Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 5 August 1793
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] Monday. 5th Augt [1793]

Mr Randolph presents his respectful compliments to the President; and has the honor of inclosing to him the paper, on which he had committed his opinion, as to the calling of congress, and which he intended to have transcribed. But as he is now engaged in consultation with the heads of the departments, and is on the point of being called to the court, he begs the favor of the President to accept the paper without transcription.


Title: Enclosure Edmund Randolph’s Opinion on Convening Congress, 5 August 1793
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] Aug: 3. 1793.

On the question, whether congress be now called,
At a past day this question was agitated; and it was an  unanimous opinion, that congress should not be then called. A revision of that opinion confirms me in its propriety. Some farther reasons therefore, amounting to what the constitution calls an “extraordinary occasion” must have occurred since; before if that opinion is to be relinquished.
If these reasons be not well founded, to what extent may not the alarm be carried both here and in Europe? Every imagination will be racked to discover the extraordinary occasion; and there can be no doubt, that dangers of every possible kind will be supposed to surround this country. Public credit will be shaken by new suspicions; and the belligerent powers will entertain one, most hazardous to us, that the executive foresee, that we cannot escape the war. In the latter case, the nations, who least affect our favor, may possibly hasten to anticipate our power of hostility.
Still however, if the extraordinary occasion exists, it must be obeyed. But does it exist?
1. The war with the Western Indians has a chance of being ended; or at least has not assumed any terrors, against which we are not prepared. It may indeed become more formidable, by embracing greater bodies of Indians; but no ground yet appears for such a calculation.
2. The Southern Indians are to be apprehended. But a peace with the Western Indians would leave the army free to act against the Southern; an enterprize cannot be set on foot by congress, if now called, early enough to seize any part of this year, and April is supposed to be the best season for operations.
3. The determination to procure Mr G.’s recal is an affair, for which the President is not accountable to any other order of the government. It is not feared, that such a measure will produce any convulsions; but on the contrary ought to conciliate the public affection, and particularly the affection of those, who wish to see the dignity of government, or its peace maintained.
4. Altho’ the acquittal of G. Henfield is a proof, that the jury, under all the circumstances of his case, thought him innocent, the law was announced with firmness and decision by the judges. Another trial may be effected to have a different result; and to call congress, because he was acquitted, would argue that the executive had lost confidence in its own judgment, which originally dictated the prosecution, altho’ it was been corroborated by that of the court.

5. At the same time, it must be acknowledged, that it would be a great relief to the President, and congress would be readier for all events, if they were earlier assembled. But what advantage can be obtained in point of time? Not more than a month—And is it worth the risque of spreading a general alarm for such an acquisition of time? Will it not be said, that the President has gone as far and as long he could without congress; and finding his career by himself closed, or anxious to save appearances, he is now at length desirous of sharing the burthen with them.
Being unable therefore to discern any special reasons for calling congress, equal in weight to those against it, or any adequate motives in the general complexion of affairs; I am of opinion, that congress ought not now to be su⟨mmd⟩.

Edm: Randolph.


Title: To George Washington from Howell Lewis, 6 August 1793
From: Lewis, Howell
To: Washington, George

Dear Uncle,
Mount Vernon August 6th, 1793

I received your letter Dated 28th of last month, and according to your desire, I will endeavour to Satisfy you, respecting the Situation of the Different Crops, as well as I can.
The Corn at Union Farm. The growth of it verry good, but the Silking verry Bad, and the Couler also bad, and is now faiding every day, there has not been a rain here Since the 11th of July accept a little Shower, the first day of August. The Wheat is all Secured in the Barn, and in Stacks. The quality verry indifferent, I had some of the White bearded wheat, got out for the use of the house, and it only weigh’d 56, and the most indifferent Flour I ever Saw—I am sure there is at least one fourth, if not a third, of faulty grains among it. The quantity of wheat made is about 1500 bushels. The Oats is also Secured in the Barn, the grain is verry good. and the quantity 30 bushels. The Swamp that is to be Sown in grass; Mr Crow informs me, shall be in good order, for the reception of the Seeds, he has finished Breaking up all the high ground, and a great part of the Swamp, The ground at present, is so hard, and Bak’d that the Ploughs cannot break it up, Therefore he is oblige to Hoe it. The grass and weeds is nearly up to my Shoulders, There is some part of it I shall have cut, and Cured for hay, as will doe for Cattle & Sheep, and as you have Sustained Such losses in that respect, I shall bee as careful as I possible can of every Straw.
The Clover Seed which you mention, was sent here last July, is not to be found in the Seed loft, nor in the Storehouse, nor can I learn any thing of it. As to the quantity of Clover Seed that will be saved here, Mr Butler cant give any guess, he wanted to persuade me that Seed was never Saved from a Second Crop—As I have always heard that Seed could not be got from the first  crop, owing to the Clover growing so Luxuriant, that there was scarcely any seed; to convince him of his Errer, I geathered some of the heads and rubed them out, I never saw better Seed and more of it, I am confident, that there might with the smallest industry, that seed might be saved every [y]ear, enough for the use of the Estate—Butler is so Slow, and carries so little Authority among the Negroes, that it is impossible he should have things done as they aught to be. The Machine which you spoke of, for combing off the heads of the Clover cannot be found. I have enquired of Old Jack and all of the Overseers, and none can give any acct of it. The Timothy is all cut at Dogue Run that was intended for Seed, But what quantity of Seed can be got from it, Butler cant pretend to say. The Orchard Grass Seed that was sown at the Mansion house, I am told came up very well, but has sence been destroyed by the Weeds, all the Lawns are Mowed, and the hay Cured, and now in Cocks. The green next to the River is cut, and the hay put in the Stable. The gardens and vineyard are in good order, and Clean, the gravel walks they are now weeding. Captn Ellwood arrived on Sunday evening, I received all the things Mentioned in the Invoice; John got here safe, with all his thing except his knife, which he says was Stolen from him in Phi[l]a. The Gardners wife returns Aunt Washington many thanks for her kind preasent. Thomas Green has been all this week putting up 3 Dormound Windows on the Shed of the Stable—he goes on so slowly, that it is not in my power to tell when he will finish them. Thomas Davis has finished the Gardeners house all Below, but for the want of time, he was obliged to Stop—he is now working at the New Barn.
Mr McKoy’s corn is in the same Situation of Mr Crow’s, His wheat in No. 2 is all Secured in Stacks, The quality is verry indifferent, The wheat in No. 1 is verry good, but not Secured as yet, but I am in hopes he will have it all Stacked this week—The quantity he supposes he will make, will be 17 or 18 hundred Bushels, his Oats are now in the field, and I am affraid will injure your Clover, for where ever there is a Shock, that spot will be bare, The quantity will be about 200 Bushels. The Swamp he has just began to cut the weeds of; and having all his Oats, to Secure, and part of his wheat, tis not possible to guess when he will have the ground in a Situation for the Seeds. The Clover and Timothy that was sown in the wheat field No. 7 came up badly, it is  not probable that the quantity of seed, which I am told was sown, was put in the ground, or else more of it would have cum up. Mr McKoy mentioned that Mr Whiting had sent the Seed, unmixed with Sand, and it beaing a Seed that would command the ready money, I have not the smallest doubt, but the person who had the managment of it, helpt himself to the best part.
Davy’s Corn, much in the same Situation of the other two; his Wheat he has got Secured in his Barn and in Stacks. The quality much the same of Mr Crows, the quantity about 6 or 7 hundred Bushels.
Mr Stuarts Corn is the same of the others; But his wheat much the Best; he has got one and twenty Stacks at his yard, which will average 70 or 80 bushels a piece; he expects he shall be able to Secure all his wheat this week, if his oxen should hold out, which he is doubtful of. The quantity he expects to make is 2700 Bushels. his Oats are all Secured in the Barn, and the grain good; The quantity he supposes is about 50 bushels.
The family are all well; with my Compliments to my Aunt and family—I remain your Affecte Nephew

Howell Lewis

P.S. Mr Crow, mentioned that there was a gentleman, who wished to get 7 or 8 bushels, of your white bearded wheat, if you could spare it, and would give any price. will you be so kind as to Send me the list of the person’s names who send there Mares or Jenny’s to the Jack.


Title: From George Washington to Robert Townsend Hooe, 7 August 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Hooe, Robert Townsend

Dear Sir
Phila. Augt 7. 93

The Commiss[ioner]s having given it as their opinion that one hundred & fo[r]ty pounds Virga Cury wd be a proper compensation to Mr Keith for the trouble he has had with the Accts relating to Colo. Colville’s estate—I have given him a draught upon you for that sum, wh. you will be good as to pay out of the balce that may remain in yr hands due to me after settling the Acct of Mr Bennets.
As this balce will not be payable to me ’till the middle of Septr I suppose it will be convenient for Mr Keith to wait until that time, unless it shd be equally as convenient for you to pay it when the order is presented as at this time. With great respect & esteem I am Dr Sir, Your mo. Ob. St

G. W——n


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 7 August 1793
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] Aug. 7. 93.

Th: Jefferson has the honor to inclose to the President the draught of a letter to mister Genet, in pursuance of the opinion of Saturday last approved by the President.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 7 August 1793
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] Aug. 7. 93.

Th: Jefferson has the honor to inclose the draught of a letter to mister Hammond. if the President approves it, he will send it to mister Hammond’s immediately, as tomorrow’s post is the last one which will be in time for the Packet.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 7 August 1793
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir,
War department August 7th 1793

I have the honor to submit to your Consideration two questions relative to the preservation of the peace with the Creeks and Cherokees and the answers thereto by Governor Blount and General Pickens—the latter declines forming an estimate but the Governor will do it alone. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your most obedt servant

H. Knox secy of war


Title: From George Washington to John Francis Mercer, 7 August 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Mercer, John Francis

Sir,
Philadelphia Augt 7th 1793

I will thank you to let me know whether the deed from yourself and others to me have been duly executed and recorded—and in case it has I must beg you will have the goodness to forward it to me. I am Sir, Your Obed. Hble Servt.


