Title: To George Washington from John Blair, 25 October 1795
From: Blair, John
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Williamsburg [Va.] October 25th 1795

          A strange disorder of my head, which has lately compel’d me to neglect my official duties, & in one instance, where that was not strictly the case, has been the cause of their being attended to in a way by no means satisfactory to myself, has for some time past made me contemplate the resignation of my office, as an event highly probable.
          I knew the advantage of my situation; I had a just sense of the high obligation confer’d upon me thro your goodness, & perhaps I should say, too partial opinion of my merit; & I confess, it was with reluctance that I thought of quiting such a station, flattering myself that by some happy turn I might be restored to a capacity of performing it’s duties. These, however,

at all events, were not to be neglected; and in respect to them, I thought myself limited to some short time of probation. The appointed term has now run out, without producing the effect of which I had at first but a faint hope, or any strengthening of that hope. The result is, that I return you now the commission by which I have been so highly honoured: Perhaps, I ought to have returned it sooner; & if any apology be due from me for not having done so, I can only say, as above, that I was unwilling to quit my hold, & that I hope I have not procrastinated my resignation, so as not to allow you sufficient time to make up your mind, as to a person proper to supply the vacancy, & to give such early notice of the appointment, as to have my successor ready to take his seat in February at the next Supreme Court. With every sentiment of gratitude, all imaginable deference, & the most cordial wishes, for the success, & (if possible) for the ease of your public administration, I am, Sir, Your truly affectionate, & most obedient servant,

            John Blair


Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 25 October 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Pearce, William

            Mr Pearce,
            Philadelphia 25th Octr 1795.

          The Post of yesterday, brought me your letter of the 21st instant, and the Reports of the preceeding Week.
          I am sorry to hear you have been sick, but glad to find you have recovered. That the fly should be much in your Wheat is to be regretted; but proves the necessity of converting it as speedily as possible into flour: or even selling it in grain, if it cannot be ground in time; & a good price can be had for it in that way.
          The disappointment you have met with in the Englishman for an Overseer, is more unlucky on acct of the lateness of the season, than for any other reason; but since it has happened, I think you had better take the chance of getting a good one from the Eastern shore (as you are going there) than to engage an indifferent one before you go.
          From George Town, I enclosed you a certificate for Donaldson; and from the head of Elk I wrote you again, and promised to be more full on the subject of Hedging—(than which

nothing is more interesting to me)—when I got to this place; but the pressing, and important business which has accumulated in my absence, will oblige me to postpone it to an hour of more leisure. I shall, however, refer you to a Book (or pamphlet) I sent you sometime ago on that subject, containing many useful experiments, & hints; whilst I inform you that you can have no dependence (I presume) on the berry of the White thorn from your friend in Newcastle. I did not come, it is true, through Newcastle, but I observed all the Hedges about Christiana, & from that to Wilmington, and do not believe a gallon of Seed could be gathered from the whole of them. This makes it more necessary to secure all you can at home; Cedar berries, &ca &ca.
          I send you another Pamphlet on the subject of Manures (which I request care to be taken of)—By reading it attentively at your evening, or leisure hours, you may, by following the precepts contained in it, benefit me, and yourself too, hereafter.
          As that trusty old Negro Jack has taken leave of the troubles of this world, you must supply his place at the Stable, or rather at the Provender for it: and I should think Allison had better keep the key of the corn loft: for I know of no black person about the house that is to be trusted.
          I want a Green Pocket book, wch is to be found in the hair trunk, which is usually put on my writing Table in the Study, with my Land papers. The key of this trunk is under the lid of the writing Table—it is tied to a bunch of other keys, by a twine. This Pocket book is of green parchment, & contains the courses & distances of many surveys of the grounds &ca in, and about my farms. let it be put under a cover, & sent to me by the first Post with the reports—I am—Your friend & well wisher

            Go: Washington

            P.S. The Pamphlet on manures is the newest, & supposed to be from the best source of any that has been written.


