Title: From George Washington to David Stuart, 26 July 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Stuart, David

Dear Sir,
New York 26th July 1789

In the first moments of my ability to sit in an easy chair (and that not entirely without pain) I occupy myself in acknowledging the receipt of, and thanking you for your letter of the 14th instt.
Although my time (before I was confined) had been, and probably now will be, much engaged, yet, your communications—without any reserve—will be exceedingly grateful & pleasing to me. While the eyes of America—perhaps of the world—are turned to this Government; and many are watching the movements of all those who are concerned in its Administration, I should like to be informed through so good a medium, of the public opinion of both men & measures; and of none more than myself—not so much of what may be thought the commendable parts, if any, of my conduct, as of those wch are conceived to be blemishes. The man who intends no wrong is not likely to commit any capitol errors—consequently, will never be unwilling to learn what is ascribed to him as foibles. If they are really such, the knowledge of them (in a well disposed mind) will go more than half way towards effecting a reform. If they are not errors, he can explain & justify the motives which governed him. At a distance from the theatre of action, truth is not always related without embellishments, & sometimes is entirely perverted from misconception; or want of knowing the causes which have produced the conduct of which

complaint is made. This leads me to think that a system which I found it indispensably necessary to adopt upon my first coming to this City, might have undergone severe strictures; & have had motives very foreign from those that governed me, ascribed as causes therefor. I mean 1st returning no visits—2d appointing particular days for receiving them (not to the exclusion however of visits on any other days from friend or others under particular circumstances)—and 3d at first entertaining no company; and afterwards, until I was confined by my late illness, confining it to official characters. I was satisfied in a very few days after my arrival at this place, of the necessity of the two first, and that no business could be done without—for, by the time I had done breakfast, thence ’till dinner, & afterwards ’till bed time, I could not dispatch one (ceremonius) visit before I was called to another—so that in fact I had no leizure to read, or answer the dispatches which were pouring in from all quarters. and with respect to the 3d matter, I early recd intimation through many respectable channels that its adoption was not less essential than that of the other two—if the President meant to preserve the dignity & respect which was due to the first Magistrate—for that a contrary conduct had involved the late Presidents of Congress in insuperable difficulties, and the Office (in this respect) in perfect contempt—for the Table was considered as a public one, and every person who could get introduced to the President, conceived that he had a right to be envited to it. This, altho’ the Table was always crowded (and with mixed company; & the President viewed in no other light than as Maitre de Hotel) was in its nature impracticable; and as many offences were given as if no Table had been kept. The Citizens of this place saw & regretted this—and the principal members of Congress, in both Houses, were so strongly impressed with the impropriety & degrading situation to wch these characters had been reduced, that it was the prevailing opinion that the President of the U.S. should neither give, or receive invitations; some, from a belief (independent of the circumstance I have mentioned) that there was no other way of commanding permanent respect, although it might undergo unfavourable strictures at first. But to this I had two objections—both powerful ⟨in

my⟩ mind—first, the novelty of it would, I well knew, be considered as an ostentatious imitation, or mimickry of Royalty—and secondly, that so great a seclusion wd stop the avenues to useful information from the many, & make me dependent on the few, in whose vortex I moved. But to hit upon a discriminating medium, was found more difficult than it appeared to be at first view—for, if the Citizen⟨s at⟩ large were to be ⟨mutilated⟨ine could be drawn; as all of de⟨cent appea⟩rance would look for it, which ⟨mutilated⟩d plunge me into the labyrinth I was endeavouring to avoid. Upon the whole it was thought best to confine my invitations, to official characters and strangers of distinction. This line I have hitherto pursued—whether it may be found best to adhere to, or depart from it in some measure, must be the result of experience & information. So strongly had the Citizens of this place imbibed an idea of the impropriety of my accepting invitations to dinner, that I have not received one from any family (although they are remarkable for hospitality, and tho’ I have received every civility and attention possible from them) since I came to the City; except dining with the Governor on the day of my arrival. So that, should this make an article of impeachment, there will be one good reason at least for my not dining out—to wit—never having been asked to do so.
One of the Gentlemen whose name is mentioned in your letter, though ⟨high ton⟩ed, has never, I believe, appeared with more than two horses in his Carriage—but it is to be lamented that he, and some others, have stirred a question which has given rise to so much animadversion; and which I confess, has given me much uneasiness, lest it should be supposed by some (unacquainted with facts) that the object they had in view was not displeasing to me—whereas the truth is—the question wa⟨s moved bef⟩ore I arrived, without my privity ⟨or knowledg⟩e—and urged after I was apprised of it, ⟨contr⟩ary to my opinion; for I ⟨foresaw and predicted the reception it has⟩ met with, ⟨and the use that would be made⟩ of it by the ⟨adversaries of the government. Happily,⟩ the mat⟨ter is now done with, I hope never to⟩ be revived. The opposition of the Senate to the discrimination in the Tonnage Bill, was so adverse to my ideas of justice & policy, that, I should have suffered it to have passed

into a Law without my signature, had I not been assured by some members of that body, that they were preparing another Bill which would answer the purpose more effectually without being liable to the objections, & to the consequences which they feared would have attended the discrimination which was proposed in the Tonnage Law. Why they keep their doors shut, when acting in a Legislative capacity, I am unable to inform you; unless it is because they think there is too much speaking to the Gallery in the other House, and business thereby retarded.
Your letter is the first intimation I ever received of any defect in the title, or of any claim to the Land called Claibornes—It is hardly to be conceived that Philip Whitehead Claiborne, who was the brother (and as you say Executor) to William Claiborne, for the payment of whose debts it was sold, shd have joined in the Conveyance of land to which he himself had a right, by Entail. Admit this, and bad motives must be ascribed to the action—viz.—a knowledge that his son, if the Entail was good, would not be barred by his Conveyance (if no act of assembly, or Writ of Ad quadamnum had previously docked it.) Such a suspicion I cannot harbour of that Gentleman, because he always supported a fair character. To the best of my recollection, there are some papers in the Garret at Mount Vernon, which belong to the Estate of Mr Custis—in making a hasty arrangement of my own, I came across them, & had them put into a Trunk or box by themselves—from a cursory inspection, they appeared altogether unimportant, or I should have sent them to you—and in another Trunk in my study there are Papers which relate to my accts and transactions with that Estate—possibly (for I do not think it probable) you may find something in one or the other of them that may be useful—If in the first, I wish, if they are deserving of the Carriage, you would take them home—the others may be necessary for my own security; and therefore I would not have them removed—The decree of King Willia⟨ms⟩ Court will not, I fear, avail much, for I do n⟨ot⟩ conceive that it could extend (if there was an Entail in force) beyond the life of William Claiborne if then living—or that P.W. Claiborne’s act could bind his Son. Your trouble in this, and the other disputes in which the Estate is involved,

will I perceive be very great. That your success may be equal thereto, I sincerely wish—We shall be anxious after the decisions to learn the result.
I am much mistaken if I did not in the year 1778 convey both the King William and the King & Queen Lands to Mr Custis by Deeds executed at Camp before Colos. Harrison, Mead and many others as Witnesses to prove it in the General Court; and this in the presence of Mr Custis. If it was not recorded for want of due proof, I am ready to re-acknowledge the same Deed, or a copy of it, for I recollect pretty well taking the opinion of Colo. Harrison upon the nature of the Conveyance. And if my memory has not failed me, you will find some mention of the matter in one of my letters to Mr Custis, now in your possession, which you called upon me sometime ago to authenticate.
Mr Dandridge gave me an order upon Mr Brown (of Kentucky) for £800, to be applied if received, to the credit of Mr Custis’s Estate—but the order was protested, and Mr Dandridge has been advertised thereof.
Nothing would give me more pleasure than to serve any of the descendants of General Nelson—of whose merits when living, no man could entertain a higher opinion than I did; at the sametime I must confess, there are few persons of whom I have no personal knowledge, or good information, that I would take into my family, qualified for the duties of which, many things are ⟨re⟨quisite—to wit—a good address, abilities a⟨bove⟩ mediocrity, secresy & prudence, attention and industry, good temper, and a capacity and disposition to write correctly & well, & to do it obligingly. Most Clerkships will, I presume, either by Law or custom, be left to the appointmt of their principals—little expectation therefore could Mr Nelson or any stranger have from this source. This latter consideration added to the desire I feel of serving the son of my old friend & acquaintance, has enduced me, at all hazards, to offer Mr Thos Nelson (his Son) a place in my family.
I shall not trouble you with Legislative, or any other details that are recited in the Public Gazettes; but I have sent you the Journals of the Senate as far as they have been published and handed to me. If the Successor of Mr Richards would get the

Federal Gazette (Published by Mr Fenno) from this City, it would enable him to collect all the transactions, & news of this theatre. My best wishes in which Mrs Washington and all around me join, attend Mrs Stuart yourself and all the family—and I am Dear Sir Your Affecte friend & Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Reuben Wilkinson, 26 July 1789
From: Wilkinson, Reuben
To: Washington, George

Sir
Savannah the 26th of July 1789

Inclosed is the charge exhebited against me in my absence, and also the determination of the Honorable the Executive thereon, for your excellency’s consideration untill I shall have had a hearing which will be the 3rd of August next, at which time I shall do my self the honor of transmitting to your Excellency the determination thereon. I have the Honor to be Your Excellencys most Obt Hble Sert

R. Wilkinson


Title: To George Washington from Thaddeus Burr, 27 July 1789 [letter not found]
From: Burr, Thaddeus
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Thaddeus Burr, 27 July 1789. Burr wrote to GW 1 Jan. 1791: “I find by perusing a Copy of a letter addressed to you the 27th July 1789 . . .”


Title: To George Washington from Bartholomew von Heer, 27 July 1789
From: Heer, Bartholomew von
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York July 27th 1789

I take the liberty of inclosing to your Excellency a Memorial stating my Claim and that of two other Officers of my late Corps against the United States any irregularity in my application I trust your goodness will impute to my want of knowing in what manner otherwise to apply. I am with the greatest respect Sir Your Excellency’s most obedient and very humble servant

Bartholomaw Von Heer


Title: To George Washington from Leonard Henley, Jr., 27 July 1789
From: Henley, Leonard Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir,
James City County, Virginia 27th July 1789.