Title: To George Washington from David Plunket, 7 August 1793
From: Plunket, David
To: Washington, George

Sir
Baltimore August 7th 1793

The office of Surveyor of this Port haveing become vacant by the death of Colonel Ballard, I take the liberty of recommending to your consideration in the appointment to be made, Mr John H. Purviance son of the late Mr Samuel Purviance of this town—The essential services rendered by his Father in the late revolution—The severe reverse of fortune he experienced, and the Unhappy circumstances attending his Death, will I am persuaded have some weight in your determination—Permit me Sir to inform you and assure you most Solemnly, that Mr Purviance’s principles and talents have secured the esteem of his fellow Citizens—his Character is unspotted—His education has been liberal—He possesses considerable commercial Information, and is Completely Master of the French language, which in the present Situation of our Trade is of Importance. Mr Purviance has been established in business for some time past at Norfolk, But has not been Successfull. he is now on a voyage to the West Indies and is very shortly expected. Should he be nominated—a person in every respect qualified will act for him untill he arrives—A long and intimate acquaintance with Mr Purviance has given me an opportunity of knowing his worth, being without any other source then his Industry and Talents, and haveing three Sisters depending on him for Support. I cou’d not forbear makeing the present application—more particularly as I have been urged to it by a number of Citizens, who have the Honor of being personally known to you I entreat Sir you will pardon the Liberty I have taken, and that you will consider me as acting from Motives pure and disinterested. I have the Honour to be—With sincere attachment & Respect Sir, Your obedt Servt

David Plunket


Title: To George Washington from the Grand Jurors of Sussex County, Delaware, 7 August 1793
From: Grand Jurors of Sussex County, Delaware
To: Washington, George

Sir
 August 7th 1793

We the Grand Jury of the County of Sussex in the State of Delaware, assembled for the purpose of redressing any violations of the public peace and good order of Society, feel peculiar pleasure in the present opportunity we have of expressing our sense of your wise and patriotic exertions for the public Welfare. Our heartiest approbation of your prudent and timely proclamation, our firmest reliance on your unceasing vigilance for our peace and prosperity; and your uniform patriotism in all difficulties, prompt us to declare to you Our determination to support and assist you at all times against the machinations of the enemies of good Government We consider a continuation of peace, upon independent principles, to be a continuation of every public blessing, on the contrary an interruption of it would be fatal to our Agriculture, Commerce and Credit, and would involve in endless difficulties our now growing empire. That the same Wisdom and Public Love which has hitherto animated you in all your Actions may attend you to the latest period of your Life, and may descend to your Successors for Ages to come, is the sincerest prayer of our hearts.

Signed by Order of the Grand Jury Jonathan Cathel[,] Foreman


Title: To George Washington from Frances Bassett Washington, 7 August 1793
From: Washington, Frances Bassett
To: Washington, George

Dear & honord Sir,
Mount Vernon August 7th 1793

I had the pleasure to receive your favor of the 28th of July on thursday morning—the melancholy event of Mrs Lears death filld me with the deepest concern, a woman so amiable & pleasing in her manners as I have always understood she was, must be a loss to all her acquaintence, & to her family an irreparable one.
the day after my last letter to you, I had the pleasure of receiving yours of the l0th of june, enclosed to me by my Brother Sam Washington; I beg leave my dear Sir to offer my most grateful acknowledgements, for the time you have devoted to the consideration of the interest of myself & Children, & for the advice you have so kindly given me, it will be my study in every act of my life to avoid your disapprobation, but inexperience & incapacity equally inspire me with a diffidence in judging of everything relating to plantation business, & I fear I may sometimes trouble you, with circumstances too trifling to deserve your attention. the room in the second story of my Overseers house, I shall have made ready as was proposed to receive the wheat, least it shoud not be in my power to deliver it in Alexandria immediately upon getting it out, but as soon as the overseer can form a judgement of the quantity there will be for Sale, I will get the favor of Mr Lewis or some acquaintence in Alexandria to engage it to a merchant there, & have it sent up as soon as possible.
it is I beleive necessary to have the house underpin[e]d with brick, & shall direct Reuben to go about it, the small quantity of lime which will be wanting for this purpose, I shall take the liberty of having carried from this place.

the good prospects for corn are I fear, already in great measure blasted by the dry weather, for this reason as well as others containd in your last favor, I shall not think of any thing more, than repairing the present Corn house, so as to make it a safe receptable for what is made.
by my agreement with the man who is to be a tenant next year on the cleard land in Berkely, I am obliged to send up four Negroes from this county at Christmas, viz., a man, woman & two children of ten & twelve years of age—there will then remain here, an old man of fifty, a lad of sixteen or seventeen & a Boy of twelve years old, & two women, besides the old woman who has been confined to the house for four months past—there was only two small cabbins built up for the accomodation of all the negroes now there, they will still be wanting when only four are moved away, the logs of which they are built are new & good, & I shall endeavour to have the roofs repaird in the least expensive manner, so as to make them comfortable—I have a young Negro Man in Berkely, that I am at some loss what to do with—he refused to be hired with the other Negroes, & solicited me to let him come & live near me—this however I shall not suffer, if you think the hands I have already mentiond, are enough to keep the farm in proper order—if he is hired which must be the case if not wanting down here, I shoud suppose the best way woud be, to let him choose a master in the part of the country he now is, or let him go with the land that now remains to be rented up there—The only apology I can make my dear Sir for this long letter, is to beg that it may not be allowd to take up your attention, untill it perfectly agrees with your convenience & leisure—& altho’ your letters afford me more happiness, than almost any other circumstance, it is painful to consider that they add anything to the writing business, which constantly engrosses you My Sister Milly desires you will accept her best thanks for the cloak you have been so good as to present her, she joins in warmest wishes for your health & happiness with your gratefully affectionate

Frances Washington


Title: To George Washington from Daniel Delozier, 8 August 1793
From: Delozier, Daniel
To: Washington, George

Sir
Baltimore, August 8 1793

I have taken the liberty of soliciting the appointment of Surveyor of the port of Baltimore, which has become vacant by the death of Colo. Ballard.
I have performed the duties of Deputy Collector of the Customs, under General Williams, from the commencment of the present system of Government, and I flatter myself that my uniform conduct, in that capacity, has been such as to merit the approbation of those concerned.
General Williams is at present at the farm in Frederick and as soon as opportunity will admit, I shall have the honor of transmitting to your Excellency such particulars respecting my situation and general conduct as have come within his immediate view. I have the honor to be, with much respect, Your Excellency’s most Obedt and Hble Servant

D. Delozier


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 8 August 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia, 8 August 1793]

The present being, & being likely to continue for some time a favorable season for purchases of the Public Debt, and as it appears that the whole; or the greatest part of the unexpended monies of the foreign loans heretofore made will be requisite for satisfying the approaching installments of our Debt to France, which it has been judged expedient to pay without deduction for any prior advance. It appearing moreover from the statements submitted by you to my consideration, that of the sum authorised to be borrowed by the Act intitled “an Act making provision for the reduction of the Public debt,” there may still be procured for the purpose of that act the sum of one million five hundred & fifteen thousand & ninety eight Dollars & Eleven cents:
I do therefore direct & require that you take immediate measures

 for obtaining a Loan or Loans to the extent of the sum aforesaid, to be applied to purchases of the public debt pursuant to the provisions of the act above mentioned.
Provided always that the terms & conditions of the said loan or loans shall be accordng to Law.
Given under my hand at Philada the Eighth day of Augt 1793.

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 8 August 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

[Philadelphia, 8 August 1793]

You having stated to me that there will be due & payable on the first of June next on account of the Loans heretofore made by the United States in Holland the sum of one million of Florins.
I do therefore hereby direct & require that you will take measures for procuring in due time by way of Loan the said sum of one million of florins, to be applied to the payment of the aforesaid installments.
 Provided always that the terms & conditions of the said Loan or Loans be according to Law.
Given under my hand at Philada the Eighth day of August 1793.

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 8 August 1793
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] Aug. 8. 93.

Th: Jefferson has the honor to inclose to the President a letter just received from mister Hammond, & the answer he proposes to give to it.


Title: To George Washington from George Peter Keeports, 8 August 1793
From: Keeports, George Peter
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Baltimore Augst 8th 1793

With due submission I beg leave to offer myself for the Office of Surveyor for the district of Baltimore, which by the death of Colo. Ballard has become vacant. altho’ this is the first time I have the Honor of addressing your Excellency I flatter myself that it will not be considered too presumtive to say that I have had the Honor of serving my Native Country from the commencement

 to the close of the late War, in the Army under your Excellencies command and in the Commissary of Cloathing and Military-stores department in the State of Maryland; in which I discharged the duties of the trust reposed in me without complaint, the testimonials of which services, as soon a⟨s⟩ time will permit to obtain them from His Excellency the Governor of this State and the members of the Executive council, under whose immediate direction I was employed for Six years, I shall take the liberty to transmit to Your Excellency; and shall make it my only Study to discharge with equal Integrity and Satisfaction, the duties of Surveyor should your Excellency think proper to appoint Your Excellencies most Obedient and very Humble Servant

Geo: P. Keeports


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 8 August 1793
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir.
War Department, 8 August. 1793.

I have the honor to submit, the enclosed dispatches just received from Georgia—to wit—
A Letter from Governor Telfair dated 24 July 1793.

