Title: To George Washington from Anonymous, 1793
From: Anonymous
To: Washington, George

          permettez moi, mr le président qu’après avoir lu un voyage fait dans votre heureuse
            république en 1788 je vous fasse part de l’effusion de
            mon Coeur et des réfléxions quil m’a fait faire.
          Je Suis ravi, enchanté de la beauté, de la bonté de votre gouvernement et Ce qui me
            Comble C’est que je vois dans l’avenir, Si vous Continuez t’jours de meme Ce que
            j’espere, réaliser Ce réve enchanteur de l’age d’or, reve du jour fait par toutes les
            ames Sensibles, caressés par tous les coeurs aimants, tourné et retourné en tous Sens
            par tous les esprits ornés, décrit dans toutes les langues, raconté dans tous les
            idiomes, à la veillée au Coin du feu, un grand genie a dit—
          un jour, peut-etre un jour Ces flatteuses images
          Seront la vérité pour des hommes plus Sages
          déja n’a-on pas vu l’intrépide Boston
          dirigé par Franklin Conduit pa⟨r⟩ Washington
          rompre les fers honteux d’un indigne esclavage
          et S’elever au rang que donne le Courage . . .Braves, genereux, inconcevables
            Américains restez unis vous Serez, Sinon invulnérables, du moins indomptables, vous
            Serez heureux, vous améliorerez l’espece humaine, vous Serez les Sauveurs de la terre
            entiere, et la découverte de l’amérique Si fatale à Ses anciens habitans Sera le refuge
            de tous les infortunés ou proscrits des autres Continens. les Européens informés de vos
            ressources vont Se Cacher et chercher leur Salut dans la playe horrible quils ont faite
            à Cette belle partie de la terre; C’est Ce qui doit resoudre le probleme—Si la
            decouverte de l’Amérique a eté avantageuse ou non à l’humanité. pauvre Europe combien
            l’amérique va te laisser en arriere! Sa destinée future est, non de tout envahir, mais
            de tout eclairer. quels rapides progrets vous faites déja dans tous les genres! que vous
            etes estimables, que votre hystoire devient interessante! quelle différence, d’avec
            l’hystoire ancienne de tous les peuples! vos Commencemens Sont aussi brillans que leurs
            beaux Siecles. vous faites Sur la terre la meme Sensation qu’un astre eclatant ⟨et⟩
            nouveau ferait au Ciel. Comme vous etes Créateurs aspirez à la gloire de donner des noms
            propres, nouveaux, beaux, Sonores, expressifs à tout ce que vous trouvez, à tout Ce que
            vous inventez. les noms d’europe que vous donnez à vos villes naissantes, un jour Si
            florissantes! ne doivent pas vous rappeller des idées bien flatteuses, et leur hystoire,
            pour la plupart, des traits bien honorables. Européenisés, Anglisés Francisés les noms
            anciens des lieux, des arbres, des plantes, des rivieres, des montagnes &c. ohio
            ramasse toutes mes idées Sur le Cours majestueux de Cette riviere dont les bords rians
            et fertiles enchantent le voyageur.—la belle riviere—ne fait pas le meme effet et puis
            pourquoi trois mots pour un Seul qui est encor plus indicatif. Comme à st Domingue où il
            ni a pas un Seul quartier qui n’ayt Sa grande riviere &c. il fallait Conserver les
            noms propres dont les anciens habitans Se Servaient, ou du moins en donner d’analogues.
            l’arbre à pain avait Sûrement un nom propre, Cet arbre nourissier est l’arbre véritable
            de la liberté, il faut le planter, le naturaliser par tout où il Sera possible de
            l’aclimater et prodiguer, Sil le faut les dépenses nécessaires, les Soins ⟨les⟩ peines
            Constans et Suivis pour le faire reussir. le chene, l’orme, le Cerisier &c. de st
            domingue nous rappellent des arbres d’europe qui ne Sont pas les memes, ils avaient S.d.
            leurs noms Comme l’acajou; l’acouma, le Sapotier &c. pourquoi ne leur avoir pas
            Conservé? l’erable à sucre qui va donner une nouvelle branche de Commerce n’est pas le
            meme que l’erable qui n’en donne point; il merite donc bien l’honneur d’avoir un nom
            propre. la reconnaissance vous y invite. un genie versé dans cette nomenclature qui
            S’appliquerait à classer, Spécifier et nommer chaqu’objet important rendrait un plus
            grand Service à l’hystoire qu’on ne pense, il Serait Sur d’aller à l’immortalité. quelle
            Confusion S’accumule pour la Suite des Siecles! la nouvelle Angleterre, la nouvelle
            France, la nouvelle hollande &c. Seront vielles alors, et l’on S’implifierait les
            noms de toutes especes en leur otant le Surnom d’europe ou d’amérique.
          Vous réunissez aux productions de l’amérique Celles des trois autres Continens avec
            leurs varietés; vous améliorerez le regne végétal en croisant les especes, peut-etre en
            produirez vous de nouvelles: la nature qui n’a que la force productive est Si féconde
            lorsque l’art la Seconde! avec de l’adresse, du travail et de la patience vous vous
            aproprirez les grains, les fruits les legumes de tous les Continens en les mariant aux
            votres. il en Sera de meme des animaux utiles et domestiques: ah! Si les hommes en
            eussent toujours agi ainsi nous Serions tous dans le jardin d’Eden.
          ô bons Amériquains, terre régénératrice, terre hospitaliere qui avez ouvert votre Sein
            paternel à la foule innombrable de malheureux que la tirannie royale, ministérielle,
            feodale, Sacerdotale... Sacerdotale! la pire de toutes a forcé de fuir de tous les Coins
            de l’europe avilie. que je regrette avec une infinité d’autres de ne pouvoir aller jouir
            de vos bienfaits! il ni a que mon Corps en europe, mon esprit et mon Coeur Sont chez
            vous; mes yeux mourans Se fixeront Sur vous, mon dernier Souhait, mon dernier Soupir
            Seront pour vous. Courage, Courage, nation intrépide allez en avant ne vous rebutez
            d’aucun obstacle: eh! il ni en a point pour vous, vous les franchissez tous de plein
            Saut. C’est de vous S.d. qu’Horace a voulu parler lorsqu’il a dit audacieuse race de
              Japet. profitez des 1ies marches que l’europe a
            posées pour monter plus haut. les hommes de toutes les nations, de toutes les couleurs,
            de toutes les langues, de toutes les religions fondus en un ont produit Ce genie unique
            qui vous distingue Spècialement, qui vous fera tout entreprendre et reussir en tout et
            partout: Comme aussi de tous les idiomes reunis melés Sortira la langue americaine,
            langue mere, langue universelle qui Sera Celle de la nature que parleront dans un
            heureux avenir tous les hommes reunis en une Seule famille. tous les gouts, toutes les
            habitudes, toutes les modes prendront aussi un ton, une tournure, une forme
            particulieres dans la fonte généralle qui S’en fera en Amérique. heureux Ceux qui, peut
            etre dans moins d’un Siecle naitront pour jouir de vos bonnes in[s]titutions, de vos
            utiles ou agréables découvertes! Combien ils béniront les auteurs de tant de biens!
          Si un concert unanime vous fait Constamment tendre tous au meme but, vos destinées
            Seront plus brillantes et plus Solides que Celles des Grecs et des Romains parce quelles
            Seront assises Sur la base de la nature Cimentée par les Siences. aussi voyez quels
            progrès rapides vous avez fait dans environ l’espace d’un Siecle, et la france après 14
            ou 15 Siecles Se voit aujourdhui forcée de renverser Son gouvernement rapetassés pour
            l’établir Sur des bases plus naturelles.
          vous travaillez avec la vigueur de la jeunesse et la maturité de la viellesse, avec la
            force des instrumens neufs et la perfection des anciens, Comment ne reussiréz vo⟨us⟩
            pas! l’imprimerie, don du Ciel! qui met partout où elle est etablie la bibioteque
            d’alexandrie à l’abri de la fureur des tyrans, vous met Sous les yeux les découvertes,
            les usages, les Coutumes, les Costumes de tous les ages; de tous les peuples; les lois
            de tous les gouvernemens; les Secrets de la nature et des arts: tout vous est dévoilé,
            et votre genie familier, Comme Celui de Socrate vous poussera tjours au meilleur choix.
            les autres ont Couru pour vous les risques et le hazard des essais. aussi votre
            gouvernement passe-il pour le plus parfait de tous ceux qu’on Connaisse. le déluge a
            noyé les hommes Sans les changer, vous les changez Sans les noyer. vous enchainez les
            ames, et les Corps Sont à vous. C’est vous nouveaux Américains race chéri de Dieu et des
            hommes qui devez relever les ruines eparses que les européens les papistes et les
            Musulmans ont laissé partout ou ils ont pu penetrer.
          L’imprimerie est le jardin de la liberté où Se trouvent réunis toutes les productions
            propres à la faire désirer, chercher, cherir et Conserver après l’avoir trouvée. les
            auteurs fournissent les plantes, les imprimeurs les Cultivent. C’est de Ce jardin dont
            on ne peut plus detruire les plantes parce quelles Sont heureusement multipliées à
            l’infini que Sont Sortis des fruits de toutes les especes pour Satisfaire tous les gouts
            et nourrir jusqu’a une utile et agréable Satieté tous les Commensaux de Cette table
            universelle. le Genie du Mexique et du perou profondément endormi depuis plusieurs
            Siecles a Soulevé Sa tete au 1er bruit de votre Ste insurrection, il S’est retourné et
            après un long Soupir il est retombé dans un Sommeil leger, Semblable à Celui du matin,
            embelli par le Songe flatteur et prophetique de la liberté qui lui annonce la délivrance
            prochaine de Ces beaux empires trop longtems courbés Sous un indigne joug. C’est vous
            encor, vous les 1ers qui en Susciterez le réveil enchanteur en réalisant Son heureux
            Songe. Ces beaux empires remontront au rang et à la dignité des nations. il Se trouvera
            quelque rejetton du bon Ataliba qui, Sortant tout à
            Coup de Son abaissement profitera des Connaissances européennes pour relever le trone de