Amidst the multiplicity of publick & important business that surround Your Excellency on all Sides, I am extreemly unwilling to beg the favour of your attention to the situation of a private individual, with whom you have no personal acquaintance; but the approaching distresses of a Family part of whom, I flatter myself, are in some measure dear to you, induces me though attended with much pain to solicit a favour at your hands. Not because I distrust in the smallest your Excellencys benevolence, but because I feel myself imprest with the Strongest Sence, from a variety of causes of the impropiety of the action. After having Married Mrs Aylett & concieving that Mr Ayletts Debts were not so very Considerable as I have since found them to be, I engaged with chearfullness & Alacrity in the business of discharging them, and after having applied almost the whole of the profits of my labours for a good many years past to that purpose, I yet find that there are Claims against his estate to the amount of something over three hundred pounds, which I am Obliged to pay; this, from the extreem scarcity of Cash in circulation in the lower parts of this State, & the excessive low prices of Negroes & Other property among us, not Selling for one half of what has been suppos’d until lately to be their value, will take the greater part of the little we have left to discharge these Debts: in this situation of things, & under these circumstances, I am with extreem anxiety constrain’d to solicit the favour of the loan of about that sum at your hands for that particular purpose; if it is attended with no inconvenience, or disadvantage to your Excellencys interest. If this application shou’d not be disapproved of, I am possessed in Fee Simple, of three hundred & Seventy odd acres of pretty good Land within seven or eight Miles of Williamsburg which I will Mortgage to your Excellency, together with as many Negroes as may be thought sufficient security for the payment of the Debt. I conceive

and hope, with some small degree of confidence, that, with due application to business; with industry, frugality & oeconomy, together with what Debts are due to me, I shall in the course of a Short time be able to refund this money. With Mrs Henleys best love & affections to her Sister & your Excellency, I am with all due respect Your Excellencys Most Obedient humble Sevt

Leond Henley Junr


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Nelson, Jr., 27 July 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Nelson, Thomas (1764-1824)

Sir,
New York July 27th 1789

The sincere regard I had for your very worthy, deceased father, induces me to offer you a place in my family. How convenient & agreeable it may be for you to accept the offer, is with you to determine and that you may be the better enabled to judge, I shall inform you that the emoluments will be about Six hundred dollars pr ann.—and the expences trifling as your board, lodging & washing (as also that of your Servant if you bring one) will be in the family. Horses if you keep any must be at your own expence because there will be no public occasion for them.
The duties that will be required of you, are, generally, to assist in writing, receiving and entertaining company, and in the discharge of such other matters as is not convenient or practicable for the President to attend to in person.
Whether you accept this offer or not I should be glad to hear from you as soon as it is conveniently possible because there are a number of Gentlemen who are anxiously desirous of this appointment but whose applications will remain undecided on until I receive an answer from you.
With best respects to your good Mothe⟨r⟩ in which Mrs Washington joins me I am with great esteem & regard Sir Your Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: George Partridge to Tobias Lear, 27 July 1789
From: Partridge, George
To: Lear, Tobias

New York, 27 July 1789. Recommends William Watson, Ephraim Spooner, William Jackson, Joseph Otis, and Sturgis Gorham for customs posts in Massachusetts and will “be obliged to you to make the above recommendations to the president.”


Title: To George Washington from George Walton, 27 July 1789
From: Walton, George
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Augusta [Ga.] 27th July 1789

I do myself the honor to enclose to you a copy of an Order of the Council of this State dated the 17th Instant.
The facts on which the complaints are founded are real, and capable of being supported by the most unequivocal testimonials—I am well aware of the delicacy of a proceding which should lead us into a dispute with the Catholic Monarch; and of the pain it must necessarily give our great Ally; but I Should willingly hope that such discussions might take place, with the representative from Madrid, that the evils complained of might be procured to be removed without any misunderstanding between the two Nations. I have the honor to be, with profound respect and attachment, Your Most Obt Servant

Geo. Walton


Title: From George Washington to Bushrod Washington, 27 July 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Bushrod

Dear Bushrod,
New York July 27th 1789.

Among the first acts of my recommencing business (after lying six weeks on my right side) is that of writing you this letter in acknowledgement of yours of the  ultimo—Not being fairly on my seat yet, or in other words not being able to sit up without feeling some uneasiness, it must be short.
You cannot doubt my wishes to see you appointed to any office of honor or emolument in the new government, to the duties of which you are competent—but however deserving you may be of the one you have suggested, your standing at the bar would not justify my nomination of you as attorney to the Federal district Court in preference of some of the oldest, and most esteemed General Court Lawyers in your own State, who are desirous of this appointment[.] My political conduct in nominations, even if I was uninfluenced by principle, must be exceedingly circumspect and proof against just criticism, for the eyes of Argus are upon me, and no slip will pass unnoticed that can be improved into a supposed partiality for friends or relations. I am &ca

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Bernard Hubley, Jr., 28 July 1789
From: Hubley, Bernard Jr.
To: Washington, George

Alleghany County Fort Pitt [Pa.]
My Dear Beloved GeneralJuly 28th 1789
I take this first Opportunity to inform you, that I have come thus far on my way homeward, my place of Residence in Northumberland County, which I left now six Weeks in Compy with Col. Fredk Antis, (of the same Place) we set out with an intention to explore the Western parts of Pennsylvania, we kept up the West Branch of the River Susquehannah as far as Chincklecamoos, then left the River & went through the Woods keeping mostly a North West Course, all the way till we came to the River Alleghany where we came to this River we were four Miles below the Mouth of French Creek; we were very Friendly received by all the Indians we fell in with, as we proceeded on our Journey between Fort Le Boeuf and Presquille, we met Mr Marcus Huling of Fort Pitt, with seven Men in Compy on their way for Pitt, Mr Huling, acquainted us that at Presquille he fell in with a British Captn one sergt Eight Soldiers, a Surveyor, Six or Seven Sea Men, and one Indian they had with them; the Surveyor inform’d Mr Huling, that they came from Niagara, and meant to go round Lake Erie, they were provided with two Months Provisions, they survey’d the Country as the[y] went along, Mr Huling was of Opinion, that they mean to Erect Fortifications

at and near Presquille, the conversation which pass’d between him and the Surveyor confirm’d him strongly, the Surveyor told him he was much surprized at the stupidity of the Americans for neglecting so principle a place as Presquille in not having a Garrison there; the Sergt told one of Mr Hulings Party, that they meant in a short time to have some works there and keep a Garrison; every Night they doubled the Sentries making the Watermen do the same, and appear’d to be somewhat afraid in their Manoeuvres, they also seem’d a good deal surpriz’d, when they discover’d Mr Huling and his Compy, some of them told Mr Hulings Party, that they were inform’d by some Indians that there was a Party out from Fort Franklin to prevent them in their Intentions, after we took our departure with Mr Huling, we proceeded on but the British had left Presquille before our Arrival, we trac’d the Stakes they put in the Ground, and were of Opinion that they mean to carry a Mill Race and erect Works for the purpose, there is a Noble Mill Seat at the very place, and which is within One Hundred Rod, from where the Old Fort formerly stood; it may be the case that there is a Compy to Erect Mills there, and as it appears to be a place to carry on a Trade with the Indians, who live in different parts along the Lake (this place is said to have the finest Harbour on the Lake) that may be their Object, with a fair Wind in one Day & half, they can Sail from thence to Niagara—With the Dearest sentiments for my much Esteemed General and Patron, under whose Banners I had the Honour to serve in the Capacity of an Officer in the late War, I beg the freedom I have taken will not be consider’d an Intrusion upon the Patience of your Excellency, I thought it my duty to acquaint you thereof, my most fervent Prayer I offer to the Supreme Being, that the People of America may strive with each other to support you in your Station in the present Glorious Government. I am my Dear General, Your Most Obdt & ever Humbe servt

Bernd Hubley Jur


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Lawrence, 28 July 1789
From: Lawrence, Jonathan
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York 28th July 1789

I am informed that by a Law of the United States it is intended that the Officers of the Customs at the principal Ports of Entry shall consist of a Collector Naval Officer &c.
I have by the advice of some of my friends taken the liberty of troubling you, Sir, with my Petition for the appointment of Naval Officer for this Port. It is not my intention, Sir, to claim a preference on account of superior merit to others who may have applied for that Office—but being unknown to you I respectfully beg leave to mention some circumstances respecting my situation.
At the commencement of the late War between Great Britain and these States (being then an inhabitant of Long Island and

having taken an active part in favor of our Country in her Public Councils) I was on the approach of the Enemy reduced to the necessity of abandoning my place of abode, and also of leaving the greater part of my property, real and personal, at the disposal of the Enemy, and to take refuge in the interior parts of the State, where during more than Seven years ex⟨ile⟩ I was indebted to the assistance of my friends for the means of procuring subsistance for a large family of small children; and the payment of my debts contracted for that purpose, consumed nearly what remained of my personal property, which had been saved from the destruction of the Enemy.
On my return from exile, after the War I found my buildings, Timber, and almost everything valuable on my plantation destroyed—I was thus in a manner constrained, tho’ then considerably past the meridian of life, to apply myself to Commerce, a business which I had in my younger days pursued with success; but not having been prosperous lately, owing to various circumstances not under my control, I am now induced to request your Interest in favor of my appointment to the Office above mentioned.
It is perhaps unusual Sir, for a person in my situation, who has not the honor of being known to you, to presume to trouble you on a subject of this kind, but your Acknowledged goodness will I doubt not excuse the freedom—Permit me however, by way of apology, to refer you for my character to the Governor, the Chancellor, and the Chief Justice of this State, Mr Justice Hobart, John Jay, James Duane, Egbert Benson, Philip Schuyler, William Floyd, John Laurance, and John Hathorn Esquires, all of whom I have long been personally acquainted with, as also with most of the principal Merchants of this City. I have the honor to be Sir with the highest Respect Your most obedient and very humble Servant