Title: From George Washington to John William Bronaugh, 26 October 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Bronaugh, John William

            Sir
            Phila. 26th Oct. 1795

          Your letter of the 18th instt from Aquia, enclosing one from your father of the 17th, has been duly recd.
          There is no doubt, in my mind, but that your fathers Land on the Great Kanhawa is good—All that was surveyed for the Soldiery, under the Proclamation of 1754, was reputed to be so—and as they were the first choice and made by a good judge it is the best evidence I can adduce of the fact for I have no knowledge of the particular tract you are enquiring after consequently (if it was in other respects proper) I can give no certificate concerning the quality of it.
          All my papers, respecting those lands and the transactions relating to them are packed up at Mount Vernon and not to be got at unless I was there. If your father was blended with others in the original grant, it is not likely that the Patent (at this late day) is in my possession: but of this you may, possibly, receive some information from Doctr Craik of Alexandria; who, if my memory serves me was one of the Patentees. My respects to your father I am—Sir Yr very Hble Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 26 October 1795 [letter not found]
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

          Letter not found: from Tobias Lear, 26 Oct. 1795. In Timothy Pickering’s letter to Lear of 28 Jan. 1796, he referred to “your letter to the President of the 26th of October” (MHi: Pickering Papers).


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 26 October 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

            26th Octr 1795

          Not doubting but that the statements, contained in the enclosed letter to Mr Pinckney, are grounded on facts, it appears to me to be as proper as it is spirited.


Title: To George Washington from the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 27 October 1795
From: Commissioners for the District of Columbia, the
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Washington 27th October 1795

          Since you left this we have been favor’d with the enclosed Communication from General Forrest on a subject very interesting to the City; we enclose you a copy of the Generals letter as it gives the object in view and the prospect of success very fully. Whilst an application to the Legislature of Maryland is contemplated by us with much pleasure, we have no Idea of abandoning the plan laid before you in our last Memorial. The Assembly of Maryland meet six weeks earlier than Congress; we think it would be prudent to know with certainty the extent to which the Legislature of maryland will go, and the terms on

which a Loan can be negotiated prior to any formal application to them on the subject; This can be easily accomplished early in the session, and before the meeting of Congress. Should the event prove that a Loan can be obtained to the extent and on the terms suggested by General Forrest it would be proper to obtain an Act authorizing certain persons to carry such Loan into effect with the Commissioners leaving it optional with the Commissioners to borrow or not as they may find it convenient. A loan from the State of Maryland ought not to preclude the measures proposed to be taken at the meeting of Congress. The success of the intended application to Congress cannot probably be known till some time in January. If the application to Congress succeeds any further measures with the State of Maryland will be unnecessary but very much otherwise if Congress should reject our application. The two hundred thousand Dollars from Maryland will afford ample means with our other funds to carry on the public buildings for two years. Circumstances at the end of that period may be more favorable. We have forwarded this communication from General Forrest thus early that no time may be lost with the Maryland Assembly who meet on the first monday in November and probably will make a full house by the 8th or 10th. No step has or will be taken in this business until we hear from you. Nothing new has occured in the City. Morris and Nicholson have not yet paid a single shilling, and they have of late ceased even to promise. We shall however be able to progress until we have the friendly aid of a good frost which if not very late indeed will be very convenient to save our credit. Mr Hadfield would not engage for more than one year; we have however no reason to think he will wish to leave us; hitherto his conduct gives satisfaction. We Have the honor to be with Sentiments of the highest respect Sir Your most Obt Servts

            Gust. ScottWilliam Thornton


Title: To George Washington from Edward Carrington, 28 October 1795
From: Carrington, Edward
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Richmond Octo. 28th 1795

          Colo. Innes has just returned to Town and Genl Marshall, on a conversation with him, has formed an opinion favorable to his appointment to the Office of Attorney General. judging that too much time would be lost in my waiting for your notification of our powers on this subject being still in existence, we thought it best to sound him on the score of his acceptance, apprising him of the situation in which my last letter to you had place the business, & the possibility of your having turned your attention on some other Gentleman. He has requested time to consider of the proposition and is certainly to give his answer in time for my writing decisively by the next mail. I am exceedingly sorry this enquiry has been attended with so much delay, but it was

impossible to bring it to the present stage earlier. I have the Honor to be with the most affectionate regard Dr Sir your Most Obt st

            Ed. Carrington


Title: To George Washington from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 28 October 1795
From: Wolcott, Oliver Jr.
To: Washington, George

            Treasury Department Octob. 28th ’95.