Two letters, & enclosures, from Major Gaither of 15th & 20th July 1793. I have the honor to be Sir, Most respectfully, Your very humble Servt

H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Sterett, 8 August 1793
From: Sterett, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Baltimore 8th August 1793

The death of the late Surveyor of this port has occasioned the Office to be vacant. With respect & submission I offer myself a Candidate to fill it—My Character, both public & private, I hope, does not require particular recommendation to support it—And as to my situation in other respects I will candidly state that my support is totally dependant on my Industry, and I am ambitious to be engaged in the service of my Country—Should you deem me worthy of the appointment I shall endeavour to acquit myself with honor and propriety. With sentiments of profound respect, I have the honor to be, Sir, Your Humb. Sert

Samuel Sterett


Title: To George Washington from Supreme Court Justices, 8 August 1793
From: Supreme Court Justices,Jay, John,Wilson, James,Blair, John,Iredell, James,Paterson, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia 8 Augt 1793

We have considered the previous Question stated in a Letter written to us by your Direction, by the Secretary of State, on the 18th of last month.
The Lines of Separation drawn by the Constitution between the three Departments of Government—their being in certain Respects checks on each other—and our being Judges of a court in the last Resort—are Considerations which afford strong arguments against the Propriety of our extrajudicially deciding the questions alluded to; especially as the Power given by the Constitution to the President of calling on the Heads of Departments for opinions, seems to have been purposely as well as expressly limited to executive Departments.
we exceedingly regret every Event that may cause Embarrassment to your administration; but we derive Consolation from the Reflection, that your Judgment will discern what is Right, and that your usual Prudence, Decision and Firmness will surmount every obstacle to the Preservation of the Rights, Peace, and Dignity of the united States. We have the Honor to be, with perfect Respect, Sir, your most obedient and most h’ble servants

John Jay
James Wilson John Blair Ja. Iredell
Wm Paterson


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 9 August 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir
Treasury Department August 9. 1793.

I have the honor to transmit herewith the Copy of a letter from the Comptroller of the Treasury of the 7th instant containing substantially the information requisite to a judgment of the motives, which determined the Treasury to persist in declining for the present the payment of the warrants stated by Mr Fraunces to be in his possession.
 These principally turn upon the following considerations—
  I That there appears to have been an extensive and complicated agency on the part of Mr Duer for the late Board of Treasury, respecting the negotiation, exchange and payment of sundry kinds of paper, including warrants of the nature of those in question, which, the various accounts respecting it not having been finally settled at the Treasury, renders it impossible for the present Officers of the Department to pronounce with certainty what of those warrants are rightfully outstanding—and a just claim upon the public.
II. That there are other kinds of Public paper in a similar predicament.
III That there is a presumption that the particular warrants in possession of Mr Fraunces may have been once taken up and satisfied by Mr Duer as a Public Agent out of Public funds, though afterwards thrown into circulation for private purposes.
IV That Mr Fraunces before he became possessed of them knew the facts, which support that presumption; and consequently became possessed of them mala fide, as a speculation upon what he supposed to be the strictness of public obligation.
V That from this state of things, it is unsafe for the public to an unknown extent to continue to take up and satisfy public paper of the description comprized in Mr Duer’s agency; and that in the particular case, it is very questionable whether a Court of Justice would support the claim of Mr Fraunces even on rigid principles of law.
The following circumstances will evince still more clearly the impropriety of Mr Fraunces’s pertinacity on the occasion.
Mr Fraunces was a Clerk of the Board of Treasury during the greatest part, if not the whole period of the transactions in question, and was in a situation to be well acquainted with their Course.
Mr Fraunces being found a Clerk in the Treasury, at the time of the commencement of the present administration of it, was continued in it ’till some time in March last; and well knew before his departure that objections were made at the Treasury to the payment of the still-outstanding warrants, ’till further light could be obtained.
With all this knowledge to guide him, he ventures upon the speculation, and plunges himself into the embarrassment in which he alleges himself to be.
There is therefore the reverse of reason for a departure from the rule of conduct, which has been a considerable time since adopted at the Treasury, in his favour.
Mr Fraunces endeavours to derive a topic of censure on the refusal to pay the warrants from the circumstance of a very considerable sum of those warrants having been previously discharged by the present Department, which he represents as an inconsistency with its conduct.
A short history of the business will be the best answer to this insinuation.
One of my first acts, upon coming into my present Office, was to ascertain what demands upon the Treasury requiring immediate payment in specie, existed; in order to laying before Congress an estimate for an appropriation. My call for this information was addressed to the Register of the Treasury, who had been in that Office under the old establishment, and whose province it was, both from the nature of his Office and the usage of the Treasury, to furnish information of that sort.
He accordingly reported to me among other things a statement of warrants which had been issued by the late Board of Treasury and which appeared to be still outstanding and unsatisfied. This statement formed a part of an estimate submitted by me to the House of Representatives on the 19th of September 1789, which was the foundation of an appropriation of 190,000 Dollars for satisfying warrants of the above description.
On the 28th of July 1790, the Register reported to me, a further statement, which was also communicated to the House of Representatives; from which it appeared that some of the warrants deemed outstanding in the first statement had been satisfied and that others not mentioned in it were outstanding; but as the sum of the warrants omitted was less than that of the warrants which had been included in the first statement though satisfied, the matter was left on the basis of the first appropriation, which appeared sufficient to cover all the warrants really outstanding.
The reason assigned by the Register for this inaccuracy and which appears to have been the true one was—“That the Accounts of the Treasurer and Receivers of Taxes had not yet been adjusted at the Treasury; which prevented his having a certain guide to ascertain the particular warrants, that formed the agregate of the excess of warrants drawn by the late Board beyond the actual receipts of monies into the Treasury.”
But during this period and for a long time after, I was ignorant of the existence and extent of Mr Duers Agency for the Board of Treasury. No circumstance in the course of the immediate business of my Office led to the discovery, and no person who have been in the way of knowing it had informed me of it.
Of the Officers of the Treasury under the old establishment, none remained but Mr Duer and the Register. Mr Duer probably from the difficulty of rendering a prompt and satisfactory account of his Agency kept it out of sight; and the Register either perhaps not acquainted with it, as having been pretty much seperated from the active operations of the Department, or from a Character naturally reserved and inofficious said nothing about the matter.
One Occurence only led me (some time after my coming into Office but the particular period is forgotten) to a partial knowledge of the transaction. some Certificates of pay due to the Officers of South Carolina were presented at the Treasury for payment and upon enquiry I was told by Mr Duer that the Board had put into his hands funds for the payment of Certificates of that kind, that the greatest part of them had been satisfied and
 that as the residue occurred the holders might be referred to him and he would take them up.
But this as stated appeared to be only a particular provision, commensurate with a particular case. The general subject of the Agency was kept out of view until a long time afterwards, as the progressive settlement of Public Accounts unfolded the transactions of the late Board.
 The Accounting Officers of the Treasury first and successively acquired the information in the course of official business, which was successiv⟨e⟩ly imparted to me, but it was not till after the present Comptroller came into his present Office, that I became apprized of the extent of the thing.
Early and great pains were taken to bring the late Treasurer to a settlement of his Accounts; but it was for a long time eluded under different pretexts: he continuing in Philadelphia and his papers remaining in a private House at New-York; till owing to an anxiety about their situation and the danger to the Public if an Accident should happen to them, I caused them to be seized under the direction of the then Comptroller and placed in the Bank of New-York carefully packed up and sealed for safe Custody.
It was not however, till after our arrival at this place that a material progress could be made in the settlement of these Accounts. Much has been done in it; but questions connected with Mr Duers Agency still postpone its final completion.
The settlement of the old Accounts of the Commissioners of loans has also been pursued with diligence and with success; though they were unavoidably delayed by their connection with the Treasurers accounts and Mr Duers Agency.
As these settlements proceeded, that Agency became more and more devellopped. But it was not till late in the year 1791, that an adequate idea of it was obtained.
It appears by recurrence to official records—that from the 23d of November 1789 when the Treasury began to be in a situation to make payments on that account to the 23d of November 1790 there had been paid in discharge of warrants issued by the late Board of Treasury 157630 Dollars & 94 Cents; that subsequent to this period there have only been paid of those warrants on the 6th of July 1791 to Abijah Hammond 150 Dollars on the 12th of october 1792 to Henry Knox 33 Dollars & 33 Cents.