Jon. Lawrence


Title: To George Washington from Richard Bland Lee, 28 July 1789
From: Lee, Richard Bland
To: Washington, George

Sir
N. York July 28th [1789]

The above letter was written under the impression that the Bill for collecting the impost would have passed within a few days after its date—and in the form in which it was reported by the committee appointed to prepare it. But the delays which have impeded it’s passage and the changes made in it’s form have prevented me from making the communication then intended till the present moment—and render it necessary to vary the application of Mr Scott—who, as a naval office is not established at Alexandria, would be happy to be appointed the Collector at Dumfries. He is young and active, well acquainted from long practice with the duties of the office, and in all other respects qualified for the appointment.
Since writing the above letter I have recieved an intimation from Col. Blackburn that he would be pleased with an appointment in the Impost System—if there should be any which would not interfere with the particular wishes of his friends already employed. I have informed him that I would make the Communication to you—and from the import of his letter would mention him as a candidate for the district of Dumfries: and accordingly take the liberty of mentioning him as such. You are well acquainted with his sufferings and merits.
I am sorry, Sir, to have trespassed so much on your time but it was a duty which I owed to friendship as well as to my country to make known to you, the pretensions and wishes of the respectable gentlemen whom I have taken the Liberty of introducing to your notice. I take the Liberty of adding that I am with the warmest impressions of public gratitude and private esteem yr most obt & hum: servent

Richard Bland Lee

P.S. By the mail of today I have received a letter from col. Blackburn, mentioning that he would be glad of the appointment before alluded to—and begging to be presented to you in the most respectful manner. He would have written to you, if he did not feel a reluctance to address you on a subject, on which you must be fatigued with letters and solicitations.


Title: To George Washington from John Graham, 29 July 1789
From: Graham, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York 29th July 1789

Having had the Honour to hold an Office in the Court of Admiralety of this State, together with some other Considerations, leads me to Offer myself, as Candidate for the Place of Naval Officer in the Customs of the Port of New York. The great disadvantage I lay under in not having the Honour of a Personal acquaintance with You—I hope will excuse me, for refering you on this occasion to the Minister of the Department of Foreign Affairs who has permitted me to Mention him for that Purpose.
If upon any inquiries you may think Proper to Make, either of him, or others, I should be thought Qualified for that Office, or any other in which I might serve the Public, Your Nomination of me to the Senate will be esteemed a particular favour Confer’d on Your Most Obt & very Huml. Sert

John Graham


Title: To George Washington from Jorre, 29 July 1789
From: Jorre
To: Washington, George

My Lord,
Belfast in Ireland 29th July 1789.

Madame Maury with whom I have the honor to be acquainted, and with whom I had the pleasure to pass some months at Liverpool, will not refuse me, I am sure, her support in confirming to you what I am now to have the honor of communicating.
I am a frenchman born at Rouen of an honest family—I have

been bred to the bar, and I was six years ago admitted an advocate of the Parlement of Paris. Since that time some family disagreements, perhaps a spirit of independence, and a desire to travel, determined me to pass over into England during the Embassy of the Count d’Adhemar with whom I was aquainted.
I continued there three years, after which I came to this place where I have very good acquaintances.
I will say nothing of my talents or my manners, except that agreeably to the recommendations and certificates of several Lords and Persons of distinction, among whom I have been very well received, I flatter myself that you would honor me with your benevolence and protection.
I am morally unhappy, which is the claim I set up—There is no field for me in this quarter—I am young (31) I am a Boy, and have zeal.
It is not that I am in want of any thing in this country: but that I cannot find here that kind of employment which is agreeable to me.
To be concise I shall have the honor to tell you that the subject of my letter is to supplicate that you would permit me to repair to you, and to solicit that service which it is in your power to render me, and which you would not refuse to an honest person of whose probity you could be assured.
I feel the insufficiency of my title at present, and I request that you would not decide upon that, but wait until the manner in which I should present myself to you should answer, in all points to what you might expect of me.
Permit me then to request your permission to present to you the homage of those sentiments which are due to you, to pay that tribute which every sensible man reserves for your virtues—to convince you of the exact truth of what I now announce to you—to deserve the honor, of which I am ambitious, to become acquainted with you—to prove to you that I am not unworthy that you should be interested in my behalf—and to testify to you my gratitude.
My first intentions were to go to Canada, whence I could have procured respectable introductions: but since I became acquainted with Madame Maury, and am assured of her evidence in my favor, and as I know the possibility and the disposition which you have to oblige, I do not hesitate to beseech you

on the conditions which I propose, and which I solemnly impose on myself.
I have formerly been in France in the Office of a Chief Prothonotary before I was admitted into the number of Advocates.
Allow me, Sir, to solicit an answer in your name—I will regard that favor as a precious pledge of your kindness, and as the happy presage of my good fortune. I will then immediately set out to convince you of the distinguished, respectful, and extended sentiments with which I am Your Excellencys &ca

Jorre Advocate of the Parlement of Paris.


Title: To George Washington from the Leyden Poetical Society, 29 July 1789
From: Leyden Poetical Society
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Leyden in Holland 29th July 1789.

Suffer that persons unknown to your Excellency may offer the just tribute of their respect, and to explain the nature of a composition which we send from a distant part of the globe.
Upwards of twenty years a Society has exsisted in this city, for the purpose of promoting and cultivating poetry and the Dutch Lenguage, consisting of a respectable number of the lovers of both. it is customary with us to offer annually a gold medal as a token of honor, to the Poet who shall deliver the best piece of Poetry on any Subject proposed by the Society the choise of which is mostly intended to promote Virtue and the love of liberty.
The love of ones country, was one of those subjects, and it appeared that its influence directed the Poetical vein in the happy execution of such an elevated Subject; the Society received nothing but masterpieces truly calculated by describing the nature of this noble Virtue to nourish the same in unprejudiced Hearts. they were anxious to cultivate this blessed influence thro’ the power of Illustrous examples—and requested therefore by the usual proposals on a new Subject the Picture of a Patriotic Hero, the glory of the past century M: Adriaansz de Ruyter; But at the same time, the Society offered an extraordinary medal to be given as a token of honor to the person who should compose the best Eulogy on him who is the glory of the

present age and who will be revered by future generations as the patron of magnanimity & Heroism George Washington.
Success crowned the undertaking, the Batavian Hero was exhibited in a masterly manner through our famous Poet Feith[.] Several persons of character and abilities, devoted their Songs to the Hero of America, from among the number of those valuable productions, two are selected as deserving the price. they are published in the works of the Society and received by the whole nation with the fullest approbation[.] But however pleasing their success was to those who made the proposition, their satisfaction was still imperfect, when the Illustrous person himself whose merits they endeavoured to immortalize was ignorant of their Zeal. a Work in its views and execution justly calculated to exculpate us from the blame which rests on the people of the Netherland in their late unfortunate Struggle and to serve as a full proof to shew, that, at least Some of us yet retain Sentiments of true unextinguished magnanimity.
In consequence of this desire it was Resolved, at the last general assembly of the Society, on a proposal of the directors, to have the said two Poems printed separately in order to be presented to your Excellency in the form of the hereby joined copy—on which occasion our president Loncq delivered the following address

You know the Hero who in the north
Was the Scourg of Albion
whose name was revered by the whole Universe
the Immortal Washington
the Subduer of Tyranny
who at the end of his glorious Struggle
displayed his magnanimity
Crowned with Laurels on every occasion.
he liberated America from slavery
and established its Independence for ever

You know the two excellent poems
crowned by us to the glory of this Hero
Netherland was in rapture with the tune
and Netherland was grate full to us.
But on those free and happy shores

were gratefull offrings are burning
there the Song of Batavians is unknown
And he for whom Tyranny trembled
the Hero estemed and beloved every were
Is still unacquainted with our sacred reverence

But Soon he will know our Sincerity
to this Virtuous Son of liberty
we soon shall offer these poems
as a sacred sacrifice
Surely by reading his deserved glory
the Sacrifice will be pleasing to him
than she proceed from a love to liberty
this love enflamed his Breast
this love made him a Hero
and immortalized his glorious name.

This will Suffice to acquaint your Excellency with the nature of these poems; The Sentiments which we profess, are expressed in the written dedication which is to be found in the book itself and those sentiments only can give value to such a trifling offer. they are accompanied with the most fervant prayers that your Excellency may be supported in the eminent Station to which you are chosen by the voice of millions of your fellow citizens, the blessings of the almighty rest on your undertakings, and may your Excellency during the carrier of a long, happy and glorious life, enjoy the fruits of his magnanimous endeavours, the establishment and the prosperity of a free and happy nation.
We remain with the purest respect and the most humble veneration Sir Your Excellencys most obedient humble servants

the Protectors and Directors of the Poetical Society having for motto Knowledge is acquired thro’ Industry.