          The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor of transmitting to The President of the U. States an official Certificate of a settlement made at the Treasury, by which it appears that the United States are indebted to William Lindsay, Collector of Norfolk in the sum of Twenty dollars & thirteen Cents; being so much paid by him to James Hunter assignee of David M: Randolph, Marshal for the District of Virginia, for the storage of Gun powder seized with the Ship Unicorn in the year 1794.
          As there is no specific Fund provided by Law for discharging this demand, it appears to be expedient, if The President shall be pleased so to direct, that payment be made out of the Fund appropriated for defraying the Contingent Expenses of the Government of the United States. All which is most respectfully submitted.

            Olivr Wolcott Jr.Secy of the Treasy


Title: To George Washington from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 28 October 1795
From: Wolcott, Oliver Jr.
To: Washington, George

            Treasury Departmt Octob. 28th 1795.

          The Secretary of The Treasury respectfully represents to The President of the U. States, that in consequence of a charge exhibited by the Captain of the Revenue Cutter for New York to his predecessor, against Isaac Van Dearson third mate, and Nathaniel A. Ogden second mate of said Cutter, for appropriating to their own use certain Goods belonging to the Cargo of a vessel stranded at the entrance of the harbour of New York, the Collector & Surveyor of that Port & the Supervisor of the District were directed to enquire into the truth of the said Complaint, & report the result thereof to this Department. From the examination of the master of the vessel stranded as aforesaid and of the parties themselves taken in the presence of those Gentlemen & now transmitted it evidently appears, that the misconduct of which the said Isaac Van Dearson and Nathaniel A. Ogden, were accused, is fully proved. For which cause the Secretary is of opinion that the said Isaac Van Dearson & Nathaniel A. Ogden, ought to be displaced.
          The Secretary has the honor further to inform The President that John Tilton is recommended by the Collector of New York as a fit person to discharge the duties of Third Mate on board of the Cutter Vigilant. As yet no candidate has appeared for the station of second Mate. All which is respectfully submitted.

            Olivr Wolcott Jr.Secy of the Treasy


Title: To George Washington from William Cooke, 29 October 1795
From: Cooke, William
To: Washington, George

            Common Goal—New-Castle [Del.] 29th Octor 179⟨5⟩

          In the Prussian dominions during the life, of the late illustrious Monarch of that Kingdom, the meanest Vassal, or Peasant, had the priviledge, of approa⟨ch⟩ing their Monarch, either by Memorial, or in person, & making known to him their distress in case they were injur⟨ed⟩ or oppressed by a fellow Citizen, and almost in all Cases, He caused immediate Justice to be done. All mankind, Sir, agree that you are as illustrious a personage as the King of Prusia ever was. No one denies—but that you⟨r⟩ Military, & Political talents have been invariably used to establish a Government, founded on the purest principles of Civil & Political freedom; in order, that Justice might be as pure, & as accessable to each Citizen of the United States, as the Water that flows in the brook from the Mountains side. In a Country thus free, I trust I may enjoy a priviledge, Common to mankind, even in despotic Governments. I then proceed Sir, to lay my case befor⟨e⟩ you; In the year 1788 I was Concerned in an extensive Commercial house in Charleston, So. Carolina—In that year the installment laws of that Country Commenced—which produced almost immediate ruin, to a great number of honest & Wealthy Merchants. I stand—perhaps, the first in this list. At the time those laws were enacted the House, to which I belonged, was largely indebted to a Mercantile House in Philadelphia—Coxe & Frazier—the Mr Coxe, that is now Commissioner of the revenue of the United States. When I found, the existing laws of Carolina, had deprived me from Collecting in my debts & by that means, from paying those, who had demands against the house. I proceeded immediately to evince my abhorrance of such laws, & a determination to adhere to the purest principles of