            Ses ancetres Sur une base plus Solide que l’or; il prendra le nom Sacré et cheri
            d’Incas, il tirera Ses Sujets de l’esclavage, les gouvernera en pere de famille, leur
            rendra la religion naturelle avec le culte Sublime du Soleil qui réunit tous les
            hommes.
          la politique des hommes la plus profonde, la plus réfléchie et la mieux Suivie ne peut
            rien Contre le Cours lent mais inévitable de la nature et du tems. qui aurait pu prévoir
            que Ce Serait l’angleterre qui, la 1ere, Couperait le fil qui aretait le mouvement du
            nouveau monde, elle qui avait tant d’interet à le Conserver, le jumeler et le
            renouer?
          le duc de Montezuma que l’espagne nourrit bonnement dans Son Sein Se rappellera un jour
            que Ses ancetres y ont regné et qu’un interregne quoique long n’ote pas le droit au
              trone. heureux Ceux qui verront et jouiront de Ces
            Salutaires et inévitables révolutions. Cest ainsi que la découverte de l’amérique qui,
            Contre toute attente, n’avait encor rien produit de grand prépare une epoque qui
            Surpassera toutes Celles dont les fastes de l’univers nous ont Conservé la memoire.
            C’est ainsi que la liberté a fait eclorre aux Seins des arts votre république qui, dès
            Son aurore parait avec tant d’eclat: les Sciences la Soutiendront, l’expérience de
            toutes les nations qui la Composent formera les loix les plus Sages, une tolérance
            eclairée les consolidera. ô bons pèruviens, habitans de quito, habitans de Cusco, et
            vous Méxicains ecrasés Sous le double joug de la politique et de la Superstition prenez
            Courage, relevez vous tous, vos lâches tirans vont disparaitre voyez venir les
            Américains nouveaux, tendez leur les bras, Ce Sont Ceux quil faut recevoir Comme des
            Dieux tutelaires qui viennent rompre vos chaines et vous rendre avec la liberté le beau
            gouvernement et les Stes loix de vos Sages Incas qu’a juste titre vous avez tant de
            raison de regretter.
          On a établi une chapelle catholique à Boston, dit Ce meme voyageur, je Suis Surpris et faché que les Amériquains Si Sages, Si
            prévoyans, idolatres de leur liberté ayent laissé prendre racine dans leur république à
            une plante aussi dangereuse, aussi vorace: il n’i a qu’avec les intolérants quil faut
            etre intolerans et les papistes le Sont par principes, par orgeuil et par gout; il ne
            faut pas les persécuter, mais leur deffendre absolument tout Culte extérieur et public.
            j’aimerais mieux y voir établir le Culte grossier et lascif du Dieu des jardins, les bonnes moeurs, la pudeur naturelle, le ridicule le
            feraient tomber bien vite; au lieu que l’exterieur eclatant et fastueux que les pretres
            Catholiq⟨ues⟩ Romains étaleront à l’envie dans leurs Cérémonies religieuses en imposera
            à la longue au peuple qui Se laisse prendre par les Sens, il Suivra machinalement Son
            penchant à l’erreur et ne S’apercevra du piege que lorsquil ne pourra plus S’en tirer.
            il est tems heureux Américains, pensez que le mal est plus facile à prévoir qu’a
            détruire; pensez que partout où le mal a pris on n’a pu l’extirper qu’avec le fer et le
            feu. voyez les ravages qu’il fait en france, tandis que Ses partisans auraient pu et du
            en faire le bonheur en aretant ou Calmant les maux inévitables d’une révolution
            quelconque.
          vous avez eu le Courage et l’adresse de vous délivrer des betes feroces et vénimeuses
            qui infestaient le beau pays que vous habitez, après avoir appris à vous guérir de leurs
            morsures et de leur venin. vous avez vaincu, eloigné de vos fertiles habitations les
            Sauvages de la mauvaise espece après vous etre liés de Commerce et d’amitié avec Ceux de
            la bonne. vous avez forcé à demander la paix Ces orgueilleux anglais vos freres qui,
            dans une guerre de famille vous ont fait tous les maux qu’une animosité aveugle, une
            vengeance réfléchie ont pu inventer. eh bien tous les maux réunis Seront Surpassés chez
            vos neveux infortunés Si vous aidez ce germe fatal à Se développer parmi vous dans toute
            Sa plénitude: et ne pensez pas quil y ait à Composer avec lui, partout où vous le
            laisserez croitre il etouffera les plantes indigenes. ne vous laissez pas endormir vous
            ou les votres, vous vous exposeriez à un réveil plus épouventable et plus réel que Celui
            quils nous ont peint après le grand Sommeil. n’oubliez jamais et gravez le en Caracteres
            ineffacables dans le Coeur de vos enfans qui en feront de meme aux leurs pour détruire
            absolument enfin la peste religieuse de dessus la terre, n’oubliez pas, dis-je Ce qu’a
            dit l’autheur universel et Sublime qui a travaillé toute Sa vie à ramener l’homme à la
            raison—que S’il etait possible de ramasser dans un lac immense tout le Sang humain que
            la religion crétienne a fait répandre l’on pourrait y faire voguer un navire à pleines
            voiles. et puis réfléchissez pourquoi et Comment Cette enorme quantité de Sang a été
            répandu vous verrez que Celui qui a dit—homo lupus est homini—n’as pas dit assès pour les fanatiques il fallait
            mettre—tigris—encor Ces especes ne Se dev⟨orent⟩ et ne Se mangent pas elles memes, leurs
            besoins Satisfaits elles ne détruisent pas inutilement et par plaisir, elles reposent
            jusqu’aux nouveaux besoins; au lieu que parmi les hommes les plus civilisés, dans des
            tems de despotismes, de révolutions, de fanatisme, de fléau quelconque on a vu des
            atrocités réfléchies, des barbaries Si grandes qu’on les a cru jusqu’alors inouies, et
            Tjours et partout la rage Sacerdotale S’est distinguée. les beaux empires de l’asie qui
            Semblent posés Sur des bases eternelles n’ont évité leur ruine assurée qu’en expulsant
            absolument de leurs vastes etats Cette Secte crétienne qui Si etait glissée furtivement
            et qui déja, Se croyant assès forte, voulait donner des loix.
          La reconnaissance envers l’etre Supreme dans les biens; la résignation à Ses décrets
            dans les maux. ne pas faire à autrui Ce que l’on ne voudrait pas que l’on nous fit à
            nous memes—et Si l’on a le Courage d’aller plus loin—faire à autrui Ce que l’on voudrait
            qu’on nous fit à nous memes. voila la Seule religion utile et nécessaire, la Seule qui
            puisse Soutenir l’examen Severe de la philosophie. toutes les autres Servent d’amulettes
            aux vielles femmes, de joujoux aux enfans, d’egide aux lâches et d’armes aux
            fourbes.
          admettre pour vertus Cardinales, la tolérance fille ainée de la philosophie, la
            bienfaisance Sa fille favorite, la temperance et la propreté: n’admettre que des Cultes
            Simples qui donnent à l’ame la Consolation, la gayeté et l’instruction. le Culte riant
            de Bacchus chez les anciens, en lui Sacrifiant un bouc qu’on faisait rotir avec des
            broches de Coudrier, disait au peuple. ne laissez pas entrer les chevres dans les vignes
            et ne faites point d’échalas de bois de Coudrier il mange la graisse de la terre
            &c.—Celui de Venus Uranie temperait celui de Venus aux—belles fesses—&c. aussi
            voyons nous par les armures et les travaux des anciens quils etaient plus fort que nous
            malgré les débauches que nous leur prètons. jettés une digue Sur un torrent il S’arrete
            quelque tems, Se gonfle et finit par déborder de tous Cotés: il faut en laissant à la
            nature un Cours aisé et libre le diriger et Conduire adroitement à une heureuse fin.
          Ceux qui viendront longtems après nous liront, je crois notre hystoire presente Comme
            nous lisons l’hystoire fabuleuse des anciens; ils Seront Surpris entrautres faits
            Singuliers qu’un peuple qui Se croyait assés eclairé pour Se dire le precepteur du genre
            humain ayt, en fait de religion fait Complettement la Sottise dont Ciceron a parlé
            lorsquil a dit—il ne reste qu’une Sottise à faire aux hommes—C’est de manger leur Dieu.
            et ce dieu conserve la memoire des abominables Sacrifices hum[ains]. J’ai lu avec peine
            que les amèricains libres ont dressé des chiens de race anglaise pour la chasse des
            Sauvages, le Seul moyen quils ont trouvé pour les découvrir dans leurs embuscades. eh
            bien ne les voila-il pas assimilés en Ce Cas à Ces espagnols à jamais exécrables qui ont
            détruit les paisibles habitans de St Domingue? on reproche aux Sauvages des défauts
            qu’on ne peut nier quils tiennent tous ou presque tous de leur Communication avec les
            européens. le portrait que le Celebre pen en a fait est encor ressemblant—forts, bien
            taillés, adroits; leur langage est elevé, Concis; aimant leurs enfans, généreux, braves,
            pleins de bonne foy, hospitaliers. ô dieu que de vertus
            Sublimes reunies! vous les tenez de votre bonne mere, enfans de la nature, que vous avez
            eu le Courage de ne pas abandonner. ils Sont fins, rusés, méfians, irascibles,
            vindicatifs, cruels à l’excés quand ils sont offensés, diton, mais Ce Sont les européens
            qui les ont forcé à devenir tels: ils Sont chez eux, nous les en chassons, Ce sont leurs
            terres que nous envahissons tout d’un Coup ou à la longue. que dirions nous, que ferions
            nous Si un peuple quelconque venait tenir parmi nous en europe une pareille Conduite? il
            aurait pourtant les memes droits. les espagnols n’ont-ils pas exterminés, chassés les
            Maures jusqu’au dernier de toutes les espagnes quand ils l’ont pu? les portugais, les
            français &c. n’ont-ils pas fait le meme chose à plusieurs reprises à l’egard des
            juifs après les avoir dépouillés; Comme les anglais ont fait pour les loups dans leur
            isle? et dans Ces derniers tems les jesuites dont l’europe a craint l’ambition démesurée
            n’ont-ils pas ete anéantis? l’espagne n’a-elle pas renchéri Sur les autres nations? elle
            a proscrit le Corps et chassé Sans miséricorde de toutes Ses possessions tous les