Title: From George Washington to Edward Newenham, 29 July 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Newenham, Edward

Dear Sir
New York July 29th 1789

Since my arrival in this City I have had the pleasure to receive a letter from you; but, you will do me the justice to believe, that my numerous avocations & encreasing duties have been such as to form some apology for want of punctuality in my private Corrispondencies.
The immediate object of this letter is to introduce to your acquaintance & civilities Mrs Montgomery, a lady of a very respectable family in this Country & the widow of a very distinguished officer, who sacraficed his life in support of the liberties of America. But I may be allowed to say, if Mrs Montgomery was not a descendent of the antient and oppulent family of the Livingston’s, who have always been the strenuous advocates of freedom; or the relict of the intelligent & brave General Montgomerie, whose name will be immortal: yet her personal merits would entitle her to every attention & respect, which are usually shewn to Strangers of distinction in the hospitable Kingdom of Ireland.
I have only leisure to add, that the prospect of the prosperity of this Country, under the influence of the new general Government, continues to excite the most pleasing sensations in every patriotic breast; and that I am, With sentiments of estiem & regd Dear Sir, Your most Obedt & Very Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Bankson, 30 July 1789
From: Bankson, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York July 30th 1789

An Employment as Clerk in the Office of the late Secretary of Congress from August 1781 until the 8th of May last, a Term of near Eight years; and my Conduct during that period having met the approbation of Mr Thomson, as will appear by a Copy of his Certificate enclosed herewith, will I trust apologize for my troubling you with this Letter.
A constant and faithful discharge of the duties assigned me by that Gentleman, engrossing my whole time, has arrested my attention from any other Line of Business, And must rely upon the Bounty of Government for an employment, whereby to procure support.
Should there be a Vacancy in any Department under your immediate direction, permit me to solicit your attention, and at the same time to assure you, that it shall be my study to deserve your patronage, in any situation you may deem proper to place me. I have the honor to be Sir with the most profound respect Your most obedt hum. servt

B. Bankson


Title: To George Washington from Robert Walker, 30 July 1789
From: Walker, Robert
To: Washington, George

Sir
Stratford [Conn.] July 30th 1789

Being sensible of the Injury sustained by the Loss of Pay and Property while in the Army of the United States under your Excellencys Command, and a much impaired Constitution occasioned by the Fatiegues and Hardships undergone in the course of the two first Campaigns in Canady & Northern Department, and four Succeeding Campaigns in Colo. Lambs Regimt of Artillery in the Southern Department conceiv’d it my Duty to State to your Excellency the facts; If my Services merit a reward: it would be very Greatfully acknowledged—My Situation in Said Regiment being something Singular in Forming the Army in 1777, by the Influence and Perswasion of Colo. Lamb; I left the Infantry and Entered the Regiment of Artillery under his Command: as I had a Capts. Commission in the Infantry had his Promise that I should retain my Rank in Said Regt. However I soon found after Joining Sd Regt there was uneasiness among the Officers of that Corps respecting those Officers which came into Sd Regt which Created great Contention and Disputes in Respect to Rank—I would not trouble your Excellency with any further Recital: only that upon a final Decision of a Board of Genl Officers which was appointed to Settle the Rank of the Corps of Artillery I think in 80; It was then determined against those Officers which left the Infantry

and went into the Artillery; upon which determination I conceiv’d myself so essentially Injured That I left service in 1781 (having Genl Knox’s approbation and Certificate for my faithful Services as an Officer and Soldier.) tho much against my Will and Inclination having Entered it at the Commencement of the War from Principle my wish and desire ever was to continue to the End—could it have been Consistant: thus having left Service at a Period when no provision could be made for those in like Situation have receiv’d nothing for better than Six years faithful Servitude in the Prime of life but the pay of Continental Money in its Depreciated State being far Short of Satisfaction; and a few State Notes equally as Bad. this together with the Loss of Property having placed it in the Publick fund while in service has much reduced and Lessen’d my Interest in Point of Value having thus Stated to your Excellency my Situation. Should there be in the Arrangment of Publick Affairs any Office whereby I may Still render my Country further Service and help to reward me in some measure for Past sufferings Should be happy in executing it—Should there be any Office in the Surveying Department Assigned for this State being a business I am well acquainted with should be exceeding fond off; Should Your Excellency think proper to appoint me to any Office in that Department or any other I shall Esteem it a perticular favour[.] For Information Respecting my Person & Character would Refer you Sir to Docr Johnson who Resides in the same Town or to Mr Elsworth who I am well acquainted with; or to any of the Gentlemen in the House of Representatives from this State all knowing me or to Colo. Umphries. With due Respect and Esteem I am your Excellencys most Obedt very Humle Servt

Robert Walker


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Hartley, 31 July 1789
From: Hartley, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[New York] Saturday Night July 31st 1789

Mr Hartley wrote to Mr Adam Rugart and enquired of him if about ten or twelve Mares fifteen hands high—not more than two Years old—bay or black—and of the Country Breed—could be had in Lancaster County—Price from £18 to £24 or £25 Pennsylvania—and if a remar[k]able fine and good Mare perhaps the President might go towards £30.
He has got an Answer from Mr Rugart that his Mares may be had.
He has also an answer from Yorke County that five or six if necessary may be expected there.
Mr Hartley wishes the President to give some Instructions Monday Morning upon the Subject.
The Name of the Person who will procure the Mares at Lancaster is Mr Adam Rugart.
The one at York Town is Mr Baltzer Spangler.
They are both Men of Honour and Probity & will take a Pleasure in Obliging Genl Washington.
Mr Hartley will be ready to forward the necessary Directions as soon as the President thinks proper.

If the President should be too much hurried in public Business on Monday—Mr Hartley can forward any thing necessary on Wednesday next.


Title: To George Washington from Jonathan Jackson, 31 July 1789
From: Jackson, Jonathan
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York friday eveng 31st July 1789.

Though the primary object of my visit to your Excellency this morning was taken up with the sincere endeavour to serve a man who has the merited esteem of the discerning part of his Countrymen, and for whom I have a great affection—supposing him to be in that critical situation, that support & relief to his mind as well as affairs could not be too early administered—yet I must confess sir, I had a secondary view, to bring forward to your Excellency’s notice some other freinds, whom I conceived to be at least equally qualified for the appointments they wished, as some other persons whom I imagined had been mentioned to your Excellency. But I will confess too had I found you sir, more unengaged, or perfectly at leisure, I should have endeavoured to have brought forward my own subject, upon which a man always feels awkard when addressing his superior either in conversation or by writing.
Born of a family not obscure, and inheriting early in life a competency of fortune for that part of the Country I have lived in, it may have led me to cherish a native spirit of independence,

not so conformable perhaps to a change of circumstances which my affairs have lately undergone—I flatter myself that by application to official and other respectable characters among my countrymen, I might have made some addition to the files of letters which have of late crouded upon your Excellency’s bureau.
By some inevitable strokes of fortune, and by the agency of others, I find my property reduced chiefly to a real estate which is not productive, and myself arrived to the middle age of life, surrounded with a wife and nine children—This I am sensible sir, is no plea to notice or favour—thousands may be in the same predicament.
But if added to some exertions, and the most sincere wishes always to serve the true interests of my Country, it shall be found that I possess a fairness of character—which I am not sensible has ever been impeached by any man—and that upon enquiry my abilities—small as they are—may be found equal to the duties of some office of reasonable emolument, which may now or hereafter be in the disposal of your Excellency, and for which no other candidate who shall offer may be supposed more fit, your preference of me sir, will always be acknowledged with gratitude.
I am not unknown to most of the gentlemen in the delegation from Massachusetts—and have the honor of an acquaintance with a number of other gentlemen who are in Congress—I dare to flatter myself that Mr Goodhue—who was my successful competitor in the election to Congress of the district to which we belong—will readily substantiate every fact which is here alledged—His Excelly the Vice President and the Honble General Knox I flatter myself could do the same.
Begging pardon for the detention I have caused your Excellency—wishing you health—success to the national government, and an eternity of just fame by your administration of it—I am sir, with the highest respect & veneration your most obedient servant

Jona. Jackson


Title: To George Washington from John Page, 31 July 1789
From: Page, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York July 31st 1789

That I may not be troublesome & appear to others if not to yourself to obtrude myself too often on your Goodness, I take this Method of apologising for leaving a Letter with your Lady, & directing it to you without knowing its Contents but Sir Mrs Whiting’s Character & good Sense, induced me to comply with her Request, which was to direct her Letter & present it to you. At the Request of Captain Roane who is very warmly recommended to me by Col. Mathews of Norfolk I inclose his Commission as Searcher of the District in which he prays you will be pleased to continue him or that you will give him such other Commission in the Customs as you may think proper—in Justice to Captain Roane I have inclosed Col. Mathews Recommendation of him—Be pleased to accept of my warmest Thanks for your kind Intimations to me of your garcious & benevolent Intentions respecting the Loss of my deceased Friend & be assured that I am Sir with the highest Respect your much obliged & most obedient hble Servant

John Page


Title: To George Washington from Comfort Sage, 31 July 1789
From: Sage, Comfort
To: Washington, George

Middletown [Conn.] July 31th 1789

the opinion of the Subscriber, would not of itself have given him the Confidence, in this manner, to address the Supreme Magistrate, of the United States, the present mode, of application, has been represented, as agreeable, to the Usual practice, on Such Occasions, this measure, was advised, by a parson, whose Station was Sufficiently, alevated, to forbid the doubting, its propriety, this Consideration (it is hoped) will Exempt, the Subscriber, from censure, while he represents, that he is at Present, Naval officer, for the Port of Middletown, in Connecticut, that he had been, for a number of years, before his appointment, engaged, in Commercail business, but has Since, disposed of his stock, in Trade, & abandoned, all Ideas, of again, ingaging in his former Employment—this was done in obedience, to the Opinion of his Excellency, the Governor, of this state, & with Expectation, of being continued in his present, or Simelar office, Such being his Situation, & he being now, in the 58th year, of his age, he cannot but feel, a desire, to be honored with an appointment, under the united states, Similer to that he now enjoys, under the State of Connecticut, if the act for Collecting, a general impost, should provide, for the Establishment, of Such an office, at the Port of Middletown, or if any new appointments, Should be made for the Port of New London, & Middletown (not being Established as a port) Should be included, in that district, his present imployment, designates him, as not unworthy, of like imployment, under the United States, if any further recommendation, be requrisite On the present Subject, he begs Liberty, to refer to the delagation, in Congress, from this state, he is Confident that this application, will meet with Every attention, which becomes, the allustrious Character; To whome it is addressed.