Mercantile integrity; to do this in the clearest & most unequivocal manner, I notified to those who had demands on the Concern—that any property belonging to the Company, or to myself, would be given to satisfy any demand against said house. this offer was repeatedly made to Messrs Coxe & Frazier, but they declined accepting it, & at the same time urged that bonds to double the Amount of their demand should be deposited in the hands of their Attornies—to lie at my risque, but to be at their absolute Controul, & the Monies ariseing from said bonds to be paid over to them, until their debt with Interest should be fully paid. One of the Attornies of these Gentlemen, is John Julius Pringle Esqr. Atty General for the United states in South Carolina—With this Gentleman, I lodged bonds to the amot of £6500 Sterling—to pay a debt of £4300—besides this—eight Lotts in the town of Baltimore are also held as a further security Worth £1500 Sterling. at the time of making the assignmts of the bonds, An express & absolute Stipulation was made between John Julius Pringle Esqr. & myself that I should never again be called on for the payment of said debt to Coxe & Frazier, unless the bonds lodged, ultimately proved insufficient; & that in the mean time I should not be liable to be arrested—nor my property to Attachment, to satisfie said debt. Thus Sir, I closed my Commercial Concerns in Carolina with the intire loss of my whole Fortune from the fatal laws of that State; My attachment to America remaining still unshaken—on the ratification of the present Government, I again determined to risque my future Views in America; for the truth of the whole or many of the above assertions I beg to refer you to an Honorable Member of Senate from that State—Mr Butler. For the last three years—with an exception of short intervals I have been in the West Indies from whence I arrived in Philadelphia about the 1st Octor—immediately on my arrival I waited on Mr Tench Coxe to know, if his debt was paid—& requested a Statement of the Accot—which on the 11th inst. I recd under his own Signature—by which it appears there is still a ballce of about £1979 Sterling due—but the bonds & Lotts in Baltimore still lying, under the original stipulation for the payment, & Monies coming by almost every opportunity from Charleston, as you will see from the Credits in the Accot—Copy of which I inclose you, together with a list of the Bonds. Finding the ballce due so small, & the property lying for the payment so

large—I informed Mr Coxe, that I would endeavour & pay the ballce due, & take my property again into my own possession—but I could not effect this without the aid of Mr Daniel Ludlow of New York—having only 2000$ in Cash & 2000$ in a note with me. I proceeded to Powlahs-hook & Communicated the business to Mr Ludlow, but he at the moment being ill; would make no engagements in business. I returned to Philadelphia, Comm⟨u⟩nicated his answer to Mr Coxe, & informed him that I would defer doing any thing further in the business for some Weeks. On Friday evening last he called on me, at Mrs Lawsons—& informed me that he had a variety of Speculations in View, & that I must immediately pay him the 2000$ in Cash—& also the note for 2000$ or I should not leave the City. My injured feelings could not but treat him wit⟨h⟩ the Contempt he merited. I left the City on Sunday at 12 oClock & came to this place to embark for Georgia—& on monday evening Just as I was Stepping into the boat, the Vessel being under way—I was arrested by order of Mr Tench Coxe—& informed by Mr Levy his attorney, that unless I immediately Complied with his request, that I must go to the Common Goal, I remonstrated against the measure as the most Cruel & unjus⟨t⟩ that could be exercised against a man—my arguments were urged in Vain—& I was immediately Committed to the Common Goal of this place, among men of the lowest class, & without having either Clothes or money with me, both of which was on board the Vessel, and are gone on to Georgia The injury and outrage is such as must interest every good man, but you Sir, I am sure will feel it as you ought.
          The favor I have then to solicit from you⟨r⟩ hands, after laying my case before you, is—that you direct, or request, the Chief Justice of the United states—to have me removed By Habeas Corpus before him in the City of Philadelphi⟨a⟩ if the laws & Constitution of our Country will admit of it. If I cannot be immediately redressed from the injury I am now borne down with—it will alienate my Heart & affections from the United States forever—& I will Sir—in your presence make a recantation of my allegiance to them. In many parts of the British Dominions my interest & influence is much greater than in the United states—and in order to shew whether I have used that influence to the benefit of this Country—I beg you Sir, to direct Mr Brown—printer of the daily advertiser to furnish you with a paper containing a