During the whole of the period when the payments were made except the last mentioned trifling one, I was altogether ignorant of the general considerations which have latterly operated against a continuance of those payments; which sufficiently accounts for the difference of conduct.
But those general considerations have been strengthened by the following more particular ones.
The warrants now outstanding lay dormant, from the time the appropriation was made for their payment till after the time of Mr Duer’s late failure (an interval of more than two years) when they began to make their appearance at the Treasury.
Considering that the appropriation for these warrants was so long a matter of general notoriety, and that money during the whole period was in great and universal demand, the reflection naturally pressed itself upon the Treasury, that some great peculiarity must have attended those so long kept back, and no sufficient solution appeared but in the supposition that they might have been taken up by Mr Duer in the course of his agency. The appearance at the Treasury about the same time of paper of other kind which had been understood to be absorbed, served to strengthen and extend the alarm.
These circumstances at any rate were of a nature to enforce the propriety of caution; and a resolution was accordingly taken to make no further payments till further light could be obtained and further legislative precautions could be established to guard the public, as far as possible, against the danger of suffering by any abuses, which might have been committed.
 Accordingly in consequence of suggestions from the Treasury, the law mentioned in the close of the comptrollers letter was passed during the last session; which provides that all claims upon the united States for services or supplies or for other cause matter or thing furnished or done previous to the 4th day of march 1789, whether founded upon certificates or other written documents from public officers or otherwise, which had not already been barred by any Act of limitation, and which should not be presented at the Treasury before the first day of may 1794 should forever after be precluded from settlement or allowance; with the exception only of loan office certificates, certificates of final settlement, indents of Interest, balances entered in the books of the Register of the Treasury, certificates issued by the Register of the Treasury commonly called Registered certificates, loans of money obtained in foreign countries and certificates issued pursuant to the Funding Act. Neither of which exceptions covers either of the species of Paper, for the discharging of which Mr Duer’s agency appears to have extended.
The claims presented under this Act are to be received and recorded by the Auditor; and the accounting officers of the Treasury are to make Report to Congress upon all such of them as shall not be allowed to be valid according to the usual forms of the Treasury.
The plain design of this act is to fix a period, when all claims which admit a suspicion of abuse shall cease to bind; so that there may be an ultimate term to the dangers to the public in this way, which from the former loose and irregular manner of conducting the public business have been great—that in the interim whatever is doubtful may be held suspended, till the issue shall discover and set bounds to the extent of the mischief, if any, which exists; holding individuals who may have been accessory to any abuse during this time, under the check of that suspence, and of an investigation which is to continue open till the expiration of the term limited for presenting claims; and reserving to Congress the ultimate judgment in those cases where conflicting considerations may render the course which ought to be pursued doubtful.
Under this very necessary and prudent law the Department now asks, and being in the dark about the true situation of the warrants in question refers the holders of them to that ultimate justice, consistently with the security of the public, which this law contemplates.
Other holders more meritorious than Mr Fraunces as well as himself have been referred to this issue. They have acquiesced; he has appealed.
The most scrupulous maxims of good faith will, it is presumed, justify a Government, under circumstances so peculiar, in forbearing to admit claims, till it shall have taken precautions to ascertain the ground. It is probable that the nicety of public credit will require in the end some sacrifices of Interest, which strict justice would not dictate; but prudence requires that the extent of such sacrifices should be first known.
Mr Fraunces refers to a letter as inclosed which shews (says he) that “what is now known at the Treasury has been long since known” I find no other letter inclosed than that from Mr Taylor which only traces the knowlege of the Treasury back to the 26th of last month.
The circumstance mentioned in that letter proves to be a mistake, as will be seen by a certificate of the Register herewith transmitted.
But if it had been true, it would have furnished a very strong objection against paying the warrants; for to consider a paper which has been once satisfied and stolen off a public file, as an existing claim will not easily find principle or precedent to support it; and if a practice so alarming had been detected it would have afforded a very powerful motive for additional caution.
Mr Fraunces mentions a conversation with me, in which I had stated that the public might have a claim upon the warrants as Mr Flint had promised a payment in such warrants on account of his Tobacco contract; and it was possible those presented by Fraunces might have been a part of those promised by Flint.
It is true that something of this Kind was dropped by me in the course of one of the interviews which Mr Fraunces importunately pressed upon me.
The facts are as follow and were referred to in that sense.
Mr Flint owes a sum of money to the united States for a parcel of Tobacco which he purchased of the late Board of Treasury. He had in his possession warrants issued by the Board which he produced to the officers of the Treasury, declaring they were reserved for a payment on account of the contract when the monies became due—It was cursorily remarked to Mr Fraunces among other things, but without much stress being laid upon it, that it might appear upon more full inquiry that the warrants he held were part of those promised by Mr Flint and that it might then be a question whether the united States would not have a right to claim a set off against them of an equal sum of their debt from Mr Flint.
I added that this might be the better done as it was a serious question whether the warrants were in their nature negotiable.
To this Mr Fraunces replied that their negotiability could not be objected to as it had been the practice of the Treasury to pay them to the holders upon a blank endorsement—I answered that this was not conclusive, because it was known that Bonds under seal were not in strictness negotiable; yet if an obligee of mine should endorse my bond and deliver it to another I should without scruple pay the amount to him upon the strength of such endorsement if I had no valid set off against it, as the property of the prior owner; but if I had such set off, I should refuse payment and should expect to be justified by law.
But I added withall that this was a circumstance I had only mentioned incidentally; that my reasons for refusing payment were of a more cogent nature, immediately relative to the security of the Public.
The truth is, that I did not care to go into a particular explanation with Mr Fraunces, but chose rather to deal in general expressions. Not Mr Duer only but the members of the late Board of Treasury and the late Treasurer are more or less implicated in the affair. what degree of culpability falls upon either of these parties is not yet definitively ascertained; and I have considered it as most equitable and delicate not to make, what is hitherto supposed, a matter of public eclat; until at least it shall be better understood. Another reflection has also had some influence in producing reserve. It is this that Mr Duer if not rendered desperate by a disclosure, may in order still to preserve some public character exert himself to recover paper which may have improperly escaped him as the means of liquidating the demands which the united States at present have upon him, and of avoiding a disgraceful promulgation. Indeed there is reason to infer from some thing which in my last conversation but one with Mr Fraunces fell from him, that this is now the case. Mr Duer was endeavouring to get back the warrants; suggesting that they had been only pledged by him for a part of their value.
I think it proper to observe that my letter to Mr Fraunces which he has recited at length was prior to those disclosures of his which have tended to place his claim in a still more unfavourable light.
As to his having danced attendance at the Treasury for near two months (as he expresses it) the blame is wholly with himself—He was told in his first interview with me most explicitly that the warrants would not be paid for the present; and was advised on that ground to notify his claim to the Auditor—He nevertheless persevered in importuning me hoping perhaps to interest my humanity against my judgment and counting something

upon a disposition on my part to serve him which it now clearly appears he never merited.
I thought it incumbent upon me to ask an explanation of that part of his letter in which he seems to impute to me some undue motives; but he hitherto evades it. with the most perfect respect I have the honor to be Sir your most obedt & humble Servt

Alex. Hamilton


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 9 August 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] 9 Augt 1793

The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to present his respects to The President of the U. States and to send him the enclosed which is just come to hand by post. The Secretary would wait upon the President personally with it, but for the lateness of the hour.


Title: To George Washington from Isaac Heard, 9 August 1793
From: Heard, Isaac
To: Washington, George

Sir!
College of Arms London 9th Augt 1793

 A violent Inflammation in my Eyes caught above eighteen Months since and not yet removed hath proved a very great Misfortune, by creating an almos⟨t⟩ total Interruption of all my friendly Correspondences, as well as many of my official Duties, and hath to my very great Chagrin, prevented an earlier Acknowledgement of the Honor of your Excellency’s condescending and very obliging Letter of the 2nd May 1792, inclosing a correct and interesting Genealogical Account of the family of Washington since it’s first Settlement in America. The same unfortunate Cause hath also suspended such Enquiries as I proposed to make, which however are again resumed, for the purpose of completing the Pedigree, and the Union, as far as I may be able, of the several Branches.
 I am of opinion, tho’ I cannot at present prove the fact, that your Excellency is descended from Lawrence Washington of Sulgrave in Northamptonshire Esqr., who married Margaret the daughter of William Butler of Sussex Esqr., and died in 1616, leaving several Sons: the eldest William of Pa[c]kington in Leicestershire was knighted in 1621, and married Anne, half Sister to George Villiers Marquis & afterwards Duke of Buckingham; 2. John; 3. Robert who died young; 4. Richard; 5. Laurence; 6. Thomas & 7. George Washington; and several Daughters.
Under these Circumstances every means in my power shall

 be exerted with sincere pleasure, for ascertaining the Connection of this Family with John and Laurence Washington, who first settled in America.
In order to accomplish my wishes, I have taken the Liberty to inclose a Table of the Washington Pedigree, formed from your Excellency’s accurate Genealogical Account, with some few Additions; and request the favor, that your Excellency will be pleased to direct the same to be completed with such Dates, Descriptions &c. as may be obtained; and particularly the Time of the Death, Ages &c. of your Ancestor John Washington and of his Brother Laurence; and should they have made wills, they might possibly recognize some of their Relatives in England. An Extract of such Recognitions in their wills or in those of their Descendants would be particularly satisfactory for the purpose in question.
When the Genealogical Table herewith shall have been completed in the manner I have presumed to request, your Excellency will have the Goodness to direct it’s Return to me; and I beg leave to reassure your Excellency, that I shall have the most unfeigned Satisfaction in being able to transmit to your Excellency a complete Genealogy, and to contribute, by my Exertions, to the preservation of the memorials of a family, which hath produced a Character too distinguished to derive any lustre from the “avito honore.”
That Your Excellency may long enjoy perfect Health & Felicity, is the fervent and sincere Prayer of Your Excellency’s most respectful and most obedient humble Servant

Isaac Heard, Garter.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 9 August 1793
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir.
War Department, 9th August 1793.

I have the honor to submit to you, several letters from Major General Wayne, dated the 20th of June, and the 2d and 10th of July last, with enclosures.
As some measures may be to be taken in consequence of these letters, I will have the honor to wait upon you, for that purpose, at 8 o’clock to morrow morning.
I have also the honor to enclose the copy of a letter from Wm Wilson to James Brison Esqr: dated Detroit 8 July 1793, and which was transmitted to me by Major Craig from Pittsburg. I have the honor to be Sir, with the greatest respect, Your most obedt Servt

H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 9 August 1793
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

 Letter not found: from James McHenry, 9 Aug. 1793. In his letter to McHenry of 28 Aug., GW acknowledged receipt of “your letter of the 9th instant.”


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Dodge, 10 August 1793
From: Dodge, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Balt[im]ore Augt 10th 1793

Enclosed are letters concerning my services in the late American Army and also relative to my character and deportment as a private citizen, which I beg leave to submit to your Excellency’s perusal and consideration—My pretensions to the office of surveyor (vacant by the death of Wm Ballard) which I presume to solicit, are founded as well uppon the part I acted during the late revolution, as uppon the precariousness of my present appointment, being only Inspector of the Revenue, a provision by no means comfortable for one who has consumed the prime of life and a small patrimony in the service of his Country, and who was obliged, when our Army was disbanded, to spend the principal part of his pay to restore in some degree, a Constitution much injured by the length and hardships of his service.
Permit me to add that the letters from the Barron Seuben Messrs Courtlandt Fish and Platt were addressed to the Governor of this State at a time when it was in contemplation to raise a Militia. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect your Excelly’s most Obedient, and Most Hble Servt

Saml Dodge


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 10 August 1793
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir,
War department August 10th 1793

I have the honor to submit for your information a private letter from Brigadier Wilkinson dated the 28th June a letter from the Secretary of the South Western territory dated the 19th July and the extract from a letter of John Parrish dated at Detroit 9. July. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Your obedient Servant

H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from Charles-Joseph Leonardy, 10 August 1793
From: Leonardy, Charles-Joseph
To: Washington, George

Mon Général
hampton [Virginia] ce 10 août 1793.

