact size of the Chimneys (already built and in use) it is not to be forgotten that the thickness of the back plate is to be deducted from the width of those on the sides or vica versa as shall be adjudged best.
The mould already made, may subserve for the above Casting reducing it first to the largest of the above Chimneys—then to the second size—and lastly to the smallest—the crest and Cypher to each.
I should be glad to receive them as soon as possible and the money shall be immediately paid for them. I am yrs &ca

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Jonas Phillips, 7 September 1787
From: Phillips, Jonas
To: Washington, George

Sirs
Philadelphia 24th Ellul 5547 or Sepr 7th 1787

With leave and Submission I address my Self To those in whome there is wisdom understanding and knowledge. they are the honorable personages appointed and Made overseers of a part of the terrestrial globe of the Earth, Namely the 13 united states of america in Convention Assembled, the Lord preserve them amen.
I the subscriber being one of the people called Jews of the City of Philadelphia, a people scattered and despersed among all nations do behold with Concern that among the laws in the Constitution of Pennsylvania their is a Clause Sect 10 to viz.—I do belive in one God the Creator and governour of the universe the Rewarder of the good and the punisher of the wicked—and I do acknowledge the scriptures of the old and New testement to be given by devine inspiration—To Swear and belive that the new testement was given by devine inspiration is absolutly against the Religious principle of a Jew and is against his conscience to take any such oath. By the above law a Jew is deprived of holding any public office or place of Government which is a Contradectory to the bill of Right Sect. 2 viz.—
That all men have a natural and inalienable Right To worship almighty God according to the dictates of their own Conscience and understanding, and that no man aught or of Right can be compelled to attend any Religious Worship or Erect or support any place of worship or Maintain any minister contrary to or against his own free will and Consent nor can any man who acknowledges the being of a God be Justly deprived or abridged of any Civil Right as a Citizen on account of his Religious Sentiments or peculiar mode of Religious Worship and that no authority can or aught to be vested in or assumed by any power what Ever that shall in any Case interfere or in any manner Controul the Right of Conscince in the free Exercise of Religious Worship.
It is well Known among all the Citizens of the 13 united states

that the Jews have been true and faithfull whigs; and during the late contest with England they have been foremost in aiding and assisting the states with their lifes and fortunes, they have supported the cause, have bravely fought and bleed for Liberty which they can not Enjoy.
Therefore if the honourable Convention shall in their Wisdom think fit and alter the said oath and leave out the words to viz.—and I do acknowledge the scriptures of the new testement to be given by devine inspiration, then the Israelites will think themself happy to live under a government where all Religious societys are on an Eaquel footing. I solecet this favour for my Self my Children and posterity and for the benefit of all the Israelites through the 13 united States of america.
My prayer is unto the Lord—May the people of this states Rise up as a great and young lion, May they prevail against their Enemies, May the degrees of honour of his Exceellency the president of the Convention George Washington, be ⟨Extolled⟩ and Raise up, May Everyone speak of his glorious Exploits—May God prolong his days among us in this land of Liberty—May he lead the armies against his Enemys as he has done hereuntofore, May God Extend peace unto the united States—May they get up to the highest Prosperitys—May God Extend peace to them and their Seed after them so long as the Sun and moon Endureth—and May the almighty God of our father Abraham Isaac and Jacob endue this Noble Assembly with wisdom Judgement and unamity in their Councills, and may they have the Satisfaction to see that their present toil and labour for the wellfair of the united States may be approved of Through all the world and perticular by the united States of america, is the ardent prayer of Sires Your Most devoted obed. Servant

Jonas Phillips


Title: From George Washington to Elizabeth Powel, 7 September 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Powel, Elizabeth

[Philadelphia] Friday 7th Sep. 1787

Genl Washington presents his respectful compliments to Mrs Powell. He has, with much pleasure, perused the enclosed. He finds the sentiments perfectly just—the advice good, and he is persuaded of the favourable reception, and efficacy of them in the mind of his Nephew.


Title: To George Washington from Elizabeth Powel, 8 September 1787
From: Powel, Elizabeth
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
[Philadelphia] ⟨Septem⟩ber 8 1787

I have taken the Liberty to send you a reflecting Lamp for your Hall. I well know your Delicacy on the Subject of accepting the smallest Present even from your best Friend; but I as well know your Patriotism, & that when it has come in Competition with your own Feelings the latter have ever yielded. That Light is an Object of immense Consequence no one will venture to deny, & that the Importation of Tallow takes off a great deal of Money I believe is very certain. Your Example will, I flatter myself, be always sufficient to reccommend & establish the Use of any Articles in America.
After the fullest & fairest Experiment it has been found that one of these Lamps gives more Light than Three Spermaceti or Six Tallow Candles. Three spermaceti Candles cost 2/6 & the Tallow 1/6 Two Gills of spermaceti Oil at Five Shillings pr Gallon,

which is the highest retail Price, will not cost quite Fourpence and will burn as long as the Candles. This is an immense saving in any one Article of Family Use; & tho’ I suppose & believe this would be no Object with you, in your own particular Instance, yet, as you are so happily formed as to step out of yourself & consult the Circumstances & Situation of others, I think you will be struck with the Propriety & Utility of bringing them into general Use in Virginia, where I am told they have not gained sufficient Credit to be generally imported. An attempt has been made here to make them but they are so badly & clumsily executed as to be totaly unfit for gentlemens Use; but I hope we shall soon make them equal to the english ones. The One sent is not of the ornamental Kind, but simple & neat; but, with your Temperance & Aversion to Ostentation, that will be no objection. I have sent half a Dozen spare Glasses in case of accidents, & Wick sufficient for Two or Three Years The Mandril is to fix the Wick on with.
The Lamp is put up in a Box with the Wick &Ca very safely I think and the Directions are also in it—I am with great Sincerity dear Sir Your affectionate Friend and very humble Servt

Eliza. Powel


Title: To George Washington from John Paul Jones, 9 September 1787
From: Jones, John Paul
To: Washington, George

Sir,
New-York Septr 9th 1787.

It gives me pain to inform you that the same cause that prevented me from returning to France in the July Packet, precludes me from embarking in the one that is to sail to Morrow. I have been every day expecting my Business here to be concluded;

and, if Congress had met any day since the beginning of last Month, my matters would have been immediately determined. As Mr Jay does not think it expedient to commit his Dispatches, either to the Mail or to any of the Passengers, I have not thought myself authorized to forward the Packets you did me the honor to entrust to my care. But I have written to the Marquis de la Fayette, mentioning your Packets, and that, in my opinion, the one for the Marquis de Bouillé may, perhaps, contain his Diploma of the Cincinnati.
Your determination to “place my Bust with your own’ confers on me a greater Honor than I ever before received—An Honor which I shall ever be ambitious to merit—But, what Man can hope to vie with the Talents—the virtuous perseverance and exertions of a General Washington! I shall leave you, Sir, to imagin my extreme sensibillity on this occasion, for, I feel, it would be impossible for me to communicate it in words.
May you long enjoy perfect Health, and perfect Happiness! and may you have the satisfaction to see the new Constitution, over which you Preside, become the means of our National Honor, Dignity, and Felicity! I am, with profound Respect, Sir, Your most obliged and most humble Servant

Paul Jones


Title: From George Washington to George Augustine Washington, 9 September 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, George Augustine

Dear George,
Philadelphia Septr 9th 1787.