Memorial, to the Governor of Bermuda, & a piece, addressed to the inhabitants of that Island—published in Philadelphia in May last, by which means one of the most lucretive branches of the American Commerce was rescued from Spoliation & the Governor of Bermuda, injured by the loss of his Colonial Salary of near £500—that Currency ⅌ ann.—from my Zeal to Serve the interest of this Country. Notwithstanding, I was sacraficed by one of the State Governments, almost to beggary I have never solicited a place under the present Government of the Smallest profit. Others perhaps less intitled are enjoying consequence & profit from them, and among that Number is my Oppresser—I perhaps have a better Key of his Charactor than most other men, & that Key shall be turned, & information let loose to the Public. I shall receive an Answer to this letter with much gratitude whether you Serve me, or not. for it will always be a Satisfaction to me, to recollect that under my distress I applied to the greatest Charactor (in what is thought to be the freeest Country in the World[)]—with the Sincerest attachment, & most profound respect I have the honor to be Your Most obedt Servant

            Wm Cooke


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 29 October 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            (Private)
            My dear Sir,
            Philadelphia 29th Oct. 1795.

          Two or three days ago I wrote you a few lines in haste, and promised one more lengthy when I was more at leisure. for this purpose I am now seated.
          The letters from young Fayette and Mr Frestal; my letter to Mr Cabot; and his answer (all of which are herewith enclosed for your perusal—mine in the rough state it was first drawn—and to be returned when read) will give you a full view of what I have already done in this affair, up to the present moment. I have, unavailingly, owing to accidents, been endeavouring through indirect means, to learn Mr Adets sentiments relative to the coming

over of this young gentleman—But if you, after the information now given; and the reiterated assurance of what I have expressed in my letter to Mr Cabot, and which I authorise you to repeat to him again, in the very strongest terms you can conceive, should be of opinion that I ought to go further at this time, I will do so at all events: for to be in the place of a father and friend to him I am resolved, under any circumstances. If therefore, as I have just said, you should think that good would come from it, or even consolation flow therefrom to young Fayette and his Tutor; I pray you to send them hither incog., without delay, that some plan may be fixed upon: in settling of which, I pray you to give me your ideas of that which shall appear most eligable either by them, or previous to their arrival here.
          Other matters which I have to communicate, shall become the subject of another letter. I am ever—and affectionately Yours

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 29 October 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            (Private & confidential)
            My dear Sir,
            Philadelphia 29th Oct. 1795

          A voluminous publication is daily expected from Mr R——. The paper alluded to in the extract of his letter to me, of the 8th instt, and inserted in all the Gazettes, is a letter of my own, to him; from which he intends (as far as I can collect from a combination of circumstances) to prove an inconsistency in my conduct, in ratifying the Treaty with G. Britain, without making a rescinding (by the British government) of what is commonly

