Title: To George Washington from Thomas Mifflin, 10 April 1795
From: Mifflin, Thomas
To: Washington, George

            Sir.
            Philadelphia 10th April 1795:

          Inclosed I transmit copies of reports, which I have just received from Colonel Biddle and Captain Denny, respecting the state of the Garrison, and the Military and Quarter Master Stores, at Fort Le Boeuf, together with a copy of the remarks of Captn Denny, on the neighbouring Country, and the establishment proposed to be made at Presqu’-isle. An early knowledge of these communications, may facilitate the arrangements contemplated in the letter from the Secretary at War of the [ ] ultimo: and, as the Act for laying out the Town at Presqu’-isle will, probably, pass in a few days, I wish to submit to your consideration the propriety of supplying, without delay, the deficient stores enumerated in Captain Denny’s Return, that the opportunity of an easy transportation, during the Spring-floods, may not be lost. You will, doubtless, likewise, consider how far it may be advisable to take immediate measures for erecting a sawmill, and other improvements, on the spot intended to be allotted for the use of the General Government; but I am apprehensive, my power under the law will not extend to objects of that nature, though their utility is obvious.
          As soon as the Act is passed, I shall request such information of the plan of the General Government, as will enable me to afford an effectual co-operation, in renewing the enlistments of the State Troops, and directing the proceedings of the Commissioners, appointed to lay out the town &c. at Presqu’-isle. In the meantime, permit me to call your attention to the necessity of supplying a competent Garrison for the Fort on Mud-Island. The Legislature, contemplating the cession of that Island to the General Government, by a Bill now depending, has made no provision for maintaining the party, stationed there, subsequent to the first instant; though certainly the preservation of the

peace and neutrality of our Port, as much as ever, requires the establishment. I have the honor to be, With perfect respect, Sir, Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Humble Servant

            Thomas Mifflin


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 10 April 1795
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

            April 10. 1795.

          E. Randolph has the honor of submitting to the President a draft of a letter to Mr Hammond, upon Mr Butler’s statement.
          Judge Peters thinking that a marshall is immediately wanted, Mr Wm Nicolls’s name is inserted in the commission sent—A blank commission for the accountant is also transmitted.


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Franklin Bache et al., 11 April 1795
From: Bache, Benjamin Franklin
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Philadelphia, April 11. 1795

          The subscribers, a committee in behalf of a number of American, French & Dutch Citizens, request the honour of your company to a Civic Festival to be given on Friday, April 17, appointed to celebrate the late victories of the French Republic, and the emancipation of Holland. We have the honour to be, Sir, Your obedt hble Serts

            Dubois pereBenjn Franklin BacheM. H. Messchert


Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 12–13 April 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Pearce, William

            Mr Pearce,
            Philadelphia 12th[–13] April 1795.

          Your letter of the 5th, with its enclosures, I received yesterday.
          I propose to commence my journey for Mount Vernon tomorrow—but as the road through Maryland, by information, is almost impassable, & business will detain me a day or two at the federal city, I do not expect to reach home before Sunday (this day week).
          This being the case, my letter will be short; I shall add however, that I was, as you supposed, under a mistake with respect to the meadow which has been injured by the freshes. Be this however as it may, the injured parts should be re-sown; and as soon as the ground is in order for it, if you have Seed to do it; which is the reason of my mentioning it now, to avoid delay. If that, or the other meadows, was once well taken with Timothy, floods would not wash of[f] the soil, nor in other respects be injurious. I am Yr friend

            Go: Washington

            Monday Morning—13th April. The day is storming I shall wait therefore until it ceases before I set out.


Title: From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 12 April 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Randolph, Edmund

            Dear Sir,
            Philadelphia April ⟨12th 1795⟩

          The following details will enable you to comply with the request of Mr Henry Wade.
          On the Great Kanhawa, and bounded thereby, I hold, and am disposed to sell, about 24,000 acres of land in four Patents: the

smallest of which contains 2000 acres. These 2000 acres, lie in the forks ⟨of⟩ the Kanhawa & Coal rivers, at the confluence of the two, & upon both. Opposite thereto, on the East side of the river (Kanhawa) I have another tract of 3,000 acres. About half way between the last mentioned, and the town—Mount pleasant—which lies at the mouth of the Kanhawa and on the east side also, I have another tract of upwards of 7,000 acres. And near Mount pleasant, but on the west side of the river (Kanhawa) begins the other tract of ⟨near⟩ 11,000 acres, which is bounded by the river more than 17 miles. None of these tracts have any settlers on them with, or of wh⟨ich I hav⟩e any acquaintance or knowledge.
          It does not appear by Mr Wad⟨es letter⟩ (which you have shown me) to wh⟨ich⟩ of these tracts his inclinations are direc⟨ted.⟩ all of them are river low grounds of first quality; but neither of them am I disposed, at present, to parcel out into lo⟨ts—&⟩ selling them otherwise, depends altoge⟨ther⟩ upon the price that would be given. I refused a guinea an acre for part, and ⟨not⟩ the most valuable part, of my western l⟨ands.⟩ If by dividing the land into 500 acre lots it would sell better, & more readily it only remains for Mr Wade (if he wan⟨ts⟩ 1000 acres only) to get others to unite w⟨ith him,⟩ to answer his purpose & mine also.
          As my view in selling, is to pla⟨ce⟩ the money where I can draw the interest regularly as it becomes due; the larger the Sum which is paid down the better ⟨it⟩ would suit me. For the remainder, a cre⟨dit⟩ of three or four years might be given, pro⟨vided⟩ the principal is secured, and interest ⟨thereon⟩ punctually paid every year as soon as it becomes due, either to me ⟨or⟩ my agent.
          As many persons are wa⟨ntin⟩g these lands of mine, from the knowledge they have of their quality—Situa⟨tion,⟩ and the indisputableness of th⟨eir titles, they will⟩ not, I am persua⟨ded, re⟩main long in my possession; or if they ⟨do, the⟩ price will be ⟨raised as this kind of property increases in value or gets⟩ more in demand. I am—Dear Sir Your obedt ⟨illegible⟩

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Beale Bordley, 13 April 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Bordley, John Beale

            Dr Sir,
            Philada April 13th 1795

          A double sett of Youngs Annals was sent to me sometime ago, by that Gentleman, without his mentioning for whom the dupli[c]ates were intended. taking it for granted however that they were meant to be presented to the Agricultural Society of this City, and understanding that you are Vice-President thereof—I take the liberty of committing them to your care for the use of the said Society.
          I also send for the information, and such other uses as the Society may think proper to make of it Maunsell’s experimts on the culture of Potatoes from the shoots. With very great esteem & regd I am—Dr Sir yrs &c. &ca


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 13 April 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

            Sir,
            Philadelphia 13 Ap⟨ril 1795⟩

          It would be eq⟨ua⟩lly imp⟨roper⟩ (on acct of the expence, & other incon⟨venien⟩ces which would attend the measu⟨re) to⟩ continue the militia army in the wes⟨tern⟩ counties in this state, longer ⟨in service⟩ than the nat⟨ur⟩e & exigency ⟨of the case may⟩ require; or, under the reports wh⟨ich pre⟩vail of threatnings ag⟨ainst the Collectors,⟩ & other indications of latent disco⟨ntent,⟩ to disband it before a full submiss⟨ion⟩ to the revenue laws is ⟨unequivocally mani⟩fested. Under this ⟨view of the subject⟩ it would Seem most adviseable ⟨& proper,⟩ to reduce the force there by degrees; ⟨& to⟩ begin this without delay—acc⟨ompanying⟩ it with your best ⟨endeavou⟩rs ⟨to discover,⟩ the real temper, and true sta⟨te of things⟩ in that quarter, that it may be ⟨know[n] when⟩ the whole may be disbanded with safety & propriety. Conformably to these ⟨ideas,⟩ I would have you act.

            Go: Washi⟨ngton⟩


Title: From Timothy Pickering to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 13 April 1795
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Dandridge, Bartholomew Jr.

            War Office Monday 1 o’clock April 13. 1795.

          The Secretary has this moment received Mr Dandridge’s note of this morning, enquiring whether the Secretary had come to any resolution on Govr Mifflin’s letters &c. The answer is in the negative.
          The Secy received that letter &c. last Saturday evening; and to expedite the departure of Capt. DeButts, was yesterday engaged in draughting the form of a long treaty to aid General Wayne in his negociations with the Western Indians; on which draught he was consulting the Secy of State when Mr Dandridge’s note of this day was sent to the War-Office.
          As Mr Dandridge signified it to be the President’s desire that the Secretary of War would report on Govr Mifflin’s letter &c. “after having given them due consideration;” and the President proposed to leave Philadelphia early this morning, the Secy of War did not suppose that a report would be expected by the President before his departure. The Secy regrets that he should have misconceived the matter: at the same time that he doubts whether a satisfactory arrangement, on which the President could decide, were practicable to have been formed without a conference with the Governor; & consequently not within the period to elapse before the Presidents departure. That arrangement can be proposed & submitted to the President & his answer be received in full time for the object to be executed.

            T. Pickering


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 15 April 1795
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Philadelphia April 15. 1795.