This, in acknowledgment of your letter of the 2d of this Month, is probably the last letter I shall write you from this place; as the probability is, that the Convention will have compleated the business which brought the delegates together, in the course of this Week. God grant I may not be disappointed in this expectation, as I am quite homesick.
As Mr McPhearson’s glass (if good) is cheaper than the first cost here of that article, independently of the Comn, freight, &ca; I request that you will get what may be necessary for the Green house, from him, that the building may be finished.

I had no idea, nor can I now see the necessity, for stripping the Shingling from the Cupulo, in order to fix on the top which was sent from this place; As nothing more than the Iron spire is to pass through it, surely taking away the laths & plaistering on the inside would have been sufficient for the purpose of fixing the foot thereof—and this, instead of requiring a fortnight, would scarcely have been the business of a day; but it is too late now, I expect, to offer this opinion, as the work (some way or another) will have been nearly, if not altogether, compleated before this letter will have reached Mt Vernon.
I am very glad to hear of the interruptions your field work has met with from the Rains which have lately fallen. If the weather should be warm, and the fall fine, they may facilitate the growth of every thing—the new meadow, so abundantly productive of weeds, ought to have been mown, as well for the sake of the young grass, as to prevent the seeds of the weeds from maturing and stocking the ground. I have but little expectation however, I must confess, that the latter Corn will come to much; and less that Pumpkin, which are now only in blossom, can come to any thing. Of the Pease, from your acct of them much may be expected; but I should be glad to know whether the Vines cover the ground well (those in broad cast I mean) and whether they bear well? What is the general height of the Buck wheat, how the ground is covered with it, & whether it is generally in blossom? If the Potatoes are so slow in forming, I fear not much is to be expected from the yield of them neither. I had expected, till your letter held up the contrary idea, that there would have been more than a sufficiency of old rails at Morris’s to have enclosed the fallow field, especially as they were aided, or to be aided, by a ditch. There is not a right understanding with respect to doors opening to the right or left⟨,⟩ for sure I am that the hinges I last sent were, according to the conception here for a door opening to the left—however I will get another pair contrary, if I can, to those last sent.
Inclosed I send a letter (to whom I offer best wishes) to Mr Lear. It came under cover to me from the Eastward. I hope Mathews model will be exact, and arrive soon; accompanied by the spring wheat I wrote for (I believe) in my last. My love to Fanny, & with affectionate regard I am Yours

Go: Washington

P.S. If the Flax has not been spread to rot, it is time it should be—It ought to be turned, well watched, & taken up as soon as it is sufficiently rotted and this can only be known by frequent examination after turning.


Title: Draft of the Federal Constitution: Report of Committee of Style, 12 September 1787
From: Committee of Style
To:

[12 September 1787]. GW (or, in a few instances, the secretary of the convention William Jackson) entered on his printed copy of the draft of the Constitution presented to the Convention on 12 Sept. by the committee of style, all of the various changes in form and content adopted by the Convention between 12 and 15 Sept. when the Constitution took its final form.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 14 September 1787
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

My dear Sir
New York 14 September 1787

presuming that you will not set out from Philadelphia untill Monday the 17th I write you a line to congratulate you on the termination of your arduous business & to wish you a happy sight of Mrs Washington and your family.
In every event respecting the reception of the propositions of the convention you will enjoy the high satisfaction of having performed every thing that could possibly be expected of you—But I flatter myself that You will see the government proposed adopted fully by the people.
Mrs Knox unites with me in presenting our respectful affections to Mrs Washington. With the most ardent wish for your perfect felicity, in every stage of your existence I am my dear Sir Your sincere & truly affectionate friend and Humble Servt

H. Knox


Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 15 September 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Biddle, Clement

[Philadelphia] Saturday Morng 15th Septr [1787]

Genl Washington prests his Compliments to Colo. Biddle & would be glad to know if the Vessel for Alexandria is gone. The lowest price the best dutch (striped) Blankets sell at, by the piece. and how his acct stands since the late purchases made by him as he has expectations that the business of the Convention will be brought to a close, or nearly so this day.


Title: From George Washington to John Canon, 16 September 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Canon (Cannon), John

Sir,
Philadelphia Sept. 16th 1787

I was suprized to find by your letter of the 8th of may, dated in this City (received after I came to it) that you had not got the letter I wrote to you sometime before under cover to Colo. Bayard of Pittsburg especially as the Colonel has acknowledged the receipt of it, and promised that it should be carefully forwarded to your house.
In that letter, to the best of my recollection, I requested that you would take charge of all my concerns—as well as those in Fayette, as Washington Counties & act for me as you would do for yourself. To this, if my memory serves me, your powers already extend—if not, I now give them to you by this letter.
I cannot consent to take two dollars a acre for the Land in Washington County. If the Government of this Country gets well toned, and property perfectly secured, I have no doubt of obtaining the price I have fixed on the land, and that in a short time, in the mean while, I had rather rent it from year to year than give leases for a term of years as the latter will certainly impede the Sale.
For the Land in Fayette County, I have been offered the price I had fixed on it—viz. Forty Shillings pr Acre—by a number of New Jersey people but we have differed with respect to the mode of payment and perhaps shall never agree I would not therefore have you Slip an opportunity of disposing of that Tract, if that price and the payment thereof is well secured. I would, as I thi[n]k you have already been informed; be content

with one fourth of the money paid down—the remainder in four annual payments with interest.
I am willing to take usual allowance of the Crops which were on the ground and hope you have taken your measures accordingly less than this, the Tenants cannot I should conceive think of giving—as the whole of them might have been demanded. I am Sir Yr Most Obed. Servant

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Chastellux, 16 September 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Chastellux, François-Jean de Beauvoir, marquis de

My Dr Marqs
Philadelphia Sept. 16th 1787

Mr Pinkney will do me the favor of presenting this letter to you—He is a Gentleman of fortune, family & character in South Carolina—A member of Congress, and delegate to the Fœderal Convention, now sitting in this City. As he proposes to visit your Country I take this liberty of introducing him to your acquaintance and attentions—and this I do with pleasure⟨.⟩ I persuade myself that you will in him find, abilities and information. I am &ca

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Richard Noble, 16 September 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Noble, Richard

