Title: From George Washington to David Stuart, 8 January 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Stuart, David

                            Dear Sir,
                            Philadelphia 8th Jany 1797

                        Your letter of the 18th Ulto with its enclosures, came to hand in the usual
                            course of the Post; but the pressure of public business has prevented my giving it an
                            acknowledgment until now.
                        The first thing I shall do after I am settled at Mount Vernon, will be to
                            adjust all my accounts of a private nature; the doing of which, as they ought, has been
                            prevented by public avocations.

                        What effect Mr Adets conduct has had, or will have on the public mind, you can
                            form a better opinion of than me. One of the objects which he had in view, (in timing the
                            publication) is too apparent to require explanation. Some of his own zealots, do not scruple to confess that, he has been too precipitate; and thereby
                            injured the cause he meant to espouse; which is, to establish such an influence in this
                            country as to sway the government, & control its measures. Evidences of this design
                            are abundant, and new proofs are exhibiting themselves every day, to illustrate the fact;
                            and yet, lamentable thought! a large party under real, or pretended fears of British
                            influence, are moving heaven & earth to aid Him in their designs. It is a fact well
                            known, for history proves it, that from the restless temper of the French, and the policy of
                            that nation, they attempt openly, or covertly, by threats or soothing professions—to
                            influence the conduct of most governments. That they have attempted it with us, a little
                            time will shew; but finding a Neutral conduct had been adopted, and would not be
                            relinquished by those who Administered the government—the next step, was to try the people;
                            and to work upon them; several presses, & many Scribblers have been employed to
                            emblazen the improper Acts of the British governmt and its Officers, and to place them in
                            all the most exagerated & odious points of view they were Susceptible; to complain
                            that there was not only a deficiency of friendship, but a want of justice also in the
                            Executive, towards France the cause of which, say they, is to be found in a predeliction
                            for Great Britain. This not working as well as was expected, from a supposition that there was too much confidence,
                            & perhaps personal regard for the present Chief Majistrate & his politics,
                            the batteries latterly have been levelled at him particularly & personally and
                            although he is soon to become a private citizen, his opinions are to be knocked down,
                            & his character reduced as low as they are capable of sinking it, even by resorting
                            to absolute falsehoods. As an evidence whereof, and of the plan they were pursuing, I send
                            you a letter from Mr Paine to me, Printed in this City & disseminated with great
                            industry. Others of a similar nature are also in circulation.

                        To what lengths the French Directory will ultimately go, is difficult to say;
                            but that they have been led to the present point by our own People, I have no doubt. Whether
                            some, who have done this, would choose to accompany them any further, or not, I shall not
                            undertake to decide. But I shall be mistaken if the candid part of my countrymen (although
                            they may be under a French influence) do not see, and acknowledge, that they have imbibed
                            erroneous impressions of the conduct of this government, towards France, when the
                            communication which I promised at the opening of the Session & which will be ready
                            in a few days, comes before the public. It will be seen, if I mistake not also that that
                            country has not such a claim upon our gratitude as has been generally Supposed; and that
                            this country has violated no engagement with it; been guilty of no Act of injustice towards
                            it; nor have been wanting in friendship; where it could be rendered without departing from
                            that Neutral station we had taken, & resolved to maintain.
                        Enclosed also, you will receive a production of Peter Porcupine, alias Wm
                            Cobbet. Making allowances for the asperity of an Englishman; for some of his strong
                            & course expressions; and a want of official information of many facts—it is not a
                            bad thing.
                        I rejoice much to hear of Mrs Stuarts restoration to health—&
                            congratulate you, & her on it, & on the birth of a daughter—My best wishes
                            attend her & the family—and with very great regard—I am, Dr Sir Your Affecte

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to United States Congress, 9 January 1797
From: Washington, George
To: United States Congress

                            Gentlemen of Senate and of the House of Representatives
                                    United States
                         Jany 9th 1797.
                        Herewith I lay before you, in confidence, reports from the departments of State
                            and the Treasury, by which you will see the present situation of our affairs with the Dey
                            and Regency of Algiers.

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Alexander White, 9 January 1797
From: White, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Washington 9th January 1797

                        The enclosed was intended to go by the Winchester Mail, but recollecting that
                            if any accident had happened to my former letter, it was owing to the inattention of that
                            office. I concluded to bring it with me and forward it from hence—I have not much doubt with
                            respect to your answer; but with the matter determined, that I may make my final
                            Arrangements agreeably thereto. I am with Sentiments of the highest Respect and most sincere
                            regard Sir your most Obt Humble Ser.

                            Alexr White.


Title: To George Washington from James Anderson, 11 January 1797
From: Anderson, James
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Mount Vernon 11 Jany 1797

                        Refering to my last of 2d have now to hand You Report of last week, As said in
                            my last I have now brought my Family here, which with Mr Pearce sickness has put it out of
                            my power to send You Inventory of every Article I find here.

                        It is however nearly compleat And will certainly forward it in my next—Which I
                            intend by Monday. instead of this days post—I have been at all the Farm’s various times.
                            And have found the Stock in as good Order as they could be expected, And their nature will
                            admit, There are a Qty old horses on the different ffarms not worth the keeping. And which are
                            only a burthen, they are not worth feeding by Grain, And without some will not live one old
                            Grey at Union Farm am affraid will not come thro. the Winter—And it is my Opinion, He, and
                            some more, should be sold next ffall at what they will bring—An old Bull at Union another at
                            Dog run ffarm’s I see are too Old, and very mischievious They should be killed. And would make
                            good dry Beef for the Negroes in Harvest—That at Union is in good Order. And the other not
                            poor—Am sellecting some of the Youngest of the Cattle which are feeding for Your Table upon
                            Your return. And also some Wedders, which we will endeavour to put in as good order as we
                            can, And with the exception of some Old Sheep, and some later Lambs of last Year, Your sheep
                            are in good Order. Those at Mudy hole are the Worst—I do not like the make of the Horned
                            Stock, but they are in good rearing condition, And have very few Old ones
                            amongst them, Another Year may rid them entirely of Old, the Hogs are not enough for what I suppose will be Your
                                consumptiont in that Article. And I have in my power if You please to buy
                            some, Which might be put into Pens at the Distillery—This will be set
                            agoing by two Weeks from this time—By Mr Pearce being Sick Allison has some trees cut on the
                            new ground, which ought not to have been; Davie goes on slowly with the new Road, as
                            the frost prevents Grubing with any degree of speed, the Ice on the River is about one foot
                            thick.
                        Have ordered him to cut & pick up his Corn stalks. And whenever the
                            weather will permit, Set a number of hands from Union Dogrun and Mansion house on the road
                            & compleat it soon—the Ditch in my opinion should run all the way on both sides—I do
                            not think well of filling up the Barn at Dogrun with Clay. good Joists of
                            white Oak put all over will be done at a trifling expence. And the Grain
                            lying thereon will always be safe—Have been working in clearing the Millrace of Ice, And expect to get some Water down perhaps today—The great
                            length of that race, and coming thro. some soft ground absorbs the Water—There will be a new
                            rope wantd for the Seines, which I will have got soon—And must have a Qty of
                            Strong Iron for Tire to the Waggon & Carts, the Weakness of the tire is the cause of
                            their being so often broke—The Smiths tools are much out of Order—say Bellows, Anvil Vice
                            & Hammers.