            individus.
          Jai beaucoup lu, j’ai un peu voyagé, j’ai ecouté les discours des hommes de toutes les
            classes, etudié leur maniere de faire et d’agir, aprécié leurs actions publiques et
            Secrettes j’ai vu que partout, à quelques nuances près assés légeres, notre espece est
            tjours la meme: dans l’asie, dans l’europe, dans l’afrique, dans l’amerique, Cest
            l’espece humaine que l’on y trouve avec Ses habitudes Caractheristiques; Comme toutes
            les autres especes ont aussi partout les leurs: et Si lon decouvre un 5e Continent Ce
            Sera de meme S.d.—mais un point essentiel qui distingue la notre dans tous les Coins où
            elle Se trouve C’est Sa réunion Constante et uniforme dans l’adoration dun Seul Dieu.
            C’est—l’interet—Ce vil dieu des mortels, on lui a trouvé partout des autels. quelques
            Sages pourtant Conduits par l’instinc, la raison, ou la philosophie dans tous les ages
            et parmi toutes les nations n’ont pas fléchi le genou devant le veau d’or Cest le Seul
            et doux espoir qui nos avive qu’en ramassant leurs preceptes Sublime⟨s⟩ epars dans les
            écrits précieux qui nous en restent, l’homme pourra atteindre enfin au gouvernement le
            plus parfait dont Sa Condition est Susceptible.
          C’est dans un pays neuf où l’aire est nette, c’est chez vous que doit S’operer Ce
            prodige, C’est chez vous que la pauvre humanité partout ecrasée a osé lever Sa tete
            quelle tenait courbée depuis tant de Siecles: elle a Souris à vos 1er élans, un doux
            espoir l’anime, elle vous hâte, elle vous tend les bras, Soutenez les, de grace Soutenez
            les, n’abandonnez pas une Cause Si généralle, jamais, non jamais il n’en fut portée une
            plus majestueuse, aussi interessante au tribunal des nations: elles ont toutes les yeux
            Sur vous, la terre attentive attend de vous Son Salut. oubliez, laissez de Coté les
            richesses, les honneurs particuliers, meme publics pour ne tendre qu’au but unique qui
            doit procurer un bonheur incalculable aux peuples, et à vous une gloire immortelle.
            rappellez vous Sans Cesse, n’oubliez pas un instant que le denouement de la pièce doit
            faire de vous le 1er de tous les peuples. C’est vous qui devez donner au monde entier le
            bonheur Constant et général qui ne S’est trouvé que passager dans quelque république ou
            Sous quelques bons princes.
          Mais je ne le vois, je ne le Sens que trop. C’est avec la plus vive douleur que je
            laisse Couler Cette affreuse vérité de ma plume. la guerre a ete de tous tems parmi les
            hommes occasionnée par la diversité d’opinions, d’interets, de religions, elle y Sera
            toujours Seulement plus ou moins Selon les Circonstances. le bonheur général ou la paix
            universelle ne Sera, je crois que dans le Coeur des hommes bons Sera Tjours le voeu
            chéri des ames Sensibles; mais l’un ou l’autre n’en restera pas moins un reve charmant,
            une belle chimere qui pourra etre quelquefois partielle, temporaire, mais jamais
            universelle. heureux Ceux qui Se trouveront dans un de Ces éclaircis.
          la position de notre planette ne peut l’admettre. le nord est le foyer non le plus
            ardent mais le plus vigoureux de l’espece humaine. je Suppose éteintes dans le Coeur de
            l’homme l’ambition, la fureur des Conquetes, le fanatisme, la Soif de l’or, toutes les
            passions destructives: la nature et la raison lui prescrivent d’eviter la douleur et de
            chercher le plaisir. les peuples du nord hardis et forts las d’etre Sous la neige et Sur
            la glace S’empareront quand ils le pourront, Comme ils l’ont fait de tous tems des beaux
            pays fertilisés par des climats plus heureux. les Russes aguerris aujourdhui veulent
            enlever aux terres Ces belles et vastes provinces dont Ces derniers S’emparerent jadis
            lorsqu’ennuyés de vivre dans les déserts de l’arabie ils epouvanterent Successivement
            l’asie, l’afrique et l’europe du bruit de leurs rapides conquetes. Ces fiers Conquerants
            ne donnerent point d’autres—manifestes—que la loi du plus fort La meme loi peut donc
            leur oter une possession usurpée malgré une jouissance de trois Siecles qui, Selon—les
            droits de l’homme—ne la justifie pas. tous les peuples qui ont abandonné tant de fois la
            zone glaciale pour chercher les douceurs d⟨’une⟩ région temperée Sont persuadés que la
            terre est un domaine où tous les hommes ont le droit de choisir un espace qui fournisse
            à leurs besoins, où ils puissent trouver l’aisance et le bonheur. il en a presque tjours
            eté de meme malgré les Conventio⟨ns⟩, pourtant il y reste un espoir, C’est de vous qu’on
            l’attend et, Comme je lai dit plus haut vous reussirez en tout; C’est vous qui, Sil est
            possible devez établir parmi les hommes une autre loi généralle que Celle du plus fort,
            C’est l’unique moyen de remettre tout à Sa place. Comme aussi, Si vous n’avez point de
            noms, propres aux choses que vous trouvez, que vous inventez, forgez en d’analogues,
            avec des epitetes et les Verbes Signifiants, vous enrichirez votre langue d’autant.
          Je prévois deux découvertes bien intéressantes pour les Societes nombreuses, elles Sont
            dignes de vos recherches, vous etes à meme, et je ne doute pas que vous n’ajoutiez ⟨illegible⟩ un jour Ces deux inestimables bienfaits à Ceux dont vous
            Comblez l’humanité—préparer le Cuivre—dessecher les morts—il est dit dans l’hystoire des
            Incas que les anciens américains avaient trouvé la façon de préparer ou de tremper le
            C⟨uivre⟩ de Sorte que leurs vases de Ce metal ne donnaient pas plus de ver de gris que
            ⟨Ceux⟩ d’or: Cette précieuse découverte Serait bien préferable aux mines d’or qu’on a
            trouve dans Ces riches Contrées, quelqu’ami de lhumanité pourrait proposer un prix, pour
            tacher de retrouver l’usage Salubre d’un métal Si avantageux à la Societé populeuse les
            indigenes, est-il dit, outrés des atrocités des espagnols leur Cacherent ce Secret ⟨illegible⟩ beaucoup d’or quils enfouirent; la reconnaissance
            pourrait faire trouver ce que la haine a fait Cacher; vous etes Sur les lieux. voici
            l’indice pour l’autre decouverte.
          Dans la guerre de 1744 l’escadre espagnolle aux ordres de dom Navarro etait bloquée à
            Toulon par Matheus amiral anglais; dans un Combat à la
            Sortie du port, le royal philippe que montait le général blessé descendit à la Calle et
            ne reparut plus; Mr de Gérardin, officier français 1er Capitaine du royal philippe fut
            blessé à mort. Mr de Lage deffendit avec une bravoure rare le vaisseau espagnol. les
            Anglais qui avaient résolu de le détruire envoierent un brulot pour le réduire en
            Cendres. voici ce quil raconte de l’intrépidité des officiers du brulot anglais—”avant
            l’embrasement du brulot j’i avais vu deux jeunes officiers habillés de bleu et un 3e
            plus agé en veste rouge: je les entendis ordonner de mettre le feu aux artifices, ils
            regardaient la mort avec un mépris infini, ils pouvaient Se Sauver Sils n’avaient pas
            eté déterminés à acrocher le royal ph. je les vis donc Sauter en lair, je les Conduisis
            des yeux jusqu’a la hauteur de leur hune de misaine Sans que leurs habits changeassent
            de Couleur. à Cette élevation ils furent enveloppés de flammes et réduits en charbons.
            ils tomberent à Coté du royal phi. legers Comme du liège nayant pas plus de deux pieds
            de long” dans l’honneur français par Saci, tome onzieme p. 109e à paris chez noyon en
              1784.
          chercher à dessecher ainsi les morts avec de la poudre en les enfermant dans quelques
            machines propres à recevoir l’explosion et à en procurer l’effet désiré et Sans danger;
            lopération est Subite. Cette méthode ne doit pas tant répugner que l’idée Seule de
            pourriture qui attend nos Corps après la mort. on dépense tant de poudres inutilement,
            en fetes ou à détruire les hommes, Celle ci du moins leur Serait utile. peut-etre
            parviendrait-on ainsi à peu de frais à remettre en vigueur l’usage des anciens et
            Conserver dans des urnes propres et Commodes les Cendres cheries de nos parens et de nos
            amis. on pourrait inventer une machine, peut etre bien Simple et peu dispendieuse où
            l’on enfermerait le, ou les Corps morts pour operer l’explosion Sans danger. proposer un
            prix ou une Souscription en faveur de l’inventeur d’une machine Si utile, Si nécessaire.
            Cette opération Serait bien Salutaire dans les épidémies et Surtout en tems de peste, en
            Cas de grandes mortalités pour éviter l’infection et l’embarras des morts qui dans de
            pareilles Circonstances Sont traités d’une maniere atroce et désesperante pour les
            vivans que le meme Sort attend; Comme il arriva à la peste de Marseille où les Cadavres
            pestiférés pourissaient Sans Sepulture dans les rues, à la Campagne, et dont un grand
            nombre flottait dans le port pèle-mèle avec dix mille chiens morts attaqués des memes
            mal. Mr Lavoisier, quel Souvenir! quel Soupir amer il tire du fond du Coeur des am⟨is⟩
            des arts! dans l’appareil pour faire des expériences Sur l’air avait inventé une machine
            pour bruler de l’air inflammable et de l’air vital qui réunis brule⟨nt⟩ par un procédé
            qui pourrait aussi Conduire à la meme découverte par un autre moyen tiré de la chymie
            qui renferme encor bien des Secrets.
          quel Service l’on rendrait aux hommes Si l’on pouvait trouver et mettre en usage Ces
            deux objets! que je m’estimerais heureux d’en avoir donné le 1er éveil! dumoins je ne
            Serais pas né en vain, j’aurais rempli ma tâche Sur la terre que je quitterais Sans
            regret, Satisfait de laisser aux générations à venir une aisance de plus.
          je Suis avec un entier et admirable devouement votre trés obeissant Serviteur