Sir,
Philadelphia Sept. 16th 1787

By a letter which I have received from Major Thomas Freeman since I came to this City I am informed that he has lodged some money of mine in your hands, as also a receipt from Thomas Smith Esqr. for £533.19.0 with sundry other papers. I shall be obliged by your forwarding the money to me by the First good conveyance; the papers I beg you to place in the hands of Colo. Cannon of Washington County to whose care I had committed my business in that County long before I had any knowledge or information from Major Freeman of his having committed these matters to you. If no shure and safe conveyance should offer for sending the money immediately to me I request in that case that you would be so obliging as to deliver it to Thomas Smith Esqr. Attorney at Law who will apply it to the uses, and agreeable to the advice I have given. I am Sir Yr Most Obed. Sert

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Robert Edge Pine, 17 September 1787
From: Pine, Robert Edge
To: Washington, George

Philadelphia. 17 Sep. 1787

This Work was Executed, by Order of his late Royal Highness William Duke of Cumberland and a few Setts given to the most Illustrious Millitary Characters in Europe—after which, the Plates were distroyed His R. H. having been pleased to give this Sett to the late John Pine, who Engrav’d it—his Son, Robt Edge Pine, has now the honour of presenting it to his Excellency General Washington.


Title: From George Washington to the President of Congress, 17 September 1787
From: Washington, George
To: President of Congress

[Philadelphia, 17 September 1787]

We have now the Honor to submit to the Consideration of the United States in Congress assembled that Constitution which has appeared to us the most advisable.
The Friends of our Country have long seen and desired that the Power of making War Peace and Treaties, that of levying Money & regulating Commerce and the correspondent executive and judicial Authorities should be fully and effectually vested in the general Government of the Union. But the Impropriety of delegating such extensive Trust to one Body of Men is evident—Hence results the Necessity of a different Organization.
It is obviously impracticable  in the fœderal Government Of these States to secure all Rights of independent Sovereignty to each and yet provide for the Interest and Safety of all—Individuals entering into Society must give up a Share of Liberty to preserve the Rest. The Magnitude of the Sacrifice must depend as well on Situations and Circumstances as on the Object to be obtained. It is at all Times difficult to draw with Precision the Lines between those Rights which must be surrendered and those which may be reserved⟨.⟩ And on the present Occasion this Difficulty was encreased by a Difference among the several States as to their Situation Extent Habits and particular Interests.
In all our Deliberations on this Subject we kept steadily in our View that which appears to us the greatest Interest of every true american the Consolidation of our Union in which is involved our Prosperity Felicity Safety perhaps our national Existence. this important Consideration seriously and deeply impressed on our Minds led each State in the Convention to be less rigid on Points of inferior Magnitude than might have been otherwise expected. And thus the Constitution which we now present is

the Result of a Spirit of Amity and of that mutual Deference & Concession which the Peculiarity of our political Situation rendered indispensible.
That it will meet the full and entire Approbation of every State is not perhaps to be expected. But each will doubtless consider that had her Interests been alone consulted the Consequences might have been particularly disagreable or injurious to others. That it is liable to as few Exceptions as could reasonably have been expected we hope and believe That it may promote the lasting Welfare of that Country so dear to us all and secure her Freedom and Happiness is our most ardent wish.


Title: From George Washington to William Washington, 17 September 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, William

Dear Sir,
Phil[adelphi]a Sept. 17th 1787

The Coachmaker who have furnished me with the enclosed Card have done work for me and having executed it well—and promising to work as cheap [as] any others in the City, I do their request, recommend them, that if you, or any of your friends should have occasion for Carriages you may if you think proper apply to them. with affectionate regard I am &c.

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 18 September 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir,
Philadelphia Sept. 18th 1787

Yesterday put an end to the business of the Fœderal Convention. Inclosed is a copy of the Constitution, by it agreed to, not doubting but that you have participated in the general anxiety which has agitated the minds of your Countrymen on this interesting occasion, I shall be excused I am certain for this endeavor to relieve you from it—especially when I assure you of the sincere regard and esteem with which I have the honor to be, Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt and Very Hble Servant

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Lafayette, 18 September 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

My dear Marqs,
Philadelphia Sept. 18th 1787

In the midst of hurry, and in the moment of my departure from this City I address this letter to you. The principal, indeed the only design of it is, to fulfil the promise I made that I would send you the proceedings of the Fœderal Convention as soon as the business of it was closed. More than this, circumstanced as I am at present is not in my power to do. nor am I inclined to attempt it, as the enclosure, must speak for itself & will occupy your thoughts for sometime.
It is the production of four months deliberation. It is now a Child of fortune, to be fostered by some and buffited by others. what will be the General opinion on, or the reception of it, is not for me to, decide, nor shall I say any thing for or against it—if it be good I suppose it will work its way good—if bad it will recoil on the Framers. my best wishes attend you, and yours—and with the sincerest friendship and most Affectionate regard I am ever yours

G. Washington


Title: GW to Samuel Morris, 18 September 1787 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Morris, Samuel

Letter not found: GW to Samuel Morris, 18 Sept. 1787. GW wrote Clement Biddle on 19 Sept.: “Yesterday before I left the City, I wrote to Captn Morris.”


Title: From George Washington to Ann Allen Penn, 18 September 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Penn, Ann Allen

[Philadelphia] Tuesday 18th Sepr 1787.

Genl Washington takes the liberty of offering his respectful compliments to Mrs Penn—and the Vision of Columbus. It is one of several Copies for which he subscribed some years ago and received since he came to this City. To the merit, or demerit of the performance the General can say nothing—not having had time to read it.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Morris, 21 September 1787
From: Morris, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philad[elphi]a Septemr 21st 1787

Mr Clement Biddle has just shewn me your Letter to him of the 19th by which I Observe I had been favour’d with a Note

from you for a description of the Dogs sent by Capt. Ellwood. I never Receiv’d it, or would have immediately Answer’d it. The Names & descriptions follow
Droner, a black & white dog with spotts
Doxy—black or rather dark brown & white
Dutchess—mostly White & large
Hearkwell—a younger dog than either of the foregoing
with a long Tail & Spotted
These four are heavy dogs with long Ears
Shingas—nearly black
Pluto—mostly white
a little grey about their heads, shorter Ears than the others & lighter dogs, but these Six dogs have been thought of, as being as good as any in the Country.
Dublin—a young dog brown & white
Rover—ditto—with a black Spott on his Rump
These two were too young to Enter last Season, but from their make & breed I think will be slow & good.
I wish them safe to hand & that they may Afford you & your Friends as much pleasure as they often have to Your Sincere Friend & Obedt Servant

Saml Morris


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Hanson, 23 September 1787
From: Hanson, Samuel (of Samuel)
To: Washington, George