          The mail from New-York yesterday brought me a letter from Mr Pinckney, dated the second of february. He speaks of the extraordinary severity of the winter, and the prevalence of the most uncommon high winds from the North East; so that for a considerable time no vessels had arrived from America in England, and none had been able to go out. He says, that the last date received from me was on the 13th of November. His commission for Madrid was sent on the 2d of december, and a duplicate on the 13th of december. Consequently he was still in London on the 2d of february. He does not mention the trip to Madrid in this letter at all; nor has he ever mentioned it, except by generally acknowledging the receipt of the letter, which first intimated it to him, and adding that it would be attended to, or something of that import.
          Mr Jay was then in London; and Mr Pinckney is silent as to his (Mr Jay’s) departure; but he says, that he finds little difficulty in relieving our seamen, who are impressed into the British Service.
          General Schuyler told Mr Wolcott, that Mr Varick was every way qualified; but that he certainly would not come; that Mr Laurance had not sufficient activity, and Mr Troup was not adapted to the office. We are looking out again to the Eastward; but it is possible, that in Baltimore you may hear of some fit man, and thus be able to furnish a check to the principal in the department from a different quarter of the Union.
          The newspapers undertake to say, that the Active, which has arrived at New-York from Liverpool, brings dispatches to the President from Mr Jay. There is no reason to believe this; as Mr Pinckney’s letter came by that vessel, and was sent in the mail of yesterday. I have the honor to be Sir with an affectionate attachment and the highest respect yr mo. ob. serv.

            Edm: Randolph


Title: From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 17 April 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Randolph, Edmund

          Letter not found: to Edmund Randolph, 17 April 1795. On 20 April, Randolph wrote GW: “On saturday I was honored by your letter from Baltimore of the 17th instant.”


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 17 April 1795
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Philadelphia April 17. 1795.

          I am afraid, that there was some mistake in the newspapers, sent by Mrs Washington the day before yesterday, by omitting those of wednesday, and inclosing the morning prints of tuesday. I shall direct this to be rectified by the present mail.
          Major Butler, of South Carolina, and Mr Paine, of Vermont, yesterday acknowledged the summons to the senate, and say, that they shall obey it. Of Read, Bloodworth, & Mason, I have heard nothing.
          Mr Goodhue writes me, that the people in salem are highly exasperated against the New depredations of the British, and begs to know, whether the executive have taken any measures in the business. I shall inform him, that the steps, which he

suggests, have been adopted; and shall send him the copy of a circular letter, written to the governors, which I have now the honor of inclosing to you. It is founded upon a particular letter to the governor of Virginia, which Messrs Pickering and Bradford approved.
          In Brown’s paper of last night is a letter from one Codwise, under the New-York head; which looks, as if Mr Jay was not sparing in his communications of the treaty.
          This day has begun with the firing of seven cannon; and the flags of America, France and Holland are flying on Oellers’s hotel. I have heard no mention made of the invitation.
          Colo. Burr is here; and as soon as he came to town yesterday, he left his card at my house. Taking the visit on the ground of civility or business, I held it proper to invite him to dinner today; and I was surprized to find, that he did not intend to dine at the hotel. We shall be a small party; and probably I may see the direction of his present politics. I have the honor to be, Sir, with an affectionate attachment and highest respect yr mo. ob. serv.

            Edm: Randolph


Title: From George Washington to Martha Washington, c.17 April 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Martha

          Letter not found: to Martha Washington, c.17 April 1795. On 20 April, Randolph wrote GW that on the previous Saturday he had received GW’s letter of 17 April “together with the one inclosed for Mrs Washington, which I immediately sent to her.”


Title: From George Washington to Edward Carrington, 20 April 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Carrington, Edward

            (Private)
            Dear Sir,
            Mount Vernon 20th Aprl 1795

          Although I have little reason to hope that, the offer I am going to make you will meet your approbation; yet, from full conviction in my mind, that no one could, or would discharge so important a trust with more energy and propriety than yourself, I am induced to make it. It is of the highest consequence to this Union, and to the Southern States in particular, that the public buildings in the federal city (intended for the accomodation of Congress after the year 1800) and the other interests of that establishment should be pushed with vigor. The execution of this business is entrusted by law to three Commissioners, under the direction of the President of the United [States]. The present Commn is composed of Messrs Danl Carroll, Gustavus Scott & Doctr Thornton. The first of whom from age, & infirmities, wishes to withdraw; to fill his place with an energetic successor is not only very interesting to the public & difficult, but is also of much solicitude with me; & not being able to contemplate a character who possesses such peculiar qualities for this office as you do, I am induced (notwithstanding your declining lately to accept another appointment & you must excuse me therefor) to make you the offer of it: among other reasons but of a secondary nature because, if you should refuse, to accept, I shall have the satisfaction of knowing that nothing, on my part, has been omitted to obtain a fit character.
          On the score of Salary, the Offic⟨e⟩ of a Commissioner of the federal city, is not equal—being annually sixteen hundred doll⟨s⟩. only—to the one I have attended to—but it is not an office requiring the same confinement—& perhaps, when compared with the ex⟨pense⟩ of living in Philadelphia, & being nea⟨r⟩er

to your own estate (which in your form⟨er⟩ letter you observed required your attention) may have advantages wch the other did not possess.
          I came to this place la⟨st⟩ night, to take a transient view of the situation ⟨of⟩ my private concerns in this quarter & my present intention is to leave it again on my return to Philadelphia on Mo⟨n⟩day next; by the Post wch arrives in Alexand⟨ria⟩ on that d⟨ay,⟩ it would be satisfactory to me, sooner I presume it cannt ⟨be,⟩ to hear f⟨rom⟩ you on the subject of this letter if it be con⟨venient⟩ to give one. I am—Dear Sir, &ca &ca

            G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 20 April 1795
From: Commissioners for the District of Columbia
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            George Town [D.C.] [20] April 1795

          It being our earnest wish that every means of just information should be furnished to form a proper Opinion on Mr Johnsons claim under the Contract entered into by the late Board with

Morris & Greenleaf; we beg leave to forward to you in addition to the Statement handed in by Dr Thornton—the Contract with Greenleaf (see page 3rd marked with double Lines) The State of the Case and opinion of the Attorney General The extraordinary Entries of Jany the 9th Stated by Mr Johnson in his Bill in Chancery The official Letters written to Mr Johnson and to Mr Cranch on the first application of Mr Forrest to purchase a part of the property in Question & Mr Johnsons Bill filed against the Commissioners.
          These are all the papers which appear to us to be necessary, and which being so numerous, we meant not to obtrude on the few leisure moments you have to spare, had not the subject been introduced by others. Whatever complaints we had of Mr Johnsons conduct and of the difficulties it had occasioned; it was our fixed determination to leave the decision of the question between us to that tribunal to which he has appealed: the Decision of which in favor of the City we have little Doubt. The measure now adopted by us is of necessity not choice. If we do not defend our own official Acts from unjust impressions, it is difficult to calculate into what Dilemmas we may be thrown. If once the public are induced to suspect our Integrity, what must be our situation, and how wretched the execution of the Trust delegated to us!
          The Statement of facts signed by Us, was drawn up and filed in the Office immediately after Mr Johnson’s claim and his threats of a bill in Chancery were made known with a view while facts were well remembered, to meet his false allegations in a Court of Equity; where our answer was of course to be on Oath. The Entries of Jany 9th made in an old discarded Minute Book, in our absence, and in direct Contradiction to the declared Opinion of the Board publicly given in the presence of Mr Johnson having been found inadequate to the purposes intended; every possible means have been since used to induce us to expunge them: so that this pretended Claim might rest solely on the Construction of Morris & Greenleaf’s Contract⟨.⟩ This we have refused because, Mr Forrest a fair purchaser for a full consideration has an immediate interest in every public Document which concerns the title of that Square; and because we think those Entries will give such a complexion to this business in a Court of Equity as

to be alone a sufficient bar to a recovery: it being a first principle there that those who seek Equity must come into that Court with clean Hands and must first do Equity.
          The Sale having been made to Colo. Forrest before an actual division had been made of the Square; has been much urged by Mr Johnson against the Commissioners. A Short review of that part of the Case will evince that no equitable Ground of complaint against the Board can arise on that score. Had the public part of that Square been permitted by Mr Johnson to remain on the footing it did before he procured a Deed from Mr Peter the Board could at any time have compelled a Division; and the public’s half of that Square might have been sold for the purposes of raising a Revenue. It was thought proper for reasons not very difficult to divine to place the legal Estate of the whole of that Square in the Commissioners. Shall Mr Johnson then in a Court of Equity complain of an Act naturally resulting as a necessary Consequence from his own Conduct; and which Conduct must be accounted for upon Oath. No Court of Equity we conceive can countenance such measures. Mr Johnson well knows that a flat negative had been given to his claim, and the Deed from Mr Peter could be intended for no other purposes but to lock up the property in Question and take the chance of Events. It is difficult to account for the bringing forward this Deed under the very peculiar Circumstances mentioned in our Statement upon any other principles especially when it is remembered that Greenleafs claim of water property on Rock Creek was determined by the unanimous voice of the Board to be inadmissible as appears by their Letter to Mr Cranch, and by Mr Carrolls frequent Declarations, that he is Confident that a majority of the Board never meant to admit Mr Johnson’s claim.
          Mr Carroll seems when this letter to Cranch was written to have been clearly of opinion that the Lots in question were not included in Greenleafs Contract. Fully impressed with the fatal consequences which must flow from explaining or contradicting the most solemn written Contracts by the recollection of the parties, we made the admissibility of such evidence a part of the Case for the opinion of the Attorney General: his answer is inclosed. Without the aid of legal information, every man of tolerable experience must see that if the most Solemn Contracts were to be explained and construed by the fleeting memory of Witnesses, that

one of the surest foundations of every species of property would be destroyed. We believe that the Municiple Laws of no Civilized Country whatever has countenanced a Rule of evidence so absurd. And that the first adoption of it has been left for a ci-devant Chief Justice of Maryland to raise to himself a Revenue of 9d. at the loss of a noble to the revenues of the City of Washington.
          It is remarkable that notwithstanding the repeated endeavors to induce us to obliterate the entries of Jany 9th that Mr Johnson in his Bill in Chancery charges as a fact “that the Commissioners had agreed to make him a Title to the Square in question whenever so many Lots as are contained in it should be due to Morris and Greenleaf on their Contract.” Not contented with charging us in his labored private Correspondence, some times addressed to us in our private Characters without even the colour of public business with partiality, knavery, and utter ignorance, the technical language of the Law is Studiously avoided, to introduce the vilest abuse in his Bill in Chancery. And we stand publicly charged on the roles of the high Court of Chancery with evading a Contract Solemnly entered into with him; and with a design to defraud him. In public or in private life we trust we have hitherto been marked with no stain, and it would be too much to suppose we can set down contented under the Load of crimes thrown upon us by Mr Johnson. Official Duty alone led to the measures which have been adopted. However disagreeable the Consequences, a rigid perseverance in those measures appear to us upon every ground to be necessary. We are utterly at a loss to suggest a principle either in Law or Equity on which this pretended claim can be Sustained. Whatever favorable impressions of Mr Johnson we brought with us into Office, Candor requires us to say, he has entirely done away: but Resentment forms no part of the motives to our public Conduct, and we trust never will. Mr Johnson received from us every mark of Politeness and Attention. And we know of no cause of complaint against us except that the Board would not sell to another however liberal the price, without first making an offer to him, at the very moment he was slandering our title and preventing a sale to others. The pursuit of his pretended Claim in a regular train of Judicial enquiry we presumed not to censure; tho’ we vainly hoped that the small Interest he had at stake would not have proved a motive Sufficient to stir a question which eventually might strike so deeply at the