            ⟨5pé.⟩

            p.S. le ministre thayer de Boston dit—que la vie et les miracles du bienheureux labre
              lui ont ouvert les yeux à la lumiere et quil va la repandre dans le nouveau
                Continent. thayer est un fourbe qui veut Se faire
              remarquer, ou un pauvre docteur S’il n’a pas apprécié dans Son voyage d’italie Ce que
              C’est que le papisme. il choisit un plaisant heros pour modele, un gueux dont toute la
              vie passée dans la plus honteuse mendicité repugne à tout homme qui pense, et à qui
              rome moderne n’a pas rougi d’avoir donné l’apothéose à la fin du 18e Siecle!
            eloignez, chassez de vos possessions nouvelles qui demandent des bras cette vermine
              dont labre est le patron, elle S’engendre et Se nourrit dans le Sein de la religion
              romaine. il y ramenerait plutot les tenebres que vous avez Si heureusement dissipé. un
              autre protestant qui avait bien examiné Cette indigne Cour a frappé au but, il dit
              qu’il etait Surpris que tous les hommes Sensés ne Se réunissaient pas pour aller
              exterminer Cette vermine insolente, ce repaire de brigans amphibis qui depuis tant de
              Siecles Souillaient la terre et foulaient les Cendres des anciens Romains, ce Serait
              votre tâche judicieux Américains Si Cette Cour ridicule etait chez vous; ce Sera S.d.
              Celle des français: puissent-ils parvenir enfin un jour à nétoyer Cette écurie
              d’augias! amen—amen—Echos répétés ce doux refrein.

            un homme instruit et digne de foi qui a passé l’hyver de 179⟨3⟩ à Baltimore m’a dit
              avoir assisté à la messe d’un eveque qui y réside, que le peuple faisait foule à Cette
              messe pour le voir habiller par d’autres pretres, et voir les autres Cérémonies
              ridicules aux yeux de l’homme Sensé qui ne voit, dans Cet homme qu’un pretre Comme un
              autre. il me dit aussi que quelques chanoines de paris Si etaient réfugiés avec les
              vases Sacrés quils avaient enlevés de leur Cathedrale, quils avaient preté le Soleil
              pour donner la bénédiction, que les assistans en avaient beaucoup admiré la
                beauté. le magnifique disque du Soleil de Cusco
              embleme Sublime de Celui dont il avait emprunté le nom annoncait aux hommes un point
              de fraternité de réunion: Celui Ci renferme un talisman fatal qui a porté la
              désolation partout où il S’est fourré.
            celui qui a dit—le tems présent est gros de l’avenir—n’a pas prévu S.d. toutes ces
              Suites facheuses de Cette grossesse, il aurait indiqué quelque moyen pour nous
              procurer un acouchement moins laborieux.
            vous etes hors de dangers, fortunés mortels, et Semblables a une mere heur⟨eusemt⟩
              delivrée, vous oubliez vos maux passés pour jouir des fruits de votre heureux
              révolution. ô Washington! votre nom est gravé en Caractheres inéffaçables dans le
              Coeur de tous les amis de l’humanité, et nos derniers neveux, heureux encor par vous,
              vous rendront des hommages bien plus merités que Ces demi dieux dont l’antiquité nous
              a tant vanté les prouesses. labre a des autels . . . et Pen le divin Pen n’en a
                point! les Si⟨ens⟩ Sont placés dans le Coeur de
              tous les hommes Sensibles, les autres Seraient trop grossiers pour une ame Si
              Sublime.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 1 January 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

            Dear Sir,
            Philadelphia January 1st 1794

          I yesterday received with sincere regret your resignation of the office of Secretary of
              State. Since it has been impossible to prevail upon you, to
            forego any longer the indulgence of your desire for private life; the event, however
            anxious I am to avert it, must be submitted to.
          But I cannot suffer you to leave your Station, without assuring you, that the opinion,
            which I had formed, of your integrity & talents, and which dictated your original
            nomination, has been confirmed by the fullest experience; and that both have been
            eminently displayed in the discharge of your duties.
          Let a conviction of my most earnest prayers for your happiness accompany you in your
            retirement; and while I accept with the warmest thanks your solicitude for my welfare, I
            beg you to believe, that I always am Dear Sir Your Sincere friend and Affecte Hble
            Servant

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 1 January 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

            Sir
            United States January 1. 1794.

          I enclose you a resolve of the Senate of the United States of the 31. Ultimo, and
            request you would state what measures have been taken relative to the subject alluded
              to.

            Go. W——


Title: To George Washington from Howell Lewis, 1 January 1794
From: Lewis, Howell
To: Washington, George

            Dear Uncle,
            Mount Vernon January 1st 1794

          I recd Mr Dandridg’s letters of the 18th & 23d of last Month. There directions I shall attend to. I will if you think proper, deliver all the
            receipts for money paid by me, to Mr Pearce, and when I return to Philadelphia will
            bring you an accurate Accot of the whole Sum. I shall deliver the Plans of the several
            Farms to him —Mr Pearce has not yet arrived, & I cant learn
            any thing of him. Mr Butler leaves Mount Vernon this day, and has applied to me to
            settle his accot with you, but not having recd any directions from you, I declined
            having any thing to do with it, until I heard from you, I gave him 10 Dollars till
            then—There is but 85 dollars in the house & Mr Stuart not paid yet—Mr Davenport had
            £22.4.10 & the rest I have paid for the use of the Farms & Mansion house.
          The weather was so severe the last week as to Block up the River so Close, as to suffer
            People to walk a cross at Alexandria, at this Place it was frozen a cross, & as low
            dow[n] the River as I could see; It is now breaking up, & if Mr Pearce, does not
            take the advantage of the present situation of the Rive[r], I question whether he gets
            here at all this winter by water—I perceive that this Freezing & thawing weather has
            injured your wheat considerably, from the frost spewing it up, & the Sun thawing the
            earth from the roots & leaves them bare.
          We are all well here, & I must conclude with my compliments to my Aunt & the
            Family & those of the new year & I am your Affecte Nephew

            Howl. Lewis


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 1 January 1794
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

            Gentlemen of the Senate,
            United States Jany 1st 1794.

          I nominate Edmund Randolph, to be Secretary of State for the United States; vice Thomas
            Jefferson, who has resigned.

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William White, 1 January 1794
From: White, William
To: Washington, George

            Honoured & dear Sir,
            Jany 1. 1794.

          It appears to me, that the Way in which your benevolent Purpose expressed in your Note
            of Yesterday, may best be answered, is, by lodging the intended Donation in the Hands of
            the Treasurer of the Overseers of the poor—Mr Wm Millar in Front Street; with an Intimation, that it is expected, the Money will be distributed,
            according to the private Discretion of the Gentlemen, to the more deserving poor; &
            in Addition to the stated Allowance. My Reason for recommending this Provision, is, that
            the Overseers have occasionally under their Notice Families, for whom their Feelings
            must incline them to do more, than the legal Execution of their Trust would warrant.
          I would cheerfully, Sir, offer my personal Attention, to the Distribution of what you
            intend to bestow: But being by an annual Duty, engaged at the present Season, in
            Connection with our Church-Warden, in the distributing of sundry
            Charities among the poor Members of our Church, my Knowlege of the poor is
            proportionably greatest in that particular Line; which would occasion a partial
            Division, of what I presume to be intended in Favor of the poor of the City, generally.
            I can think of no Plan that promises so much Impartiality, as that which I have taken
            the Liberty to recommend.
          In writing to Mr Ogden, Sir, I shall pay Attention to what you desire me to express to
            him. That Gentleman has frequently endeavoured to interest me in Matters, in which I
            could not interfere with Decency, or to any useful Purpose: But I little expected, that
            he would have brought them before the President of the United States.
          Wishing you, Sir, an happy New Year; & many, very many Returns of this annual Day,
            I have the Honour to subscribe myself, Your most respectful & affectionate humble
            Servant

            Wm: White


Title: From George Washington to William White, 1 January 1794
From: Washington, George
To: White, William

            Dr Sir,
            Phila. Jan. 1st 1794

          I have been favoured with two notes from yo⟨u⟩ of this date—the last, in time to
            prevent the mistake which the first would have led me into.
          The mode which you have suggested for imparting the small pittance my resources will
            enable me to contribute towards the comfort of the needy in this City appears to be a
            very eligable one, and as you have been so obliging as to offer to place it in proper
            hands, for this purpose, I take the liberty of enclosing 250 dollars.
          I have no desire that my name should be mentioned; if so small a sum can effect any
            good purpose my object will be answered, and all my wishes respecting it gratified.
          I offer you the compliments of the season⟨—the⟩ happy return of many of them—and the
            sincere respects & regard of Yr Affecte Hble Servt

            Go: W——n


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 2 January 1794
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

              Sir
              Philadelphia January 2. 179[4]

            I do myself the honor of inclosing to you a certificate from Judge Wilson, of my
              having qualified, as secretary of state. A duplicate is deposited among the files of
              the office.
            I must intreat you, sir, to receive my very affectionate acknowledgments, for the
              various instances of your confidence; and to be assured, that, let the consequence be,
              what it may, in this perilous office, no consideration of party shall ever influence
              me; nothing shall relax my attention or warp my probity; and it shall be my unremitted
              study to become an accurate master of this new and important business.

            At the commencement of my duties, I have thought it adviseable to write to the
              Secretaries of the Treasury and of war, and to the President
              of the bank of the U.S. the letters of which the inclosed are copies. I have the honor, sir, to be with sincere respect and attachment yr
              mo. ob. serv.

              Edm: Randolph.