Sir
Alexandria, 23d Sepr 1787

I embrace the earliest Opportunity, after notice of your return to Mount Vernon, to address you on a Subject that has given me no small share of disquiet.
A few days ago I received a Letter from Majr Washington; informing me that “You had been made acquainted with my draught on You in favour of Mr Porter; That you were unable to account for my applying to any Person for what was due from you; and that you requested I might not repeat the Act of drawing in favour of Mr Porter.”
In answer to a charge so unexpected I replied to the Major, and “denied that I ever applied to Mr Porter for money on your Acct as that Gentleman will assure you. I acknowledged that I had drawn on you in favour of Mr Porter, but conceived that, in doing so, I had not acted improperly, nor out of the customary mode of business.” I also informed the Majr that I had no doubt of explaining to yourself, immediately on your arrival, the propriety of my Conduct.
To proceed then, Sir, with the utmost candour, I admit that Mr Porter furnished me, at sundry times, with repeated Sums of money, and several Articles of goods, previous to my draught on you. But that Gentleman will declare to you that both the Money and Goods were furnished, on his part, & received on mine, purely on the Score of our private friendship; and that your name was never mentioned, nor your Account alluded to, at those times, by either of us. At the time of my first draught, I perfectly recollect that my reason for making it payable to him was, that, as your Servants generally call on him, when in town,

it might have the readier Conveyance—Before the second payment became due, I had become indebted (in the manner mentioned) to Mr Porter, and really conceived it to be totally immaterial to you whether the Money were paid to Mr Porter or myself.
Thus, Sir, have I endeavoured to explain to your Satisfaction a part of my Conduct which, I have good reason to apprehend, has (from misrepresentation, I trust) incurred your displeasure. If I shall be so unfortunate as not to have succeeded in this attempt, I must, in justice to myself, beg you to furnish me with the particulars of the charge against me, that I may have an Opportunity of vindicating myself hereafter.
When you placed your Nephews under my Care, you were pleased to express a Confidence in my good intentions towards them. Believe me, Sir, I was more flattered by some obliging passages in your Letters than you would choose me to express. You may easily, then, conceive the proportional Chagrin I suffer, under the Apprehension of forfeiting your good Opinion at a time when I was in hopes that my Conduct towards your Nephews would have a tendency to confirm you in it. With the utmost respect & Esteem, I remain, Sir, your most obedt and most humble Servant

S. Hanson of Saml

P.S. It may be easily conceived that the employment of accommodating Boys is, of itself, sufficiently unpleasant, without the adventitious mortifications arising from the present Subject. With respect to myself, I confess it is not a business of choice. Upon you, Sir, I am persuaded that this declaration will have the effect of inclining you to diminish, rather than encrease, the irksomeness of the Task I have engaged in. While on this Head, it is necessary to repeat, what I have already mentioned both to Mr McWhir & Mr Porter (before the receipt of the Major’s Letter) viz. That, should I remain here (which is uncertain) and you should incline to continue the Boys with me, I would, in consequence of the fall of House Rent, take them at a less price than the present one. I am &c. &c.

S.H. of Saml


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, 24 September 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Harrison, Benjamin

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon Sept. 24th 1787

In the first moments after my return I take the liberty of sending you a copy of the Constitution which the Fœderal Convention has submitted to the People of these States.
I accompany it with no observations—your own Judgment will at once descover the good, and the exceptionable parts of it. and your experience of the difficulty’s which have ever arisen when attempts have been made to reconcile such variety of interests, and local prejudices as pervade the severeal States will render explanation unnecessary. I wish the Constitution which is offered had been made more perfect, but I sincerely believe it is the best that could be obtained at this time—and as a constitutional door is op[e]ned for amendment hereafter—the adoption of it under present circumstances of the Union is in my opinion desirable.
From a variety of concurring accounts it appears to me that the political concerns of this Country are, in a manner, suspended by a thread. That the Convention has been looked up to by the reflecting part of the community with a Sollicitude which is hardly to be conceived, and that, if nothing had been agreed on by that body, anarchy would soon have ensued—the seeds being reiply sown in every soil. I am &c.

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Johnzee Sellman, 25 September 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Sellman, Johnzee

Sir,
Mount Vernon Sept. 25th 1787

As I observe by the Baltimore advertiser that you are Administrator of the late Mr John Rawlins I take the liberty to mention to you an error which happened in the payment of an order drawn by Rawlins upon me during my late absence from home, and which was not discovered till I pointed it out since my return from Philadelphia.
Some time last fall I agreed with Mr Rawlins to furnish me with a number of friezes and mouldings, for which I was to pay forty three pounds twelve Shillings Virginia Currency, but in consequence of some defect in the work, he afterwards wrote (which letter I have now by me) to me informing me that he should charge but forty five pounds Maryland currency, he furnished them accordingly; and in July last sent one Thomas Hammond to wash some stucco work, which was done by himself & Mr Thorp, and gave him an order for the above forty five pounds, but not mention in the order, whether it was Maryland or Virginia Currency. The person who paid the money (not recuring to Mr Rawlines’s agreement which was in the house) paid it in Virginia currency and took Mr Hammonds receipt for the same, specifying Virginia currency in the receipt.
I must therefore request Sir, that you will investigate the matter and have the difference of exchange in the above sum (which will be thirty dollars) returned. I am Sir, Yr Obed. Hble Servant

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Hanson, 27 September 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Hanson, Samuel (of Samuel)

Sir,
Mount Vernon Sept. 27. 1787

By your letter of the 23d, with which I have been favoured since my return home, I perceive there has been a misconception on my part of the transaction between you and Mr Porter respecting payment for the board of my Nephews. it thus arose—in the enumeration of monies which remained for me to pay according to the account transmitted, I found the sum of £17.10 due to Mr Porter on your account, this, and the recollection (I believe I am not mistaken therein) finding the like sum paid by that Gentleman before any application had been made to me for it, led me to suppose (as I had requested you to apply to that Gentleman for such articles of Clothing as the boys really wanted) that application had been made to him for their board also which as no deposit was made in his hands to answer such demands, would had the case really been so have given him cause to think strangely of me, this idea of mine was the cause of the letter you recd from my nephew.
A draugh in favor of Mr Porter, or in behalf of any other Gentleman, is, unquestionably as proper as any other mode of application and will be equally agreeable to me.
For any particular care or attention which you have shewn, or may shew my Nephews I shall always think myself obliged and thinking as I certainly have done, that the board was high

I receive with pleasure the information of your intention of reducing it, for without intending a compliment I repeat the satisfaction I feel from the consideration of their being under the eye of a Gentleman so capable as you are of advising and exacting a proper conduct from them. I am &c.