Ayant eût l’honneur de servir sous les Ordres de Votre Excellence, au Siége d’York toon, en qualité de sous Lieutenant des Chasseurs au Régiment de Gatinois, permettés que j’ose exposer à vos yeux l’infortune dans laqu’elle me plonge les malheurs de St Dominque où j’étois employé comme Capitaine d’une Compagnie dans ce Corps, qui a merité par la prise d’une Redoute au Siège de cette place, le changement de Son nom en celui de Royalauvergne et une Piéce de Canon que Votre Excellence a daigné lui donner et qu’il conserve comme le gage le plus précieux.
trois Compagnies et demie ont été detachées de ce Régiment le 18 décembre 1791 et embarquée pour le Cap François, où elles sont arrivées le 7 mars 1792 et le 3 avril, malgrés tous les efforts que nous ayons puent faire pour Sauver la Colonie des mains des Esclaves revoltés, la perte des hommes par le Climat, nous a oté tous moyens de résistance et par le malheur le plus grand la Ville a eté embrasée. obligé de fuir pour échapper comme une infinité de refugiés français; je me trouve ici où nous avons tous reçu de la bienfaisance des Etats Unis de l’Amérique les Secours de l’existence. mais il faut l’avouer à la bonté de Votre Excellence sans un Sol, denué de toute espéce de ressource par l’éloignement de ma famille qui est en Europe. j’ai avec moi, mon Epouse et deux Enfans, je ne peux pourvoir à leur entretien. n’ayant été payé comme tous les Officiers de l’Armée, de mes appointemens depuis le Mois de février dernier. n’ayant aucune connoissance dans les Etas Unis de l’Amérique, je n’ai de titre que l’avantâge d’avoir été employé Sous Vos Ordres et la connoissance des bontés de Votre Cœur, pour oser esperer d’obtenir un emprunt de trentre Louis que je remettrai lorsque je pourrai recevoir des nouvelles de ma famille, qui m’aidera jusqu’ à ce que je Sache une décision Sur le Sort des infortunés francois, Militaires et Citoyens, comme moi refugiés. Je Suis avec un Profond respect Mon Général de Votre Excellence le trés humble et trés obéissant Serviteur

Léonardÿ

  Capitaine au 18ieme Régiment d’infanterie Cy devant Royalauvergne


Title: To George Washington from John Lynch, 10 August 1793
From: Lynch, John
To: Washington, George

Philada 10th August 1793

The Petition of John Lynch of Baltimore Town late a Major in the Maryland line of the Continental Army—Most Respectfully Sheweth—That Your Petitioner from the Commencement, to the Conclusion of Hostilities, in our late Glorious Revolution, followed the Orders of his Beloved Commander in Chief, and bore an Active part in the Cause of America, As well in its hardships, as its Triumphs; during An Arduous Conflict, to Obtain our present respectable rank, Among the nations of the Earth.
That Your Petitioner, on the Adoption of the Federal Constitution, Was recommended by Charles Carroll of Carrolton, And John Eager Howard, to your Excellency, As a Suitable person to be Appointed Surveyor to the port of Baltimore, to which Office Coll Robert Ballard was Chosen, Who Acted in that Capacity Untill Thursday last the 8th Instant When he departed this Life.
That Your Petitioner, having been Employd by General Otho Williams, As a Custom house Officer, whereby he has become Acquainted with the duties of a Surveyor; humbly Solicits the Appointment, And respectfully Tenders Mr Charles Carroll and Coll Howard As Guarantees for his Faithfull discharge of the Office. And Your Petitioner As in duty bound Will pray

John Lynch


Title: To George Washington from Burgess Ball, 11 August 1793
From: Ball, Burgess
To: Washington, George

Dear sir,
Fredericksbg [Va.]—11th Aug: 93.

In my first Letter respecting Mr L: Lewis, I only meant that he wou’d answer your purposes at Mt Vernon ’till you got furnish’d with a Manager to your wishes; But, when I reciev’d your Answer thereto, wherein you seem’d to think, if he possess’d the Qualifications you required, he might (with the Plans you had laid down for your Overseers, and your frequent directions) answer altogether, I thought myself, that with those advantages, and his desire to please you, he wou’d answer every purpose. I now am satisfyed it wou’d be best for you to have a Person who cou’d, of himself, be capable of acting on any Emergency, as it no doubt must be impracticable for you, in your, present situation, to attend much to the directions of your Interest at Mt Vernon—’Tho I have a high oppinion of Mr Lewis’s disposition & good qualities, it must be impossible that he shd be able to manage so large an Estate as yours without your frequent directions, as I do not imagine he has, as yet, turn’d his Attention much to farming.
God grant you may e’er long be able, with all happiness, to return to the Amusements of Mount Vernon! Fanny &c. are pretty well, & unite in wishing you & Mrs Washington every Earthly filicity. I am with real Esteem, Dr sir, Yr Affect. Hbe servt

B: Ball


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 11 August 1793
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] Aug. 11. 1793.

Th: Jefferson with his respects to the President, begs leave to express in writing more exactly what he meant to have said yesterday. a journey home in the autumn is of a necessity which he cannot controul after the arrangements he has made, and, when there, it would be his extreme wish to remain. but if his continuance in office to the last of December, as intimated by the President, would, by bringing the two appointments nearer together, enable him to marshal them more beneficially to the public, & more to his own satisfaction, either motive will suffice to induce Th: J. to continue till that time. he submits it therefore to the President’s judgment, which he will be glad to receive when convenient, as the arrangements he had taken may require some change.


Title: From George Washington to Howell Lewis, 11 August 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, Howell

Dear Howell
Philadelphia Augt 11th 1793.

 I am about to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 6th instt covering the weekly reports. But before I take notice of the several communications there in made, I must inform you that there were several enqueries in my letter of the 28th July which you have not answered; nor, unless you have the most retentive memory that can well be conceived, will you ever do it, by merely reading a letter over that relates to a variety of subjects, and then set down to answer all the parts of it from your recollection of them. There are but two certain ways to suffer nothing required of you in a letter, to escape unnoticed. One is, to have the letter before you, and to answer it paragraph by paragraph (such I mean as require it) until you have passed through the whole. another, and a better one—on a Slate, or a piece of waste paper (when you are going to answer a letter filled with enquiries, or other matter which is to be replied to) note down while you are reading the letter, the heads of every thing you will have to say; and as soon as ⟨mutilated⟩u have expresse⟨d⟩ it in the letter you are ⟨mutilated⟩⟨ting⟩, draw your pen through it—and so ⟨mutilated⟩ after another as they are complea⟨mutilated⟩ means nothing can ever be forgot, let your interruptions while writing be what they may. and where you want to write with method—that is—to bring things of the same, or a similar kind under one head (though in my letters they may be scattered about, just as they occur at the moment) you might number the heads & proceed agreeably to those numbers—always crossing or dashing a pen through each as fast as you are done with them. I mention this matter to you, thus fully, for two reasons. first, because it will be a relief to your memory, & an aid to you in writing with correctness—and 2d because if you pursue this plan you will never let me remain uninformed of things I enquire after.
As the Wheat appears to be so defective & of such bad quality, tell the Overseers there must be more pains taken to clean it; for the Miller has standing orders to receive none that is not as clean as it can well be made.
 Repeat to them my opinion, that it is high time sowing this article was commenced; we are now near the middle of August, & by the time you receive this it will be quite that, & I hear nothing in the Reports, or elsewhere of an ⟨mutilated⟩ yet to get out seed for this purp⟨mutilated⟩ The Overseers are not to dep⟨mutilated⟩ directions I gave, in my let⟨mutilated⟩pecting the kinds, & pro⟨mutilated⟩—the quantity to the Acre—and so on. Davy’s Corn at Dogue run is to be sown with Wheat as mentioned in my last, and to be laid as ⟨level⟩ as possible without injury to the Corn, as Timothy (if not clover) will be sown there on in the winter. McKoys Corn is also to be sown with wheat; and must, for the above purpose, be laid as smooth as possible, as Clover will be sown on it in the winter. Crows Corn near the Barn I directed about in my last.
 I mentioned my expectation of getting a little of the early Wheat from Doctr Stuarts Manager (Mr Ring)—If you should see, or have an opportunity of writing to the Doctr, ask if I may depend upon it; when; & the quantity; that ground may be prepared accordingly. And in order that I may know whether Winter Barley will succeed well on my Land, I shall, by a Vessel which will leave this in a few days for Alexandria, send you 40 Bushels; 20 of which may be sown on the River farm, and 20 at Union farm; let both these Overseers know that my object is to make a fair experiment of the yield, & profit, when compared with wheat: for which reason I do not wish to put it in better or worse ground than is given ⟨mutilated⟩ wheat. Two bushels to the Acre is ⟨mutilated⟩al quantity allowed; and it should ⟨mutilated⟩bout the same time that Wheat is. ⟨Mutilated⟩⟨th⟩er the Overseers—agreeably to my former directions—have fixed upon the quantity of White Wheat I shall have occasion for, to sow; and Crow, from his first experiment of threshing, shall be able to guess with tolerable certainty the quantity of it, I shall make—the difference may be exchanged, four for five, of good & clean Wheat of another kind, delivered at my Mill. that is whoever delivers 5 bushels of Wheat, good, & cleaned as above, and obtains the Millers receipt for it, shall be entitled to 4 bushels of white Wheat; also well cleaned, as long as any lasts, over and above what is necessary for my own sowing & in that proportn for a great⟨er or⟩ lessr qty—I fix this difference because white wheat is infinitely more profitable to manufacture—& because, in truth, the best kind of Superfine flour cannot be made without a mixture of it.
 I had no idea that the Oats wd have yielded so poorly as you mention. As they are of a valuable kind, and as I may want a good many for seed another year, I wish you may be able to buy the Eastern shore Oats—or even Corn, if to be had cheap, for the Plow horses at the Farms, rather than feed those I grew, to them. If this could be done they will waste less, or will be less exposed to embezzlement, by remaining in the Straw. The Shock⟨mutilated⟩ the New ground at D. Run must, long ’ere th⟨mutilated⟩ destroyed all the grass under the⟨mutilated⟩ therefore remains n⟨illegible⟩ but to sow ⟨mutilated⟩ again, before Weeds take ⟨mutilated⟩.
You have not informed me whether the Oat ground at Union Farm is well taken with the grass-seeds which were sown thereon—Whether any thing is doing towards potting Butter at River Farm for the Mansion house—nor how the cuttings which were set out for hedges last Spring, stand the drought.
Tell Mr Crow that the Swamp and every part of the ground on the sides thereof, which is to be sown with grass-seeds, according to directions, must be entirely freed of weeds, grass & sprouts to the very water in the Ditches—must be laid level, made perfectly clean and smooth, so that scythes thereafter may meet with no interruption or damage. If these objects cannot be accomplished by means of the Plow & Harrow it must be done by the Hoe & Rollers Whatever is done, must be effectually done; as I had rather have one acre in this condition than 3 imperfectly laid down. The Grass-seeds I again repeat must be very slightly covered, if covered at all, with a Bush.
These directions will apply in all respects to McKoys, if he ever means to do any thing with his Swamps. You may again inform him from me that his backwardness gives me great dissatisfaction. Half the hands he has would, under proper management, be full enough for the Crop he tends; the rest were always designed for the purposes of reclaiming these swamps, & laying them properly to Grass.
Cutting every thing that will make Hay, or even litter, is judicious; & I am glad you thought of it.
The Clover Seed which went from hence in July, in a cask the size of a flax Barrel, containing about 7 Bushels (442 lb.) Mr Lear says he put into the Store himself, consequently, if it is not there now, Butler must be made answerable for it; as I possitively directed that the Key of that House should be deposited in the Key box, & never to be in his possession but when he was in the Act of delivering things out. If any of the Roguish people about that Ho. (of which there are numbers—I will not suspect himself) have come at the key, unknown to him, it will be found that every thing else which could be sold, is gone as well as the Seed. And a discovery, & stop must be put to these practices by the most viligant watch; or soon, I shall not be able to retain a single article in the dwelling house—To such a pitch is these villianies carried of late. I must request that Mrs Fanny Washington will let no body go to the key Box but herself, you, or Milly; it is impossible to answer for the damage I shall sustain if opportunities are given to others to get at Keyes, & keep them until their purposes are answered, & then return them unsuspected to their places. The Lock of the Key chest should also be examined—& never be out of her own room at Night.
Endeavour to save all the Clover & other grass-seeds you can. Butler must be a pretty fellow for a Manager, not to know that (in this country at least) that it is from the second growth of Clover that Seed is always saved. If this was not the object, as I always intended, & supposed, why did he leave the Crop standing for