Revenues of the City: not indeed for his benefit, but of those who had already fattened too much on its Ruins. Personal abuse and Invective formed no necessary part of an Investigation of Right. We neither in the first instance excited such Conduct, nor led to a continuance of it by Answers. Such Letters as appeared to us to require official Replies were respectfully answered. Those distinguished by nothing but the purity of the Language and the keeness of the satire, are carefully preserved among the Archives of the City, for the benefit of learned posterity; and to be laid before the public when necessary.
          This Dispute with Mr Johnson, notwithstanding his constant endeavors to make it a personal one, still remains a mere question of Right. It’s importance to the Revenues of the City, entitled it to our best Consideration. We have given it the maturest Deliberation: and in every possible point of view we think the Claim neither just nor legal. The Attorney General and another weighty Law Authority have given very decided opinions against this claim upon the Construction of the Contract the only Grounds we then judged it prudent to bring forward; there remains however another very strong Ground on which this claim may be defeated; That is, that Morris and Greenleaf are according to their express stipulations entitled to no Conveyances until they comply with their part of the Contract. We are strongly justified in point of facts to say they have not complied with their Contract. There has hitherto been no just ground to bring forward an investigation of this subject and it is believed that the present dispute will be brought to a very happy Issue without it’s aid. It therefore has not been Stated to counsel or made a Subject of Discussion. Had no opinions been obtained we were certainly bound to act up to our own Impressions of what was proper & right. Miserable indeed would be the situation of those in public Office if compelled to act upon any other principle. It was too soon evident that the Board would not be unanimous in all their measures: but our public as well as private Characters naturally dictated to us to act up to our own Impressions of Justice; and we rely with Confidence on the well known wisdom of the executive to countenance our just proceedings.
          We yet see no reason to Abandon measures adopted on cool Deliberation; and supported by the most respectable Law Authorities until we do, it will be impossible for us to pursue a

different line of Conduct. Tho’ misrepresented, traduced and abused, we have hitherto been impelled by the interest of the City to forbear holding up to the public, the most indisputable evidence of the falsehood of these charges. There is however a certain point beyond which we must not be pressed. The Consciousness of acting right, and from the purest motives will always yield a solid satisfaction, but we owe to the public and to ourselves a justification of our Characters and Conduct.
          Impressed with the importance of this Subject and ardently desirous of retaining the good opinion of all virtuous men we have taken the liberty of laying before you all the papers relating to this Subject and we hold ourselves bound to answer for the truth of every allegation made by us. we can with perfect truth say that next to the approbation [of] our own minds, yours will ever yield us the most heart felt Satisfaction. We are with the highest Sentiments of regard and respect Sir &c.

            Gusts ScottWilliam Thornton


Title: From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 20 April 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Randolph, Edmund

          Letter not found: to Edmund Randolph, 20 April 1795. On 24 April, Randolph wrote GW: “I had the honor of receiving yesterday your favor of the 20th instant from Mount Vernon.”


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 20 April 1795
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Philadelphia April 20 1795

          On saturday I was honored by your letter from Baltimore of the 17th instant, together with the one inclosed for Mrs Washington, which I immediately sent to her.

          Since my letter of friday, a letter from Valiere, the French Consul at algiers, dated the 28th of december last, and addressed to Colo. Humphries, has come hither, with a request contained in the envelope, that the secretary of state would open it in his absence. I find, that he has prevailed upon the Dey to moderate his terms; and tho’ they are not specified, there is reason to conclude from the complexion of the letter, that the opportunity is extremely favorable. I shall dispatch duplicates to Colo. Humphries, in hopes that they may catch him, before he goes to France.
          Colo. Monroe has also written on the 1st of february; and it appears, that Mr Jay has of his own accord informed him in a second letter, that he will forward to him the heads of the treaty confidentially. Mr Monroe has sent a special messenger over to London for them; and tells Mr Jay, that nothing short of the whole treaty will enable him to speak as he wishes. I doubt, whether Mr Jay will give the whole; especially as he authorizes Mr Monroe to declare in the mean time, that the treaty does not weaken the engagements of the U.S. with France. I am pleased to see the word “engagements” thus used by Mr Jay; because it looks, as if the prohibition against the sale of prizes was not intended to be enforced during the present war—Colo. Monroe describes the situation of Holland, as being subject at present to the laws of conquest and I think it is a strong doubt in his mind, whether Holland will emerge as a separate state, or be in some manner or other consolidated with France. That all her shipping, and resources will be immediately turned against England seems to him incontestable.
          I have sent to Mr Pinckney or in his absence to his secretary a copy of my late correspondence with Mr Hammond, and shall to-day add another letter in answer to Mr Hammond’s conception, that we suffered a french fleet to remain at New-York in 1793, under the same circumstances with those of Admiral Murray. He is a most forgetful man, not to recollect, that my letters to him and the circular instruction to the governors are the same things in substance with his memorials of the 4th and 6th of September 1793; and that it was then known, that the French fleet did not come into our rivers, in order to take a station for cruising from thence, but merely for refuge, and remained inactive.

I shall endeavor to close our correspondence by my letter of today, that I may prosecute other business.
          Colo. Innes’s packet, which was sent from Washington courthouse, arrived the day before yesterday. By a letter from the governor of Kentucky to him, it is clear, that his mission has been accepted most cordially: and that it has had its full effect; as well proving its policy, as engaging the executive on the side of your measures. Shelby expresses himself in strains of high compliment to you for your exertions on the subject of the Mississippi. I am not sure, that Innes has not said too much in one respect; that is, when he speaks of the Spanish nation, and the conduct of their government towards us—He does not touch in this letter on other subjects.
          Mr Addison, of Washington in Pennsylvania, acknowledges the receipt of my letter, in terms of great civility; and adds, that he holds it to be right to declare, that he believes, that the army behaves well, and that the squadron of horse stationed near his town are unexceptionable in their conduct. I have the honor to be Sir with the most respectful and affectionate attachment yr mo. ob. serv.

            Edm: Randolph


Title: From George Washington to William Augustine Washington, 21 April 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, William Augustine

            My dear Sir,
            Mount Vernon 21st April 1795

          On the 16th instt, at Baltimore, I met your letter of the 10th; and the next day forwarded it to Mr Cabot, as the most certain mode of making your ideas known to Judge Philips; who seemed desirous of being made acquainted with your determination respecting your sons, as soon as the nature of the case would admit.
          Whether the information was conveyed in Judge Philipss letter to Mr Cabot (enclosed to you), or in an oral conversation between the latter and me, I am not now certain—but certain I am, that from one, or the other, I have understood that by the institution of the Andover Academy beyond a limited number of Students there cannot be any admitted. What this number is, I am not positive; but think the School is not to exceed Sixty five. I hint this, as there may be for I cannot say there is, a hazard of

there not being an opening for more than your own Sons, as the enquiries were confined to them. But there is another Academy at a place called Hingham, about the same distance, but in a different direction from Boston that Andover is, which is well spoken of; and might, if a disappointment should be met with at the former, be a succedaneum. For mere consideration, these matters are brought to view.
          I shall direct this letter to the particular care of the Postmaster in Fredericksburgh. It was not my intention to have put you to the expence of an Express from that place, to convey the last. I then thought, and still think, that a mail goes through Leeds; from whence a messenger would have cost little.
          Enclosed I send you a few letters of introduction to some acquaintances of mine, both in Boston & New York. I have not done this to the Governors thereof; but think it would be proper that you should pay both, the respect of calling upon them. To get introduced cannot be difficult with the letters that are enclosed. With affectionate regard I am ever Yours

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Lear & Co., 22 April 1795
From: Lear & Co.
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            G[e]orge Town [D.C.] 22nd April 1795

          We have the honor to enclose herein a manifest of twenty five hogsheads of Tobacco, shipped by us on board the Ship Alexandria for Liverpool—and an account of seven hogsheads shipped on board the Bark Peggy, Capt. Lunt, for Cowes and a market.
          In consequence of your request to our Mr Lear, to dispose of the above, he had concluded to let the Company have it, on the same terms that they had just purchased tobaccos of like Quality.
          By a letter from him of the 5th Inst. we are advised, that you incline to take the same on your own account, and receive hereafter whatever it may net in Europe.
          The twenty five hogsheads on board of the Alexandria, being an independent adventure, shall be accordingly determined.
          The seven hogsheads, by the Peggy, are among two hundred that we shipped in this Vessel—If You please, they shall remain to your Credit with us—and the amount paid as soon as the same becomes due—which, according to our other purchase on board the same Ship—at the same price, will be ⟨the⟩ 6th May. With the greatest respect We are Sir Your most obedient & very hble Servants

            Lear & Co.