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Charles Willson Peale, 27 September 1787
From: Peale, Charles Willson
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Phila[delphi]a Sep. 27th 1787

By this Post I take the liberty of sending a few Prints for your acceptance. I have not been able to Execute a greater number of Plates as yet, but am prepairing some others, which I hope will be published some time in the ensuing fall and Winter.
Since you did me the favor of Visiting my Room, several natural Productions have been added, but the most Valuable are a pair of Panthers, male & female of full groath—most Terrifick Animals.
With my best respects to your Lady, I am with the highest Esteem your obliged Friend and Humble Servant

C.W. Peale


Title: From George Washington to Richard Sprigg, 28 September 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Sprigg, Richard

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 28th Septr 1787.

I have this moment been favoured with your letter without date from Prince George County, and have ordered the Jennies to be delivered to Mr Dove—hoping both will prove with foal. Royal Gift never fails—the other is a young hand, but I hope will be equally sure.
I am glad to hear that the Jenny you sent to R. G. last year has produced a Jack—and that you have been so successful in your importation of Deer. My Country Does have brought Fawns, &

I have a buck and doe of those given me by Mr Ogle; yet if you shd be successful, I would thank you for a pair (male or female) of yours.
My best respects, if you please to Mrs Sprigg, and thanks for your kind congratulations on my safe return home, after a long absence from it. I am Dear Sir Yr Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James Madison, 30 September 1787
From: Madison, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
N. York Sepr 30 1787

I found on my arrival here that certain ideas unfavorable to the Act of the Convention which had created difficulties in that body, had made their way into Congress. They were patronised cheifly by Mr R.H.L. and Mr Dane of Massts. It was first urged that as the new Constitution was more than an Alteration of the Articles of Confederation under which Congress acted, and even subverted these articles altogether, there was a Constitutional impropriety in their taking any positive agency in the work. The answer given was that the Resolution of Congress in Feby had recommended the Convention as the best mean of obtaining a firm national Government; that as the powers of the Convention were defined by their Commissions in nearly the same terms with the powers of Congress given by the Confederation on the subject of alterations, Congress were not more restrained from acceding to the new plan, than the Convention were from proposing

it. If the plan was within the powers of the Convention it was within those of Congress; if beyond those powers, the same necessity which justified the Convention would justify Congress; and a failure of Congress to Concur in what was done, would imply either that the Convention had done wrong in exceeding their powers, or that the Government proposed was in itself liable to insuperable objections; that such an inference would be the more natural, as Congress had never scrupled to recommend measures foreign to their Constitutional functions, whenever the Public good seemed to require it; and had in several instances, particularly in the establishment of the new Western Governments, exercised assumed powers of a very high & delicate nature, under motives infinitely less urgent than the present state of our affairs, if any faith were due to the representations made by Congress themselves, ecchoed by 12 States in the Union, and confirmed by the general voice of the People. An attempt was made in the next place by R.H.L. to amend the Act of the Convention before it should go forth from Congress. He proposed a bill of Rights—provision for juries in civil cases & several other things corresponding with the ideas of Col. M. He was supported by Mr Me—— Smith of this State. It was contended that Congress had an undoubted right to insert amendments, and that it was their duty to make use of it in a case where the essential guards of liberty had been omitted. On the other side the right of Congress was not denied, but the inexpediency of exerting it was urged on the following grounds. 1. that every circumstance indicated that the introduction of Congress as a party to the reform, was intended by the States merely as a matter of form and respect. 2. that it was evident from the contradictory objections which had been expressed by the different members who had animadverted on the plan, that a discussion of its merits would consume much time, without producing agreement even among its adversaries. 3. that it was clearly the intention of the States that the plan to be proposed should be the act of the Convention with the assent of Congress, which could not be the case, if alterations were made, the Convention being no longer in existence to adopt them. 4. that as the Act of the Convention, when altered would instantly become the mere act of Congress, and must be proposed by them as such, and of

course be addressed to the Legislatures, not conventions of the States, and require the ratification of thirteen instead of nine States, and as the unaltered act would go forth to the States directly from the Convention under the auspices of that Body—Some States might ratify one & some the other of the plans, and confusion & disappointment be the least evils that could ensue. These difficulties which at one time threatened a serious division in Cong[res]s and popular alterations with the yeas & nays on the journals, were at length fortunately terminated by the following Resolution—“Congress having recd the Report of the Convention lately assembled in Philada, Resol[ve]d unanimously that the said Report, with the Resolutions & letter accompanying the same, be transmitted to the several Legislatures, in order to be submitted to a Convention of Delegates chosen in each State by the people thereof, in conformity to the Resolves of the Convention made & provided in that case.” Eleven States were present, the absent ones R.I. & Maryland. A more direct approbation would have been of advantage in this & some other States, where stress will be laid on the agency of Congress in the matter, and a handle taken by adversaries of any ambiguity on the subject. With regard to Virginia & some other States, reserve on the part of Congress will do no injury. The circumstance of unanimity must be favorable every where.
The general voice of this City seems to espouse the new Constitution. It is supposed nevertheless that the party in power is strongly opposed to it. The Country must finally decide, the sense of which is as yet wholly unknown. As far as Boston & Connecticut has been heard from, the first impression seems to be auspicious. I am waiting with anxiety for the eccho from Virginia but with very faint hopes of its corresponding with my wishes. With every sentiment of respect & esteem, & every wish for your health & happiness, I am Dear Sir, Your Obedient, humble servt

Js Madison Jr

P.S. A small packet of the size of 2 Vol. 8º addressed to you, lately came to my hands with books of my own from France. Genl Pinkney has been so good as to take charge of them. He set out yesterday for S. Carolina & means to call at Mount Vernon.


Title: To George Washington from La Luzerne, September 1787
From: La Luzerne, Anne-César, chevalier de
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Paris [c. September 1787]

Monsieur le Cte du Moutier will have the honor to transmit this to your Excellency; he is desireous (as every good Frenchman is) to be acquainted with a man whose virtue & great talents have secured the independence of his Country, & established the happiness of a great part of the Universe. He is destined to fill my place as minister Plenipotentiary from his Majesty to the United States; he will think himself extreemly happy if, during the time of his Mission, he can be able to obtain the esteem & confidence of your Excellency, and I dare assure you before hand that he will render himself worthy of it.
I cannot express to you, Sir, how unhappy I am that particular circumstances prevent me from returning to America—I passed near six years there, & have been a witness of the great events, which, under the wise direction of your Excellency, have terminated to the happiness of your Country.
I know all those great Patriots who have successively composed the Congress. I have been connected with Citizens of the most distinguished eminence, and I venture to assure you that from inclination & affection I had myself become a Citizen of the United States—and whatever Mission the King may honor me with I shall always regret that of America.
The Gazettes & publick papers have undoubtedly long since

informed your Excellency of the seeds of discussion which divide the Courts of Europe. The unhappy situation of affairs in Holland will, it is feared, bring on a war between England, Prussia & France. War also appears inevitable on the side of the Levant. The Turks have made a bustle which nobody thinks anything of; they have unexpectedly declared war against Russia without having the means of offending or defending: The Emperor is obliged, by treaty, to assist Russia when attacked—One of these powers will alone be sufficient to overthrow the Ottoman Empire. In this State of the things it is difficult to say what will be the event, and those who conduct the different Cabinets have enough to do to guard & attend to their interests. I see with pleasure that the Americans take no part in these disputes. I hope they will seize this moment of peace & tranquility to consolidate their Government.
I put great faith in the Convention over which your Excellency presides, & all Europe expects that the doings of that body will put a finishing stroke to that great work which has been thus far advanced by the military & patriotic virtue of your Excellency.
I assure you I offer my sincerest prayers for the welfare of the United States in General, & more particularly & tenderly for that of your Excellency. I beg you to accept the sentiments of Respect & veneration with which I have the honor to be Yr very Humble & Obedient Servt