Title: Enclosure: Affidavit from James Wilson, 2 January 1794
From: Wilson, James
To:

              United States to wit:
              [Philadelphia, 2 Jan. 1794]

            I James Wilson one of the associate Justices of the Supreme Court of the United
              States do hereby certify that I have this day administered to Edmund Randolph in
              pursuance of an act entituled “An act to regulate the time and manner of administering
                certain oaths,” an oath, that he will support the constitution of
              the United States; and that I have also at the same time
              administered to the same Edmund Randolph in pursuance of the act intituled “An act for
              establishing an executive department to be denominated the department of foreign
              Affairs,” an oath well and faithfully to execute the trust committed to him in the
              office of Secretary of State for the United States.
            Given under my hand and Seal at the City of Philadelphia this second day of January
              1794.

              James Wilson


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate, 2 January 1794
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate

            Gentlemen of the Senate,
            United States 2d January 1794.

          I nominate Philip Burr Bradley of Connecticut, to be Marshal of and for the Connecticut
            district, continued, the legal term of his former appointment having expired.

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 3 January 1794
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Philadelphia January 3. 1794

          I had the honor of observing to you this morning, that the commissioners ought not, in
            my opinion, nor indeed in the opinion of Mr Jefferson and Mr Madison, to abandon the
            legal title to the lots sold.
          The facility, which occurred to me, was, that the commissioners might
            by a power of attorney authorize Mr Pinckney  or any other of
            our ministers residing at places abroad, where Mr Greenleaf might sell lots, to convey
            the legal title to any purchasers, whom he may designate, upon receiving the purchase
            money for public use. It is true, that some of the lots may be worth more, than the
            average-price stipulated, and that sales may be made of the choicest. Still I should
            think, that the personal obligation of Messrs Greenleaf and Morris, added to the hold on
            the remaining lots, would sufficiently secure the U.S. against the inconvenience of
            picking the lots; that is, would always secure the payment of the remainder.
          I have mentioned nothing of lots, which Mr Greenleaf may sell here; because the legal
            title of them may be at any moment adjusted. I have the honor, sir, to be, with the
            highest respect, yr mo. ob. serv.

            Edm: Randolph.


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 4 January 1794
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

            Treasury Department Jany 4. 1794

          The Secretary of the Treasury, to whom was referred, by the President of the United
            States a Letter from the Minister of the French Republic to the Secretary of State,
            dated the 21st instant, respectfully makes the following,
            Report.

          The Minister observes, that it results from the report of the Secretary of the Treasy
            that upon an accidental error, the interests of the French republic and the character of
            it’s representative were compromitted by a refusal to accept drafts, delivered to the
            agents by whom they were supplied, for sums due to the republic;
            adding to this observation, the further one, that it seems to him that a like measure
            meritted the most serious attention, and that he knows not by what name to call the
            negligence which was committed i[n] this respect.
          This asperity of remark might, it would seem, have been prevented by a due attention to
            circumstances and facts. It was stated, in the report to which the Minister refers, that
            the error in question was the mere mistake of the Clerk charged with registering his
            drafts, as they were presented at the Treasury. It will not be alleged that this was not
            the proper business of a Clerk, and all that could be expected from the head of the
            Department, or the officer having in his place the principal direction, is, that there
            should have been due care in selecting the person to whose immediate agency the duty was
            entrusted. To this point there was no want of attention. The clerk selected had been
            long tried in public business and has a well established reputation for fidelity and
            accuracy. This officer is himself persuaded, that in the instance, which occasioned the
            demur, no error was committed; and firmly believes, that the convenience of parties had
            produced an alteration in the bill, after it was noted by him. But this surmise of his
            has been rejected, and it has been taken for granted & admitted, that there was a
            mistake on his part; though, as no mark was set upon any bill presented and noted, that
            admission was founded on considerations, in which candour & delicacy governed. No
            palliation of the mistake will be attempted to be derived from topics connected with any
            derangement of the course of business resulting from the late calamitous condition of
            the City of Philadelphia, nor from the absence of the Secretary of the Treasury from the
            seat of Government for the recovery of his health, when the incident deemed so
            exceptionable took place.
          The hesitation about the registering of the bills, which appeared to have been
            overdrawn, was a mere consequence of the first mistake.
          The main object of the registry of the bills, was to ascertain for the satisfaction of holders, that there were funds in the treasury, subject to the
            payment of them, and to secure to those holders a priority, in the event of there being an overdrawing. It was therefore a matter of course that the
            registry should cease, as soon as itself shewed that the amount of the bills presented
            equalled the amount of the fund destined for satisfying them. Being the proper and
            regular guide to the officers of the Treasury, they could not but be expected to follow
            it.
          All that could be asked (if a mistake happened) was, that the consequences of it should
            be corrected as soon as the mistake was discovered—and this was in fact done. Nor did
            more than a week elapse before the drafts, which had been suspended on account of the
            mistake, were recognized & admitted.
          But it is suggested by the Minister, that tho’ the error was rectified, the injury
            which it occasioned, has not been cured. That event, it is asserted, has furnished to
            the ill disposed, and to the enemies of the French republic, a powerful mean of hurting
            it’s cause, by alarming the merchants & ruining the credit of it’s agents.
          If this assertion were better founded than it is, it would only afford room to regret
            the consequence of an involuntary error. But whatever injury the credit of France in
            this Country or of her agents may have sustained, it is to be traced to other sources.
            More adequate causes can be assigned for it. The assertion which has been made calls for
            a specification of those causes.
          The first of them was, the disappointment of our Citizens in not receiving payment of
            bills to a large amount furnished to them by the administration of St Domingo, with
            assurances of being paid here by the agents of France; at the same time that it was
            known, that these agents had obtained from the Government of the United States, funds
            adequate to such payment, which had been applied to other objects. In mentioning this
            circumstance it is only intended to note the fact, and it’s effect—not to question the
            propriety of the application which was made of the funds.
          Another, and a far more powerful cause, was, the refusal of the present minister to pay
            certain bills, which had had the positive sanction of his predecessor; diverting from
            that destination funds which were understood to have been appropriated to it—and this
            too in contravention of his own arrangement with the Treasury.