Title: To George Washington from Giuseppe Ceracchi, 23 April 1795
From: Ceracchi, Giuseppe
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Philadelphia April 23—1795

          As soon I received your valuable Suscription for the National Monument I send it to those Gentilmen appointed to promote the plan, I imagined that under such Reputable Auspice might be forword it with success. but I was disappointed with astonishement when it was told me, that various causes actuating towgater produced invincible difficulties ageinst it, and your example in having suscribed could not remove.
          A general meeting however was heald at the City tavern which been attended but by few it was resolved that I should abbandon any hope of success.
          My feeling was certenlay hurted by this indicent behaviour, and gelous to not compromise Your Respectable Name any Longher, I thought my duty to withdrow your Suscription and consigned to the care of Mr Randolph again, as I did.
          I am the Innocent Victim of this intrigue, Time, Labour, and a considerable somme of money employed for this honourable object, are not all the evils which I soffers.
          My reputation Sir it is highly concerned in it, never will be belived in Europe that such a magnificent and honourable Project as been refused in America for want of feeling and generosity among the individuals, but it will arisen some disadvontagious

reflaction on my Caracter, therfore permitte me Sir to lay before your prudent judgement some reflactions.
          This unhappy experiment shows that Individuals will never support public objects with there one money Ancient and Moderne Nations have always left to Goverment the power to decide upon public Magnificiences. The intended Monument rappresenting the hi[s]tory of this Nation—it is certenlay a National Monument, therfor the Governement of the Unt. states ought to adopt it as an act competent with its dignity.
          By some [h]as been thought that it would be as well if a lottery was decreed by for that object.
          But in consideration of this unexpected disappointment it would be imprudent for me to make any longher Stay in this Country. My Familys interests have soffered ammesenly since this five year, and the example of ingratitude of those who have not ⟨scrupl⟩ed to play with my Candor in live to my charge allon the considerables losses, renders it indispensable for me to live this country without dalay.
          Before to effect this indispensible resolution I am indebted to reserve my self to Your advice principaly for a duty of respect on Your Eminent Caracter, and Station, as for any resurse which might arrise from your sound Judgment and Power in delucideting this businiss.
          That kindness Sir with which you was pleised to express your self in favour of my project and in the wellfare of my family it is an exitement which fires my sensibility for that Veneration with which all the world is electrickfid at the resound of your Name.
          I should be happy with the opportunity to show the effect of this sentiment. I am respectfully Sir You Most Obt and Most Humbl. Serv.

            Jos. Ceracchi


Title: To George Washington from Charles Morgan, 23 April 1795
From: Morgan, Charles
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Raccoon Creek [Pa.] April 23rd 1795

          I wrote to you last November that I had Receivd a power from you by the hand of Colo. Nevill to Collect your Rents in the Counties of Washington and Fayatte, also to Call on Colo. Cannon for a Statement of that Business; I also Informd you I had Spoke to Colo. Cannon on the Subject Who promis’d to furnish me With a proper Statement of the business in a few days, Which he has never yet done—Notwithstanding my Frequent Applications to him for that purpose—the last time I spoke to him which was a few days ago he Informd me his Ill state of h⟨ealth⟩ had prevented his making a Final settlement with the Tennants—I saw Colo. S[h]reve about Six weeks ago who Informd me he was Owing Somthing Considerable of Rent, but that Cannon Neglected to make a Settlement with him &c.
          The Tennants on Millers Run Tract are also in Arrears and are taking Into Cannons Mill in order to discharge their Rents; and Cannon Allows to keep the Wheat and pay the Cash for it—however if I had it in my hands I could have Sold it for Cash paid on the Rect of the Wheat—It is probable Colo. Cannon will be in Philadelphia before you Receive this letter as he has business In the Court which Commences the 4th of may Next—as the Leeses on the tract on Millers Run were all at an End this

present month, I have ventur’d to Incourage the Tennants to Remain on the plantations Subject to a Certain Rent provided the land is not Sold &c.
          If it had been in my power to do any business for the President which might have Recommended me to his favour I would venture to make so free as to Solicit a favour of his Excellency, which is to recommend me as a Surveyor in Some district over the Ohio in the United States land, or in the State of pennsylvania—I can give any Security that will be Necessary—I dayly see persons put in this business by no means addaquate to the task, by having able Friends to Reccomend them, which I have Never as yet been able to procure. Notwithstand[ing] my long practice in that business (as a deputy) both in Virginia and Pennsylvania. your Excellency will please to Excuse the liberty I have taken, and believe me to be your Excellencys most obedient Hbl Servant

            Charles Morgan

            N.B. I Receiv’ed your Excellencies letter dated January 17th 1795 in the post office the 24th this Instant—after this letter was wrote.


Title: To George Washington from Edward Carrington, 24 April 1795
From: Carrington, Edward
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Richmond [Va.] Apl 24. 1795.

          I have been honored with yours of the 20th Instant, and have too lively a sensibility to the terms in which you are pleased to request my services as a commissioner of the federal City, not to consult your perfect satisfaction in the reasons for my declining the Offer. They are of both a public & private nature. The business to which my present Office relates, has, from its first establishment, been under disadvantages from a defect of compensations to the Collectors, which rendered the execution unsatisfactory to myself, &, of course, to the public also. Certain propositions which I lately took the liberty to make, appear to have met with a very respectful consideration in the late Act

assigning compensations; and I hold myself bound, in regard to the public interest, as well as my own character, to put the business on an efficatious experiment, & to effect the desired purposes before I shall, on any consideration, depart from my task in it. From this view of my situation, & the impressions of my mind in regard to it, I am induced to believe you will be satisfied of the propriety of my declining the offer you are pleased to make me. Should you however be of opinion, that, until you can fill the appointment to your satisfaction, I can render any useful service as a temporary Commissioner, giving only such occasional attendance as will not further interfere with my present Office, than can be supplied by an agent or additional Clerk, it will give me pleasure to do so; for which no compensation will be desired, other than will cover the expences actually incurred.
          That you may have a full opportunity of ascertaining how far such an employment may be useful to the public, I will do myself the honor of waiting on you in person—this letter will arrive at Alexandria by the mail on monday next, as you have desired. I shall go by the same Stage, and, should you, on my arrival there, have gone on to the federal City, my route will be pursued by the next morning’s Stage to that place; should you not have passed, I shall remain in Alexandria for your arrival there. Should my trip be attended with nothing more than the pleasure of seeing & paying my respects to you, I shall experience no disappointment or regret: it is, however, very probable, that on a comparison of our ideas of characters within our knowledge, one may be brought to view suitable to your object. I have the Honor to be with the most respectful affection Dear Sir Your Obt St

            Ed. Carrington


Title: From George Washington to the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 24 April 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Commissioners for the District of Columbia

            Gentlemen,
            Mount Vernon 24th Aprl 1795

          Your letter of the 20th, with its enclosures, came duly to hand.
          The dispute between the Commissioners and Mr Johnson having got into a course of legal adjudication, it is unnecessary for me to express any sentiment thereon. I regret that it could not be settled without, because good rarely flow[s] from disputes—evil often.
          I expect to be in Georgetown on my return to Philadelphia on Monday next—but at what hour I am unable, at this moment, to fix. With esteem I am, Gentlemen, Your Obedt Hble Servant

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Tristram Dalton, 24 April 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Dalton, Tristram

            Dear Sir,
            Mount Vernon 24th April 1795

          I have been favored with your letter of the 22d instt. Previous to the receipt of which, I had written to a gentleman of this state, (at a distance from hence) to know if he would accept the trust of being a Commissioner of the federal city. No answer has yet been received from him.
          Part of the district of Columbia being on the Virginia side of the Potomack, and the State having contributed towards the expence of the public buildings, gives it as equitable pretension to furnish a character therefrom—and on this principle I have proceeded. With esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Yr Obedt Hble Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 24 April 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Randolph, Edmund

          Letter not found: to Edmund Randolph, 24 April 1795. A letter from Randolph to GW dated 29 April refers to “your favor of the 24th instant.”


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 24 April 1795
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Philadelphia April 24. 1795.

          I had the honor of receiving yesterday your favor of the 20th instant from Mount Vernon.
          A letter from Mr Jay, dated the 7th of January, and received yesterday from the Eastward, recommends the postponing of Mr Pinckney’s trip, until the treaty with G. Britain shall be ratified. I presume it is too late to give such an instruction, even it were adviseable; and Mr Jay probably calculated upon an earlier decision on the treaty, than will in fact take place. I own, that from Mr Short’s communications, Mr Jay’s ideas appear to be well founded. But to arrest Mr Pinckney’s progress for the reason, given by Mr Jay, would be interpreted into a stratagem for obtaining the votes of those, who are interested in the Mississippi, for the ratification of the treaty. Without doubt Mr Pinckney, whose intercourse with Mr Jay has been unreserved, is impressed with his sentiments; and will probably find an occasion of keeping off the business, until it be ripened by the ratification. Indeed the delays of the Spanish court and the communications with Mr Short will consume some time, before the negotiation commences seriously.
          Mr Jay only forwards his instructions to Mr Bayard; the

appointment of whom is highly pleasing to him and Lord Grenville. He says, that he shall return in the spring; and a New-York paper quotes one of his letters, advising his correspondent not to write to him after the first of march.
          I am informed, that Mr Van Berckel declared to a gentleman, that he wished to do some act, which should oblige the present powers of Holland to displace him; and that this was the reason of his removing Heineken the Dutch Consul. Mr Van Berckel has answered the letter, (a copy of which I had the honor of inclosing to you in my last) with no small share of disappointment, visibly marked. I shall repeat to him this morning, that my original purpose to wait for your instructions is unalterable.
          Mr Hammond in answer to my last letter states, as usual, that he will forward the correspondence between us to the British Ministry. I have the honor to be sir with the most respectful and affectionate attachment yr mo. ob. serv.