                        Your Farms are in general in good Order as to their plan of field’s fencing, and
                            Croping, And do not think much alteration will be of any use from the Plan’s laid down, Only
                            beg leave to say that Your plan at Dogrun (in my Opinion) is not the
                            best. And will say, that I can make nearly double of the Crops of Corn & Potatoes
                            from the same Qty of Lands by planting each separated—the Wheat must be much injured by
                            diging the Potatoes. And they hurt in their growth by the Corn—At all events when pursued
                            such early kinds of Corn and Potatoes should be plantd as both may be off
                            the ground by October when the forward Wheat may be sown on good Land to Advantage—I have
                            Ordered about one Bll Corn of a forward kind, whose Ears are as large as any common Corn. and
                            are fully dry in October, planting that kind & London Ladys (Potatoes of that name)
                            together might as said answer Your expectation—the Potatoes may be had in
                            Alexandria—meantime I have to beg You make enquiry after the early
                            kinds of Potatoes. the name I do not know—If You please buy 13 Bushels, 10 of which I would
                            wish to plant on the small Lot next to the Icehouse. by dunging in the row a good Crop may be expected. And turnip after, when the Land would be
                            clear of Weeds. and fit to sow next Spring in Barley, or Oats & Clover, I shall look
                            and try to have on each Farm from 3 to 5 Acres prepared for Turnip which root is very
                            usefull for Market or Stock—In one Word I really can say that Mr Pearce has left all the
                            appearances of Industry & Attention and the utmost frugality—perhaps He has been
                            rather too frugal from the best & purest intentions—I have only to add that my Wish
                            is that I may be fortunate enough to merit the same Character which I would give to Him, and
                            which He does so fully deserve from his being in a Complaining State have not been able to
                            see the whole of the fields intended for Cultivation, but having seen the most of them,
                            think the plan’s pretty well—The new ground on the sides of the Vistas will bring very little
                            Corn, but will prepare the ground for What You intend—It will be improper to have much at
                            Mudyhole as Davie will have this on hand therefore think that part from the Barn inclusive
                            of the Orchard until You reach the Hill may do. Manured as much as we
                            can, I shall send You Acct of the negroes in Cumulo, as upon each Farm
                            but will enter them individually in my Books. And with much respect I am Sir Your
                            most Obedt Humble Servt

                            Jas Anderson

                        Mr Pearce is still here on a/c of his bad state of health, will forward You the State of a/c before  he goes off, which may be in a few days.


Title: From George Washington to George Washington Parke Custis, 11 January 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Custis, George Washington Parke

                            Dear Washington
                            Philadelphia 11th Jany 1797

                        I hasten to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated the 7th instant, but
                            which did not get to my hands until yesterday; and to express to you, the sincere pleasure I
                            feel in finding that I had interpreted some parts of your letters erroneously.
                        As you have the best, and most unequivocal evidence the case is susceptible of,
                            that I have no other object in view by extending my cares and advice to you, than what will
                            redound to your own respectability, honor and future happiness in life; so, be assured that
                            while you give me reasons to expect a ready submission to my counsels, and while I hear that
                            you are deligent in pursuing the means which are to acquire these advantages it will afford
                            me infinite gratification.
                        Your last letter is replete with assurances of this nature. I place entire
                            confidence in them. They have removed all the doubts which were expressed in my last letter
                            to you, and, let me repeat it again, have conveyed very pleasing sensations to my mind.

                        It was not my wish to check your correspondences;
                            very far from it; for with proper characters (and none surely can be more desirable than
                            with your Papa & Mr Lear) and on proper subjects, it will give you a habit of
                            expressing your ideas, upon all occasions, with facility
                            & correctness. I meant no more by telling you we should be contented with hearing
                            from you once a week, than that these correspondences were not to be considered as an
                            injunction, or an imposition; thereby interfering with your studies—or concerns of a more
                            important nature.
                        So far am I from discoutenancing writing of any kind (except upon the principle
                            abovementioned) that I should be pleased to hear, and you yourself might derive advantages
                            from a short Diary (recorded in a Book) of the occurrences which happen to you, or within
                            your sphere. Trifling as this may appear at first view, it may become an introduction to
                            more interesting matters. At any rate, by carefully preserving these, it would
                                afford you more satisfaction in a retrospective view, than what you
                            may conceive at present.
                        Another thing I would recommend to you; not because I want to know how you spend your money; and that is to
                            Keep an acct Book, and enter therein every farthing of your receipts & expenditures. The
                            doing of which wod initiate you into a habit, from which considerable advantages would
                            result. Where no account of this sort is kept—there can be no investigation; no correction
                            of errors; no discovery from a recurrence thereto, wherein too much, or too little has been
                            appropriated to particular uses. From an early attention to these matters, important
                            & lasting benefits may follow. We are all well, and all unite in best wishes for you; and with sincere affection I am always yours,
                         G. Washington.


Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 11 January 1797
From: Washington, George
To: McHenry, James

                            PrivateDear Sir,
                             Tuesday 11th Jan 1797

                        I shall have occasion to write to Mr Lear by tomorrow’s Post, and would thank
                            you to let me know (in a summary way) what money he has drawn on acct of the Arsenal on the
                            Potomack, and what report he has made to the War Office of his proceedings in that business,
                            for I shall take an occasion (as from myself) to ask him what has been done therein. Yours
                            always

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 11 January 1797
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                             Tuesday 11 Jany 1797

                        The inclosed letters contain the information which you have requested. I am most sincerely yours &c.

                            James McHenry


Title: To George Washington from Robert Hare, 12 January 1797
From: Hare, Robert
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,

                                12 January 1797

                        Your late Address to the people of the United States, whilst it awakens every
                            sentiment of gratitude, deeply affects our feelings with regret.
                        The friendly counsel you have offered to your fellow citizens, to induce them
                            to adhere stedfastly, to their present union; to repress the spirit of party; to cherish
                            religion, knowledge and public credit; and to maintain a dispassionate and impartial, ’tho
                            amicable disposition, towards foreign nations, meets with our warmest approbation. In your
                            forcible exposition of the dangers, which will result to their freedom, safety and
                            prosperity from a dereliction of these salutary maxims, we recognize that just dicernment of
                            the real interest of our country, and that firm adherence to the principles of true
                            patriotism, which have always distinguished your public conduct. Your fellow citizens
                            sensible that with your measures their dearest interests were intimately connected, have
                            regarded them with anxious attention; they have beheld you, under the auspices of divine
                            providence, leading their armies to victory, and guiding their councils to prosperity and
                            peace; nor has the closest examination of your conduct produced any
                            other effect, than to strengthen their reliance on your wisdom and virtue.

                        The various testimonials of attachment which you have received from the people
                            of the United States, must have fully convinced you, that your affectionate sensations
                            towards them, which are so feelingly expressed in your address, are reciprocated by
                            correspondent sentiments, on their part. The signal instance of steady approbation, with
                            which they have supported your administration, and the success which has attended it, have
                            exhibited to the world a striking proof, that the most effectual method of securing the
                            confidence, and accomplishing the welfare, of an enlightened nation, is, to pursue, with
                            undeviating firmness, a policy founded on the purest integrity.
                        The satisfaction we have derived from your salutary communications is greatly
                            alloyed by the information which has accompanied them, that we are so soon, to be deprived
                            of those faithful services, from which such important benefits have resulted to this in
                            common with the other states. We are, at the same time, compelled to assent to the justice
                            of your claim to that repose, in the evening of your days, which has so long been sacrificed
                            to the voice and interest of your country.

                        You will carry with you into retirement the solid enjoyment arising from the
                            applause of your grateful country, and the consciousness of a life devoted to virtue and
                            public utility. In addition to these sources of happiness, may you long enjoy the blessings
                            of health; may you largely partake of that national felicity, to the establishment of which
                            you have so eminently contributed; and may your successors in office, be influenced by your
                            example, in their efforts to promote the peace, safety, and dignity of the United States. Signed by order

                            Robert Hare
                            Speaker of the Senate of the
                            Commonwealth of Pennsylvania


Title: From George Washington to Pennsylvania Legislature, 12 January 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Pennsylvania Legislature

                            Gentlemen,

                                c.12 January 1797

                        I receive with great pleasure the expressions of your approbation of my public
                            services. The general marks of satisfaction, and the various testimonies of select and
                            discerning bodies of men among my fellow-citizens, respecting my public conduct; while they
                            have stimulated my exertions to be useful to my country, the sole object of all my aims &
                            wishes, have also enforced the justness of your remark, That the most effectual method of
                            securing the confidence and accomplishing the welfare of an enlightened nation, is to
                            pursue, with undeviating firmness, a policy founded in pure integrity. And I shall be
                            pardoned when I add, that conscious integrity has been my unceasing support; and while it
                            gave me confidence in the measures I pursued, the belief of it, by acquiring to me the
                            confidence of my fellow-citizens, ensured the success which they have had. This
                            consciousness will accompany me in my retirement: without it, public applauses could be
                            viewed only as proofs of public error, and felt as the upbraidings of personal demerit. In
                            this retirement, to behold the national felicity; will be largely
                            to partake in it; and if with this felicity I enjoy health, which you kindly wish me, my
                            hopes in this world will be consummated.

                            Go: W——n


Title: To George Washington from Mde C. Pernot, 12 January 1797
From: Pernot, Mde C.
To: Washington, George

                                Monsieur le Président
                                Paris le 12 Janvier 1797.