Chevlr de la Luzerne


Title: From George Washington to Robert Morris, 2 October 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Morris, Robert

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon October 2d 1787

By the charming Polly Capt. Ellwood I forward you a perfect model of the plough which was sent to me by Mr Young with the direction of that Gentleman for setting it for use, from the character I have received of its performance surpasses any that has ever been tried before, on my Farms. I also send you a part of the summer wheat with which Mr Young has furnished me as springing from seed sent by the Empress of Russia to his Britanic Majesty for the advantage it may have over other wheat I shall not vouch; to vary the seed time of this grain must, I conceive be its best recommendation, you will likewise receive part of the Sainfoin Seed I had come in—sufficient I think to sow a quarter of an acre in broad Cast if good—and much more in drills. It is held in high estimation in England. the grass delights in dry soil. if it be stoney so much the better; Sow it without delay with wheat or Rye or very early in the spring with Barley or oats.
My mind will ever retain warm impressed of, and feel very sensibly the polite & friendly attentions I received from Mrs Morris and yourself whilst I was in Philadelphia, to have opportunities of proving sincerity of this declaration would give me much pleasure but in no place to the same degree as under this roof.
Mrs Washington begs that you and Mrs Morris will accept her respectful compliments and best wishes; mine in a particular,

and affectionate manner are added not only to you both but to all the young folks of the Family and to Govr Morris Esqr. I am &c.

G. Washington

P.S. Will you be so obliging as to give me your process for preparing the Duck wheat straw for fodder. The effects of the drought with me has exceeded any thing I could have conceived and has driven me to ever[y] substitute for Hay, It is possible I may avail myself of your kind offer of sending for India Paper for my new Room but presuming there is no opportunity to do it soon; I shall not, at this time give you the dimenscions of it. G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Charles Pettit, 2 October 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Pettit, Charles

Sir,
Mount Vernon October 2d 1787

By the charming Polly Capt. Ellwood I send you patterns for the hearths of Chimneys which I beg may be cast and sent to me by the first conveyance to Alexandria—the cost you will please to annex to the other plates, bespoke before I left the City, and the amount shall be paid when it is maid known to—Sir—Yr Obedt Hble Servant

G. Washington.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 3 October 1787
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

New York 3 October 1787

By this time my dear Sir, you will have again renewed your attention to your domestic affairs, after the long absence occasioned by the convention. I flatter myself with the hope that you found Mrs Washington and your family in perfect health.

Every point of view in which I have been able to place the subject induces me to believe, that the moment in which the convention assembled, and the result thereof, are to be estimated among those fortunate circumstances in the affairs of men, which give a decided influence to the happiness of society for a long period of time.
Hitherto every thing promises well. The new constitution is received with great joy by all the commercial part of the community. The people of Boston are in raptures with it as it is, but would have liked it still better had it been higher toned.
The people of Jersey and Connecticut who are not commercial embrace it with ardor. There has not yet elapsed sufficient time to hear from the interior parts of the other States excepting this, which however does not seem to have decided on its plan of conduct. It will not probably be among the first which shall adopt it, but I presume the powerful circumstance of interest will ultimately induce it to comply.
As the information now appears Virginia probably will give the new plan, the most formidable opposition.
The unanimous resolve of Congress to transmit it to the respective States will not lessen the general disposition to receive it.
But notwithstanding my strong persuasion that it will be adopted generally, and in a much shorter time than I some time ago beleived, yet it will be opposed more or less in most of the States.
The germ of opposition originated in the convention itself. The gentlemen who refused signing it will most probably conceive themselves obliged to state their reasons publickly. The presses will groan with melancholy forebodings, and a party of some strength will be created. This is an evil, but it is an infinitely lesser evil than that we should have crumbled to peices by mere imbecillity.
I trust in God, that the foundation of a good national government is layed. A Way is opened to such alterations and amendments from time to time as shall be judged necessary. and the government being subjected to a revision by the people will not be so liable to abuse. The first Legislature ought to the be ablest & most disinterested men of the community—Every well founded objection which shall be started in the course of the

discussions on the subject should be fairly considered, and such fundamental Laws enacted as would tend to obviate them.
Mrs Knox unites with me in presenting our most affectionate respects to Mrs Washington. I am my dear Sir with the sincerest & most respectful friendship Your most humble Servant

H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Harrison, 4 October 1787
From: Harrison, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

My dear Sir
Berkley Octr 4th 1787

Your favor of the 28th Ulto got to me two days ago: I am particularly oblig’d to you for this additional mark of your friendship, and attention, than which, there are very few things indeed, that can be more acceptable: I feel my self deeply interested in every thing that you have had a hand in, or that comes from you, and am so well assured of the solidity of your judgment, and the rectitude of your intentions, that I shall never stick at trifles to conform my self to your opinions; in the present instance, I am so totally uninform’d as to the general situation of America, that I can form no judgment of the necessity the convention was under to give us such a constitution as it has done; If our condition is not very desperate, I have my fears that the remedy will prove worse than the disease. Age makes men often over cautious; I am willing to attribute my fears to that cause, but from whatever source they spring, I can not divest my self of an opinion, that the seeds of civil discord are plentifully sown, in very many of the powers given both to the president and congress, and that if the constitution is carried into effect, the States south of potowmac, will be little more than appendages to those to the northward of it. You will say that general charges, are things without force, they are so, but in the present instance, I do not withhold particular observations, because I want them, but that I would not tire your patience, by entering deeply into a subject, before I had heard the reasons which operated in favor of the measures taken. After the meeting of the assembly and hearing from those who had a hand in the work, the reasons that operated with them, in favor of their measures, I will then more at large give you my sentiments, in

the interim, I shall only say, that my objections chiefly lay, agst the unlimited powers of taxation, and the regulations of trade, and the jurisdictions that are to be established in every State, altogether independent of their laws. The sword, and such powers will; nay in the nature of things they must sooner or later, establish a tyrany, not inferiour to the triumvirate, or centum viri of Rome. But enough of this, till another opportunity, in the mean time I have only to add, that I am with the most unfeigned attachment, and perfect esteem Dear Sir your most obedient and affectionate servant

Benj. Harrison


Title: From George Washington to William Smallwood, 6 October 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Smallwood, William

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 6th Octr 1787.