            Edm: Randolph


Title: From George Washington to John Gill, 26 April 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Gill, John

            Sir,
            Mount Vernon 26th April 1795

          Our conversation of yesterday, has been the Subject of consideration with me. What follows is the result of it.
          I repeat now, what I said to you then; viz.—that renting the lands does not in the first place promote my Views—And in the second the measure may eventually be liable to serious disadvantages; for which reason, it would be much more agreeable to me to alienate the property altogether, and this I would do to You, upon the same terms I offered Mr Bailey, namely £900 down, and £900 more on a credi[t] to be agreed on, with interest regularly paid when it becomes due, in a manner also to be fixed.
          If this is incompatable with your Views, and renting only will answer them—at least for a time—I will tho’ reluctantly, agree to the following terms. namely, to receive £130 ⅌ Ann.; to cease on the payment of £2,000 in Specie or Current money equal thereto, at the time of payment which latter shall be done in ten Years, from the date of the agreement. And not only the land, but unexceptionable personal Security shall be given for performance of the Annual payment & the sum of £2000 within the time above mentioned; And moreover that if the Annual Sum of £130 shall not be paid within [  ] days after it becomes due it shall be optional in me to reenter, and take possession of the land, as if no agreement for it had ever taken place, And the full

sum due thereon, arising from the afore mentioned rent to be paid not withstanding.
          As there may appear something irreconcileable in these different propositions, an explanation, may be necessary; And thus I give it—£1800 one half or more to be paid down & the remainder in a short time, would enable me to apply the money to more profitable uses; than would result from the pos[t]poned payment of £2000 at the end of ten Years. And being assured by very good judges that I need not doubt getting five guineas an Acre for it in a very little time (which at the U.S. interest of 6 ⅌Ct would amount to £126 pr Ann.) £130 yearly rent untill the £2000 is paid, would hardly be an equivalent.
          If you incline to take the Land on either of these proposals the bargain may be closed, & writings drawn. If neither is acceeded to now, I shall hold myself free at any time Here after. I am Sir yr Hble Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Daniel Morgan, 26 April 1795
From: Morgan, Daniel
To: Washington, George

            Duplicate
            Sir,
            Camp McFarlin’s ferry [Pa.] Apl 26th 1795

          I have ever been tenacious as to recommendations and never ventured to pronounce possitively in favor of any one untill I had a fair oppertunity of Judging of their merits and qualities requisite to form the Character Contemplated. The favourable impressions I have imbibed from the Conduct of Capt. Archd Cary Randolph from Virga during the late Expedition against the Insurgents in this Country & his continuance as Commandant of the three Troops of Cavalry left under my command in the present six months Service, Induces me to mention him to you in A particular manner his disposition for a Military life added to the Valuable properties which Nature has bountifully bestowed on him in point of Talents, and a Willingness to execute the Most hazardous Enterprizes to gather with that Complacency of deportment which will ever indear him to the Army intitles him in my mind to the first post of any young man of his Experience I ever had the pleasure of being Acquainted with; I am well aware of the present situation of the Establishd Army and of the impropriety of making new appointments over those already in Command and of your Excellencys unwillingness to injure the feelings of any officer, but If a Legionary Partisan Corps should be Judged necessary to be formed, I think he would fill such place with the highest honor to himself and Advantage to his Country.
          There’s another young Gentn from the State of New Jersey now commanding a Troop of Cavalry in this Army who also expresses a great wish for Military Service, he is a man of Liberal education and possesses considerable Talents for the Army, should any promotion present itself either now or at any future period suited to the merits of those Gentlemen, I should feel a

sensible gratification by there meeting your Approbation. I have the Honr to be sir With Esteem Yr Most Obt Servt

            Danl Morgan


Title: From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 26 April 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Randolph, Edmund

            Sir
            Mount Vernon April 26th 1795

          Your letter of the 22d instt I received yesterday morning. I still think of commencing my journey for Philadelpa at the time, & in the manner mentioned to you in my last; but if the weather or any thing else should occur to prevent it, you shall be informed thereof in a P.S. to this letter before it is sent to the Post Off[ic]e.
          The request of the Dutch Resident is embarrassing and means more, I am persuaded, than is expressed. For this reason, I would not only have all further acting upon it suspended until my return to the Seat of Government, but it is my desire moreover, that you, and the Gentlemen who are usually consulted on these occasions, would give the subject the most serious consideration & be prepared to submit your opinions thereon in writg to me upon my arrival.
          We have every reason (short of official testimony) to conclude that the government of the United Netherlands has undergone a revolution; to comply then, with the request of Mr Van Berckel might have an unpleasant appearance both here, and elsewhere and not to do it, as no change has been announced in diplomatic form, would I conceive be a departure from the usual and established course of proceeding in like cases. In a word, it seems to have placed the Executive between Silla & caribdas— much, however, I presume, will depend upon the Consul’s Commission & the specific powers of the Resident if the right of suspension is not clearly established by usage, or the Law of Nations. From our Minister in Holland or from Mr Monroe at Paris we surely may look for official information of the events in that Ctry every

moment the receipt of which might remove the present all difficulty. I am &ca

            G. W——n


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 26 April 1795
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Philadelphia April 26. 1795.

          I have the honor to acknowledge your favor of the 21st instant. It shall be properly attended to.
          Yesterday brought me from New-York a flood of letters from Europe. Mr Jay’s letters are of the 31. Jany—2d feby—5th feby—6. feby—and 22d feby—They mention the letters from me, containing observations upon the two projets; and that he shall write by the Philadelphia Ships fully in answer. He thinks he can solve all difficulties. He has sent Trumbull over to France to give Colo. Monroe the nature of the treaty orally and in confidence—Mr Jay thinks, that Mr Pinckney had better postpone his journey to Madrid, and have a superintendance of the capture-cases—The other parts of his letter’s relate only to Bayard’s mission; and he says nothing of his own return.

          Mr Pinckney writes on the 23d of feby, acknowledging the receipt of all his documents for Spain; but thinks that he had better wait to the End of this month, that he may carry with him a ratification of the treaty.
          Mr Adams writes on the 8. and 26. decr—12[–13]. 19[–20]. 22. 24. 28. & 29. Jany and 12. feb; from whence it appears, that the revolution is complete in four of the provinces, and progresses without controul in the rest. At present the prospect is, that Holland will become a Sovereign and independent nation allied to France. What a defect of foresight I should have shewn, if I had not parry’d Mr Van Berckel’s insidious application. He is in a very ill humour. Mr Governeur Morris, on the 2d of Jany from Hamburgh, descants briefly on what Robespierre might have done; but gives no intelligence.
          I have written a letter to meet Mr Jay immediately on his arrival; that no time may be lost in obtaining a personal communication. I have the honor to be Sir with the most respectful and affectionate attachment yr mo. ob. serv.

            Edm: Randolph


Title: From George Washington to James Craik, 27 April 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Craik, James

            Fedl City 27th April 1795

          I would thank you, my Dear Doctor, for your candid opinion of the writer of the enclosed letter. I mean as to his credit, & capability of fulfilling the terms which he therein accedes to, for my land on D: Run.
          He talks largely of making money; but that does not contribute much if any thing to establish him as a man of property, or credit in my estimn—whilst it may be apprehended if he is [not] a man of principle he might strip the land of the timber & wood, (being near the Iron works of Wilson & Potts at the Great falls) and then, should he prove insolvent and unable to pay the sum of £2000 within the term limited, leave me to re-enter upon the naked premises as the only resource; as he does not propose to erect any buildings thereon.
          Be so good as to let me hear from you by the first Post after this gets to your hands, & you are able either from your own knowledge, or the information of others to speak with a degree of precision to the point in question—return his letter to me—Any opinion you may give will go no further—I am always & sincerely Yours

            G.W.


Title: To George Washington from John Gill, 27 April 1795
From: Gill, John
To: Washington, George

            Sir!
            Geo. Town [D.C.] 27th April 1795

          Your favor of yesterday is recd. I am much obliged for the enclosed plan, it answers what I had wished for some Time, Notwithstanding the very high rent you have fixed on your Land yet if this Security will Answer—vist. The Land, having it at your option to reenter & take possession if the rent is not regularly paid, my own Bond for what sum you please as a further collateral security I agree to take it, at £130 ⅌ Annum (supposing there are 300 Acres or for whatever there is less in the same Proportion) to cease on the payment of £2000 specie which latter shall be done in Ten Years—Should further personal Security be wanted, I must decline having anything to say to it—because I cannot place myself under an obligation to a friend, when the Consideration I do it for is out of my reach.
          By the Plan you have given me I observe you make the Creek of Difficult your Boundary, by my Plan & Deed which I have recd from Dr Dick, my line which joins you is to the Westward of the Creek, one of them must err, I should be glad we could have it ascertained I have my map & Deed with me, you I dare say have yours & if you have 5 minutes leisure, we will if you please compare them, I am Sir Yr Mt Obedt servt

            John Gill


Title: To George Washington from Mary Gomain Hallet, 27 April 1795
From: Hallet, Mary Gomain
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            [27 April 1795]

          When Every one rejoice at your coming to this place let me partake of the public joy and hope that it will put a period to my distressing Situation; let me for one moment draw your

attention from public to private affairs and pray listen favourably to a wife pleading her husband’s cause while mr hallet waits in silent expectation for a Slow determinatio⟨n.⟩ while he is Suffering by these protracted delais I, the partaker of his pains, will call for justice; I will Endeavour to hasten it by bespeaking your interest and I have this Confidence that I Shall not be disapointed that you will not be deaf to the voice of a woman and this child united to ask upon you the favour of heaven.