          These bills had, like those first mentioned, been drawn by the administration of St
            Domingo. But they had in addition been virtually accepted by the late Consul of France,
            in concert with it’s then minister & in conformity with an understanding between the
            latter & this Government.
          The arrival of the present minister devolved upon him the disposal of the unfurnished
            residue of the funds which had been promised to his predecessor. An early opportunity
            was taken to intimate to him the reliance of the Government, that the bills accepted as
            above, and unpaid would be satisfied by him out of that residue. He gave, without
            hesitation, a correspondent assurance, & on the 3d of June last addressed to the
            Secy of the Treasury, a letter in the following terms (viz:). “I pray you to put
            hereafter in the disposition of Citizen Bournonville, Secretary of Legation of the
            Republic, the funds destined to the acquittal of the drafts of the Colony of St Domingo,
            according to the order of payment settled between you & my predecessor.”
          A part of these funds was accordingly put into the hands of Mr Bournonville, in
            expectation that they would be applied as had been agreed. And upon the enquiries of
            some of the holders of the bills at the Treasury, in whom apprehensions had been
            excited, they were assured that they need not entertain any, as it was the known
            intention of the present Minister to fulfill the engagements of his predecessor; and
            that funds had been furnished to him for taking up the bills which were falling due.
          The Minister afterwards deemed it necessary to change the destination of these funds,
            as he announced in his letter of the
          18. of June to the Secretary of State, and in fact refused payment of the bills. This measure, of a nature destructive to credit, had the effect,
            which was to have been anticipated.
          The very expedient of registering at the Treasury the drafts of the minister, was
            rendered necessary by a pre-existing bad state of credit. It engaged the treasury to
            nothing more than to secure to those, who presented bills, a preferrence against others,
            to whom subsequent drafts might be given overrunning the fund for payment; and was
            devised to facilitate to the Minister an auxiliary mean of credit, of which he stood in
            need.
          These unquestionable truths demonstrate, that there is no room to impute to the
            consequences of the mistake, which was committed, any deficiency of
            credit which may have embarrassed the operations of the minister.
          But it is a further truth, that if his credit has suffered by the refusal of the
            treasury to admit his drafts, it is chiefly to be referred to the draft for 20,000
            Dollars predicated upon the fund to be at the disposal of France in January; which was
              finally refused, because not authorised by any previous
            arrangement between the Government and the Minister.
          The temporary demur about other bills speedily abandoned and explained, could not have
            had an influence, bearing any proportion to that of the ultimate refusal of the above
            mentioned bill.
          As far as this refusal may have had a prejudicial operation, ’tis imputable wholly to
            the irregularity of having drawn the bill, not only without the consent of the
            Government, but even contrary to an intimation from it; in a case too in which it was
            free to refuse.
          That it was with the consent of the Government, will not be pretended. The Letter from
            the Secretary of the Treasury to the Minister, of the 24 of July, accompanying his
            former report on the subject, excludes all plea of constructive or implied consent.
          That it was contrary to an intimation from the Government, results from the following
            facts.
          The Minister, by a letter of the 14 of June to the Secretary of State, communicated the
            intention of giving to those, who should furnish him with Supplies, “delegations,” or
            assignments of the debt to France in payment; desiring, as a pre-requisite to this
            operation, that the Treasury should be instructed to come to a speedy adjustment with
            him, of the account of the debt from the United States to France.
          To this suggestion the Secretary of State, by a letter of the 19 of June, (after
            assuring him that instructions would be given for the settlement of the account) replied
            as follows—“In the mean time, what is further to be done, will doubtless be the subject
            of further reflection and enquiry with you, & particularly the operation proposed in
            your letter will be viewed under all its aspects. Among these, we think it will present
            itself as a measure too questionable both in principle & practicability, too deeply
            interesting to the credit of the United States, & too unpromising
            in its result to France to be found eligible to yourself. Finally we rest secure that what is of mutual concern will not be done but with mutual concert.”
          Without mutual concert, without even an intervening consultation for that purpose, the
            Minister thought proper to issue his “delegations” or drafts upon a fund not embraced by
            any previous arrangement: and he now makes it matter of complaint that these
            “delegations” were not registered. Was it to have been expected that the treasury should
            become the passive instrument of a measure so irregular—so unwarranted?
          But the Minister in justification of the stop, makes two observations.
          1. That as the 300,000 livres due the first of January are
            the interest of the Loan of [6000000] made by France to the
            United States in 1783, the reimbursements of which are not [to] commence ’till 1797, he can see no motive, that could arrest the payment of the
            interest of that sum at the epoch stipulated, as long as there was due to France an
              equivalent.
          2d. That supposing the payments, which have been made by the
            Treasury, to exceed the amount of the sums due, he has always been firmly convinced that
            these advances (to which the urgent wants of France had forced a recourse) would be
            applied to the extinction of the debt taken in totality; a measure perfectly agreeing
            with the clause inserted in the different contracts, which expresses that the United
            States might, if they judged proper, liberate themselves sooner than the epochs fixed by
            those Contracts.
          These observations admit of obvious answers. ’Tis affirmed on our part, and the
            Minister seems himself to be sensible of its truth, that our payments hitherto exceed
            the sums demandable by the terms of our Contracts. It may be taken for granted, that
            this is the case beyond the amount of the interest of the [6000000] accruing in January.
            The United States are at liberty to consider the excess as an anticipation of the
            capital of the Loans; but they are not bound to do so. They have an option to do that,
            or to set it off against the interest accruing on the unpaid residue of the debt. The
            universal course of business will justify them in the latter and their contracts say
            nothing to the contrary. Not having declared a different option, they were free to
            pursue that alternative, and consequently, as has been said, to refuse
            the drafts of the Minister, predicated upon the January interest.
          The circumstance which he notices, of the reimbursements of the [6000000] loan not commencing ’till 1797, cannot affect this conclusion. These
            reimbursements so postponed relate to the Capital of the debt;
            & that postponement of course cannot bring into question the propriety of setting
            off against the interest, annually payable, sums advanced beyond
            those which were antecedently due.
          The conviction of the minister, that the advances, which might have been made would be
            deferred towards the final extinction of the debt, could be no rule to the treasury, as
            long as it had not been authorised by any assurance from the Government; or when it was
            recollected, that the propriety of a mutual previous concert, about whatever was not a
            matter of course, was indicated to him, no only by the reason of the timing, but by
            unequivocal declarations.
          In fact, whether the course on which he declares himself to have relied could have been
            pursued or not depended on circumstances; that is, on the means which should exist of
            making intermediate payments and postponing the advances to an ulterior arrangement; a
            point at this moment unascertained, from causes which have heretofore been
            disclosed.
          But the Minister not only hazarded his credit, by drawing without a previous
            arrangement the bill for 20,000 dollars, payable out of the January interest—he hazarded
            it likewise by actually overdrawing the funds placed at his
            disposal in September & November last; so that if no mistake had occurred at the
            treasury, he might have been exposed by his own conduct to consequences which in that
            respect happened by accident.
          The Secretary now proceeds to the demands contained in the Memorial of the
            Minister—these are
          1. That the state of the account of the United States with
            France be presented with the least possible delay.
          2. That the sums, which may have been advanced to France,
            beyond those which were demandable on the terms of the Contracts, be applied to the
            extinction of the debt taken in totallity.
          3. That, provisionally, and until the state of the account
            can be determined, the Secretary of the Treasury be authorised to
            register the “Delegations” or drafts, which the Minister shall have occasion to issue,
            to the extent of Five millions Tournois.
          With regard to the first point—the account is now in a course of adjustment between the
            Comptroller, on the part of the Treasury, & Mr Bournonville on the part of the
            Minister. There are some points which require a mutual adjustment before they can be
            fixed definitively. A correct view of the account cannot be
            presented ’till these points are settled. That done, it shall be immediately laid before
            the President.
          With regard to the second point, the Secretary is of opinion that a determination
            concerning it cannot now be made. The adoption of the Minister’s proposition would
            amount to an agreement to pay the accruing instalments at the periods stipulated in the
            Contracts, though the advances which have been made should exceed them. But such an
            agreement cannot safely be entered into, because it is now problematical whether the
            Executive will be possessed in time of funds which can be applied to that purpose,
            without neglecting objects of positive obligation and essential to our credit—as has
            been already explained & communicated.
          With regard to the third point—the answer to the second is an answer to this also. If
            rightly understood this proposition depends upon the second. It appears necessary first
            to ascertain what is to be paid & when it is to be paid, before any sanction can
            safely be given to the proposed “delegations” or drafts. This pre-supposes a settlement
            of accounts & a further view of our pecuniary prospects. All which is respectfully
              submitted.

            Alexander HamiltonSecy of the Treasury


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 4 January 1794
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            War department January 4th 1794

          I suggest to your consideration the propriety of creating by law, an Office of
            Commissary of Stores, the person who should be appointed thereto to have the
            superintendence and accountability of receiving, safekeeping and issuing all the public
            Stores under such regulations as the wisdom of Congress may devise.
          An Office similar to this existed and was found indespensible during the late War, but
            which was abolished by a resolve of Congress of the 20. July 1785.
          It is however conceived necessary and proper that under the prospect of augmenting the
            means of our defence that this branch of public service should be placed under the
            direction of a responsible Officer. I have the honor to be with
            the greatest respect sir Your obedient Servant.


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 4 January 1794
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Philadelphia January 4. 1794.

          I have examined the journal of the proceedings of the Executive in the territory North
            West of the Ohio. It is very little more, than a history of bickerings and discontents,
            which do not require the attention of the President. I shall therefore forbear to send
            it to you, unless you should call for it.
          The laws of that territory are now under transcription, that they may be forwarded to
            Congress. It was for some time doubted, whether they were to be laid before that body,
            without a special order for that purpose. But the doubt is now removed, by a
            conversation with Colo. Sargent. I have the honor, sir, to be
            with the highest respect yr mo. ob. serv.

            Edm: Randolph.


Title: To George Washington from George Read, 4 January 1794
From: Read, George
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            New Castle [Del.] 4th Janry 1794.

          As the two fugitive Ladies from St Domingo who addressed those two letters to you which
            I now return in this inclosure lived very retired from their
            coming into this place I had heard nothing more respecting them than from the report of
            three of the Inhabitants acting as a Committee to inquire into the situation and wants
            of the French strangers that had temporary residence among us—That they appeared to be
            well bred women who spoke of possessing real property in the district of Jeremie and had for some time expected the arrival of a considerable
            quantity of Coffee, part of it’s produce which had been nearly ready for shipping when
            they left the Island—that they expressed a desire to obtain a Loan or advance of monies
            on the credit of their property but declined to make known their particular wants or to
            accept any part of the provision made here for distressed French Fugitives who might
            come among us. As I do not speak their language I had not made them any personal visit
            until after I received your Favour of the 26th Ulto and making every inquiry within my
            reach then of their character situation and circumstances, the result of which is that I
            am induced to believe they are such persons as they represent themselves in their inclosed Letters and further that their family Connections have
            been among the most respectable of that Island. Under this Impression I delivered your
            Letter addressed to them with its particular contents and they expressed much
            satisfaction at receiving it. I have hopes that the legislature of the State who will be
            in Session in the next Week will provide further relief than what can be obtained from
            the private contributions of a few—there are several other wanting persons (fugitives)
            in our Town and the burthen of supply is borne by a few.
          It wou’d Afford me pleasure at all times to carry into Execution your wishes and more
            particularly so on Occasions similar to the present one. with the utmost Esteem and
            respect I am Sir Your most Obedient and very humble Servt

            Geo: Read.


Title: To George Washington from Louis Busque, 6 January 1794
From: Busque, Louis
To: Washington, George

            A Son Excéllence Washington, président du congrés des
              Etats unis de l’amérique
            Général,
            A Baltimore Le 6 janvier 1794

          Ecrire au Réstaurateur de La Liberté américaine! Ecrire a ce Républicain! on dévine
            aisément que c’est a Washington, qu’on parle: Lui Rappéllerons nous qu’il a degagé son
            pays des préjugés qui Le dégradoint, qu’il a terrassé Le déspotisme en Rappellant Le
            peuple américan a Sa grandeur! et qu’il a donné ce ton mâle d’Enérgie á l’homme pour Lui
            faire connoître ce qu’il est ⟨a⟩ nous Sa modéstie me Le défend, et Sa délicatesse me
            dispense de cét Eloge. Essayons de Lui éxposèr nôtre Situation avec
            une plume Simple, La Seule qui puisse Lui convenir.
          je mêtts Sous Les yeux de Son Excèllence que jai été victime des criminalistes qui ont
            pérdu nôtre colonie, et que j’ai été En Butte a La faction des Emissaires de L’ancien
            gouvernement pour avoir manifesté de patriotisme, et fait des Efforts pour Sauver St
            domingue; ces vértus dans un chéf de La garde nationale, ont été considerées comme des
            crimes aux yeux des Ennémis implacables de La République française, qui avoint Résolu
            d’anéantir un pays jadis aussi fortuné. a ces traits d’horreur on Recconnoît Bien Les
            commissaires nationaux civils, qui ont massacrés incendiés, ambarqués, et proscrits Le
            Restes des français Le plus Réccommandables, dévoués entiérement a La constitution
            Républicaine, et tout ce qu’ils poccédoint a tombé au pouvoir de Leurs Ravisseurs. á
            péine Suis-je Echappé au couteau de Ses assassins, que je Rétrouve dans La pérsonne du
            ministre Génét, un 3me commissaire, qui n’a pas moins de cruauté que Les polverél et
            Sonthonax, de Laisser périr de misére et de faim Les français, qui Lui demandent sécours
            et assistance; ainsi général, mourir d’une maniére ou d’autre c’est toujours mourir, et
            cétte Barbarie Remplit Entiérement Le plan de nos Ennèmis conjuré et pour Rendre nôtre
            position plus amére, ce ministre infidélle Répend avéc profusion hor de La République a
            Ses ennemis, en abusant une infinité des français qui ne Savent ou donnér de La
              tête. Le coeur me saigne Républicaine général, de voir une
            partie des français Répendus dans vôtre continent faire des voeux pour La pérte de Leur
            mére patrie, et non Se joindre a ceux des véritables français, qui ne céssent d’en faire
            pour La Réütssitte de Ses armes contre toute L’europe. mais Le tems approche? Les
            ennemis commencent a Se confondre. cet Espoir me Rédonne La vie! et tout Séra compensé.
            á Se tableau Washington Sensible, Recconnoîtra Lâme franche d’un colon français, qui a
            eu L’honneur de combattre dans Les grénadiéres de gatinois, pour accélérér la Reduction
            d’York; et faire mêttre Bas Les armes a Ses Ennémis et attend de Sa Bonté facile des
            Sécours de Son Excéllence, qui n’a peu obténir du Répresentant de Sa Nation
          Salut,

            BusqueChef du 1er Bataillon de Lagarde nationale du port au
              prince
            a Son Excéllence Washington
              addrésse poste Réstante


Title: To George Washington from William DuVal, 6 January 1794
From: DuVal, William
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Richmond [Va.] January 6th 1794

          I beg leave to introduce to your Notice Mr Ast a Merchant in this City and a Gentleman
            of respectibility. He lived several Years in the Family of the late Thomas Barclay Esqr.
            when they were in Europe. He will offer Sir to your Consideration Three Schemes or plans
            which I am told, may be, if adopted benefial, of that Sir, you’ll be the most competent
            Judge, and if they merit your approbation their Utility will induce you to afford Mr Ast
            your Countenance and patronage. I am Sir, with the highest
            Respect, Your mo. obt Servant.