When I had the pleasure of being at your house last fall, you gave me reason to believe that you would become the purchaser of my land adjoining yours, in Charles County—And if I recollect rightly, was to have written me on that subject from Annapolis.
I am still disposed to part with this tract; and wish you could make it convenient to be the purchaser thereof.
I told you in the conversation we had on this subject before, that I would endeavor to make the payments as easy as my own circumstances would admit—I now repeat it—and if you have corn to dispose of, at a moderate price, I would take at least 500 Barrls in payment; also Wheat (if good, clean, & free from the Fly) delivered at my Mill, to which Boats can come, at the cash price in Alexandria. Your answer by the bearer would much oblige Dear Sir Your most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Lafayette, 9 October 1787
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Paris October the 9th 1787

I Hope the time is drawing Near, when I will Receive the letter You Have Announced to Me, and while I Have the Unspeackable Satisfaction to Hear from my beloved General, I will also Gratify my Heartfelt Curiosity to know the proceedings of the Convention—May it Have devised proposals, and found in the people a disposition which Can insure the Happiness, prosperity, and dignity of the United states! I Confess that My pride, with Respect to America, Can Bear No Mortification—and Yet I Feel Every day that she does Not Enjoy that Consequence which ought to be Hers—I hope to God this Opportunity May be Made Use of, so as to Give solidity and Energy to the Union, without Receding However from the principles of democraty—for Any thing that is Monarchichal, or of the Aristocratical kind is Big with Evils. I am sometimes affraid least the ill effects of a democratic Relaxation Be the Cause of leaning too much on the other side. But We are to Expect that so Many Enlightened, Experienced, and Virtuous Senators, will Have Hit the Very point where the people will Remain in possession of their Natural Rights, of that perfect Equality Among fellow citizens, and Yet Governement, with the powers freely and frequently invested in them, will be able to provide with Efficacy and act with Vigour.

The Conduct of Rhode Island is strange indeed. Has England some personal Views to Answer on that spot?
The affairs of france are still in an Unsettled Situation—a large deficiency is to be filled up with taxes, and the Nation are tired to pay what they Have not Voted. The ideas of liberty Have Been, since the American Revolution, spreading very fast. The Combustible Materials Have been kindled by the Assembly of Notables. After they Had got Rid of us, there were the Parliaments to fight with, and Altho’ they are only Courts of judicature, they Have Made use of their Right of Registering, to deny their Sanction to Any taxes, Unconsented by the Nation. Some of them were exiled, some others were Not. they Made arrêts which were Broken by the King’s Council—and a paper war insued. Count d’artois, while He Came to Carry the King’s orders, was Hissed by the Mob. Some Ministers have Been Burnt in Effigy. At last the Parliament of Paris Very foolishly Agreed to An Arrangement which was to take back the two proposed taxes, provided they would Register an Augmentation of the old ones. The provincial Assemblies Have Held their first Meetings. Regulations were Given to them by the King whereby they were entirely submitted to His Majesty’s intendants in Each province. We made loud Complaints, and the Regulations Are Mending. You see that the King is often obliged to step Back, and Yet the people at large are Unsatisfied. So Great is the discontent that the Queen dares not come to Paris for fear of Being ill Received. And from the proceedings that have taken place these six Months past, we shall at least obtain the infusion of this idea into Every Body’s Head, Viz. that the King Has no Right to tax the Nation, and Nothing in that Way Can be stipulated But By an Assembly of the Nation.
The King in France is all mighty. He Has all the Means to Enforce, to punish, and to Corrupt. His Ministers Have the inclination, and think it their duty to preserve despotism. There are swarms of low and effeminate Courtiers. The influence of women, and love of pleasure Have Abated the spirits of the Nation, and the inferior Classes are ignorant. But on the other Hand the Genius of the french is lively, enterprising and inclined to Contempt of their Rulers. Their Minds are getting Enlightened by the works of philosophers, and the Example of other Nations. They are lately Actuated By a Becoming sense of

Honour, and altho’ they are slaves dont like to Confess that it is the Case. The inhabitants of the Remote provinces are disgusted with the despotism, and the Expences of Court. So that there is a strange Contrast Betwen the Turkish power of the King, the Regard of the Ministry to preserved it untouched, the intrigues and servility of a set of Courtiers on the one Hand, and on the other the General freedom of thinking, speaking, and writing in spite of the spies, the Bastille, and the library laws, the spirit of Criticism, and patriotism in the first Class of the Nation, many of them personally servants to the King, mixed with a fear to loose their stations and pensions, the frolicking insolence of the Mob in the City ever Ready to Give way to a detachement of the Guards, and the More serious discontents of the Country people, all which ingredients Mixed together will By little and little, without Great Convulsions, Bring on an independant Representation of the people, an of Course a diminution of Regal Authority. But it is an Affair of time, and will be the slower on its way, as the Crass interets of powerfull people will put Bars in the Wheels.
There have been Great Changes in Administration. The Arch Bishop of toulouse is prime Minister. He is Honest, Sensible, and Enlightned. I Confess He Has Committed Errors since He is in place. Yet do I think Him a Man of the first Rate. He Has Been twisted of in the two storms of interior and foreign politics. But should a more Calm weather Come on, I am sure He would be able, and disposed to do Great things. Marechals de Castries and Segur Have Resigned. The former is still Much Consulted. it is a great loss to the Council. You know I am Much Connected in friendship with Him. The two New Ministers are for the War Count de brienne Brother to the Arch Bishop, and Count de la Luzerne, the chevalier’s Brother for the Navy. He Has Been sent for to Hispaniola where He Now Commands. I think this one May be usefully disposed towards American Concerns. You know that My friend Mr de Malesherbes is Again one of the Council. Upon the whole this New Administration Are Composed of very Honest Men—some of whom Very sensible. it is a great thing to Have a prime Minister who Acts the King’s part. I wish they Had some Men Among them of Military Experience. it is much to be feared we shall Have a War.
The ottoman Empire has been long threatened—france supported