            Mary G. hallet


Title: To George Washington from Mary Gomain Hallet, c.27 April 1795
From: Hallet, Mary Gomain
To: Washington, George

            To the President of the united States.
            [c.27 April 1795]

          you are not a Stranger to M. Hallet’s name and affairs. I need not to recall any particulars of whatever relate to the Capitol, you cannot but remember that my husband’s plan has been preferred to all others, that the foundations were laid after that plan and under his direction The utmost of his ambition was to Superinte[n]d the execution of his performance, a reasonable ambition indeed, but he was disapointed and no prospect of Suceeding in that has been left to him.
          I will not then request that he be replaced at the head of that

interresting business. I could indeed plead that his plan having been adopted, nobody can as well as he understand, its ensemble and Distributions; nobody may have the Same reasons for a careful watch over the execution even of the minutest parts. I could Speak of the public advantage; for no man of any genius will take the charge of directing this immense building at So moderate terms as my husband would have done. I could represent his ability and in Spite of all the envenomed insinuations of envy, make every one Sensible how absurd it would be to Suppose that in Paris, in the Center of good taste, of liberal arts, a man could be examined and admitted to the rank of an architect, nay established as a Judge over the performances of other architects, without being an architect himself. I might represent that he must have a perfect knowledge of architecture, who could alone point out the deficiency of the rewarded plan, and Shew how much it was exceptionable in the true principles of architecture—but to what purpose? welcome would be, indeed, the determination that would establish my husband’s fortune and fame on a Surer ground than they have been hitherto; but if the doom be pronounced; he must Submit. he Shall give up all claims to the executing of his plan; and think himself happy If he be reinstated in the Situation he was in, previous to this affair, and if the debts he has contracted on that account be intirely discharged that he cannot be denyed; that we claim as a right, that we have Sued for in vain these two or three months past.
          I intend not to gain your interrest, Sir, unless I have made out the Justice of my cause, when I have made you Sensible of the Justice of my claim, Shall your heart remain unconcerned and feel nothing of the misfortune of a whole family, intirely depending on M. Hallet’s labours. will you refuse your interrest which could bring to a Speedy end our torturing uncertainty. Shall a wife and two Children complain in vain? no you have a heart!
          M. Hallet’s Circumstances in Philadelphia were comfortable, were even agreable. his abilities had given him Some renown. he had a constant occupation, and could maintain his family. no debt would throw him behind hand, or disturb his quiet. Such was our Situation; when my husband began to think of the Capitol and when he was So unlucky as to furnish the most suitable plan for that magnificent building. his expectation was, that expectation too Seemed well grounded, of enjoying a Solid, lasting

and comfortable maintenance and of binding his name with the name and rising glory of America, a noble ambition indeed. but how fatal to himself and to his family!
          I will not Speack of the hardships we have Suffered, my heart Shrinks Still at the remembrance of three Children tore out of my breast by death here, in this very Spot—why Should I revive all my pains? I will Speak only of our debts. these debts were not the deserved consequence of indulged pleasure, or of proud ostentation. no they were the bitter seasoning of privations of every Kind, nor are they to be wondered at.
          M. Hallet’s travels from and to Philadelphia at the request of the Commissionners, the removing of his family, a considerable loss in the Sale of Such of his furnitures as could not be carried to So great a distance threw him behind hand.
          it had been promised that these extraordinary expenses would be Sustained by The public—but how where They defrayed? a mock-prize of ⟨3⟩50 dls. was decreed; a compensation of 250 dls was granted; both which Sums were carried on M. Hallet’s accounts with the Commissionners as part of an allowance of 400 pounds for his Services from the begining of august 1792, to the end of June 1793. These are the first and chief causes of our running into debts.
          The exhorbitant price of any kind of provision in this retired place: a heavier rent for a house in the woods, than we Should have paid in Philadelphia for a more decent and more comfortable one, have absorbed our moderate income; and will account for the rest of our debts. who can rise and object that mismanagement, pleasures or ostentation in the midst of the woods, far from all Societies have brought us to this Cruel Situation!
          if there was no fault of ours in running into debts, if we have indeed Considerably Suffered by leaving a place the most convenient for any man of taste and ingenuity: and yet if no Steps were taken but at the express invitation of the Commissionners, does not Justice, Since we have been disapointed, loudly call for a compensation adequate to the loss Sustained; does not equity require that our debts here be discharged and that our family be conveyed again to Philadelphia.
          you never knew the Horror of misfortune, but you are not ignorant that worth does not always meet with its deserved reward. you may feel for other’s distress. Represent to your Self

the keen anxieties of your respectable consort, if driven from your native Country, reduced to your own personal resources you were Still a devoted victim to an unrelented persecution. Such are the pangs of my heart; and your interest may put an end to them all, for who will oppose a good cause protected by general Washington.

            Gomain hallet


Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 27 April 1795
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

            Portsmouth, N.H. April 27th 1795

          Once more, my dear Sir, I have taken the liberty to intrude upon you in this way, trusting that your goodness will not take it amiss.
          I propose setting out on my journey homewards in a few days; but it will probably be about the middle of may before I reach the Potomac, as I shall have occasion to make several stops on the Road. My business, as well as inclination, has led me to mix much with various descriptions of people in this part of the Union, and I have heard their opinions and wishes on political subjects with perhaps less Reserve on their part than was formerly the case; and when I have the happiness to meet you I shall freely communicate such things as I have learnt touching our general concerns, and which I know you love to hear without disguise.
          Should this meet you in Philadelphia I pray that my best respects & most grateful remembrances may be made acceptable to your good Mrs Washington. With sentiments of the purest respect and most sincere attachment, I have the honor to be My dear Sir, Your affectionate & devoted friend & servant

            Tobias Lear


Title: To George Washington from Stanislas II Augustus, 27 April 1795
From: Stanislas II Augustus
To: Washington, George

            Grodno ce 27 avril 1795.
            Monsieur le Président des Etats Unis de l’Amerique!

          Votre conduite en guerre et en paix, M’a inspiré depuis longtems le désir de Vous marquer la haute estime que Je Vous porte. Je ne puis trouver une personne plus propre à Vous transmettre le témoignage de Mes sentimens à Votre égard, que Mr Louis Littlepage.
          Il Vous admire, par ce que Vous le meritez, et il Vous aime, parceque Vous lui avez marqué personnellement de la bienveillance. Je souhaite beaucoup, et Je Vous prie de la lui marquer d’autant plus, quand il ira dans sa patrie pour Lui vouer tous les talens, que la nature et l’experience lui ont donnés.
          Il connoit les personnes et les Cours de presque tous les Princes de l’Europe, et par les voyages qu’il a faits, et par les commissions que Je lui ai données, et dont il s’est acquitté toujours avec beaucoup d’intelligence et d’activité. Il s’est concilié l’estime de tous les Militaires avec les quels il a fait la guerre depuis Gibraltar jusqu’à Oczakow; et des gens de l’etât Civil, aux quels il a eu à faire; et ce n’est qu’avec le plus véritable regret, que Je le vois s’éloigner de Moi.
          Si la situation actuelle de la Pologne et la Mienne etoient moins malheureuse, Je n’y aurois jamais consenti.
          Mais puisqu’il pense à retourner en Amerique, Je desire vivement qu’il puisse y trouver un sort agréable et certain, et qui le mette à même d’employer toutes les qualités qu’il possede. Et Je l’espere, car Vous etes un bon Juge des hommes.
          Ainsi Je n’ajouterai ici qu’une priere en sa faveur, c’est qu’il puisse par Votre soutien, obtenir des Etâts Unis la permission, de jouir de la decoration de Mon Ordre de St Stanislas, que Je lui ai destinée à bien bon titre.
          Il Me sera doux qu’un Americain porte les marques de Mon estime et de Mon affection au milieu de ses Compatriotes au milieu de cette Nation, qui a sçu s’attirer déja cette opinion des

habitans de l’ancien Hemisphere, qu’Elle peut en beaucoup d’articles leur servir de leçon et de modèle. C’est bien sincerement que Je Me dis, Monsieur le President des Etâts Unis Votre bien affectionné.

            Stanislas Auguste Roy


Title: To George Washington from James Craik, 29 April 1795
From: Craik, James
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Alexandria [Va.] April 29th 1795

          In Answer to your favour of yesterday I have taken Some pains to inform myself of the Character of the Person alluded to in it—Colo. Hooe who has dealt with him to the Amount of at least Twenty thousand Pounds, says he has always found him Strictly honest and punctual in his dealings—What his property is I cannot say, but not many days ago in conversation with him I could discover that he and his Brother will enjoy a landed Estate in England, which he says at their Fathers death they intend to sell, which will bring them about ten thousand pounds cash. At present so far as I can understand he is an Agent for Some considerable people in England. He is concerned with them in upwards of Two hundred thousand Acres of Land here and is to have a certain proportion of them, which he has told me will be a very handsome thing to him—He has made Some considerable purchases lately for which he has already been offer’d very considerable proffit. He is a very industrious, frugal man and so far as I have been able to discover I believe him to be a man of Honor & Principle. And this seems to be his Character from others who are better acquainted with him than myself—How far he may be able to comply with the proposed engagement I cannot say but Colo. Hooe to Whom he had mentioned it Seems to think you cannot run any risk from the Security offered. But of this you are the best judge—He has an opinion that Lands will rise very considerably in ten years, which I Suppose is one reason why he is so anxious to purchase your Lands. and very probable he expects to meet with Purchasers for the two Mill Seats for he has told me he expects some people from England this Spring to settle in that Neighbourhood. And Some of those he expects are Millers—I wish it was in my power to give you more particular information, but my acquaintance with the Gentleman has been so distant that I have not been able to obtain better I hope you will excuse my not waiting on you before you left Mount Vernon, as I was so closely engaged with Some Small Children in the Small Pox—Please to present my Respe[c]tful Compts to Mrs Washington & family in which Mrs Craik joins me—And I am Dear Sir your afft & Devoted Sert