            William DuVal.


Title: From George Washington to Howell Lewis or William Pearce, 6 January 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Pearce, William,Howell, Lewis

		Mr Lewis—or Mr Pearce Philadelphia Jan. 6th 1794
          The Reports of the 28th of December have been received, and Mr Butlers acct
            therewith—As I have no Acct against him, and Mr Whiting only kept memorandums, instead
            of regular Accounts, he must be paid according to his own statement. for this, and other
            purposes, I send two bank notes for one hundred dollars each.
          It is very unlucky that the late spell of freezing weather should be suffered to pass
            away without filling the Ice house. do not let this happen again; but embrace the first
            freezing that happens to accomplish this work.
          Let me know what quantity of Oats have been threshed at the Mansion house, and what has
            been done with them? By the time employed in getting them out there ought to be a good
            many of them. I wish to know also what quantity Stuart has? These two parcels, together
            with those at Dogue Run I directed to be reserved for Seed—& when the whole quantity
            contained at the different places are known I shall be abl⟨e⟩ to decide how much more to
            provide—or what further to do in the case.
          There was Oats raised from a few grains of a particular sort which I sent to my
            Gardener last Spring—get these from him, and make the most of them, by
            sowing them in drills the coming Spring. By Mr Jefferson, I sent
            a Bundle of Poccon or Illinois nut and desired them to be left at the Post Office in
            Alexandria. When they are recd desire the Gardener to plant them in a nursery. I shall send more by the first Vessel, or other proper conveyence wch
            shall offer. I also gave the Gardener a few Seed of East India hemp to raise from,
            enquire for the seed which has been saved, and make the most of it at the proper Season
            for Sowing.
          What is the present appearance of the growing Wheat? I am in a hurry and shall only
            add, that as soon as I hear of Mr Pearce’s being settled at Mount Vernon—I shall write
            more fully on some other matters. I am &ca

            Go: Washington

            P.S. Recollecting since writing the fore going, that Mr Whitings Memo. Book was here
              I have desired Mr Dandridge to take a copy from it of the charges against Butler;
              which he has done, and it is now enclosed—By this you will
              settle with him.


Title: To George Washington from Garret Rapalje, 6 January 1794
From: Rapalje, Garret
To: Washington, George

            New York Jany 6th 1794

          The Memorial of Garret Rapalje of the City of New York Merchant—Humbly Sheweth,
          That your Memorialist, has resided upwards of five Years at New Orleans in West Florida
            in the Spanish Dominion that he is well acquainted with the Situation Politicks and
            Commerce of that Country—That the Trade from the Interior Parts of the Continent in the
            United States down the Misissipi is very great and extensive.
          That the Inhabitants of the United States suffer much from a Want of a proper Person in
            the Character of a Consul to represent the Interests of the Traders to the Spanish
            Government to prevent any Grevances which daily happen from the Want of such a Person to
            interfere in their Behalf.
          That your Memorialist is well known to Mr Elias Boudinot of the House of Representaives
            in Congress from the State of New Jersey.
          That your Memorialist hopes your Excellency will consider the Necessity of such an
            appointment—that he has a numerous Family to support that he has been a great Sufferer
            during the lat[e] War between America and Great Britain that it is the best Service he
            can render himself and his Country—that a small Salary to enable him to maintain his
            Family with his Knowledge and experience in Trade and Commerce will make the Situation
            more eligable to him than any other Person.
          That your memorialist hopes your Excellency will take into Consideration the Prayer of
            this your Memorialists humble Petition and your memorialist will ever Pray &c.

            Garret Rapalje


Title: To George Washington from Augustin Regnaud, 6 January 1794
From: Regnaud, Augustin
To: Washington, George

            Général
            Philadelphie Le 6 janvier 1794

          Avocat au Parlement de Paris et cy-devant Conseiller au Conseil Superieur du Cap, je
            suis arrivé Sans ressources dans ce Continent: reduit à la derniere extremité et
            creancier de La Republique francoise d’une Somme assez considerable, je me Suis adressé
            au Ministre françois pour lui demander du Secours; ignorant à quel titre il en
            distribue, il a rejetté ma petition. Veuillez, Général, agreant mes foibles travaux,
            disposer de moi, et considerant, quant à present, mes besoins, Daignez m’arbitrer à
            titre de prêt, une Somme quelconque, pour Sureté de la quelle j’offre de deposer une
            reconnoissance de 9,000 [livres tournois] jusqu’à ce que des circonstances plus
            heureuses me mettent à même de la retirer et de Satisfaire, avec interets, à une dette
            contracteé Sous vos auspices. Salut en la prosperité de vos
            jours et Le bonheur de vos Etats

            A. Regnaud2e Rue Nord No 227. chez Mr Antony


Title: To George Washington from Richard Dobbs Spaight, 6 January 1794
From: Spaight, Richard Dobbs
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            No. Carolina Fayetteville 6th Jan: 1794

          I do myself the honor to enclose to you a copy of the proceedings of the General
            Assembly respecting our frontiers, in conformity to the request
            of the legislature expressed in those proceedings I have given orders to Col: D. Vance
            of Buncomb county to call into service the Scouts or patroles agreable to the
            instructions contained in the Secretary of Wars letter of the 19th Decem: 1792.
          I have likewise given the necessary orders for having the militia of the districts of
            Salisbury and Morgan, divided into four classes, with orders to the first class to hold
            themselves in readiness to act whenever occasion may require at the same time I have
            directed the officers to act on the defensive only.
          The Indians have committed depredations on the property of the Citize⟨ns⟩ of this State
            by stealing their horses, but they have not as yet killed any person within our limits.
            By accts lately received from thence it appears that they have killed three persons just
            without the line of this state. I have the honor to be
            &c.

            R.D. Spaight


Title: To George Washington from Richard Dobbs Spaight, 6 January 1794
From: Spaight, Richard Dobbs
To: Washington, George

            Sir.
            No. Carolina Fayetteville January 6th 1794

          Agreeable to the request of the legislature I do myself the honor to transmit to you, a
            copy of the petition of Thomas Person and others proprietors of lands in the Territory
            South of the Ohio And a copy of the petition of the Trustees of the University of North
            Carolina, together with sundry resolutions of the General Assembly on that subject.
          I have to request that you will be pleased to recommend the subject matter of the said
            petitions to the early consideration of Congress and to urge them to do speedy and ample
            justice to the petitioners. I have the honor to be sir Your Most
            obedt Servant

            Richd: Dobbs Spaight


Title: To George Washington from William Washington, 6 January 1794
From: Washington, William
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Sandy-Hill [S.C.] Jany 6th 1794

          Some time in April last I had the honor of addressing a Letter to you giving a
            particular account of the situation of Royal Gift, together with Mr
            Freazer’s account of his covering, which left a balance in your favor, of six hundred
            & seventy eight Dollars & 64/100, after deducting James Allen’s charge, which
            was enclos’d in a Bill drawn by Prestman & Calhoun of Charleston upon Wm Bell of
              Philadelphia. Some weeks thereafter I forwarded a duplicate
            with the second Bill: as I have not receiv’d an answer to either of those Letters it
            leaves me in doubt whether both have not miscarried. In the
            Letters to which I have alluded I inform’d you that Royal Gift had been affected with a
            stiffness in his joints & a periodical lameness ever since his arrival in this
            Country which I believed to be the effects of his Journey, & am now sorry to add
            that his situation at present is not better & am apprehensive that it never will.
            Upon minute enquiry I have only been informed of two Foals which were produced from
            forty odd Mares & Jennies which were sent to him the Season before last. Under these
            circumstances I thought it prudent to lower the Terms of covering, but it did not answer
            the desired effect, only fifteen or sixteen Mares & Jennies were sent to him, all
            the property of those Gentlemen who had been disappointed the Season before. The Money has not yet been paid & I now submit to you the propriety
            of demanding it except for those which shall eventually prove in foal.
          If you think proper to let Royal-Gift remain in this Country I shall with pleasure take
            charge of him & consult your interest in the management of him, but am confident
            that it will be useless to advertise him for covering again in this Country, even at a
            very reduced price unless a great alteration takes place in his situation. If you think
            proper to have him sent to Virginia he must be conveyed by Water as I am certain that he
            cannot travel thither by land. I am Sir with the greatest
            Respect & Regard Yr Very Obedt Serv.

            W. Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 7 January 1794
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

          Letter not found: from William Pearce, 7 Jan. 1794. GW wrote
            Pearce on 12 Jan. acknowledging receipt of “yours of the 7th Instt.”


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 7 January 1794
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

            Philadelphia January 7. 1794.