                            Permettez à une Ancienne habitante de l’amérique, qui a eu l’honneur de
                                Vous connaitre pendant Son Sejour a Philadelphie, d’interrompre un instant vos grandes
                                occupations, pour Réclamer auprès de Vous la Justice qu’on lui fait craindre de Ne
                                pouvoir pas obtenir auprès des tribunaux. vous êtes chargé comme président du Congrès de
                                Veiller a l’exécution des loix de Votre pays, et c’est l’exécution Stricte de ces mêmes
                                loix que Je Réclame. Souffrez que J’entre dans quelques Détails.

                            En 1786, J’épousai en france Mr le Couteulx de Caumont. un Article de Notre
                                Contrat de Mariage portait expressément que Ma Dot montant a la somme d’environ
                                cinquante et une Mille livres tournois Serait employée a acheter un bien fonds en
                                Amérique. quinze jours après Mon Mariage, Je me Suis Embarqué avec Mr le Couteulx, et
                                bientôt J’arrivai a Philadelphie. J’ai acheté une habitation près de trenton. en 1789,
                                Je revins en france avec Mr le Couteulx. le Climat d’amérique ne Convenait pas a ma
                                Santé, et Je désirais Vivre dans Ma famille dont J’avais été Séparée fort Jeune. en
                                conséquence avant mon Départ J’avais donné a un Juge de paix des environs de trenton
                                une procuration pour vendre Mon habitation, et m’en faire toucher le prix en
                                    france. un Mois après Mon arrivée a Paris, Mr le Couteulx Se
                                Décida a repartir pour Philadelphie Pour accélerer, disait-il la Vente de Notre bien.
                                Je Suis restée Seule en france avec deux enfants que J’avais eu de lui. Depuis ce temps,
                                c’est a dire, Depuis le Mois de février 1790, Je n’ai plus entendu parler de Mr le
                                Couteulx, depuis ce temps il jouit de ma fortune toute entière, dont il Ne M’a Jamais
                                fait passer la moindre partie. Ma famille a Pourvu a mon existence et a celle de mes
                                enfants Si Cruellement abandonnés de leur Père. J’ai profité alors des Nouvelles loix de
                                la République J’ai fait prononcer mon Divorce, et je me Suis remariée. conformément aux
                                mêmes loix, une assemblée de famille chargée de Prononcer Sur le Sort de mes deux
                                enfants a décidé qu’ils Seraient tous les Deux confiés a mes Soins d’abord a Raison de
                                l’incapacité Reconnüe du Pere pour Suivre leur Education, et en Considération de la
                                fortune qui Se trouve entierement de Mon Côté, puisque Mr le Couteulx N’avait en Se
                                Mariant que le nom d’une famille alors Considérée dans le Commerce. ces différentes
                                Choses Réglées, Je me Suis occupée du Remboursement de ma Dot, remboursement qui dans le
                                cas d’une Séparation doit M’être fait en entier, d’après un Article exprès de Mon
                                contrat de Mariage. J’ai, Suivant l’avis de Mr Monroe Ministre des états unis
                                    d’amérique envoyé Ma procuration, et tous mes autres Papiers a Mr
                                Edward livingston de New-york membre du Congrès. c’est lui qui est Chargé de la
                                Poursuite de Cette affaire. Je ne le connais que d’après la Recommandation de Mr Monroe
                                qui M’a beaucoup vanté Ses lumières et Sa Probité. on me fait Craindre aujourd’hui que
                                la famille de Mr le Couteulx et même quelques Personnes de la Mienne, ne Soient assez
                                puissantes pour faire taire les loix qui Sont toutes en Ma faveur. on Désirerait que Ma
                                fortune restât en amérique Sous prétexte qu’elle y Serait plus en Sureté qu’en france,
                                Et que de cette Manière le Sort de mes enfants Serait mieux assuré. ce calcul n’est a
                                mes yeux qu’un Moyen d’Eluder pour toujours la Restitution de mon bien, et Personne ne
                                peut avoir le Droit de M’empêcher d’en disposer a ma Volonté. ce bien est a moi, et ne
                                Sera la propriété de mes enfants qu’après ma mort. d’ailleurs je Suis chargée de leur
                                éducation de Pourvoir a leur Etablissement, le Pourrai-je Si le Seul bien que Je
                                possède restes entre les mains de Mr le Couteulx qui depuis Sept ans N’a pas Daigné
                                S’occuper d’eux ni de moi. ces Craintes m’ont Décidé a M’adresser a Vous Directement
                                pour obtenir une prompte justice. oserai-je vous prier, Mr le président, de me
                                Recommander Vivement à Mr livingston: Votre Recommandation animera Sans Doute Sans Zèle,
                                et me donnera l’espérance de Réussir dans cette affaire la plus importante pour moi.
                                l’avantage que J’ai eu de Vous Connaitre en amérique, et l’interêt que Vous voulûtes bien
                                M’accorder alors, me font Espérer d’obtenir votre bienveillance. Votre humanité vous
                                portera a protéger une femme et des enfants qui Réclament Seulement la Justice qui leur
                                est düe. Je vous devrai une existence plus heureuse. Agréez les assurances de Ma vive
                                Reconnaissance, et de l’estime profonde avec laquelle Je Suis Monsieur le Président Votre très humble et très obeissante Servante

                                C. Pernot ci devant le Couteulx de Caumont.

                                Si Vous Daignez M’honorer d’un mot de Réponse, Je vous prie de la
                                    faire adresser Sous enveloppe a Mr irenée Dupont imprimeur, Cul de sac de l’oratoire
                                    a Paris. il est le frère de Notre Consul français a Charles-town.

                        Translation
                            allow an ancient inhabitant of America, who has had the honor of knowing
                                you, when she was at Philadelphia, to break in one moment—upon your important business,
                                and to claim from you the Justice, which She is threatened not to obtain from the
                                tribunals. as president of congress your are to cause the laws of your country to be
                                faithfully executed: and it is their strict executions I claim. give me leave to let you
                                know some of the particulars.

                            in 1786 I married in france Mr Le Couteulx de Caumont. one article of our
                                marriage act, Stated explicitly, that my marriage portion amounting nearly to the sum of
                                51 thousand french livres would be employed in purchasing a real estate in America. a
                                fortnight after my wedding, I embarked with Mr Le Couteulx, and arrived soon at
                                Philadelphia. I bought then a farm near Trenton. in 1789, I returned in France with My
                                husband. the Climate of America disagreed with my health, and I wished to live in my
                                family, from which I was separated very young. consequently before my departure, I had
                                given to a Justice of the peace in the neighbourhood of Trenton a power of Attorney to
                                sell my farm, and forward me the price of it in france. a month after my arrival at
                                Paris, Mr le Couteulx determined himself to set out again for Philadelphia, in order,
                                said he, to quicken the sale of our estate. I remained alone in France with two children
                                whom I had from him. Since that Time, that is to say, since the month of february 1790,
                                I never heard anything from Mr le Couteulx. Since that time, he enjoys my whole estate,
                                and has never forwarded me the least part of it. my family has provided for my existence
                                and that of my children, so cruelly given up by their father. I then took advantage from
                                the new laws of the republic; I obtained my divorce, and I married again, according
                                to the Same laws, a family assembly appointed to pronounce on the fate of my two
                                children has decided that they would be both entrusted to my care, first because of the
                                aknowledged incapacity of the father to provide their education and then in
                                consideration of the fortune which is entirely on my side, since Mr le Couteulx had
                                nothing when he married but the name of a family then of credit in Commerce those
                                different regulations being finished, I employed myself about the reimbursement of my
                                marriage portion; which in case of a separation, was fully to be made to me, according
                                to an express article of my marriage contract. I have, in consequence of the advice of
                                Mr Munroe Minister of the united States, sent my power of attorney, and all my other
                                papers to Mr Edward Livingston of New-York, member of congress. he is entrusted with the
                                pursuit of that affair. I know him only from the recommendation of Mr Monroe who spoke
                                to me in very high terms of his abilities and probity. I have reasons to fear now that
                                the family of Mr Le Couteulx, and even some of my own, would have influence enough to
                                silence the laws, which are all in my favour. they wish my property to stay in America,
                                under pretense that it would be there safer than in France, and that So, the fate of my
                                children would be more secure. that calculation is nothing to my eyes but a contrivance
                                to avoid forever the restitution of my property: and nobody can have a right to prevent
                                my doing of it what I please. that property is mine, and will be the children’s property
                                only after my death. besides I am intrusted with the care of their education, to get
                                them settled: how can I do that, if the only property which I possess stays in the hands
                                of Mr Le Couteulx who since seven years, has not designed to trouble himself about them
                                or myself. those fears have determined me to write directly to you,
                                in order to obtain a quiet Justice. Should I dare to ask you, Mr President, to recommend
                                me strongly to Mr Livingston. your recommendation will undoubtedly animate his zeal and
                                will give me the hope of succeeding in that affair, the most important for me. the
                                advantage I have had of knowing you in America, and the interest which you was so kind
                                to bestow there upon me, give me the confidence of obtaining your
                                good will. your humanity will engage you to protect a woman and children who desire only
                                the justice due to them, I will owe you a more happy existence. receive the assurances of
                                the sincere gratitude and profound esteem, with which I am, Mr President, your Most
                                humble and obedient Servant

                                C. Pernot

                                formerly Le couteulx de Caumont

                                If you are so kind to honour me with a word of answer, I pray you to
                                    direct it under cover to—
                                à mr ireneé Dupont imprimeur cul desac del’oratoire
                                    a Paris.
                                he is brother of our french consul at charleston.