Comfort Sage


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Randall, July 1789
From: Randall, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York, July 1789

Among the offices to be created I learn are those of Naval Officer and Surveyor—as from my education and manner of life I feel myself competent to the exercise of those offices I am induced by the advice of friends—the diminution of an easy fortune by the war and the diversion of business from its antient channels to offer my name as a Candidate to either of them.
I do not mean sir, to urge any extraordinary merit from my sacrafices during our glorious revolution, I will only suggest that I am at present Master Warden of the port of New York and in the Habit from long experience of being acquainted with the maritime situation of this state and its vicinity.
As I have ever rendered myself independant by my own industry, I have perhaps as little inclination as ability to solicit the influence of office—and I would wish to intimate that as my son has already presented himself to your view in this manner, that although each candidate should rest on his own merits—that I would be willing to relinquish my pretensions to the publick consideration in his favor—whether to be sent abroad, or enabled to enjoy his country and home. I am sir With real respect—Your obedient and humble servant

Thos Randall


Title: To George Washington from George Davis, 1 August 1789
From: Davis, George
To: Washington, George

Sir
Trenton [N.J.] 1st August 1789

My friends have advised me to offer myself a candidate for the office of Marshall or Sheriff of New Jersey. I⟨n⟩ conformity with their advice, & in pursuance of my own inclination to Serve under the present Goverment in any reputable Station I take the Freedom of requesting that you will, Sir be pleased to put my name in Nomination for the Above office; I could easily procure a Number of recommendations from the most respectable persons in the State, but this I think unnecessary and therefore shall content my Self with referring to the Honorables Mr Morris, Mr Patterson, Mr Read, Mr Bassett, in the Senate, & the Honorables Mr Cadwallader, Mr Clymer, & Mr Fitzsimmons, in the House of Representatives for my Character abilities & other pretensions; Permit me to add, that if I am so happy as to be Appointed, I shall devote my time & attention to the discharge of the duties of the Office. I am Sir Your most Obedient Humble Servant

G. Davis


Title: To George Washington from William Imlay, 1 August 1789
From: Imlay, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Hartford [Conn.] August 1st 1789

I did myself the honor of writing to your Excellency the 15th Ulto expressing my desire to be continued in public office; since which, I have been favored with the enclosed Letters from Jeremiah Wadsworth Esqe and the Commissioners of the Board of Treasury; which I take the liberty to Transmit to your Excellency, in addition to the Testimonials contained in my former Letter. With great Respect I have the honor to be—Sir, Your Excellency’s, Very Humble and Obedient Servant

Wm Imlay


Title: To George Washington from John H. Purviance, 1 August 1789
From: Purviance, John H.
To: Washington, George

Sir!
Baltimore 1 August 1789.

Actuated by an earnest desire to provide for a Family which now looks to me as almost their only support, and encouraged by the good Wishes of many of my Fellow-Citizens, I have ventured to prefer the present address to your Excellency for the purpose of solliciting an Office in the appointments shortly to be made in the Customs under the General Government.
In the application which my Uncle, Mr Robert Purviance, had the Honour to make to your Excellency sometime past, he, with himself, recommended me to your protection, and I have reposed with entire confidence in your Excellency’s benign dispositions; but conceiving it might be proper for me to point out the particular object of my application, I have now taken the Liberty humbly to request of your Excellency the appointment to the Surveyor’s place on the Customs at this port, provided a more deserving Subject has not already met your Excellency’s choice for that Office.
Doctor James McHenry, the good friend of myself and family, having done me the Honour to make mention of me to your Excellency both in his personal conferences and correspondence, permit me, Sir, to refer you to his communications on my Subject. I beg leave to commend myself to your Excellency’s gracious favour, and have the Honour to be, With sentiments of the most profound Duty and respect, Your Excellency’s, Most obedient and humble Servant

John H. Purviance


Title: To George Washington from Stephen Sewall, 1 August 1789
From: Sewall, Stephen
To: Washington, George

Marblehead [Mass.]
May it please your ExcellencyAugust 1st 1789.
I take the liberty of detaining your Excellency a moment from more important Concerns—to solicit the honour of an appointment to the Collectors Office for this place.
I have been appointed by the Legislature of this State—to the Naval Office here—for several successive Years—and I still continue in it—in what manner I have discharg’d the duties of my Office your Excellency will Judge—from that circumstance—together with the purport of Letters, from some of the most respectable Gentlemen in Trade here, to some of the honourable Members in Congress, which I presume to hope have reach’d your Excellency’s ear.
I hope this application will not be consider’d by your Excellency as intrusive—And should your Excellency think proper to honour me with the appointment—I shall be under the double obligation of gratitude & duty, to discharge the Trust with diligence & fidelity. I am with sentiments of highest respect & duty Sir Your Excellency’s most obedient & humble Servant

Stephen Sewall


Title: From George Washington to Richard Henry Lee, 2 August 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Richard Henry

Dear Sir,
New York Augt 2d 1789

The extreme hurry in which I have been thrown for several days, to compare the merits and pretensions of the several applicants for appointments, under the Revenue Law (in order that the nominations might speedily follow the passage of the Collection Bill) has prevented my acknowledging the receipt of your favor of the 27th Ulto until this time.

Mr Charles Lee will certainly be brot forward as Collector of the Port of Alexandria—but for the reason you have assigned, & from a persuation that Mr Thos Lee is under a mistake with respect to the supposed emoluments of the Office at Dumfries, I think it would be best that Scott should go there; which will give poor Hanson (who is worthy of something better if with propriety it could be given him) the Surveyorship at Alexandria.
As I am perfectly unacquainted with the Port of Yeocomico, and with the characters living there, I would thank you for naming a fit person as a Collector for that District by the bearer, or by ten oclock A.M. tomorrow.
I thought you looked badly the other day, but not having heard of your indisposition I said nothing. I hope your health is quite restored—I am unable to sit yet without (soft) Cushings; but have assurances from the Doctors that in a few days more I may expect to be relieved from this inconvenience. I am Dear Sir Your Most Obedt & Very Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 2 August 1789
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

Dear sir
Williamsburg August 2. 1789

Sometime ago Mr Fitzhugh, of Chatham, gave me a list of tickets in Colo. Byrd’s lottery, in which yourself, several other gentlemen, as well as my father or uncle (I forget which) were jointly interested. He promised to procure, if possible, some more authentic grounds for proceeding in the recovery of the prize, and, if I do not mistake, he expected further information from you. I will thank you, sir, to let me know, and to instruct me, what ought to be done in this matter, and I will immediately execute it.
As I am convinced, that a knowledge of character is all, which

you will require in the disposal of offices, I shall take the liberty of mentioning a gentleman, who was formerly, during the existence of the court of admiralty, marshal of that court. I mean Mr Benjamin Powell of this city. I can assure you, after the fullest experience of him, that he is a man of unblemished integrity, respected by all, who are acquainted with him, of a very responsible fortune, can give security to any sum, and has discharged his office to the satisfaction of every body, connected with its duties. He has requested me to say, what my own conscience can declare, and in what I have written, I am confident that I hazard nothing. His hope is to be continued in his old department.
With every wish for the happiness of your administration, and for the continuance of your lately-restored health, I am dear sir, Your affectionate friend & servant

Edm: Randolph


Title: To George Washington from William Tate, 3 August 1789
From: Tate, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York 3d August 1789.

From the present state of the Countries situate on the Mediterranean, it seems probable that if their Commerce was laid open to the United States, it would have a greater tendency to open to us new Sources of Wealth & power, than the Trade of any other Nations: for each of the northern and Middle states of Europe greatly exceeding in population in proportion to extant of Territory, & at least equal, if not superior in Industry, and the cheapness & quantity of Labour ultimately directed in a great Measure to Marine Establishments, a direct intercourse with them must therefore be less advantageous to us than

where contrary circumstances obtain. The Southern States of Europe, & all those Nations bordering on the Mediterranean are, & have long been notorious for their want of extensive Industry, Timber & other wood can no longer with any degree of facility be supplied from the Black-Sea to the Turkish Dominions; Greece, Italy & Africa are said to have been long ago divested of Forests: The Tyrannies of those Countries check the abundance of Nature, and the Husbandman abandons his fields to seek refuge in the Cities; in vain, for the Inhabitants, do the Seas abound in fish, for the labours of fishery as well as of husbandry are too operose to be concealed from their Governours, who, in those unfortunate states, are esteemed the Enemies of the people, & who, notwithstanding, for the Security of their own lives are obliged to find the means of Victualing the crowded Cities—The Supplies from Egypt, heretofore the great Store-House of the Ottoman Empire, is precarious & uncertain from the frequent Commotions in that Country.
If the above Observations & inferrences are just, it follows that a Trade between us and them would be highly & reciprocally advantageous; To them a sure resource for the Supply of physical Necessary, as Rice, Corn of every kind, Meat & Fish (the Religion of Some, render the last more than useful) add to these Indigo, Tobacco & Lumber. But to us the advantages would be great indeed; a boundless extent of Agriculture, the creation of a Navy, and perhaps be the means of accomodating such differences as may subsist between particular States of the Union.
To effect those beneficial purposes I apprehend there ought to be an Establishment in some parts of those Countries in Nature of a Store-House for the American productions, to which, as a Center all might be Collected, & afterwards diffused abroad, under the immediate influence of Such Regulations as would rather tend to promote Competition among the different Nations than to excite their jealousy & enmity against us. And in order to perfect such a business it seems to me that the protection of the Porte is necessary; and the great Officers of The Ottoman Empire may yet have so much influence as to conciliate the good Will of the African States towards such Nations as they might think proper & convenient to be in friendship with.
From reports of the latest Travellers it may be collected that

all the Mahometan Nations are yet in that Stage of Society which is intermediate of Barbarism & Refinement; and as in that point it is incidental to the human character to be more influenced by what occurs to the Senses, than by any reasoning abstract from their immediate Wants, I am therefore of opinion, that it is within the compass of probability that a favourable impression of the American character might be made on those people by a proper introduction of some of Our Officers in the Service of the grand Seignior, particularly in the line of Artillery, in the Skilful Management of which they were said to be very imperfect: for it often happens that Men, even of the most cultivated minds, form their Opinion of a whole kind through the medium in which they regard a few individuals. None of those Countries have been lately explored, by any Traveller I have read, with such Views as are interesting to an American, & therefore many Circumstances which may have been overlooked, would to us, be discoveries.
I am aware that the execution of such Enterprizes is fraught with some difficulties, but none, I apprehend, that are absolutely insuperable: It is with the utmost deference to your Excellency, that I offer these Sentiments; but as no one knows so well as yourself how far, & when, fortune is to be trusted; nor can so justly distinguish between difficulties & impossibilities, I therefore feel myself perfectly at ease in resting upon your Excellency’s commands. I am, Sir, with the greatest respect your Excellency’s most obedient & humble Servant

Wm TateCapt. L[ieutenan]t Artilleryin the late Army of the United States


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 3 August 1789
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate,
New York August 3, 1789

A List having my signature to it is herewith presented to you, containing the names of Persons whom I nominate as Collectors, Naval Officers and Surveyors for the Ports to which their Names are respectively annexed; And as several applications have been addressed to the President and Senate conjointly I lay all under this description before you, for your information.