the seed to ripen and the grass to Spo⟨il⟩? The Comb for taking of the heads of the Clover, was either in the Shed or left of the Barn or work shop at the Mansion house; in the Stable loft; or in the old Quarter loft, at that place: it is impossible therefore that old Jack or Thomas Green can pretend ignorance—Perhaps they do not understand what is meant by a Comb. It is a machine (painted red) wch works upon two truck wheels. Is a kind of box, or shovel 3 feet wide the fore part of which has teeth like a large horse comb that gathers & tares of the heads. If it is not to be found, this also must be converted into Cash by some of my People, who I believe, if not checked in time, will sell every thing I have before long.
I wish, while I am upon these enquiries, to know what is become of a large Plough which I sent from hence last Fall, to Mr Whiting, for Trenching Land.
What is done with the Timothy heads which have been gathered at the different Farms for Seed? It would be well to have the whole brought to the Mansion house, immediately threshed out, & put away in the Chaff, in the Seed loft, over the Green house. examine that lock, & let the key be always locked up in the Key chest except when wanted. Unless this is done I shall have a flemish acct of the things there also; 9 Bushels of clover seed was stolen from thence last spring only.
Whenever you deliver Grass-seeds from the Mansion house to any of the Overseers, let them know the exact quantity; and order them most peremptorily, if they are to be sowed by one of their Negros, to have them mixed agreeably to my former directions either in Sand, or dry earth in their own presence but I should think they had better sow the grass seeds themselves, in order that I may not be imposed upon; & have my plans defeated, or delayed as they are, year after year.
Tell Thomas Green, that I was led to believe (as well from my own idea of the matter, as from the assurances he gave me) that putting windows in the Stable for the purpose of giving Air to the horses would be a work of little time—instead thereof a month & more has elapsed & I can see no end to the business yet. He is, I do believe one of the worst scoundrels living—and it is my opinion of him, that when he conceives there is no eye looking at him, that he is either altogether idle, or working for himself. It is him, the Carpenters generally, the Ditchers, and the House gang that will require more of yr attention than the  farms: for if the Overseers can be kept at home, and with their People, I am not under much fear of matters going tolerably well there; because as they are on standing wages, they can have no interest in acting otherwise than they are directed.
As Mrs Fanny Washington will be frequently calling off her two men Reuben & Gabriel who work with my Carpenters & for whom I expected to pay by the year or month, an exact acct tell Thos Green must be kept of their absent time, that I may pay in proportion as I receive only.
It may not be amiss to inform the several Overseers that when the Wood work of their Plows is made new & good, they must keep them in order themselves; it is shameful to see by the Report that the Carpenters—one or other of them—are eternally going to one or the other of the Farms to do some trifle, which every other Overseer in the world does or ought to do himself.
What is the matter with that Woman Moll at D: Run that she is forever on the sick list? These things must not be suffered unless there is apparent cause for it. For as to pretended pains if no effect appear from them, they ought not to be admitted; or I shall soon have none but Invalids: for as victuals & clothins must be furnished, It is very indifferent to them who works for these, or from whence they come.
All here all well, and join in best wishes for you, with Your sincere friend and Affectionate Uncle.

Go: Washington

P.S. Upon second thought, if you should receive the 40 bushls of Barley (as mentioned in the body of this letter) ⟨I⟩t may be better perhaps to have part sowed at each Plantation—for as it is intended as an experiment, the more soils and situations it goes into, the more I shall be able to form an opinion of the utility of continuing the growth of it. Therefore, let Stuart & Crow have each 12 bushls—and McCoy & Davy 8 bushels each. All these are to go into grounds that, otherwise would have been in Wheat, and of a medium quality that my conclusions may not be deceptive.


Title: From George Washington to Nicholas Cruger and the Citizens of New York City, 12 August 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Cruger, Nicholas,Citizens of New York City

Sir,
[Philadelphia] 12 Augt ’93

Your letter (to me), conveying to me the resolutions of the Citizens of New York, at their late meeting, affords me much satisfaction.
The approving voice of my Fellow Citizens can never be heard by me, with indifference. That of the Inhabitants of your respectable metropolis, must always give particular pleasure. A unanimity so perfect as appears to have prevailed among them, upon an occasion so interesting to our national peace & happiness, furnishes an example of good sense, moderation & patriotic virtue, which cannot cease to be remembered to their honor.
Discerning in it a sure pledge of their firm & persevering support, I request you to make known to them, the high sense I entertain of the dispositions they have manifested, & the complete reliance I place upon those dispositions.
I cannot omit the opportunity of publicly uniting with them in acknowledging the prompt and decided cooperation of the Government of New York, towards the support of the neutrality of our Country. The disposition, hitherto shewn by the chief Magistrates of the several States, in relation to this point, is a pleasing evidence of a spirit of concert for the general good, happily calculated to harmonise and invigorate all the parts of our political system.

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 12 August 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Treasury Departmt Augt 12. 1793.

From the circumstance of Mr Short’s being at Madrid, delay, without advantage, would attend the addressing to him the instruction for making the intended additional Loan. The persons to execute must in this situation be our Commissioners at Amsterdam. I therefore submit whether it will not be adviseable to address the instruction to them in the first instance. As a vessel goes to Amsterdam tomorrow, I request, if convenient, an answer to this inquiry in the course of today. With the most perfect respect, I have the honor to be &c.

Alexander Hamilton


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 12 August 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir,
Philadelphia Augt 12th 1793.

I clearly understood you on Saturday. And, of what I conceive to be two evils, must prefer the least—that is—to dispense with your temporary absence in autumn (in order to retain you in Office ’till January) rather than part with you altogether at the close of September.
It would be an ardent wish of mine, that your continuance in office (even at the expence of some sacrifice of inclination) could have been through the whole of the ensuing Session of Congress, for many—very many weighty reasons which present themselves to my mind: one of which, and not the least is, that in my judgment, the affairs of this Country as they relate to foreign Powers—Indian disturbances—& internal policy—will have taken a more decisive, & I hope agreeable form, than they now bear, before that time—When perhaps, other public Servants might also indulge in retirement. If this cannot be, my next wish is, that your absence from the Seat of Government in autumn, may be as short as you conveniently can make it. With much truth & regard I am—Yr Obedt & Affecte Servt

Go: Washington


Title: Tobias Lear to Thomas Jefferson, 12 August 1793
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Jefferson, Thomas

[Philadelphia] August 12th 1793

By the President’s command T. Lear has the honor to transmit to the Secretary of State the Report of the Proceedings in the Executive Departmt of Govermt in the Territory of the U.S. North West of the Ohio, for six months, ending the 30th of June last—which the President wishes the Secretary to examine at his leisure & report to him anything that may be found therein requiring the agency of the President.