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 12 January 1797
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            January 12. 1797.

                        I have the honor to return the address of the Senate of Pennsylvania, with the
                            draught of an answer in terms which I imagined would correspond with your feelings, and
                            which unsullied honor and the dignity of truth would authorize you to express. If however
                            you prefer any other sentiments, by receiving the draught thus early, there will be time for
                            alterations.
                        I sent the intended letter to Mr Pinckney last evening to Mr Wolcott, desiring
                            him & Mr McHenry to examine it—and particularly as to the point of not allowing Mr
                            Adet to resume his functions. I saw it was impossible to get it ready for Congress to-day. A
                            message of some length must be drawn, which I shall set about immediately. I expect to have
                            this ready for your inspection by the evening. The corrections which Mr Lee & I
                            agreed on in the letter and its duplicate for one of the houses, cost Mr Taylor and me the
                            whole of yesterday to effect. Some other corrections will depend on the opinions of the two
                            gentlemen who are now inspecting it. With the highest respect I am sir your obt servt

                            Timothy Pickering


Title: To George Washington from David Ramsay, 12 January 1797
From: Ramsay, David
To: Washington, George

                        (copy)
                            Sir,
                            Charleston South Carolina January 12th 1797

                        In obedience to the orders of the Senate I transmit to you the inclosed
                            resolutions unanimously adopted by them in a very full house. I feel a peculiar happiness in
                            being the instrument of conveying sentiments of respect & esteem which in my opinion
                            pervade not only the senate but the people of this state. I have the honor to be with the
                            greatest regard your most obedient humble servant

                            David Ramsay
                            President of the Senate
                            of South Carolina


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Walker, 12 January 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Walker, Benjamin

                            Dear Walker,
                            Philadelphia 12th Jany 1797.

                        Permit me once more to give you the trouble of forwarding the enclosed letters
                            to their respective addresses.
                        If you read the Aurora of this City, or those
                            Gazettes which are under the same influence, you cannot but have perceived with what
                            malignant industry, and persevering falsehoods I am assailed, in order to weaken, if not to
                            destroy, the confidence of the Public.
                        Amongst other attempts to effect this purpose, spurious letters, known at the
                            time of their first publication (I beleive in the year 1777) to be forgeries to answer a
                            similar purpose in the Revolution—are, or extracts from them, brought forward with the
                            highest emblazoning of which they are susceptible, with a view to attach principles to me
                            which every action of my life have given the lie to. But that is
                            no stumbling block with the Editors of these Papers and their supporters. and now, perceiving a disinclination on my part, perhaps knowing, that I had determined not to take notice of such
                            attacks, they are pressing this matter upon the public mind with more avidity than usual:
                            urging, that my silence, is a proof of their genuiness.

                        Although I never wrote, or ever saw one of these letters until they issued from
                            New York, in Print; yet the Author of them must have been tolerably well acquainted in, or
                            with some person of my family, to have given the names, & some circumstances which
                            are grouped in the mass, of erroneous details. But of all the mistakes which have been
                            committed in this business, none is more palpable, or susceptible of detection than the
                            manner in which it is said they were obtained, by the capture of my Mulatto Billy, with a
                            Portmanteau. All the Army, under my immediate command, could
                            contradict this; and I believe most of them know, that no Attendant of mine, or a particle
                            of my baggage ever fell into the hands of the enemy during the whole course of the War.
                        It would be a singular satisfaction to me to learn, who was the Author of these
                            letters; and from what source they originated. No person in this country can, I conceive,
                            give this information but Mr Rivington. If, therefore, you are upon terms of familiarity
                            with that Gentleman, & see no impropriety in hinting this desire to him, it would
                            oblige me. He may comply to what extent his own judgment shall dictate, and I pledge my
                            honor that, nothing to his disadvantage, or the disadvantage of any of the actors at that
                            time, shall result from it. I offer the compliments of the Season—and you will do me the
                            justice to believe they are warmer than the weather—to Mrs Walker & yourself, of
                            whose health and happiness we shall always be glad to hear. I am Your Affectionate

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Henry, 13 January 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Henry, John

                            Dear Sir
                            January 13th 1797.

                        For want of a Memo. from the Overlooker of my Carpenters (which I thought I had
                            brought with me from Mount Vernon) I am unable to furnish an accurate Bill of the Plank
                            & Scantling my purposes require; but as the former of these never comes amiss to me,
                            I would engage
                        5000 feet of 3/ Inch 2500   Do of 1 1/4 & }as free as possible
 from Sap.
1000   Do of 1 1/2

                        And should be glad to know from the person in whom you could most confide,
                            whether upon receiving a Bill of Scantling & an additional qty of Plank, after I
                            return home, I could be supplied therewith, delivered at Mount Vernon, & in how
                            short a time after receiving the said Bill—With very great esteem & regard I am—Dr
                            Sir Your Obedt Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Trumbull, 13 January 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, John

                            Dear Sir
                            Philadelphia 13th Jany 1797.

                        Enclosed you will receive Mrs Washington’s thanks for the many marks of
                            politeness she has received from you; permit me to say, that she has expressed my sentiments
                            fully; and to add, that you will do me a favour in causing the letter, herewith, to be sent
                            to its address. It will always give me pleasure to hear of your welfare, for I am truly, and
                            sincerely, Dear Sir, Your Affecte Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Alexander White, 13 January 1797
From: Washington, George
To: White, Alexander

                            Dear Sir,
                            Philadelphia 13th Jan. 1797.

                        Your letters, one from Woodville, & the other from the Federal City,
                            were received by the Post of yesterday.
                        Enclosed is the copy of a letter I wrote to you agreeably to its date, and
                            dispatched it accordingly, to the care of the Postmaster in Winchester—How it has happened
                            that you have missed it, I know not. with much truth I am. Dear Sir Your Affecte Servant

                            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to James Anderson, 15 January 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Anderson, James

                            Mr Anderson,
                            Philadelphia 15th Jany 1797.

                        Your letter of the 11th and Reports of the preceeding week, came to hand
                            yesterday.
                        It is a thing I had resolved to do, so soon as I should be fixed at Mount
                            Vernon, to seperate the old & bad horses, cattle and Sheep from the young, thrifty
                            & good; and to dispose of them in some way or another, as soon as they could be got
                            in order for it; by a Summer’s run, or other means not too expensive for the end. And I
                            approve of your killing (for the purpose mentioned in your letter provided there are others
                            to serve the Cows) the Bulls at Union & Dogue Run farms, which have got old
                            & mischievous.
                        Having good meats for my Table by the middle of March, and in succession
                            through the year, according to the seasons, is highly proper & very desirable, as it
                            has always been my custom to supply it with the best.
                        In my last, I gave you full authority to add to my stock of Hogs by purchase;
                            as I also did to your buying half a dozen or more Cows, and a Bull, if to be had of a good
                            breed; and mentioned a Mr Gough of Maryland (near Baltimore) as a Gentleman who had been at
                            much expence in the importation of them from England.