            Jas Craik


Title: To George Washington from William Gordon, 29 April 1795
From: Gordon, William
To: Washington, George

            ⟨St N⟩eots Huntingdonshire [England]Apr. 29. 1795.
            My Dear Sir

          Your ardent, persevering, & disinterested patriotism, from the commencement of the American difficulties; & through the various changes that have occurred, from your being chosen Augt 5. 1774 one of the Virginia delegates down to the present day; assure me, that you will approve of my good intentions to promote & perpetuate the welfare of the United States, though you should think me mistaken in the plan for procuring it.
          Upon reading over in Fenno’s Gazette of July 29th 1794 Dr Ramsay’s Oration delivered at Charleston on the 4th of the said month, I noticed particularly the following paragraph, “We should above all things, study to promote the union & harmony of the different States, Perish the man who wishes to divide us, into back country, or low country, into northern & southern, or into an eastern & western interest. Forming one empire we will be truly respectable, but divided into two, or more, we must become the sport of foreign nations, & peace will be for ever exiled from our borders. The unity & indivisibility of the republic is an essential part of the French Constitution; so it ought to be with us. We should consider the people of this country, from the Mississippi to the Atlantic, from New Hampshire to Georgia, as forming one whole, the interest of which should be preferred to that of every part. Even the prejudices, peculiarities, & local habits of the different States, should be respected & tenderly dealt with.”
          These sentiments were in perfect unison with those of my own heart. But from the very mention of back country or low country, of northern & southern, eastern & western interest, I was immediately alarmed with the apprehension, that such or similar distinctions had been used. And I began to turn over in my own thoughts, what method would be most likely to preserve for ages—The Union & Indivisibility of the United States, as forming One Whole, Empire. At length it occurred to me, that it was your

Excellency alone that could do it, & that the doing it was in your power, & would give as great a lustre, & even a greater to your patriotic character, than any preceding single act whatever. I mean your proposing—A new Article to the United States to be by them adopted into the Federal Constitution, similar in the main to what I mentioned in my letter to You, after hearing with great pleasure, that You had been rechosen to the Presidentship. Let it be proposed, that the President to be elected should be chosen for four years, by rotation from the several States, beginning with that whose numbers were the most when the last census was taken, from among the first old Thirteen States. After that, from the new added States, in the order they were received into the Union, or according to their numbers as these stood in the census made nearest to the commencing of the election from such new States. Such an article, by giving hopes to the settlers in the New States, that out of their posterity a future President may be placed at the head of the American Empire; & by honoring them with an equal prospect, as well as an equal right; will tie them so to the Old States; that they will not be liable to be seduced by the settlers beyond your American lines, the subjects of foreign powers, who will undoubtedly endeavour, in an underhand way, to promote dissatisfaction, & to draw them off from the Union, that so your prosperity may be hindered, & civil wars be introduced to stop your rapid advances, to the height of human governmental happiness. It will at the same time promote the spread of knowledge & literature among them; for it will fire their youth, from the earliest period, with an eager desire of procuring those qualifications, that shall fit them for making a figure in Congress, & gaining the respect of their fellow citizens, in the several States they do not represent, & thereby, if spared, & possible, the personal representation of all the States in the quality of President or Vice-President.
          My much respected & beloved Friend, don’t think me cruel in suggesting, that should this meet Your approbation—the above plan be adopted & ratified—& the nations of the earth be blessed with peace, before your presidentship is ended: & You should avow your determination to retire from the weight of public business, to the domestic happiness of private life, & that you may have more leisure to devote your attention to concerns of infinite importance—You will secure your character from

being risked by the failure of your mental powers, when further advanced in life. There are not quite three years difference between our ages. I am the elder; & perceive a great alteration, a vast one, in point of memory & my other faculties; & should certainly give up my public relative connexions, had I wherewith to live without my present salary.
          View this manuscript as the fruit of love to Yourself & the United States: however mistaken the sentiments contained in it may be.
          Mrs Gordon continues still to join me, in wishing your Excellency & your Lady, the best of divine blessings through the remainder of life, & an infinitely better life hereafter, through the merits of our Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ. I remain, my Dear Sir, Your most sincere & affectionate friend

            William Gordon


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 29 April 1795
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

          Letter not found: from William Pearce, 29 April 1795. On 4 May, GW wrote Pearce that he had “recd your letter of the 29th Ulto.”


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 29 April 1795
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Philadelphia April 29. 1795.

          It being probable from your favor of the 24th instant, that a letter, directed to Alexandria or George Town by this post, would be too late to meet you at either of those places; and rather doubtful, whether you will not have passed Baltimore before to-morrow evening; I do myself the honor of merely saying, that Mr Carmichael died on the 9th of february last: that Smith, a former prisoner at Algiers has arrived, with dispatches from thence: & that Mr Jay appears from the latest New-York papers, determined not to leave England, until after the Spring equinox. I have the honor to be sir with the most respectful and affectionate attachment yr mo. ob. serv.

            Edm: Randolph


Title: To George Washington from James Rennell, 29 April 1795
From: Rennell, James
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            London 29th April 1795

          I have long had the Ambition to offer You the Tribute of a Copy of my Work on the Indian Geography; but until I had the pleasure of knowing from Mr Jay, that such a Liberty might be allowed, I hesitated to take it. This Advantage, however, has attended the Delay, that the work has been improved by repeated Additions. Should it be deemed worthy of your Acceptance, I shall be highly gratified.
          No one, Sir, can be more conscious than myself of the Importance of Your Time; & therefore, even whilst I am intruding on it, I feel a Pang of self-condemnation: but Sir, Respect & Veneration for Your high Character, has so long occupied a Mind, which has ever been in pursuit of honest Fame; & which values itself on its Independance of Sentiment; that I cannot resist the opportunity of expressing that Homage, which Virtue, united with Talents, ever commands from the common Sense of Mankind.
          May Providence grant You length of Days, to promote the Comfort & Happiness of the Millions who have entrusted themselves to Your Councils & Guidance: and to enjoy that heartfelt Satisfaction which is the Reward of Conscious Integrity, and of useful Services. I am with Respect & Esteem Sir, Your most obdt Sert

            J: Rennell


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 3 May 1795
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

          Letter not found: from William Pearce, 3 May 1795. On 10 May, GW wrote Pearce: “Your letter of the 3d instt, with the Reports of the preeceding week, was received yesterday.”


Title: From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 3 May 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Randolph, Edmund

            Sir,
            Philadelphia 3d of May 1795

          I have given the correspondence between you and Mr Van Berckel respecting the suspension of the Dutch Consul Heineken, and the request to have ⟨his⟩ exequatur withdrawn, my consideration.
          The papers are returned, with a repetition of my desire, expressed to you yesterday⟨, that the au⟩thorities may be consulted ⟨illegible⟩ to ascertain how far usage & pract⟨ice of⟩ the law of nations, give controul to ministers in foreign countries over the consuls of their respective nations, particularly the power of suspending them in the exercise of their functions.
          On this ground, or on specific authority from the government of his Country, the Resident must have acted; or, he has acted without any. After examining into the first; and then the second, if the first does not support the proceeding, I shall therefore be better prepared to form my opinion of the measure than I am at present. In the meantime I request that the Attorney General’s opinion may be obtained on the case as stated, having this letter also before him.

            Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Giuseppe Ceracchi, 4 May 1795
From: Ceracchi, Giuseppe
To: Washington, George

            Philadelphia 12. o clock post meridion the 4. May 1795.
            Sir

          I have been just aquented that the notes of invitation for the general meeting been send by Mr Bingham without any signature, the Gentilmen which recceived them where offended and not willing to attend.
          If you was to approve it Sir another meeting ought to be called by, and in the names of the five Manegers, as a wright, with publiching in the news papers, an article addressed to the public,

inviting all persons attached to National honour to attend, then in such meeting it will be fearley [fairly] felt the public polse, and not the privat oppinon of tow [two] or three mal intentioned persons as I belive it was the case lately; but as long as the plan of suscription it is kept in sicret, the plot which is now hither ageinst the Trionfe of Liberty and the success of the Federal City, will succede with there wiles machinations to distroy it.
          Your othority allon Sir may obtaine this, which it is certenly the most convinient stap to be taken.
          The rappresenting the National Glory, it most be brought before the Nation and not to be kept in consilment.
          While I am most respectfully devoted to your Graet Name, which shall never sease to be Grand in spite of hanvie [envy], I asck a Thosnd pardon for this trouble Your Most obt and Most Hmble Sert.