Go. Washington

New York, August 3d 1789

New Hampshire

Districts & Ports
Officers
Nominations

1.
Portsmouth
{
Collector
Joseph Whipple

Naval Officer
Eleazer Russell

Surveyor
Thomas Martin

Massachusetts

Districts & Ports
Officers
Nominations

1.

Newbury Port
{
Collector
Stephen Cross

Naval Officer
Jonathan Titcomb

Surveyor
Michael Hodge

2.

Gloucester
{
Collector
Eppes Sergeant

Surveyor
Saml Whittemore

3.
{
Salem
{
Collector
Joseph Hiller

&
Naval Officer
William Pickman

Surveyor
Barthw Putnam

Beverly

Surveyor
Josiah Batchelor

Ipswich

Surveyor
Jeremh Stainiford

4.

Marblehead

Collector
Richard Harris

5.
{
Boston &
{
Collector
Benjamin Lincoln

Naval Officer
James Lovell

Charlestown
Surveyor
Thomas Melvill

6.

Plymouth

Collector
William Watson

7.

Barnstable

Collector
Joseph Otis

8.

Nantucket [&]

Sherbourne

Collector
Stephen Hussey

9.

Edgartown

Collector
John Pease

10.

New Bedford

Collector
Edward Pope

11.

Dighton

Collector
Hodijh Baylis

12.

York

Collector
Richd Trevett

13.
{
Biddeford &

Pepperellborough

Collector
Jeremh Hill

14.
{
Portland &
{
Collector
Nathl Fosdick

Falmouth
Surveyor
James Lunt

15.

Bath

Collector
William Webb

16.

Wiscassett

Collector
Frans Cook

17.

Penobscot

Collector
John Lee

18.

Frenchman’s Bay

Collector
Melith Jordon

19.

Machias

Collector
Stephen Smith

20.

Passamaquodi

Collector
Lewis Fredk

Delesdenier

Connecticut

Districts & Ports
Officers
Nominations

1.
New London
{
Collector
Jedediah

Huntington

Surveyor
Nathl Richards

Stonington

Surveyor
Jonathn Palmer

Middletown

Surveyor
Asher Miller

2.
New Haven
{
Collector
Jonathan Fitch

Surveyor
Hezekh Rogers

3.
Fairfield

Collector
Saml Smedley

New York

Districts & Ports
Officers
Nominations

1.
Sagg Harbour

Collector
John Gelston

2.
New York
{
Collector
John Lamb

Naval Officer
Benja. Walker

Surveyor
John Lasher

City of Hudson

Surveyor
John C. Tenbroeck

Albany

Surveyor
Jeremh Lansing

New Jersey

Districts & Ports
Officers
Nominations

1.
Perth-Amboy
Collector
John Halstead

2.
Burlington
Collector
John Ross

Little Egg Harbour
Surveyor
Ebenezer Tucker

3.
Bridgetown
Collector
Eli Elmer

Pensylvania

Districts & Ports
Officers
Nominations

1.
Philadelphia
{
Collector
Sharpe Dulany

Naval Officer
Frederick Phile

Surveyor
Samuel Meredith

Delaware

Districts & Ports
Officers
Nominations

1.
Wilmington
Collector
George Bush

Maryland

Districts & Ports
Officers
Nominations

1.
Baltimore
{
Collector
Otho H. Williams

Naval Officer
Robt Purviance

Surveyor
Robt Ballard

2.
Chester

Collector
John Scott

3.
Oxford

Collector
Jeremh Banning

4.
Vienna

Collector
John Muir

5.
Snow Hill

Collector
John Gunby

6.
Annapolis

Collector
John Davidson

7.
Nottingham

Collector
George Biscoe

Town Creek

Surveyor
Robert Young

8.
Nanjemoy

Collector
John Coates Jones

St Marys

Surveyor
Robert Chesley

9.
George Town

Collector
James McCubbin

Linghan

Virginia

Districts & Ports

Officers
Nominations

1.

Hampton

Collector
Jacob Wray

2.
{
Norfolk
{
Collector
William Lindsay

&
Naval Officer
Philemon

Gatewood

Portsmouth
Surveyor
Daniel Bedinger

Suffolk

Surveyor
Archibd

Richardson

Smithfield

Surveyor
James Wells

3.
{
Bermuda Hundred
{
Collector
William Heth

or
&

City-Point
Surveyor
Christr Roan

Richmond

Surveyor
David Lambert

Petersburgh

Surveyor
John Gibbons

4.

York Town

Collector
Abraham Archer

West Point

Surveyor
John Spotswood

Moore

5.

Tappahannock

Collector
Hudson Muse

Urbanna

Surveyor
Stage Davis

Port Royal

Surveyor
George Catlett

Fredericksburg

Surveyor
William Lewis

6.

Yeccomico River
}

including Kinsale
Collector
Vincent Redman

7.

Dumfries
}

including New-port
Collector
Richd Marshall Scott

8.

Alexandria
{
Collector
Charles Lee

Surveyor
Samuel Hanson

9.

Folly Landing

Collector
William Gibb

10.

Cherry Stone

Collector
George Savage

11.

South Quay

Collector
Thomas Bowne

12.

Louisville

Collector
Peyton Short

South Carolina

Districts & Ports
Officers
Nominations

1.
George Town

Collector
John Cogdell

2.
Charleston
{
Collector
George Abbot Hall

Naval Officer
Isaac Motte

Surveyor
Edward Weyman

3.
Beaufort

Collector
Andrew Agnew

Georgia

Districts & Ports
Officers
Nominations

1.
Savannah
{
Collector
John Habersham

Naval Officer
Benja. Fishbourn

Surveyor
John Berrien

2.
Sunbury

Collector
Cornelius Collins

3.
Brunswick

Collector
George Handley

4.
St Marys

Collector
James Seagrove

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Gulian Verplanck, 3 August 1789
From: Verplanck, Gulian
To: Washington, George

Sir
Great Dock Street No. 30 [New York] Augt 3. 1789

I have the Honor to enclose You a Resolution of the Legislature of the State of Newyork, together with a Copy of their respectful Address.
This communication would have been made sooner, but for the Indisposition of the President of the Senate, Who is prevented coming to Town to attend to this Business, which makes

it my duty, as Speaker of the Assembly, to request You will be pleased to inform Me, what time will be most agreeable to You, to receive the original Address. I have the Honor to be with the greatest Veneration, Esteem, and Respect—Your most Obedient Hume Sert

Gulian Verplanck


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Appleton, 4 August 1789
From: Appleton, Nathaniel
To: Washington, George

Sr
State of Massachusetts Boston 4th Augt 1789

Having been informed that the appointment of Commissioners of the Loan Office for the several States will shortly come under Your Excellencys consideration, I would with all due deference take the freedom to inform your Excellency that in the year 1776 I had the honor of being appointed to that Office in this State by the Legislature thereof, and of being continued therein by Congress to the present day—by an ordinance of the late Congress all Commissrs of the Loan Office are prohibited from being concerned, directly or indirectly, in Trade, accordingly for many years past I have devoted my whole time to the service of the public, therefore at this time of life should find it very dificult to engage in any other business—these Circumstances Sr have induced me to make this application to your Excellency humbly requesting the favour of being continued in that Office under the New Government.
As Your Excellency can have but little personal knowledge of me, I take the freedom to referr you to His Excellency the Vice President, the Honbe Senators, and Representatives from this

State, & the late Honble Commisnr of the Board of Treasury respecting my Character & conduct in Office.
With the most sincere wishes for the continuance of your health, and the highest sentiments of esteem and respect I have the honor to be Your Excellencys most humble and most Obedient Servant

Nathl Appleton


Title: To George Washington from John Mason, 4 August 1789
From: Mason, John
To: Washington, George

Bourdeaux [France] 4th August 1789

I had the Honour to address you twelve or fourteen days agoe by way of Potomac covering a collection of Pamph[l]ets relative to the Revolution we have just experienced in this Country which from their extraordinary nature hoped might have been acceptable—now by way of Phila. I take the Liberty (in case of miscarriage) to send you a Acct of them with an addition of some which have since appeared.
As I do not doubt before this can reach you you will have been furnished with an accurate detail of all this Business I shall attempt it not—and content myself with having seized the first oppertunity of forwarding you the earliest testimonies of the dawn of Liberty & Rights of Man on this Side the atlantic without hesitating to think they would be acceptable.
If it could ever happen that I can be in any way useful to you here and you may be pleased to honour me with your Commands—be assured Sir nothing will make so happy as to [be]

charged with them. With highest Sense of Respect & E[s]teem I have the honour to be Sir Your Most Obt & very humble Servt

John Mason


Title: From George Washington to the New York Legislature, 4 August 1789
From: Washington, George
To: New York Legislature

Gentlemen,
[New York, 4 August 1789]

The affectionate congratulations of so respectable a public Body, as the Senate and House of Representatives of the State of New York, on my election to the Presidency of the United States, fill my breast with the most pleasing sensations.
In the fortitude and perseverence of the Citizens of this State, even amidst the calamities and dangers with which they were surrounded in the late war, I found a resource; which it always gave me pleasure to acknowledge in the strongest and most grateful terms. I may also be permitted to add, the satisfaction I experienced in retiring to the enjoyments of domestic life was greatly enhanced by a reflection, that their public virtue had been finally crowned with complete success.
I am now truly happy that my motives, for reassuming the arduous duties of a public Station, have met with your approbation. And, at the sametime, I entreat you will be persuaded that nothing could be better calculated to encourage me to hope for prosperity in the execution of the duties of my office than the assurances you have given of the favorable sentiments & expectations of the Freemen of your State.
I request, Gentlemen, that you will accept my best thanks for your polite intimation, that you will do every thing in your power to make my residence in your State agreeable; as well as for your patriotic promise of being always ready to afford your united aid & Support.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Blagge, 5 August 1789
From: Blagge, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
New York 5th August 1789

Among the Applicants for appointments under the United States, permit me to offer myself to your consideration as a Candidate for the Office of Marshall of the District of New York; I cannot boast Sir, of any extraordinary merit or qualification to recommend me to notice but still, I am willing to hope that upon an investigation I shall be found a good Citizen & not incompetent to this Appointment. I have the Honor to be with the greatest Respect Sir, Your most Obedient & most Humble Servant

Jno. Blagge


Title: To George Washington from Beverley Randolph, 5 August 1789
From: Randolph, Beverley
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Richmond August 5th 1789.