                        I have already given you my sentiments so fully with respect to the Distillery,
                            that it is unnecessary to add more in this letter than to say, the place for, and manner of
                            conducting it, is left entirely to yourself. Raising of Hogs by means of it, is certainly a
                            very desirable branch of the business.
                        If Allison has cut Trees down in front of the house improperly, I shall be
                            vexed, as well as regret it, because time only can replace them;
                            and of that I have none to spare. I never expected that that ground would
                            yield corn in proportion to the labour I meant to bestow on it: the primary objects of the
                            cultivation are to cleanse it thoroughly of the under growth, and
                            to lay it down (as mentioned in my memorandums) to grass for Pasture, or pleasure grounds;
                            and in order that it may be well worked and prepared for these, as well as for the benefit
                            of the Corn crop. I am clearly of your opinion that Davy ought not to
                            attempt more of the latter at muddy hole, than you have described in yr letter.

                        Although, as I have mentioned in Several of my letters to Mr Pearce, it would
                            be very pleasing to me to have the New road completed as soon as it could possibly be done,
                            with convenience, yet I would not have other matters of more importance neglected on this
                            account. Preparations for, and putting in crops, must be done in due season. or all is lost; but this is not the case with the Road, however much
                            the completion of it is wished. It has always been my intention, as soon as the kill Race is
                            completed, and the Ditchers could be spared, to dig a large ditch
                            on the East side of the road, five feet at least wide, with a high bank and a wattled, or
                            Post & Rail fence thereon; but this must be a secondary work to the other, that is to
                            the Race. I do not mean however, from what is now said, to discourage you from taking hands
                            from the respective Farms to finish this road, and making the ditch unless, as above, it
                            should interfere too much with your preparations of the ensuing Crop. The motive to the
                            Ditch & Fence I have spoken of, from the Mansion Ho. Inclosure to that of Muddy
                            hole, is, that all within, & between the said Ditch & Creek, wd make a large
                            & most excellent Woodland pasture for Brood Mares, &ca, as a great deal of
                            Marsh, & grassy places wd be included.
                        I never intended to fill up the lower floor of the Barn at Dogue run with Clay;
                            if I cannot make a composition as hard (or nearly so) as stone, I shall renew it with
                            Plank; but no Sleepers will last long there, for want of Air beneath them.
                        It is not the low ground through wch the kill race passes, that occasions the
                            waste of water, but the leaks on the hill sides, occasioned by the rotting of
                            roots—Crawfish—or some other vermin that borough through; & make passages for the
                            water. The new Race will avoid the worst part of the side land hill, & therefore is
                            of high importance to complete.

                        Sein ropes, and every other preparation for fishing will, no doubt, be attended
                            to in time. The Seins should be overhauled, & if necessary, repaired in time,
                            & put out of the reach of mice, which often knaw holes in them. The Boats too should
                            be put in proper order; for if any of these matters should be delayed until about the time
                            they are wanted, you may meet difficulties which cannot be overcome in time.
                        Iron proper for Wheel bands, and such Smith’s Tools as are really necessary,
                            you will provide.
                        Raising from three to five acres of Turnips at each of the Farms, if you can
                            put so much ground in proper order for them will certainly be beneficial. I early
                            recommended it to Mr Pearce to save a great deal of Seed, and of the best kind; particularly
                            from the Swedish Turnip, which is descriped as a hardy sort, & will stand the
                            Winter. I approve your plan for the lot by the Ice house, and will provide 15 (or more)
                            bushels of the early Potatoes (if you desire it) for that, & other Spots.
                        There are three lots at the Mansion house which have usually been in the
                            rotation of Potatoes, Oats, & Clover; the No. Wt one, was sowed with Oats &
                            Clover last Spring, but the drought destroyed, as was supposed, the latter; and it was
                            doubtful when I left home, whether that lot, or the one
                            immediately fronting the house, should come into Potatoes this
                            year. The last, in course ought to do it; but as the other did not take, in clover, it
                            was supposed that it would be best to put this in Potatoes. Let
                            me know what you have resolved to do in the matter.

                        With respect to the Dogue run system I am of opinion that if the Corn is well
                            worked, and kept clean, that Potatoes in the intermediate rows neither injures it, nor the Wheat crop that follows;
                            on the contrary, the fields that have been in these two crops have always produced more
                            wheat than any other Corn ground—But in the state No. 6 was worked, & sowed last
                            year, the wonder is that it should have yielded any thing, except grass; and therefore it
                            affords no criterian by which an opinion is to be formed—My ideas are, & clearly,
                            that a field of Corn planted 3 feet by 6 feet, with rows of Potatoes between, will yield as
                            much of the former as the same field would do if planted 6 feet each way, without Potatoes;
                            that in the first plan, as many bushels of Potatoes as of corn will be produced; that the
                            latter will be clear profit; and that the crop of Wheat which
                            follows the Corn & Potatoes, will be better than if it followed Corn alone. But
                            then, the ground must be kept clean & well worked, otherwise it is impossible to put
                            the Wheat in, in any tolerable order.

                        After having expressed these sentiments, I have no objection to your trying your method at that Farm, if you think it will be more
                            productive, and not more oppressive to the land; but I repeat it again, that you are not to
                            form your judgment of the present System, from the appearance of field no. 6 at that place.
                            Mr Pearce was a very industrious man; active, zealous, and ambitious to make the most he
                            could of the farms, but that ambitn (unless he could have commanded the rains, &
                            sunshine as he pleased) always prompted him to attempt more than he could execute, properly;
                            and then, the seasons were blam’d; that is—the grd was either so wet, or so dry, that it
                            could not be worked: whereas a person should never undertake more than he can execute under
                            any (except disasterous) circumstances. In that case, if the Seasons are favorable, he not
                            only cultivates his ground well, but has labour to spare for the
                            improving of it in many ways; and if not favorable, he will nevertheless, do justice to his
                            Crops. Planting of early Corn in the manner you propose is certainly judicious.
                        I requested in my last, that you wd continue to replenish the Ice house with
                            fresh Ice,  to be got, and  vacancy to receive
                            it; but I must add by way of explanation, that it must be done with hard & firm Ice,
                            or not at all, for I believe soft & spungy Ice would do more harm than good. There
                            is nothing that, fills my mind with more apprehension when I am from home, than Fire. I
                            request therefore that every charge, & every precaution against the bad effects of
                            it, may be given, & used; during my absence, to guard against the danger of it.
                        With this, you will receive a box containing eggs of the Silk worm, and a paper
                            of grape Seeds. which give to the Gardener. the latter he will plant; the other I suppose he
                            will know how to manage. If Mr Pearce is still with you I heartily wish him better heal. I
                            wish you well also & am Your friend

                            Go: Washington

                    P.S. Mrs Washington requests that you, or Mrs Anderson would pay particular attention to the .


Title: To George Washington from George Ball, 16 January 1797
From: Ball, George
To: Washington, George

                            Sir
                            Virginia, Lancaster County, 16th Jan: 1797

                        I am informed by Mr Geo: Fitzhugh of your wish to Sell the tract of Land which
                            you hold in Gloucester County (this State) and that he had been on a Contract with you for
                            sd land, but had since declined it. Your letter to him dated the 28 of Jan: 1796 (which I
                            now have before me) fully acquaints me with your terms—I will purchase of you—but if it
                            should answer your purpose as well, should be glad if the second payment could be extended
                            to a farther date, that is, a fourth at the conveyance, the other
                            fourth in two years and so on in one or two years untill the payment be compleated. The Land
                            I had reather be its own security. of your inclination still to sell, your Agent if any (in
                            this State) by whome you sell and your terms if alter’d, be so good to let me know
                            immediately by post. I am Dr sr Your very Humble ser.