Tobias Lear.


Title: To George Washington from Peter Legaux, 12 August 1793
From: Legaux, Peter
To: Washington, George

Monsieur
Springmill [Pa.] ce 12 aoust 1793.

Le souhait que votre Excellence, a bien voulu faire concernant ma vigne, Lorsqu’elle me fit L’honneur de la visiter dans son Enfance en juillet 1787, a été du plus heureux présage pour elle. je promis alors, à Votre Excellence, d’y donner tous mes soins et de faire tous mes éfforts pour procurer des vins et des Eaux-de-vies  à L’Amerique; la bonté de son sol et de son Climat, a parfaitement secondé et audela de toute Esperance jusqu’à présent, Le plaisir que j’ai pris à me Livrer à ce Genre d’agriculture, dans les vues uniques de plaire à son Excellence et d’être utile à mes semblables.
 Aujourd’hui, je touche enfin au moment de la recolte et à L’instant favorable, de prouver à votre Excellence que ce pays est peut être un des plus avantageux pour la production du vin; l⟨e⟩ 16e de ce Courant je dois Commencer la vandange de la protegée de votre Excellence; C’est pour satisfaire à mon devoir à L’honnêteté et à mon inclination, que j’ai pouvoir me permettre d’en prévenir son Excellence Comme Le Patron le plus Zélé de la Chose même, et de la supplier, si la premiere vendange faite En Amerique peut avoir quelques attraits pour elle, de vouloir bien agreér que je Lui offre personnellement dans le vignoble L’hommage du plus profond Respect avec le quel je suis De Votre Excellence Le trés humble, trés obeissant et trés devoué serviteur.

P. Legaux


Title: To George Washington from Robert Lewis, 12 August 1793
From: Lewis, Robert
To: Washington, George

Hond Uncle,
The Exchange [Va.] 12th Augt 1793.

Your letter of the 26th ulto was forwarded to me a few days since by my Mother. I am sorry you shoud think Majr Harrisons land “sliped thro’ my hands” from neglect. I can assure you that I followed your directions implicitly, or endeavored to do so, as near as possible. You always charged me not to be too forward in the negociation. Majr Harrison never discovered from the first conversation I had with him on the subject, an inclination to part with his land; observing that “the cause which induced him at first to offer it for sale, had been done-away some little time before, by the discharge of a debt which he was owing, and which he supposed could not be done, but by the sale of the Land.
I have had several applications from different persons who wish to know whether you would sell your land on Difficult Run—In Frederick County, and that small part of your lost Mountain Tract lying in Loudon County at the foot of the Ridge. A Gentlemen has just left me, by the name of Chas Harding from Fairfax, that wishes to lease that land on Difficult Run for 20 years—for the purpose of building a Mill, and other suitable improvments. There is others again that are anxious to buy your Frederick Land with the incumbrance of the leases. I would willingly become the purchaser myself of the Frederick land, provided, you were not too exorbitant in your price. I have more negro’s than I can well support, or ought to keep on the place where I now live, and as I must fix them somewhere soon, I wish to realize what money I have by me immediately, as lands are rising fast in value. I will give you fifty shillings per acre, which is the higest price that is given for land in that neighbourhood of the same quality. I can pay five hundred pounds immediately and the balance in two equal annual payments.
Mr R: Colston bought six or eight days ago 500 Acres adjoining yours, for the price I have mentioned.
I was much shocked to hear of the death of Mrs Lear whose looks, when I last saw her, promissed health, and apparantly long life. Her sudden death, is one of the many instances we have every day of that uncertainty of all human affairs. I sympathise, most sincerely, with my friend Mr Lear, and can only wish him all earthly happiness. With my best wishes for your health, and

my Aunts, in which Mrs Lewis joins very cordially, I remain your much Obliged, and very Affectionate nephew

Robt Lewis.


Title: To George Washington from Richard Bassett, 13 August 1793
From: Bassett, Richard
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Dover [Del.] Augt 13th 93.

Being informed of the recent Death of Coll Ballard the Surveyor of the Revenue for the Port of Baltimore.
I take the Liberty of renewing my Recommendation of my friend Mr Andrew Skinner Ennalls of the Town of Baltimore for that Office—having heretofore Sir had personal Conversation with you respecting the Merits and integriety of this Gentleman, it is Unnecessary for me to say any thing on that subject at Present, further than I think I may Venture to say, if his Application should Meet with your Approbation, he will prove himself in the Execution of the Office Worthy of the Appointment.
I beg you Sir to present my best respects to Mrs Washington & family. I have the Honor to be with Perfect Consideration and every Sentiment of respect Your Most Sincere Humbe Servt

Richard Bassett


Title: To George Washington from the Citizens of Burlington County, New Jersey, 13 August 1793
From: Citizens of Burlington County, New Jersey
To: Washington, George

Burlington County New Jersey [13 August 1793]

The sentiments of free Citizens upon the measures of their Government on interesting or embarrassing occasions are of the greatest importance both to the liberty of the Citizens—and the operations—of the Government.
Impressed with this idea the Citizens of the County of Burlington embrace the opportunity presented by the sitting of the Circuit Court in their County, and the presence of a large number of their most respectable members convened from every part of the County, to take into consideration the Proclamations of the President of the United States and the Vice-President of this State relative to the neutrality of the United States of America in the present European War. Whereupon an hour having been appointed for the meeting of the Citizens, and they having met accordingly at the Court house of the said County on Tuesday the thirteenth of August 1793, and having appointed General Joseph Bloomfield Chairman of said meeting, it was unanimously resolved.

1st That the Republican Citizens of the County of Burlington are highly impressed with the policy and justice of the measures recommended by the said Proclamations which declare to the people the Supreme Law of the Land, founded on the existing treaties between the belligerent powers and these United States, and that in so doing he acted strictly in the line of his duty, and for the best interest of his Country.
2dly That the Citizens of the County of Burlington will upon all occasions with the warmest zeal Co-operate in every legal way to detect and punish offenders against the rights of neutrality, and by all means in their power discountenance designs or proceedings calculated to interrupt that tranquillity and happiness which the Citizens of the United States enjoy under a pure and pacific administration of the Government.
3dly And farther it is the opinion of this assemblage of Citizens, that as the highest privilege of these United States consists in their Republican form of Federal Government; as the only legitimate source of this Government is the People, as they are the only proper persons to appoint and elect those who are to carry it into operation, and to judge of the official conduct of their Magistrates; so any interference in the internal administration of the Government by any foreign power or Minister is, an infringement of the Sovereignty of the People, tends to destroy public confidence, leads to anarchy and merits the severest reprehensions and discountenance of all independent Americans.
4thy Resolved that copies of these Resolutions be forthwith transmitted to the President of the United States and to the Governor of this State. Signed by order of the Meeting,

Joseph Bloomfield, Chairman


Title: From George Washington to the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 13 August 1793
From: Washington, George
To: Commissioners for the District of Columbia

Gentlemen,
Philadelphia August 13th 1793

I have received your letter of the first instant, enclosing certain communications to you from the Surveyors of the Federal City, dated the 29th & 31st of July—and have duly considered the alterations suggested in said Communications.

 With respect to the first alteration proposed vizt—“to stop S. Carolina Avenue, west of South Capitol, at the public appropriation”—I am perfectly of opinion with you, that the reason given therefor appears sufficient to warrant it. And as to the second—“to change the place of a small canal or inlet from the Eastern Branch, from fifth Street east—where it is marked out on the plan—to sixth street”—seems to be very proper for the reasons assigned by the Surveyors; And if, as they say, the ground on fifth Street, where the Canal is marked out, is high—and that in sixth Street the tide already flows nearly the whole distance of the intended Canal, I think there can be but little doubt of its having been originally intended to be in sixth street, but was missed in laying down the work.
 The third Alteration proposed—vizt—“to strike out two short Avenues leading from the Intersection of Massachusetts & North Carolina”⟨—⟩seems to require further consideration; for I observe in the plan, that a bridge is marked out across the Eastern branch leading directly from Kentucky Avenue. If this is really the best place for a bridge, and one should be ever likely to be built there, I think that Avenue ought to be preserved—and if that, then the other mentioned as making an equal angle towards the N. Et must be preserved also. You will, therefore, Gentlemen, be pleased to have the matter respecting the Bridge ascertained, if it be not already done, and let the striking out or not of these Avenues depend upon that.
I am glad to find that the Surveyors are so forward in their work as they say they are—and I hope they will have everything on their part accomplished that is expected from them before the sale.
In compliance with your request I will think of some suitable Characters to examine your Accts and expenditure of the public money. With very great esteem I am, Gentlemen, Your most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 13 August 1793
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

August 13th 1793.

Thomas Jefferson presents his compliments to the President, the report of the Commissioners of public accounts was delivered to Mr Taylor to be filed away. he was called to new york on Saturday by the illness of his child, and Mr Blackwell has been searching some time for it without being able to find it—he will continue to search, & when found it shall be sent to the President.