Two Chiefs of the Cherokee nation of Indians arrived here a few days ago accompanied by Mr Bennet Ballew, who has full powers from a number of Towns to lay before you their Grievances,

and to make some proposals, which may eventually preserve harmony between the citizens of the United States and the Indians, and perhaps be productive of considerable advantages to both parties. It is at the particular request of these unfortunate people, that I introduce them to you. They appear to me to have been much oppressed, should you view them in this light, your well known regard to public as well as private justice will insure to them every exertion of your power in their behalf. I am unacquainted with Mr Ballew, but I think I owe it to him to inform you, that he is strongly recommended to me by the Honorable William Fleming, as an honest, upright, intelligent man. I have the Honour to be with the highest respect your obt Servant.

Beverley Randolph


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 5 August 1789
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate
[New York] August 5th 1789

In the list of Nominations which I laid before you the 3d instant there was a mistake in giving in the name of David Lambert as Surveyor of the Port of Richmond. This mistake I now desire to correct by inserting in place thereof, the name of Corbin Braxton.

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Pierce Butler, 6 August 1789
From: Butler, Pierce
To: Washington, George

Sir
[New York] August the 6th 1789

I have the honor to inclose to You a letter that came under Cover to me, and which I have just now rec’d from Mrs Greene. I have the honor to be Yr Excellencys most Obedt Servt

P. Butler


Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 6 August 1789
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York 6th of August 1789

This letter which I take the liberty to enclose, came to my hands this day whilst in Senate, and however unwilling I am to trespass on your Excellency, yet the justice due to an absent Individual obliges me to communicate it altho I do not see under present circumstances that Major Fishbourne can derive the benefit which he aims at. I have the honor to be Your Excellency s most Obed. Servt

Robt Morris


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 6 August 1789
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate,
[New York] August 6th 1789

My nomination of Benjamin Fishbourn for the place of Naval Officer of the Port of Savannah not having met with your concurrence, I now nominate Laclan McIntosh for that place. Whatever may have been the reasons which induced your dissent, I am persuaded they were such as you deemed sufficient—Permit me to submit to your consideration, whether on occasions, where the propriety of nomiminations appear questionable to you, it would not be expedient to communicate that circumstance to me, and thereby avail yourselves of the

information which led me to make them, and which I would with pleasure lay before you. Probably my reasons for nominating Mr Fishbourn may tend to shew that such a mode of proceeding in such cases might be useful. I will therefore detail them.
First. While Colonel Fishbourn was an Officer in actual service, and chiefly under my own Eye, his conduct appeared to me irreproachable; nor did I ever hear any thing injurious to his reputation as an Officer or a Gentleman—At the Storm of Stony Point, his behaviour was represented to have been active, and brave, and he was charged by his General to bring the account of that success to the Head Quarters of the Army.
Secondly—Since his residence in Georgia he has been repeatedly elected to the Assembly as a Representative of the County of Chatham in which the Port of Savannah is situated, and sometimes of the Counties of Glynn and Camden—he has been chosen a Member of the Executive Council of the State and has been lately President of the same—he has been elected by the Officers of the Militia in the county of Chatham Lieutenant Colonel of the Militia in that district—and on a very recent occasion, to wit, in the month of May last, he has been appointed by the Council (on the suspension of the late Collector) to an Office in the Port of Savannah, nearly similar to that for which I nominated him—which Office he actually holds at this time—To these reasons for nominating Mr Fishbourn, I might add that I received private letters of recommendation, and oral testimonials in his favor, from some of the most respectable characters in that State: but as they were secondary considerations with me, I do not think it necessary to communicate them to you. It appeared therefore to me that Mr Fishbourn must have enjoyed the confidence of the militia Officers in order to have been elevated to a military rank; the confidence of the Freemen to have been elected to the Assembly; the confidence of the Assembly to have been selected for the Council; and the confidence of the Council to have been appointed Collector of the Port of Savannah.

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 6 August 1789
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

Gentlemen of the Senate.
New York August 6 1789.

By the act for settling the accounts between the United States and individual States, a person is to be appointed to fill the vacant seat at the Board of Commissioners for settling the accounts between the United States and individual States; I therefore nominate John Kean, of the State of So. Carolina to fill the vacant seat at the said Board of Commissioners.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Jacob Duché, 7 August 1789
From: Duché, Jacob
To: Washington, George

Sir
London. Aug. 7th, 1789

I have never had the least Reason, even in the most trying Times, to doubt of your having been actuated throughout by a most virtuous Principle. Your Acquaintance with Human Nature, your Liberality of Sentiment & Goodness of Heart must also have led you to judge charitably of the Principles, Motives & Actions of others, however different their political opinions & Conduct might have been from your own. I can, therefore, without Suspicion of Flattery, congratulate you most sincerely on your Advancement to that exalted Office in the United States of America, which you now hold by the Suffrage of a Free People. I rejoice, that my Countrymen have been, in so many Instances, evincubly favoured by the good Providence of God, and in none more so, than in the Establishment of a Constitution, that promises Peace, Liberty & Comfort to all; and which in its essential Features bears so near a Resemblance to that under which we were all born & educated, that the Mother may readily be known by the Child, now full grown, of full Age,

& settled for herself in the World. The Struggles at parting are now over on both Sides, and it only remains, that the Return of Affection should be warm & reciprocal, & that each should receive & entertain the Subjects of the other with cordial Hospitality, and a generous Oblivion of all that passed on both Sides, as well individually as generally.
With these Prospects in View, I have long waited for such an Act of Oblivion, as would make every State open their Arms to the Return of all their exiled Citizens, and suffer them to reside among them, either as British Subjects, if their Circumstances make it necessary to remain so, or as Fellow-Citizens of the United States, on their taking the usual Oath of Allegiance. Several States, I understand, have already adopted this liberal Measure; and many Persons have returned, and are again comfatably settled among their Relations & Friends. The State of Pennsylvania has not yet done this: And many Natives of that State, who took a decided Part against the Revolution, are at present excluded from a Return to America, unless they settle in some of the other States, which may not be so convenient & agreeable to them.
I should be happy to know, whether this Matter will not come before your Excellency & the present General Constitution of Government and whether myself & Family, among others, should we be disposed to return to Philadelphia early next Spring, might be honoured with your Countenance & Protection. For my Feelings towards my Countrymen are too tender to brook any Remains of Disaffection on their Part; as my Heart is freely & fully open & warm to every Individual without Exception, and could not well sustain any Appearance of Coldness or Reserve, especially, where all was once cordial & affectionate.
My Wife & Family join me in most respectful Compliments to Mrs Washington, who will recollect spending a Day, and making us very happy at our Apartments in Germantown in the Year 1776. With the most sincere good Wishes & Prayer for the Support and Blessings of Heaven to my Country & Countrymen, under your Excellency’s Administration, & the present happy Constitution, I remain, with the utmost Respect & Esteem, Your Excellency’s Most obedient humble Servant

J. Duché

Should your Excellency condescend to honour me with an Answer, please to direct to me at No. 63, Sloane Street, Knightsbridge near London.


Title: To George Washington from Ralph Izard, 7 August 1789
From: Izard, Ralph
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York 7th August 1789.

I have the honor of enclosing a Resolution of the Senate, & am directed by the Committee to request that you will signify to them when it is your pleasure that they should wait on you. I have the honor to be with great respect Sir Your most obt Servant

Ra. Izard


Title: To George Washington from Abraham Lott, 7 August 1789
From: Lott, Abraham
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York August 7th 1789

Fully convinced that you must be almost overburthened with applications for offices, it is with the greatest reluctance I have prevailed upon myself to become a supplicant also.
The losses I have sustained in support of our glorious revolution must, in some measure, be known to your Excellency—The sufferings I have endured (whether Just or unjust, is not

for me to determine) since the War, must also have reached your ears—It cannot therefore be a matter of surprise that I inform you Sir, that, by means of those two causes, I am at present so much straitned in my circumstances, that it is with the greatest difficulty I can support my family; But have the pleasing satisfaction to add that I am not without hopes of seeing better days, as I can now attend to my private affairs. It will however take some time before I can make my resources productive; and as my Son Andrew and family are altogether dependent on, and must be supported by me; and it being, as yet, out of my power to put him in a way to provide for himself & Family; It is with the greatest deference I mention that it will lay me under the deepest and most lasting obligation, if your Excellency will be pleased to confer some office on him, by means of which he may procure a Subsistence, until it shall be in my power more effectually to provide for, & assist him.
Humbly imploring pardon for this intrusion, take the liberty to subscribe myself Your Excellency’s Most obedient, and devoted humble Servant

Abrm Lott


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 7 August 1789
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate and House of Representatives