                            George Ball


Title: To George Washington from Elkanah Talley, 16 January 1797
From: Talley, Elkanah
To: Washington, George

                            Honourable Sir,
                            Gloster County Ware Glebe Jany 16th 1797

                        Altho’ I have not the honor of a personal acquaintance with you; yet I presume
                            you will pardon my taking the liberty of addressing you on a subject which relates to some
                            of your property in this Neighbourhood. The property alluded to is the Land you had of Mr
                            Dandridge, which was formerly a part of Bristo’s confiscated estate. Within these 2 years,
                            repeated trespasses have been committed on sd Land: not only firewood, & fencing
                            stuff, but a large quantity of other valuable Timbers have been taken from off it. Those
                            depredations are still going on, and unless they are checked, it is probable there will be
                            but little good Timber on the 400 Acres in a few years. As the Seat on which I reside
                            adjoins your Lands, and as its boundaries are to me well known, it is probable I could put a
                            stop to those depredations, was I authorized to do so. Any service I can render you on this
                            Score, with a strict adherance to any instructions you may think proper to give, will be
                            chearfully executed. Exclusive of a desire to do justice for an absent Fellow-Citizen; I
                            feel myself somewhat interested to save the Timber on your Lands. Had it not been for an
                            adverse dispensation of Providence, & several disappointments I have recently
                            experienced, I should perhaps by this time have owned those Lands. And should it be in my
                            power to purchase them of you hereafter, a scarcity of timber would be a great
                            disadvantage. In case you should want any information relative to my character,
                            &c.—I beg leave to refer you to Mr Page, Mr New, or Mr Clopton members of Congress.
                            With every sentiment of respect, I am your most obedient humble Servant

                            Elkanah Talley


Title: To George Washington from William Blount, 17 January 1797
From: Blount, William,Cocke, William
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Philadelphia January 17th 1797

                        We beg your Permission to recommend to you for your Nomination for District
                            Judge of the District of Tennessee John Rhea Esquire: We recommend him upon the following
                            grounds; In the late Revolution he embraced every opportunity to give Proofs by rendering
                            personal services and otherwise of his firm Attachment to the Principles upon which the
                            Independence of the United States was established, he is about forty five years of age,
                            eighteen of which he has resided within the Limits of that Tract of Country at present
                            denominated the State of Tennessee he is among the oldest Lawyers of that State with a great
                            share of Practice and universally acknowledged to be possessed of as much legal knowledge
                            and as good Abilities as any other in the State, a Man of unexceptionable moral Character,
                            of general Science firmly attached to the present Form of Government and we assure you that
                            his appointment to that Office will be pleasing to the Citizens of Tennessee in general: And
                            as further Proofs of the Wishes of sundry respectable Citizens of Tennessee touching the
                            appointment of Mr Rhea we inclose herewith several Letters a List of which is subjoined and
                            have the honor to be very respectfully Your obedient Servants

                            Wm Blount
                            Wm Cocke

                            List of Papers inclosed herewith

                            No. 1. Letter from Govr Sevier 24th Novr 1796.
                             2 Do from Colo. John McLelland 5th Novr 1796.
                             3 Do from George Gillaspie Sheriff and Colo. of—Washington County 16th Novr 1796.
                             4. Do from Landon Carter Brigr Genl Washington— District—25th Novr 1796.
                            To which is subjoined the Certificate of Andrew Grier esquire.
                            Mr Blount has also received other Letters equally recommendatory of Mr Rhea
                                which cannot be inclosed because the Paragraphs respecting Mr Rhea are intermixed with
                                others on private business, namely one from Brigadier General White of Hamilton
                                District, another from Charles McClung Esquire Clerk of Knox County Court, a man of
                                Character and good legal Abilites and another from James Stuart Esquire Speaker of the
                                house of Representatives of the State of Tennessee.
                            Mr Blount & Mr Cocke will be glad if the President has any Doubt as
                                to the Propriety of nominating Mr Rhea that he would make Inquiry of the Representative
                                of Tennessee Mr Andrew Jackson who is himself a Lawyer.

                     Enclosure

                                Sir
                                Jonesb’ro 24 November 1796

                            I am induced to suppose, that there will be several Candidates for the
                                Judges place, John Rhea esquire is among the Number; As to his Qualifications to fill
                                that office I need not Mention to you, as you Are Very Well Acquainted with his Abilites
                                and General Character. permit me to observe, that Mr Rhea in My opinion Will be very
                                Acceptable to the people at large; perhaps More So than Any other person I have yet
                                heard of Among the Number, And I make no doubt you Will use your interest to have him
                                Appointed. I have the honor to be sir, Your Mo. obedt Servt

                                John Sevier

                     Enclosure

                                Dear Sir,
                                Knoxville November 5th 1796.

                            You will no doubt have heard, before this reaches you that Mr John Rhea
                                would accept the appointment of Federal Judge for this district.
                            I am informed that Mr David Campbell will go on to Philadelphia to ask in
                                person that appointment.
                            If the voice of the people in this State would have any influence on him
                                who is to nominate and those who are to advise and consent to that appointment it would,
                                I believe, be almost unanimous in favor of the former.
                            I have conversed with many on the subject and never heard any express a
                                wish that any person should receive that appointment in preference to Mr Rhea: but on
                                the contrary all appeared anxious that he should have it. I have the honor to be, with
                                much esteem Your Obedient Servant

                                John McClennan

                     Enclosure

                                Worthy Sir,
                                16 November 1796

                            It is the report of this place that Judge Campbell is gon on to
                                philadelphia or is a Bout to start there, in order to be appointed Federal Judge
                                Application was made me by a Number of the Citizens of this County to wright to you
                                knowing that you and myself was well aquainted that It was not thair wish he should be
                                Appointed by any means, the reasons they give was this that
                                    they ware well a quainted with him as Judge and did Corduly
                                despise him and it is also my wish that he be not Appointed If possiable it can be
                                prevented I am Shore that nine tenths of the people of this State is Opposed to Campbells
                                being Judge, I was requested to make mention to you Mr Rhea was the wish of the people
                                in Gnl. If is Should Meet with your good Approbation I hope you will put his name in
                                nomenation and have him Appointed if posiable, there Appears Nothing new at present Colo.
                                Carter is Our Brigedear Gnl for this district on monday last was the election for the
                                elector of this district and Hugh Nelson esqr. was Appointed the elector—Mother and
                                Family are well at present Brother allens Complements to you. I am Dear Sir with respects
                                yours &C.

                                Geo. Gillespie

                     Enclosure

                                Sir
                                Jonesborough November 25th 1796

                            The mindes of the People Particularly of a number of
                                my Acquaintances appear to be Adjutated Respecting the appointment of a Judge of the
                                District of Tennessee under an Impression that Judge Campbell were making considerable
                                exertions to obtain the Same which by no means appear to meet their Approbation which
                                have been fully demonstrated by Written Instructions from the People of Washington
                                County by their Representatives in Committee met in Jonesborough to
                                their Representatives in General assembly at Knoxville by no means to Reappoint him as a
                                State Judge when on the other hand they appear to be anxious that John Rhea Esqr.
                                Attorney at Law Should fill that Vacancy and fllatter themselves that through the
                                assistance of thier Senators he may obtain the Same in preference to any other Person we
                                hear of in Nomination, I should have wrote more fully to yourself and Mr Cocke had not
                                been for Want of time the Post being in haste, Pleas to Present my Compliments to Mr
                                Cocke, I should be glad to Recive a Line for you both when ever Convenient. I am Sir
                                with every Sentiment of Respect and Esteem Yours &C.

                                Landon Carter

                                P.S. Previous to Sealing this Andrew Grier Esqr. Signified his assent
                                    to the foregoing Sentiment and therefore hath hereunto assigned his name.

                                Andw Grier


Title: To George Washington from James Innes, 17 January 1797
From: Innes, James
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir,
                            Virga Richmd Jany 17th 1797

                        The peculiarity of my present situation must plead my apology for the intrusion
                            of this letter. Since my acceptance of the office of Commissioner to carry into effect the
                            6th Article of the late treaty between the United States & Great Britain, I have
                            been gradually preparing myself for the execution of that trust, by withdrawing from the
                            functions of my profession, and by a resignation of the office of Attorney General for this
                            Commonwealth. The last event took place early in Novr past, at the meeting of our
                            Legislature. The relinquishment of my practice as a Lawyer, I conceived indispensably
                            necessary from the idea I had formed of the duties incident to the office of a Commissioner
                            under the British treaty, not only from the impracticability of discharging the duties of a
                            public office and of a laborious profession at the same moment, but from a supposition that
                            possible events of embarrassment & delicacy might result from a
                            combination of both occupations. the renumeration of my practice, could
                            no from the nature of it, be an immediate
                                act; because from the commencement of legal process (at which period
                            the fees are generally paid) to the termination of the Suit, in its various courses, many
                            months, & sometimes years are consumed. Having been informed by the Secretary of
                            State, immediately after the nominattion of the American Commissioners had been confirmed by
                            the Senate, that it was not probable from the opposition which the house of Representatives
                            had made to the British treaty, that the commissioners on the part of England would arrive
                            in America sooner than the Autumn of the last year. I governed myself by the information in
                            extrecating myself from every species of engagement, which might in any manner form even a
                            temporary obstruction to an unembarrassed performance of the duties of a Commissioner. As to
                            the resignation of the public employment I bore under this state, I found that measure
                            necessary to shield my feelings from the calumny & persecution of a wild, &
                            unprincipled faction which unfortunately predominates in the public councils, of this
                            deluded Country to the members of which, a known attachment to the principles, &
                            administration of the Genl Government, that most hallowed Palladium of American liberty,
                            & happiness, furnishes a sufficient pretext to vilify, & hunt down the
                            possessors of it, as far as they dare, covering their wickedness under the sanction of
                            public duty, & the prostituted terms of patriotism, & republicanism. As it
                            was known, that I had accepted the office of Commissioner, (for I disdained to deny it)
                            after the appointments had been announced in the public prints, the leaders of this Anarchic
                            party, who had attacked me for the two preceeding sessions, on the score of my Western
                            mission, were prepared to come forward on new ground—but I disappointed their malice by a
                            resignation.