Title: To George Washington from John Kilty, 13 August 1793
From: Kilty, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
 Baltimore, August 13th 1793

I beg leave respectfully to offer myself to your Excellency as a candidate for the vacant surveyorship of the port of Baltimore.
Respect for the station I hold in the government of this State, will not permit me to ask a recommendation from any but gentlemen of the highest character—I therefore content myself with presenting to your Excellency, herewith enclosed a letter from Mr Carroll of Carroltn and one from Coll Howard; Governor Lee’s favourable testimony might perhaps have been joined to that of these two gentlemen, but he is absent on a visit to the Berkeley Springs.
Convinced that the most laboured solicitations would have no effect on your Excellency’s mind, I shall add nothing to what may have been said of me in these letters, but that the respectable writers of them have had the fullest opportunity to form a just opinion of me. I am with the truest respect Sir Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant

John Kilty


Title: To George Washington from the Citizens of Mero District, Southwest Territory, 13 August 1793
From: Citizens of Mero District, Southwest Territory
To: Washington, George

[c.13 August 1793]

 To GEORGE WASHINGTON, President of the United States. The MEMORIAL and PETITION of the Convention of Mero District.
WE, your memorialists being regularly chosen and fully authorised by the citizens of Mero, to represent the situation of our country, address you, sir, amidst dangers which threaten our total dissolution, without your aid.
We omit to speak of the outrages this frontier has suffered from

the insolence and barbarity of the Creeks and Cherokees ever since the first establishment of our settlement of Cumberland.
We request only to call your attention to the list of the killed and wounded since the treaty of Holston, amounting to one hundred and seventeen, which we enclose. This best proves how slender a tie, upon these barbarous people are treaties, without the restraint of coercion and fear. The loss of our property we name not.
What succour has been granted, tho’ liberal, each day’s melancholy experience shews to be inadequate to the protection of our lives. The despair of our fellow citizens causes a daily increase of population to the Spanish government.
Long experience emboldens us humbly to suggest, that while our hands are tied, and the enemy permitted to proceed without retaliation, we cannot flatter ourselves with any bounds to our calamities. How far it may, in general, be expedient to reconcile this enemy with presents and rewards, is not for us to decide; but we cannot help deploring, that, with respect to this country such treaties appear to have an evil tendency.
That our sufferings proceed not from any known provocation on our side, we appeal to the father of truth and mercy: Therefore, in full confidence of your humanity and justice, we pray, that we may be further assisted to support this frontier, which in our present situation is found to be in the utmost danger. We further petition, that to awe our enemies, this government may be permitted to retaliate upon the invaders and aggressors, or to demand them from their towns, if they pursue these insufferable violences: or, in case they refuse to deliver them up, that we may have the sanction of public authority to do ourselves justice; for we know not, in our present situation, to what despair the people may be driven.

DAVID WILSON, Chairman.  THOMAS DONNEL, Clerk.


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 13 August 1793
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia August 13. 1793.

I am perfectly satisfied, that the conduct of the treasury as to Mr Fraunces has been right in all its parts. The kind of paper, which he holds, is suspicious; the particular paper is suspicious; it may have been already paid by the public; at any rate the extent of the allowance of such a claim, as circumstances now appear, cannot be foreseen. Fraunces himself ought to be convinced, that he has been properly dealt with. Perhaps it may not be amiss, that Mr Lear should inform Fraunces, that an examination has been made into the affair; and that it does not appear to be a fit occasion for the interference of the executive.
I do not find, that the report of the commissioners of public accounts is any where directed expressly to be lodged in the Treasury-department. But the 7th Section of the act of August 5. 1790 has so stronly implied it, that it is impossible for that department to perform its functions concerning the debts of individual states without being possessed of it. I have the honor, sir, to be with the highest respect yr mo. ob. serv.

Edm: Randolph


Title: To George Washington from “An American”, 14 August 1793
From: “An American” (anonymous)
To: Washington, George

Philad. August. 14. [1793]

 To the PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES.
  SIR,

 BEING an American by birth, an early admirer of your principles and conduct, and feeling a consciousness of the dignity attached to a free citizen of the United States, I take the liberty of addressing you in this public manner. Sure I am, that if you were acquainted with the secret recesses of my heart, you would excuse any improper expression, and give a favourable construction to what may be offered on the present occasion. Sir, I have watched in a special manner the conduct of your enemies, and the enemies of our country, from the commencement of the declaration of independence; and the time was, when our highly respected General despised their secret machinations, and brought to light private intrigues; the time was, when the Man of the People, would make known a Duche, as well as an Andre, when it had become proverbial amongst enemies, as

well as friends, that Washington was impregnable; and believe me, Sir, my opinion still remains the same in respect to you—but jealousies have gone forth; permit me to observe to you upon what ground they have taken their rise.
Our mutual enemies act consistently;—they have endeavoured to destroy the respect, vigilance, and activity of all true friends to their country, by reporting all manner of evil of them falsely; they have so far succeeded, that it is well known many of our old whigs have been reproached, their characters vilified, and means taken to ruin them; that in consequence too many of our veterans, feeling the weight of the insult, have lost their fortitude, and fallen into despondency: they have exulted at their ruin; but, Sir, view their conduct in the promulgation of the present constitution. Their constant game was to play federal against anti-federal, men that had no other design than to raise up a people, from their vociferous bellowings, to oppose them, and by that means, place their conduct to the overturning the constitution; for believe me, Sir, it is neither you, nor the constitution of America, they love or admire; but a division of the people—Examine their conduct with regard to your proclamation, and their addresses to you on that occasion. Before it was scarcely read, did they not run to you with their deceitful compliments on the occasion, and for the express purpose, as above stated, knowing that the real friends of their country could, nor would not join her known and noted enemies; and if a single individual should think it his duty to write or speak on the subject, the whole of the great body of the people, real friends, and uniform democrats, are vilified in all the public newspapers, with charges roundly asserted, as anti-federalists, enemies to our executive, overturners of the government, disposed to anarchy, with every other diabolical charge—Examine their line of conduct, and compare it with those that are enemies to the republic of France, and you, Sir, will find it exactly similar; there it has been discovered that from Dumourier down, the greatest enemies have professed to be the warmest advocates for the new government, until discovered by the people.—The tenth of August, in Paris, the massacre at St. Domingo, and every general outrage has been brought about by the same kind of conduct, and I fear the dangers apprehended amongst us will originate from the like causes.—Much more might be added on this head, were it necessary.

 From what has been said, I would only wish to impress on your mind, who your real friends are, and who the friends of our country. Trust me, they are not British agents, or emissaries, nor those among us that are against the virtuous struggles of the French. Much, very much, depends on judging aright between the parties that are now struggling for pre-eminence; whose dependence is in drawing you off from your true interest—For God’s sake, for the sake of your country’s prosperity, for the sake of your own happiness and honour, I intreat you, Sir, scrutinize the characters that are cringing to you, and whispering in your ear: Consider that Free Men, possessed of Republican principles, cannot flatter; but they are the people you have proved, and will ultimately have to rely on.

AN AMERICAN.


Title: Tobias Lear to Andrew G. Fraunces, 14 August 1793
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Fraunces, Andrew G.

Sir
Philada Augt 14th 1793

In the letter which I wrote to you by the President’s order on the 3d inst. you was informed that the President had directed the Secretary of the Treasury to report to him, in writing, on the subject of your letter to the President of the 31st of July.
This Report has accordingly been made by the Secretary—and the President directs me to inform you, that he finds therein such cogent reasons given for not paying the warrants in your possession that he cannot but be perfectly satisfied with the conduct of the Secretary of the Treasury in having declined the payment of them. And I am, moreover, ordered by the President to add, that altho’ the warrants would not be paid without a further investigation of the circumstances relating to them—and a better ground to justify that payment than appears at present—let them be in the possession of whomsoever they might; yet he thinks you have much less cause to complain of a refusal to pay them, than another wou’d have who might have become possessed of them without knowing all the circumstances respecting them which it appears were known to you. I am Sir Yr Ob. St.


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 14 August 1793
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Treasury Departmt Augt 14. 1793.

The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to communicate to The President of the United States the copy of a letter which has this moment been received from the Collector of this port, informing of the arrival of two prizes sent in by the privateers Citizen Genet & Carmagnole.

A. Hamilton


Title: Tobias Lear to Thomas Jefferson, 14 August 1793
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Jefferson, Thomas

[Philadelphia] Wednesday Eveng 14 Augt 1793

The President wishes the Heads of the Departments to meet at his house tomorrow at ten o’clock.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 14 August 1793
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

Sir
War department August 14th 1793

I submit to your consideration a draft of a letter to Major General Wayne—and also his letters to which the said draft is intended as an answer. I have the honor to be with the highest respect Your obed. humble servt

H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from Howell Lewis, 14 August 1793
From: Lewis, Howell
To: Washington, George

Dear Uncle,
Mount Vernon August 14th, 1793

Your letter of the 4th Inst. enclosing a Bank note of one hundred Dollars, came duly to hand.
It is, now with pleasure, I can inform you of the great Service, which the rain of last Thursday has been to the growing Crop, it has made a very perceivable difference in the colour of the Corn, & in its Shooting, but I am affraid some of it which grows on the poor Knolls will never recover; you will also loose a great proportion of your Fodder, owing to its being burnt up, by the Drouth.
Your directions respecting, leveling the Corn grown for grass, at Union Farm & Dogue run Fields, were delivered, Both to Crow & Davy—you will See by there reports they have began to sow wheat. McKoy & Stuart will finish on Thursday, hauling & Securing there wheat; McKoy has not yet got his oats out of the Field.
Mr Stuart desired me to explain to you the reason of his not being able to run more than 7 or 8 ploughs at a time. There are two Mares which has not done him one hours work Since he came on the Farm, one of them could never be made to work, & the other he says is broken hearted. And there are three Mares whh have young Colts, and so low in flesh, that they are oblige to relieve one another, and this is the cause why he has never run more at a time. three of his oxen has given out, & I was affraid that you would have lost them, but they have in some measure recovered, but will not be fit for use, at least a month.
Since my last letter I have found the machine for geathering the heads of the Clover for Seed, in the Cellar underneath the room where Mr Whiting formerly Stay’d. which Mr Butler will set to work on Thursday. The Clover Seed I cant here anything off. Butler will finish hay making on friday, and also informs me what you mentioned respecting, sowing the oat ground with Grass in February, will answer, and he has about 5 bushels of Orchard grass seed.
I have sent you all the Pamphlets I could find in your Study, by Capt. Ellwood. The family are all well, & join me in compliments to my aunt & family. I am your affectionate Nephew

Howell Lewis