it against its Ennemies, while she Advised the Turks Against Bringing upon themselves a fatal war with the two imperial Courts. But through the intrigues of England, the Grand Signor Has Been driven into Hostilities Against the Russians, and Now the Turkish Empire in Europe must probably fall. it has been a March stolen of us, and it is still doubtfull wether france will Support the Turks, Unfaithfull, and Mad as they are, or Occupy some interesting posts in the Mediterrean, on which the English Have long Had an Eye—such as Candia, the Morée, and perhaps Ægipt.
You will also Hear, My dear General, of the dismal Event that took place in Holland. The indecision of our Ministry, the Blunders of M. de Verac the french Ambassador, the Rascality of a Cowardly Advanturer, the Rhingrave de Salm, are No doubt much to blame. Verac knew nothing of what was doing, said Nothing of what was to be said. Mr de Salm who Had infatuated this Court spoke great wonders, and did Nothing But to Run a way—and the ministers were slow in their preparations, dilatory in Recalling their Ambassador, and Compleatly deceived in their Negotiations. But it Must Be said on the other Hand that the Patriotic Party in Holland Could Never Agre in Any plan, and were Almost as Much opposed to Each other as they were to the State Holder. and the Entrance of the King of Prussia’s troops was Equally Contrary to the laws of Honour since there was a Negotiation on foot, and to those of politics since He throws us into an Austrian Alliance Very disadvantageous to Him. We Have been Surprised, He Mislead, the dutch Ruined, and England is the only one that Gained in the Bargain.
it is Unknown wether Great Britain will be satisfied with Keeping a very advantageous treaty of Commerce with us, and Having Regained Her influence in Holland or wether she will take this opportunity to Revenge for the American war. The later is the British King’s wish, and is probable Enough. These Alliances will then probably be formed—france, the Emperor, Russia, and Spain, Against England, prussia, and an Army of Hanoverians, Hessians, and Brunswickers Helped with the Stateholderian influence in Holland—Unless we find Means to Enter it with an Army, and Raise up again the Republican party, which Now is pretty difficult. I Have been thinking what part America ought to take, and this is My Humble opinion. There

is No doubt But what the United States will either join france or Remain Neutral. in the first supposition, they will Recover the forts, and Canada will probably Be an Addition to the Confederacy. But How far is it to Be Expected that the Southern, and Part of the Eastern States will like a war that would deprive them of a portion of their trade, and is America so situated a[s] to support a war without great inconvenience to Herself? I Would think that a Neutrality suits Better Her interests, But such A Neutrality as will Actually Help Her Allies, and increase Her own Wealth. You know that By the treaty the possessions of Each other in America are Mutually garanteed. france Must Be induced Not to insist upon a litteral Compliance with this point, while she Enjoys the full Advantage of an other Article that Empowers Her to introduce and Refit Her fleets, and to sell Her prizes within the Harbours of the United States. france would there By find a shelter, a Magazine, a Repairing Yard whereEver she pleases and the United States Would Have the profit of the sale. at the same time, Some letters of Marque Could be Given to American privateers, mixed with french who would Bring in under french colours a part of the west india English produce. in the Mean While the American Merchants will Go on trading with Both. and the United States Cannot Be quarrelled with By England, since on one Hand they strickly Comply with their treaty, and on the other they Cannot prevent the french from purchasing and fitting out Vessels Where ever they please. I would Not Have A fear of Appearing timid or Ungrateful to Carry the United States farther than such a friendly, Helping Neutrality as I Have described—which if well Managed May Enable us to Get france to insist on the Restoration of the forts in the treaty of peace. But I would be afraid of a war, on account of the expense.
You know, My dear General, that the letter to M. Jefferson Has Been attended with Embarassements and Misunderstandings, owing Not to Any change of disposition in the Ministry, But to the subterraneous Chicanes of the farm, which the Hurry and Crisis of internal Business, and the frequent Ups and downs of the several Ministers, prevented Administration to set to Rights. The Work Has Been lately finished By my friend Mr Jefferson and Myself as well as we Could settle it for the present. and Considering the intricate difficulties, of fiscal laws and Exclusive

privileges Under which this Country still labours, I Hope You will find that the trade from the United States Receives as much favour as it was possible to obtain Untill the present state of things is changed for the Better.
I shall Now, my dear General, tell You some thing of Myself, a part in My Gazettes that I know is Not Uninteresting to You. after the Assembly of Notables Has Been Ended (wherein I Had the Misfortune to displease their Majesties, Royal family, and a set of powerfull men and Courtiers, while that Conduct of Mine, Much Criticized there, Made me very popular Among the Nation at large, and was Countenanced By the Parliaments Who Repeated What I Had said) I turned My thoughts towards the provincial Assembly in Auvergne. the presidency was not Given to me, and I did Not wish for it. that I previously Had declared, Because the president, Being Named By the King, is Not so free in His Motions as a private Member. I Even wished to Be Named By the Assembly a Member at the County Meetings, altho’ I Could not Attend on Account of the American Commercial Business which Have Called me Back and keep me Here. The first session of the Assembly was only to Compleat its Members, Because the system of deputation is only to take place in three Years time, and the first Nomination was made Half By the King and the other Half By ourselves, who also Named one Half of the subordinate Assemblies, they to Compleat themselves By their own choice. I Made a tour through the province, wherein I was Received By all Classes of the inhabitants with the Most Affecting Marks of love and Confidence. in the Mean while there was something Going on in Holland Much to My wishes and advantage, Had it Not Been spoiled By the Very Men who ought to Have Supported it. the dutch Had long ago thought of introducing me into their Affairs, and it was lately Much Agitated to put me at the Head of the twenty thousand embodied Volonteers, in Case they did Agree to Meet, a Measure which the interest of the Cause, and the opinion of the Most sensible Among them Called for very Earnestly—I Could also, and Would no doubt as soon as affairs grew serious, Have Been put at the Head of the Whole Military forces in the Republican provinces. While that Plan was Arranging, Much to the satisfaction of the Arch Bishop of toulouse and Marechal de Castries (for altho’ I am Not on Very Good terms with the Crowned Heads, it does

not in the least lessen My influence with the Ministers some of whom I am very friendly with, particularly the prime Minister) and While ternant who Has Acted a Noble and important part in the dutch service did Expect the proposal Would immediately Be Made, the Rhingrave de Salm, and His friend the french Ambassador did put a stop to the whole transaction By persuading the Leaders that such a proposition would Not please the Court of france. and as the Matter originated with the dutch, not With the Ministry, who Had Nothing to do in the Business, it was Abandonned, or at least procrastinated. and they Now say that they Have in this, as well as in other things Been deceived By the absurdity of the french Ambassador and the knavery of the Rhingrave.
Amsterdam Had a little fight the other day with the Prussians. But they Have Since Capitulated.
Mr de Moustiers sends me word that He is just Going. I shall Have time and probably a safe Opportunity to write Before He sails. But as this letter is of a very Confidential Nature, and is not fit for post offices, particularly in this Country, I think it safer to lodge it into that Gentleman’s Hands, and will Continue it in a few days. Adieu, My dear General, with filial tenderness and Respect I Have the Honour to be Your devoted and loving friend

Lafayette