                        This, then, is my present inconvenient situation—without employment public or
                            private—perfectly suspended as to my future operations, surrounded by
                            uncertainty, and unable to point my attention to a fixed plan of any
                            kind. It is not probable that the English Commissioners will arrive during this inclement
                            winter—and three or four months spent in inactivity, and expense, would be heavily felt by
                            one, whose fortune is small, & who depends on personal exertions for the
                            maintenance & education of his family.
                        Your having done me the honor to make to me a private communication on the
                            subject of my nomination to this office, in which, you were pleased to express yourself in
                            terms of politeness & regard, that will for ever command my warmest gratitude, has
                            induced me to take the liberty of addressing you on this occasion. I should be unhappy if my
                            intentions in doing it should in any way bear the semblance of impropriety, or that a canded
                            developpment of my present embarrassment could be imputed to any other motive, than an
                            anxiety arising from my situation, to be informed, when it is probable, I may be called upon
                            to enter on the functions of my appointment, that I may know, to what objects in the mean
                            time, I may with propriety devote myself. With the most sincere, & cordial sentiments
                            of perfect esteem, regard, & respect, I have the honor to be Dear sir yr mo. obt
                            servt

                            Jas Innes


Title: To George Washington from Alexander White, 18 January 1797
From: White, Alexander
To: Washington, George

                            Dear Sir
                            Washington 18th January 1797

                        I was honored with your letter of 13th instant, and a copy of your letter of
                            26th Ulo in course of Post—I rather expected a Family residence would be required—I need
                            not say, for indeed I scarcely know, what I wished on the occasion; but so far I had made up
                            my mind that I would not remain in Office under circumstances which did not meet your candid
                            approbation; this I conceive your letter fully expresses, and considering it as a renewed
                            instance of your favourable sentiments, it is with me a prevailing motive to sacrifice much
                            domestic happiness to the formation of a public Institution.

                        I have hitherto acted in perfect harmony with both my Colleagues, and expect I
                            shall continue to do so; though their neglect in not acquainting me with what was doing or
                            done at Annapolis and their sending for me before the time expired which they had themselves
                            fixed for my return had made impressions not the most pleasing; in this
                            temper of mine I first saw their
                                letter to you mentioning my absence. I immediately
                            wrote to you my letter of the 11th instant which evidenced a degree of
                            displeasure; in that I was too hasty; for next morning I
                            mentioned to them that I thought their letter
                            carried with it an implication of neglect which I had not merited; they
                                declared they had not the most distant thought of communicating such
                            an Idea and offerd to write to you stating the
                            circumstances as they really were—they said they
                                thought I was to have returned the first of January, but in mentioning the
                            circum		stance which led to the appointment of the tenth they perfectly recollected it. I hope I shall not again trouble you on any subject
                                concerning myself—I hope I shall fulfil your expectations

                            attention to the duties of my office and beg
                            you will believe me to be with
                            sentiments of the highest respect, and sincere
                            regard Dear Sir Your most Obt Servt

                            Alexr White


Title: To George Washington from Jacob Pleydell-Bouverie, second earl of Radnor, 19 January 1797
From: Radnor, Jacob Pleydell-Bouverie, second earl of
To: Washington, George

                            Sir,
                            Longford Castle near Salisbury Jany 19. 1797

                        Tho’ of Necessity a Stranger to You, I cannot deny myself the Satisfaction
                            among the Many, who will probably even from this Country intrude upon your Retirement, of
                            offering to You my Congratulations on your withdrawing yourself from the Scene of public
                            Affairs with a Character, which appears to me perfectly unrivalled in History. The voluntary
                            Resignation of Authority, wielded as it was, while You thought fit to wield it, for the
                            Advantage of your Country is the universal Opinion of Mankind, confirms the Judgement I had
                            presumed to form of your Moderation, and completes the Glory of your Life.

                        Permit me, Sir, who enlisted, in no political Party have as a public Man looked
                            up to You with Veneration; Who have seen the Begining of your Career against England with
                            Approbation, because I felt England was unjust; Who have seen You discontinue your Hostility
                            towards England, when in good Faith she was no longer acting as an Enemy to America, but was
                            by honest Councels endeavouring to be as closely connected in Amity, as she is by natural,
                            & mutual Interests; Who have seen You the Instrument in the Hand of Providence of
                            wresting from the British Minister an Influence destructive of the just Rights of both
                            Countries, and of establishing the Independence of America, which I am persuaded will
                            eventually, if your Principles, & your Wisdom shall actuate your Successors, be the
                            Means of securing these respectively to us both; Who have seen You in Adiversity, and in
                            Prosperity alike the good, the firm, the moderate, the honest, and the disinterested
                            Patriot; Permit me I say, as an Englishman, and as a Man to rejoice at the Completion of
                            such a Character, and to offer my unfeigned Wishes dictated by Respect for a peaceful
                            Evening of your Life, and the Realization (as is my sincere Belief) of your posthumous Fame,
                            and your eternal Happiness. I have the Honor, Sir, to subscribe myself your very obedient
                            humble St

                            Radnor


Title: From George Washington to United States Congress, 19 January 1797
From: Washington, George
To: United States Congress

                        Gentlemen of the Senate
                                and of the House of RepresentativesUnited States January 19th 1797

                        At the opening of the present Session of Congress I mentioned that some
                            circumstances of an unwelcome nature had lately occurred in relation to France; that our
                            trade had suffered and was suffering extensive injuries in the West Indies from the Cruisers
                            and Agents of the French Republic; and that communications had been received from its
                            minister here which indicated danger of a further disturbance of our commerce by its
                            authority, and that were in other respects far from agreeable: but that I reserved for a
                            special message, a more particular communication on this interesting subject. This
                            communication I now make.

                        The complaints of the French minister embraced most of the transactions of our
                            Government in relation to France from an early period of the present war; which therefore it
                            was necessary carefully to review. A collection has been formed of letters and papers
                            relating to those transactions, which I now lay before you, with a letter to Mr Pinckney,
                            our minister at Paris, containing an examination of the Notes of the French Minister, and
                            such information as I thought might be useful to Mr Pinckney in any further representations
                            he might find necessary to be made to the French Government. The immediate object of his
                            mission was to make to that Government such explanations of the principles and conduct of
                            our own, as by manifesting our good faith might remove all jealousy and discontent, and
                            maintain that harmony and good understanding with the French Republic which it has been my
                            constant solicitude to preserve. A Government which required only a knowledge of the truth to justify its measures, could not but be anxious to have
                            this fully and frankly displayed.

                            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Theophilus Alte, 20 January 1797
From: Alte, Theophilus
To: Washington, George

                            in the Country of berg in the Palatinate Solingen 20 January 1797

                        A natural inclination to a free Country, and principaly to that of america of
                            which to the Knowledge of the Universe you were the founder and Protector, after Some
                            reflection I found no place nor Country to chuse for my Son, but to Send him thence in the
                            year 1795. I took the liberty to Send by him a Sword mounted Which has been made in our
                            fabrik destined it to you, as the only man I Know in this World Who acted in an
                            uninterressted manner for the happiness of his Country. I hoped from time to time to get an
                                advice from my Son, that he had delivered the mentioned Sword, and
                            that he had been as happy as to have been accepted by you reverend President.