          The Secretary of State, after reviewing the letters from our Ministers, unanswered, has
            the honor to report to the President as follows:
          Three of those letters are from Messrs Carmichael and Short jointly of June 6th Aug.
            15th and Sep. 29th in the last year. The first, which is the only important one, pressed
            for new instructions, adapted to the new relations, which had sprung up between the
            different powers of Europe, as well as to the unpromising appearance of the negotiation.
            But as Mr Blake, the messenger to Madrid was to sail by direction in October, so as to
            be here about the middle of the last month, and the intelligence by him must essentially
            govern the conduct of our government, it is submitted to the President, whether it may
            not be better to postpone further, any decisive measures.
          The same observations, apply to the postponement of an answer to Mr Short’s separate
            letters of June 7. July 1. and Augt 20. 1793. They relate entirely to his associated
            mission, except where they convey information, to which no answer was expected.
          No other letter from Mr Morris is now to be acted upon, but that of June 25. 1793; and
            no part even of it requires a reply, except the Decree of France, which has been so
            often made and revoked, and at length comprehends the Ship Laurens of South Carolina.
            But the dispatches, hourly expected from france, cannot but give the tone to our
              animadversions.
          Mr Pinckney’s letters are dated July 8. Augt 1. 15. 27. & 28. and Sept. 25. &
            27. 1793. That of aug. 15. being in cypher, appears to have been decyphered; but the
            solution is either mislaid or in the hands of Congress. Nothing can yet be answered,
            except the receipt of the copper. For the piracy on an American vessel by a french frigate—Philip Wilson’s case—and that of the Marquis la
            Fayette, will become distinct subjects for the consideration of the President. Congress
            are occupied with the Severities of the British Government, which constitute the
            weightier parts of Mr Pinckney’s correspondence; and the infraction of neutral rights,
            and the contest for the security of our Seamen will doubtless come into view.
          Altho’ Mr Humphreys’ letters are more numerous being of Aug. 4. 15. & 25. Sep. 1.
            3. 13. 16. 17. & 26 Oct. 3. 6. 7 & 8. 1793. none of them are pressing; being
            letters of intelligence principally.
          As to Mr Dumas, even if he can be called a diplomatic character, his letters of may 1.
            June 22. July 13, and August 14. are only effusions of the pen. But it appears from a
            memorandum of Mr Jefferson, that Mr Dumas a considerable time ago suggested the
            propriety of selling the Hôtel at the Hague, which perhaps cannot be too soon attended
              to.
          It is designed, therefore, at present, to prepare for Mr Pinckney, Mr Morris, Messrs
            Carmichael and Short, and Mr Short, letters to be laid before the President; acknowledging the receipt of theirs, notifying the change of the officer
            in the department of State, and containing such other matters as
            may relate to them particularly, and any intelligence founded upon public documents in
            the United States.

            Edm: Randolph.


Title: From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 7 January 1794
From: Washington, George
To: United States Senate and House of Representatives

            Gentlemen of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives.
            United States January 7. 1794.

          I lay before you an Official statement of the expenditure to the end of the year 1793,
            from the sum of Ten thousand dollars, granted to defray the contingent expences of
            Government, by an Act passed on the 26th of March 1790.

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Harriot Washington, 7 January 1794
From: Washington, Harriot
To: Washington, George

            Culpeper [Va.] January [7, 1794]

          I hope My dear Uncle will excuse my troubling him so soon again, but as he is the only
            Freind, on earth that I can apply to, for any thing I am induced to think that my
            necesity will apologize for me. I have spent the winter in Culpeper with Cousin Carter,
            in a very retired manner, we have scarcely seen a person since we came up, and as I am
            just a going to return to Fredericksburg, I shall be thousand time’s oblieged to My dear
            Uncle, if he will give me as much money as will get me a silk jacket and a pair of shoes
            to wear to the birth night as that will be the first Ball I shall have been to this
              winter.
          Cousin Carter join’s me in love to you and Aunt Washington. I am My dear Uncle Your
            affectionate Neice

            Harriot Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Adams, 8 January 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Adams, John

            Dear Sir,
            Wednesday 8th Jany 1794.

          I would thank you for giving the papers herewith sent a perusal—and for the result of
              it.
          I am now deliberating on the measure proper & necessary to be taken with respect to
            Mr G——t and wish for aid in so doing; the critical state of things making me more than
            usually anxious to decide right in the present case.
          None but the heads of departments are privy to these papers, which I pray may be
            returned this evening or in the morning. With very sincere esteem & regard I am
            always Your obedt & Affect. Servant

            Go: Washington


Title: Henry Knox to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 8 January 1794
From: Knox, Henry
To: Dandridge, Bartholomew Jr.

            Dear Sir
            January 8. 1794

          Please to submit, the enclosed letters from Governor Blount, to the President. I am Dear Sir Yours &c.

            H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from Gautier de la Pecoutiere, 8 January 1794
From: Gautier de la Pecoutiere
To: Washington, George

            Au Grand General Waginton des etats unis du Continant de lamerique
            Baltimore [Md.] le 8 janvier 1794

          Le Citoyen Gautier de la pecoutiere habitant de la plainne du Cap français, lieutenant
            des volontaire Destain à savanna ayant Recue trois Blessures au dit siége, le General
            d’estain lui á envoyé le Ruban et laigle de la ⟨s⟩o⟨c⟩iation de ⟨sinsinnatus⟩ et son
            Brevet par ordre du Grand General Waginton pour Recompences davoir Bien servie le
              Continant.
          Le Citoyen Gautier ayant été incendier deux fois pas peu Rien sauver que sa femme qui á
            Recue quatres Coups de sabre qui est estropier et prete daccouchée; nous sommes á
            Baltimore Grand General dans une detresse des plus Grande notre seule Resources est en
            vous nous vous prions de nous envoyer quelque choses pour les Besoin les plus urgent si
            vous navés egard a notre situation nous allon perir de Chagrin et de miseres, si javais
            eu les moyen de passer à votre hautel vous faire le tablau de vive voix de Ce qui mest
            arivée depuis trois ans vous verrier que Cela est digne de compasion.
          si je peu etre utile Grand General pour les etats unie je vous prie de menployer je
            suis pret á sacrifier mes jours pour votre services, en Cas que le continant serait
            ataqué j’ai des Connaisence pour etablir des forts ou Baterie.
          mon epouses et moi nous elevons nos ⟨y⟩eux au Ciel pour la Conservation de vos
            jours.

            Salut Gautier de la pecoutiere


Title: To George Washington from the Citizens of Savannah, Georgia, 8 January 1794
From: Citizens of Savannah, Georgia
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            [8 Jany 1794]

          The Citizens of Savannah, strongly impressed with the danger and mischeifs, to which
            the United States have been exposed, by the possibility of their being involved in the
            War existing between those European Nations, with whom we are most intimately united in
            Amity, and connected by Commerce; beg leave to take this method of expressing to you,
            the sincere and cordial sentiments of approbation and applause, with which the measures
            you have adopted, in this very interesting situation, have inspired them.
          The Services performed by you for our common Country, on so many, such various, and
            important occasions, in the exercise of the highest civil and military authority, were
            such as not to have rendered necessary the public declaration of our sentiments,
            concerning this last instance of the paternal Zeal, with which you have incessantly
            watched over the public happiness—But when some of our Citizens have spared us pains to
            inflame the public mind, and to stimulate individuals to actions contrary to their duty
            as citizens, and distructive of the most important interests of the United States—And
            when such individuals have not only been publicly countenanced and encouraged by the
            French Minister, but that he has dared to distribute Commissions,
            and instructions for enlisting soldiers in the name of the French Republic, within the
            Jurisdiction, and without the approbation or knowledge of our Government; We think it right thus publicly to declare, that in our opinion the
            timely notice given by your proclamation of the Neutrality of the United States—Your
            instructions for preventing the fitting out of armed vessels in our
            ports—The sentiments contained in your Speech to Congress, and your letter concerning
            the conduct of the person employed in America as the Minister of the French Republic,
            are agreeable to the principles of our excellent Constitution;
            and wisely calculated to ensure a continuance of Peace—promote the public prosperity—And
            preserve the Dignity of the American Nation. To the wisdom of these measures, and the
            good Sense, and manly firmness of the great bulk of the American People, it is owing,
            that we have not yet experienced the horrid carnage, and devastation of an unnecessary
            War—And We rejoice that Congress have so cordially expressed their approbation and
            concurrence in the measures you have adopted for the preservation of Peace to our
              Country.
          Accept, Sir, the tender of our gratefull acknowledgements, for your past services, and
            the sincere profession of that perfect confidence with which such
            an uniform series of great and good actions have inspired us, with respect to your
            future conduct.
          Signed by order of a public meeting of the citizens of Savannah.

            Nathl: PendletonChairman


Title: From George Washington to James Madison, 10 January 1794
From: Washington, George
To: Madison, James

            Dear Sir,
            Friday 10th Jany 1794.

          Herewith you will receive Sundry Pamphlets &ca under the patronage of Sir John
            Sinclair. I send you his letters to me also, that the design may be better
              understood.
          From all these, you will be able to decide, whether a plan of enquiry similar to the
            one set on foot in G. Britn, would be likely to meet legislative or other encouragement,
            and of what kind, in this Country.
          These, or any other ideas which may result from the perusal of the papers, I would
            thank you for, as the letters remain unacknowledged, and the writer of them will expect
            this if nothing more.


Title: Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., to Henry Knox, 11 January 1794
From: Dandridge, Bartholomew Jr.
To: Knox, Henry

            11 January 1794.

          B. Dandridge has the honor by the Presidents order, to send the enclosed Proceedings of
            the Senate, on the subject of the Treaty with the Wabash & Illinois Indians, to the
            Secretary of War for his information.


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 11 January 1794
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Philadelphia January 11. 1794

          Mr Jefferson has noted among the papers, which accompany the Algerine communications,
            that “there is no fund, out of which the hire of the Swedish vessel can be paid.”  I beg leave therefore to submit, to your consideration, Whether
            you will order payment of Mr Church’s bill, to the amount of one hundred and fifty
            pounds sterling, out of the contingent fund in your disposal. I
            have the honor, sir, to be with the greatest respect yr mo. ob. serv.

            Edm: Randolph