            Jos. Ceracchi


Title: From George Washington to John Gill, 4 May 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Gill, John

            Sir,
            Philadelphia 4th May 1795

          In every transaction of life I believe it will be found that candor and plain dealing (independent of the rectitude of the measure) is the best policy. Proceeding on this ground, I will frankly own, that the reason why I requested other security than the land, and your own bond for the performance of ⟨the⟩ Contract, which you ⟨were⟩ inclined to enter into, for my small tract on Difficult run, arose from an express⟨ion⟩ which fell from you at Mount Vernon (according to my understanding of it)— viz.— that you did not want the land with a View to improve it.
          Hence, no advantages seeming to be contemplated from the mill Seats, or meadow grounds, (which in my estimation compose the most valuable part of the property) I could not conceive what the object of the purchase could be, unless to carry off the wood; the doing of which I well knew would diminish the value of the land: and of course, if there should be any failure in the personal security that I meet the ⟨land⟩ in a reduced state, would be my only resort.
          If I have ⟨mi⟩sconceived your meaning—that is—if yo⟨ur⟩

object in ⟨buying⟩ is to let the land lye dorm⟨ant⟩ for the chance of a rise ⟨in its price;⟩ or if you meant (contrary to my construction of yo⟨ur⟩ expression) to erect buildings thereon; to improve the grounds; I will, on condition that none of the wood, or coal made therefrom (both of which must be in demand at the Iron Works carry⟨ing⟩ on at the great falls) is removed from of[f] the la⟨nd⟩ until the principal sum of two thousand pounds is paid; and moreover that ⟨as⟩ part thereof shall be left standing for the support of ⟨the⟩ premises until payment ⟨as⟩ above, when you will be possessed of the fee Simple, & a legal right to do what you please with the land, and every thing appertaining thereto. I say, on these conditions I am still willing to let you have the land on the terms specified in my letter of the 26th ulto without deviation (on the score of boundary) which ⟨can⟩ affect the case very little, except ⟨waving⟩ the collateral security there ⟨requir⟩ed, and fixing it on ⟨the Land and your own⟩ bond.
          ⟨I⟩ pray you to be convinced that ⟨I do not mean to impute to you any unfair, or dishonorable, intention⟩ in this business; from the caution by which I have been go⟨verned. I⟩ consider the proposed bargain ⟨as an ab⟩solute alienation of the property, ⟨not⟩withstanding it has the appearance of ⟨a lease or free⟩hold ⟨estate⟩ only, for the term of ⟨ten yea⟩rs; because, at any period within that ⟨term⟩, I may be compelled upon payment ⟨of the⟩ principal sum of two thousand pounds, ⟨to⟩ transfer the legal title. But as misfortune in trade, or untow⟨ard⟩ accidents may render your bond of little worth, and my sole resort would in that case be the recovery of the land; it behoves me to ⟨pro⟩vide that this shall ⟨not⟩ during the ten years, be in a worse state than when I parted with it. this is the principle upon which I have acted. I am Sir Yr very H⟨ble⟩ Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 4 May 1795
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

            The President of the United States.
            May 4th 1795

          The Secretary of State has the honor of submitting to the President of the United States a new case, which occurred during his absence, from the minister Resident of the United Netherlands.
          The documents, connected with the case, and now transmitted are as follows: 1. A commission from the States General of the United Netherlands to Jan Hendrick Christiaan Heineken, bearing date the 17th of September 1784, and constituting him Consul, in the Province of Pennsylvania and along the river Delaware to reside at Philadelphia. (No. 1.) 2. His recognition by Congress. (No. 2.). 3. The letters of credence to Mr P. F. Van Berckel, as minister Resident of the United Netherlands on the 1st August 1788. (No. 3). 4. The minister’s letter to the Secretary’s of State on the 18th of April 1795. (No. 4). 5 The Secretary’s answer on the 21st of the same month. (No. 5). 6 & 7. A second letter from the minister to the Secretary and also from the Secretary to the minister on the same day (Nos. 6 & 7.). 8. A third letter from the minister to the Secretary on the 22d of the same month (No. 8.) 9. The answer of the Secretary on the 23d of the same month (No. 9). 10. Another letter from the minister to the Secretary on the 25th of the same month. (No. 10.). 11. The letters of our ministers at Paris and the Hague, relative to the Revolution in Holland.
          The questions, disclosed by these papers, for the decision of the President, are.
          1. whether, Mr Van Berckel’s power, as minister Resident, enabled him to withdraw the Commission from Heineken?
          2. whether the President ought upon general principles to do any formal act for the revocation of the Exequatur?
          3. whether upon general principles he ought to cause the cessation of Heineken’s powers, privileges and immunities to be published; as the minister desires? and
          4. what influence the recent intelligence from Holland ought to have, upon this occasion?

          1. The minister does not pretend, in his letters, to any special authority to displace Consuls. His credentials make no reference to a superintendence of Consuls—he has exhibited no other indication of his functions: Heineken’s commission flows from the same source as his, and contains no subjection of the Consul to the deprivation of the minister.
          The relation between a minister and a Consul does not necessarily of itself convey to the former the power of removing the latter.
          If the application to the French minister had been, as the Dutch minister states, it would have formed no precedent; because the French minister had a special authority as Consul general. But the words of it go no farther, than to desire the interposition of his authority whatsoever it may be—Duplaine who had been appointed by Genet was removed, without a request to the French minister to remove him (see printed documents). The moderation of Government will always induce them to effect their object by mild means; and therefore if it should be at any time presumed to be best to require a minister having special consular powers, to remove a subordinate Consul, it does not involve an acknowledgment, that as mere minister, he may remove a Consul.
          2. The recognition, granted to Heineken, being under the Confederation, was a recommendation only to the Governors to issue the Exequatur. Had the Confederation continued, it would have been right to undeceive them, when the basis of the Exequatur is withdrawn. The change of form in the granting of the Exequatur from the Governors to the President makes no difference as to the propriety of some act, announcing the destruction of the former privileges of a Consul. For foreign ministers ought not to be permitted of themselves, and without the intervention of the Federal Executive to open a correspondence with any of the authorities in the United States, or to publish any acts of their own, in which our government is connected.
          3. Generally speaking therefore, it would be proper, when a consular commission is withdrawn by due authority, for this Government to publish, that the withdrawing of it has been duly notified; and that the Exequatur ceases of course.
          4. In this particular case, however, it would seem, that we ought to avoid acting at all. It is true, that the complete revolution has

not been announced to us. But Mr Monroe’s and Mr Adams’s letters render the revolution unquestionably complete before this time; and Mr Adams States, that four of the seven Provinces had already consummated this work. At this moment time is to be gained at any rate, for reasons, which need not be enumerated. But there is a substantial inquiry to be made in the first place into the minister’s powers; with a caution, not to preclude the Government, if it should be even satisfied with his powers, from declining to act afterwards.

            Edm: Randolph


Title: From George Washington to Mary Gomain Hallet, 5 May 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Hallet, Mary Gomain

            Madam,
            Philadelphia 5 May 1795

          It is painful to me to receive the complaints of Mr Hallet, through you. It is more so, as I see no propriety in my interfering in the differences between the Commissioners and him. The Commissioners are responcible to the public for conducting the public buildings, and other concerns of the Federal City.

In the discharge of this trust, they must pursue such means as in their judgment, are most conducive to the end.
          Why Mr Hallet left the business in which he was employed by them; or why he was discontinued; is better known, perhaps, to you, than it is to me.
          What assurances were given to Mr Hallet to induce him to leave the business he was engaged in, at Philadelphia; What that business was; What money he has received for his services; and what further sum he is entitled to; are matters entirely unknown to me. All I can do therefore is, to transmit the representation you have made of his case, to the Commissioners, who are knowing of the facts; and can have no interest in with-holding justice, where it is due. It is my sincere wish and desire, that it should be administered by them, to every one; and I have confidence that, having the power, inclination will not be wanting to do so.
          Having met your letter on the road, and without knowing by whose hand it was delivered, I did not examine the contents until I had reached my evening’s Stage; nor have I had leizure or oppitunity to acknowledge the receipt of it until now. I wish you and Mr Hallet both, well—and am, Madam, Your very Hble Servant

            Go: Washington

            P.S. Your letter without date, but evidently written after those, the receipt of which I have already acknowledged, came to my hands since my arrival at this place; and is transmitted with the others to the Commissioners.


Title: From Timothy Pickering to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 5 May 1795
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Dandridge, Bartholomew Jr.

            Dear Sir
            War Office May 5. 1795.

          An express is going this morning with money to General Morgan’s army. I left with the President yesterday the copy of my letter of the 1st which went by last Saturday’s post to Genl Morgan. I would transmit that as a duplicate. And if the President thinks that a greater portion of the militia should be immediately discharged, or would give any other orders respecting them, I shall be happy to be informed thereof. I am now writing to Genl Morgan. yr obt servt

            T. Pickering


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 5 May 1795
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

            May 5. 1795.

          The Secretary of State has the honor of inclosing to the President the substance of a conversation with Mr Van Berckel on the 20th Ultimo.


Title: To George Washington from John Hoskins Stone, 6 May 1795
From: Stone, John Hoskins
To: Washington, George

            sir
            Annapolis May 6th 1795

          Since I had the honor of conversing with your Excellency, I have reason to believe that Genl Uriah Forrest wou’d accept of the appointment of Supervisor of this district—he is a man of sense—of considerable influence in this state, and possessing all the requisite qualities to execute the duties of that office—if Your Excellency shou’d think proper to appoint Genl Forrest, I should not hesitate to be answerable for his abilities and good conduct. With every sentiment of respect and the highest personal regard I have the honor to be sir yr Excellency’s Mo. Obt sevt

            J. H. Stone


Title: To George Washington from Giuseppe Ceracchi, 7 May 1795
From: Ceracchi, Giuseppe
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Philadelphia may 7. 1795

          By farther information I am absolutely convinced that I have been infamousely dupped by all those persons which have been the busi body of the suscription plan, therfore I must withdrow my self from this scandalous businiss.
          The summes that cost me ammount to 75000. Dallars and so disononorable expended of which 8500. since my returne.
          I hope it will be find just on my part to call for the value of my works which I can’t give them as a donation, for the same reason and upon the same principles, of which those Gentilmen have withdron them self for promoting the plan therfor I take the Liberty to include the bill of there ammounte and with respectfull consideration I am Sir Your Most Obdt and Humble Servt.

            Jos. Ceracchi


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 7 May 1795
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

            Department of State May 7. 1795

          The Secretary of State has the honor of laying before the President, two letters received yesterday from mr Hammond, together with the draft of an answer. The Secretary will wait on the President on his return from the Department of the Treasury, to receive his instructions.