                        I am therefore very anxious to Know Whether my Son has punctually executed his
                            Commission or not, his letter Which informs us of his arrival at Philadelphia is the only I
                            received till this moment, in the mean time a Marchant of this town, Whose name is
                                Halbach his trade is of Some Consequence in those Countrys: made
                            Some malicious informations about that Sword, and the more he was absolutely to Know the
                            intention I had had of Sending my Son to America, that I therefore believe my Son has not
                            yet presented the above mentionned Sword to you. I have given to him a Second information. I
                            believe that he as an unexperimented traveller has either been intimitated or frightened.
                            Whowever he will very Soon executed my intention.
                        I assure you upon my honnesty Reverend President that I took the liberty of
                            Sending the Sword to you in no interressted manner, I only Sent it to you as to Whom
                            delivered a Country as yours from all Esclavage known as you are in your Justice I
                            Sent my Son thither as in a Country of liberty. Where I am persuaded under your protection he
                            might live happy by What he intends to undertake, my intention was that he might Chuse the
                            trade in different articles which our manufactures affords. but I give him his Choice, if he
                            will be found Capable as to Serve in the State he has to chuse, I don’t doubt he will in all
                            manners work with fidelity.

                            Pardon Reverend President that I made you loose so much
                            time by reading my triffling  Whowever the veneration I have for
                            you, and of What Great author’s have told us of your incomparable Caracter has given me the
                            liberty of expressing myself so familiary. Whowever believe me that I am
                            with Most Venerations Your Most Obedient

                            Theophilus Alte


Title: To George Washington from William Pearce, 20 January 1797
From: Pearce, William
To: Washington, George

                        1797 January 20thDr. Mansion house for the work of 8 hands Amt  ⅌ Week48 daysCr. By hauling Hay & Straw for Horses &
                            Cattle4" Hauling Timber for the Carpenters2" going to Mill 2 days & Hauling Wood to burn Shells 1 d.3" Hauling Wood 8 days cuting of Wood 12 days20" Hauling Salt from Alexria1" Heaping of Manure18" Picking potatoes of frost bitt ones2" Repairing of Mill Dam3" Killing of 3 Cows some Bull 2 days & carrying Lime into Coopers Shop 348Dr.Ditchers for the Work of 4 hands Amt. ⅌ Week24 daysCr. By repairing the Mill dam & Stoping Leakes in the Race12cuting wood to burn Shells2cuting on new Road9Seting & Burning a Small Lime kell 124

                        Stock 1 Stud 7 Horses 1 Colt 6 Jacks 9 Working Mules 17 do not broke 10 Jeanets
                            16 Cattle & 8 Sheep decrease 1 Cow killed
                        Increase 4 Sheep from Union & Dogrun farms
                        Corn sent to Mill—8 Bushels. John Neale 2 Bushels Meal & James Anderson
                            2 Bushels Potatoes & one  & 2 Bushels Salt

                        Dr. Mudy hole for the Work of 14 hands Amt ⅌ Week84
                            daysCr. By hauling wheat to Mill4" Hauling Meat from Bogus Mill 1 day Manure  & Wood 12" cleaning of wheat17" Grubing on the road 40, Mauling on do 545" Thrashing Tailings of Wheat, & Shelling Corn  a bad day13Sick Molly 384

                        Stock 7 Horses, 4 Mules 36 H. Cattle, & one Young Calf & 49
                            Sheep Increased 1 Calf
                        Corn sent to Mill 8 1/2 Bushels Wheat to do 130 1/2 Bushels Corn fed to Stock 2
                            1/2 Bushels

                        daysDr. Union Farm for the work of 23 hands Amt ⅌ Week138Cr.By fencing 15 days Hewing of Rails 7 days22"cuting & mauling Rails 15 days & cuting of Wood 8 days23"Picking up of Corn stalks 10 days, geting posts  3, and Hewing do 417"Hauling of Corn Stalks into the Cow Yard6"Hauling of Rails, & wood 8 days8"Thrashing & cleaning of Rye14"Grubing in the field intended for Corn16"Rachel Grubing on new Road6Sick Siss 5 days Edy 6, Moses 3 Sam 4 Flora 6 & Patt 2 26138

                        Stock 16 Horses, 6 Mules, 69 Horned Cattle, 14 Year Olds, & 3 Calves
                            121 Sheep, Decrease by Death, the old grey horse, 2 of the Cows that were fattening,
                            & 4 Wedders sent to the Mansion house
                        Corn sent to Mill20 BushelsCorn fed to Stock10 Bushels

                        daysDr. River Farm for the work of 27 hands Amt ⅌ Week162Cr. By hauling Rails 6, & wood 3 days9"" Loading Carts & hauling Corn stalks 6 days hauling Corn to Mill 1 d.7"" Cuting & Mauling Rails 16 & diging Sheep Troughs 4 days20"Old Matt cuting wood 5 days Cleaning flax 12 days17"Grubing 44 days, & Mending Shoes (waiting upon  it) 2 days46"Attending to Stock18"Shelling Corn When Snow & raining22Sick Bridgey 6 days Betty 6, Judey 4, Este 3 & Old Ben 4 23162

                        Stock 10 Horses, 1 Colt 11 Mules, 84 Horned Cattle, 2 Calves, increase 2 Cattle
                            206 Sheep 1 Lamb Increase one Lamb
                        Corn sent to Mill 20 1/2 BushesCorn to Mansion 30 dodo fed to Stock 17 1/2
                        Dr. Dogue run for the work of 16 hands Amt ⅌ Week96 daysCr. By fencing 18 days, & cleaning round fences  32 days50"Cuting, & Mauling Rails22"Carting Rails & wood6"Spreading Manure3"Sawing Timber for broad Rails2Sick, Dick 3 days, Sall 6 days Ben 2, & Betty 2 days1396

                        Stock 5 Horses, 1 Colt & 8 Mules, & 70 Horned Cattle &
                            one Calf—138 Sheep Decreased of Sheep 5, of which 4 sent to Mansion to fatt & one
                            Old Ewe died
                        Corn sent to Mill 12 BushelsCorn fed to Stock 10 do3 Wild Hogs Catched
                        Dr. Carpenters an Brick Layers for the Work of Nine men for two Weeks amt108Cr. By Jointing of plank & fixing a plow in the Coopers Shop a Distilery }9Dys"Getting of Timber for the Shop Use & repairing of Dogue run stalles27"Rounding out Cart Wheel Tellows in Bad Weather12"Dressing of shingles at River Farm in bad weather3"Halling of Timber with the Waggon to the Shop1"Sawing of scantling for carts &c. &c.8"Isack & Joe in Shop making one Cart for Union  Farm repairing two more Do Repairing Cart
  Wheels Making 4 Spade Handles }20Sickness Isack 4 Days  484Brick LayersBy Tom Davis & Mueles digging of Brick dust20" Ditto Rounding of Tellows in the time of bad weather
                                    424108 Dys

                        Mill Grist Dr.CornWheatContra Cr.MealTo Dogue run Farm12By Muddy hole Farm2" River Farm20" Dogue run Farm12" Mansion House8" River Farm132" Muddy Hole2" Mansion House193/4" Toll this Week3" James Anderson 1 Bushel Meal1By Muddy Hole For       130
                                1/2Ditto fine flower 50 Lib47130" John Violet1" Joseph Cash 1/2 Cooper & Miller 1
                                    1/4 Fed of Corn to Hogs 2 1/2 Bushels

                        Dr. Coopers for the work of one Man & boy Amt ⅌ Week12 DaysCr. By Making Flower Barrels & hooping the Worm Tub12Dr.Miller Ben Cr. By working with Mansion house hands6 DaysDr. spinners & Knitters for the work of 15 Womeen Amt ⅌ week90Cr. By Betsy Davis spinning 5 Lib of Tow Yarn6" Dalsy    Do      4 Lib Spinning on the
  Little Wheel6" Anne     Do      4 Lib of Ditto6" Alsy     Do      4 Lib of Ditto6" Delia    Do      4 Lib of Do6" Carolina Do      3 Lib of Do4" Delphia  Do      1/3 Lib of Do6" Matilda  Do      6 Lib of Do Spining of the
  Big Wheel6" Judit    Do      4 Lib of stocking Yarn6" Kitty    Do      2 Lib of sewing thread6
" Charlote Knitting 2 pair of stockings6" Lucy     Do       1 pair of Do6" Sall nolling6Sickness Lame Ally 6 Days Doll 6 Days Carolin 214Lame Peter Knitting 2 pr Stockings 6 days90 DaysDr.Gardner for the Work of 3 men Amt ⅌ Week18Cr. By Grubing up Honey Suckle & planting12" Carrying Dung into the garden3" Lost by snow
                                    318

                        By Grubing up Honey Suckle & planting Harkles 4 Days
                             Siras 4 Days Frank 2 days