New York August 7th 1789

The business which has hitherto been under the consideration of Congress has been of so much importance, that I was unwilling to draw their attention from it to any other subject. But the disputes which exist between some of the United States and several powerful Tribes of Indians within the limits of the Union, and the hostilities which have in several instances been committed on the Frontiers, seem to require the immediate interposition of the general Government.
I have, therefore, directed the several statements and papers, which have been submitted to me on this subject by General Knox to be laid before you for your information.
While the measures of Government ought to be calculated to protect its citizens from all injury and violence; a due regard should be extended to those Indian Tribes whose happiness, in the course of events, so materially depends on the national justice and humanity of the United States.
If it should be the judgment of Congress that it would be most expedient to terminate all differences in the Southern District, and to lay the foundation for future confidence by an amicable treaty with the Indian Tribes in that quarter, I think proper to suggest the consideration of the expediency of instituting a temporary Commission for that purpose, to consist of three persons, whose authority should expire with the occasion.
How far such a measure, unassisted by Posts, would be competent to the establishment and preservation of peace and tranquility on the Frontiers, is also a matter which merits your serious consideration.
Along with this object I am induced to suggest another, with the national importance and necessity of which I am deeply impressed; I mean, some uniform and effective system for the Militia of the United States. It is unnecessary to offer arguments in recommendation of a measure, on which the honor, safety and well-being of our Country so evidently and so essentially depend: But it may not be amiss to observe that I am particularly anxious, it should receive as early attention as circumstances

will admit; because it is now in our power to avail ourselves of the military knowledge disseminated throughout the several States, by means of the many well instructed Officers and Soldiers of the late Army; a resource which is daily diminishing by deaths and other causes. To suffer this peculiar advantage to pass away unimproved, would be to neglect an opportunity which will never again occur, unless, unfortunately, we should again be involved in a long and arduous war.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Pierce Butler, 8 August 1789
From: Butler, Pierce
To: Washington, George

Sir.
[New York] Saturday the 8th of August 1789

I request Your Excellency’s indulgence for troubling You with the perusal of the enclosed Letters—two of them are of a publick Nature, and Contain much information respecting Indian Affairs in the Southern Country; they merit attention—the third is of a private Nature from Judge Drayton, who I believe is known to You; He is a Man of Abilities, and real information in His profession—I shoud have waited on You with these letters were I not obliged to Indulge my leg. I have the honor to be with great respect & Esteem sir—Yr Excellency’s Most Obedt hble Servt

P. Butler


Title: Conference with a Committee of the United States Senate, 8 August 1789
From: Washington, George
To:

[New York] August 8th 1789

Sentiments expressed by the President to the Committee from the Senate appointed to confer with him on the mode of Communication between the President and the Senate respecting Treaties and Nominations.
In all matters respecting Treaties, oral communications seem indispensably necessary—because in these a variety of matters are contained, all of which not only require consideration, but

some of them may undergo much discussion—to do which by written communications would be tedious without being satisfactory.
Oral communications may be proper also for discussing the propriety of sending Representatives to foreign Courts, and ascertaining the Grade or character in which they are to appear and may be so in other cases.
But it may be asked where are these oral communications to be made? If in the Senate Chamber, how are the President and Vice-President to be arranged? The latter by the Constitution being ex-officio President of the Senate.
Would the Vice President be disposed to give up the Chair? if not
Ought the President of the United States to be placed in an aukward situation when there?
These are matters which require previous consideration and adjustment for meetings in the Senate Chamber or elsewhere.
With respect to Nominations
My present Ideas are that as they point to a single object unconnected in its nature with any other object, they had best be made by written messages—In this case the Acts of the President, and the Acts of the Senate will stand upon clear, distinct and responsible ground.
Independent of this consideration, it could be no pleasing thing I concieve for the President on the one hand to be present and hear the propriety of his nominations questioned—nor for the Senate on the other hand to be under the smallest restraint by his presence from the fullest and freest enquiry into the Character of the Person nominated.
The President in a situation like this would be reduced to one of two things; either to be a silent witness of the decision by Ballot, if there are objections to the nomination; or in justification thereof (if he think it right[)] to support it by argument—Neither of which might be agreeable and the latter improper; for as the President has a right to nominate without assigning reasons, so has the Senate a right to dissent without giving theirs.


Title: To George Washington from George Morgan White Eyes, 8 August 1789
From: White Eyes, George Morgan
To: Washington, George

Sir,
New York August 8th 89

The disappointment which I fear Mr Thompson will undergo grieves me very much as it is on my Account he is so much involved in Debt, better had I received no Encouragement to get any Articles & I to have went naked home with Mr Cotoney, than I to involve him in such a Debt & no likelihood of his desolving it unless through your Assistance.
If you conceived the pain I feel when I hear that the Commissioners have objected every article, it makes me of Opinion that I am not of as much Consequence as a Dog: & that I must run on foot behind Mr Peters, if you think it proper I will endeaver to undertake it.
I must indeed always be thankful for the Education that Congress have been pleased to bestow upon me, & the Usages that are naturally to be expected from such a Kindness—But I am very sorry that the Education you have given & Views that you must have had when you took me into your Possession, & the Friendship which my Father had for the United States (which I suppose is the chief Cause) are not sufficient Inducements, to your further providing for me.
I do not ask or expect your Continuance over me, but that you would take this into Consideration, & see that all these Things be so ordered, that it will make me by the Ties of Honour and Justice always indebted, & allways endeavor with Efforts

becoming my Education, to be worthy to be subscribed Your Excellencys Most Obt Hume Servt

G.M. White Eyes


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 9 August 1789
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Sir
Hingham [Mass.] Augt 9th 1789

I was the last night honoured by the receipt of your Excellencys commission appointing me collector for the port of Boston—It shall be my study early to obtain, a perfect knowledge of the duties of the office and my constant care so to discharge them as thereby to secure the approbation of my own mind and the confidence of my country.
No circumstance could be more pleasing than the one which guards against a removal in any other way than by the President, this secures all that permanency in the office which I could possibly wish—I hope hereafter to evince to your Excellency, by a faithful discharge of my duty, that I feel the importance of the trust, and my obligations for the appointment, for in that way only, can it be evidenced or can I in any degree compensate your Excellency for the honour conferred. I have the honour of being sir with the most perfect esteem your Excellencys most obedient servant

B. Lincoln


Title: From George Washington to James Madison, 9 August 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Madison, James

My dear Sir,
[New York] Sunday 9th Augt 1789

Consequent of the enclosed resolution, I had a conference with the Commee therein named yesterday, when I expressed the Sentiments which you also have enclosed.
I was assured by the Committee, that the only object the Senate had in view was to be informed of the mode of communication which would be most agreeable to the President, and that a perfect acquiescence would be yielded thereto. But I could plainly perceive notwithstanding, that oral communications was the point they aimed at. Indeed one of the Gentlemen candidly declared that a great object with him, for wishing this, was, to effect a viva voce vote in that body (he added however that he was not without hopes of accomplishing this without). To this I replied, finding all three were opposed to the ballotting system, that nothing would sooner induce me to relinquish my mode of nominating by written messages, than to accomplish this end. Thus the matter stands for my further consideration.
What do you think I had best do? I am willing to pursue that line of conduct which shall appear to be most conducive to the public good, without regard to the indulgence of my own inclination which (I confess, and for other reasons in addition to those which are enumerated, although they are secondary) would not be gratified by personal nominations.
The period is now arrived when the Seat of the vacant judge in the Western district is to be filled. Would Colo. Carrington do you think, be pleased with this appointment? or are you acquainted with any professional character of fitness for the Office, South of New Jersey, that would accept it.
I have had some conversation with Mr Jay respecting his views to Office, which I will communicate to you at our first interview—and this, if perfectly convenient and agreeable to you, may be this afternoon as I shall be at home, and expect no Compy. I am Yrs affectly

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Beck, 10 August 1789
From: Beck, John
To: Washington, George

[New York] August 10th 1789

The Petition of John Beck of the City of New York Humbly sheweth
That your petitioners parents were well affected to the American cause and during the late war were robbed and plundered and greatly distressed by the Enemy at New Haven in the state of Connecticut. The petitioners parents are at present in very indigent circumstances, and advanced in years; And wholly unable to render him any services, And your petitioner further sheweth that not having been brought up to any mechanical profession whereby he could get his living, is at present in want of the Common necessaries of life. He has received a tolerable education and can write a legible hand. The petitioner having tried every possible means in his power to obtain employment (not having friends able to assist him) finds his Endeavors prove ineffectual. The petitioner is at present considered as a student at Law by William Willcocks Esquire in whose office the petitioner acts as a Clerk (and of whom the petitioner can procure information respecting his Character and capacity if deemed needfull). But by reason of the inability of his parents is unable to prosecute his studies. Your petitioner not having the happiness of being personally known to your Excellency. But as our common Father and from your general character as a Philanthropist. He hopes and prays (on a humane and tender consideration of his case). That you will pay some attention to his

distresses, And will be pleased to recommend him or, otherwise be pleased to procure him an employment as a Clerk in one of the Publick Offices under the general goverment, So that your petitioner may be enabled to obtain a subsistance And your petitioner as in duty bound will ever pray.

J: Beck


Title: From George Washington to Wilson Miles Cary, 10 August 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Cary, Wilson Miles

Dear Sir,
New York 10th Augt 1789

I have received your very obliging and affectionate Letter of the 19th Ulto and can assure you that no circumstance, amidst the numerous occurrences of my new and arduous employment, has given me more heartfelt satisfaction than the repeated testimonies of approbation which my conduct in accepting

of the Presidency of these United Stats has drawn from every quarter, and particularly from those who, I trust, know me well enough to do justice to the motives which induced me once more to embark on the ocean of public life. Among those of the latter description I must rank you, my dear Sir; and must beg your acceptance of my best thanks for your good wishes & kind gratulations on the recovery of my health.
Mr Brough whom you mention to have been the Searcher at Hampton & recommended as a person suitable to fill an Office in the Customs, could not, consistently, be brought into office; for the Law established but one Office at Hampton which, agreeably to the general rule which I had prescribed to myself in the nominations, is filled by Mr Jacob Wray the former Naval Officer there. You will, therefore, have the goodness to beleive that his not having been put in office did not proceed from a want of faith in your recommendation, but from an adherence to that justice & impartiality which the Public demands, and from which I hope I shall never intentionally depart. I am, Dear Sir &c.