called the Provision order, equally with the exception of the 12th article, by the Senate, a condition of that ratification. Intending thereby to shew, that my final decision thereon, was the result of party-advice; and that that party was under British influence. It being a letter of my own which he asked for, I did not hesitate a moment to furnish him therewith; and to authorise him to publish every private letter I ever wrote, and every word I ever uttered to him, if he thought they wd contribute to his vindication: But the paper he asked for, is but a mite of the volume that is to appear; for without any previous knowledge of mine, he had compiled every official paper (before this was asked) for publication; the knowledge of which can subserve the purposes he has in view; and why they have not made their appearance before this, I know not, as it was intimated in the published extract of his letter to me, that nothing retarded it but the want of the paper then applied for, which was furnished the day after my arrival in this city—where (on the 20th instt) I found his letter, after it had gone to Alexandria & had returned.
          I shall now touch upon another subject, as unpleasant as the one I have just quitted. What am I to do for a Secretary of State? I ask frankly, & with solicitude; and shall receive kindly, any sentiments you may express on the occasion. That there may be no concealment; & that the non-occupancy of the office until this time may be accounted for (I tell you in confidence that) Mr Paterson of New-Jersey; Mr Thos Johnson of Maryland; Genl Pinckney of So. Carolina; and Mr Patrick Henry of Virginia; in the order they are mentioned, have all been applied to and refused. Would Mr King accept it? You know the objections I have had to the nomination, to office, any person from either branch of the Legislature; and you will be at no loss to perceive, that at the present crisis, another reason might be adduced against this appointment. But maugre all objections, if Mr King wd accept, I would look no further. Can you sound, and let me know soon, his sentiments on this occasion. If he should seem disposed to listen to the proposition—tell him candidly, all that I have done in this matter; that neither he, nor I, may be made uneasy thereafter from the discovery of it; he will, I am confident perceive the ground upon which I have acted in making these essays; and will, I am persuaded, appreciate my motives. If he should decline also, pray learn with precision from him, what the

qualifications of Mr Potts the Senator are—and be as diffusive as you can with respect to others, and I will decide on nothing until I hear from you—pressing as the case is.
          To enable you to judge of this matter with more lights still; I add, that Mr Marshall of Virginia has declined the Office of Attorney General, and I am pretty certain would accept of no other: And I know that Colo. Carrington would not come into the War department (if a vacancy should happen therein). Mr Dexter, it is said, would accept the Office of Attorney General—No person is yet absolutely fixed on for that Office. Mr Smith of So. Carolina would, sometime ago, have had no objection to filling a respectable office under the Genl government; but what his views might lead to, or his abilities particularly fit him for, I am an incompetent judge: and besides, on the ground of popularity, his pretensions would, I fear, be small. Mr Chase of Maryland is, unquestionably, a man of abilities; and it is supposed by some, that he wd accept the appointment of Attorney General. Though opposed to the adoption of the Constitution, it is said he has been a steady friend to the general government since it has been in operation. But he is violently opposed in his own State by a party, and is besides, or to speak more correctly has been, accused of some impurity in his conduct. I might add to this catalogue, that Colo. Innes is among the number of those who have passed in review; but his extreme indolence renders his abilities (great as they are said to be) of little use. In short, what with the non-acceptances of some; the known deriliction of those who are most fit; the exceptionable draw backs from others; and a wish (if it were practicable) to make a geographical distribution of the great officers of the Administration, I find the selection of proper characters an arduous duty.
          The period is approaching, indeed is already come, for selecting the proper subjects for my communications to Congress at the opening of the next Session—and the manner of treating them merits more than the consideration of a moment. The crisis, and the incomplete state in which most of the important affairs of this country are, at present, make the first more difficult—and the latter more delicate than usual.
          The Treaty with G. Britain is not yet concluded. After every consideration, however, I could bestow on it (and after entertaining very serious doubts of the propriety of doing it, on account

of the Provision order) it has been ratified by me: what has been, or will be done by the governmt of G. Britain relative to it, is not now and probably will not, be known by the meeting of Congress: Yet, such perhaps is the state of that business, as to make a communication thereof to the Legislature necessary: whether in the concisest form, or to accompany it with some expression of my sense of the thing itself, & the manner in which it has been treated, merits deep reflection. If good would flow from the latter, by a just & temperate communication of my ideas to the community at large, through this medium; guarded so as not to add fuel to passions prepared to blaze—and at the sametime so expressed as not to excite the criticisms, or animadversions of European Powers, I would readily embrace it. But I would, decidedly, avoid every expression which could be construed a deriliction of the powers of the President with the advice and consent of the Senate to make Treaties; or into a shrinking from any act of mine relative to it. In a word, if a conciliatory plan can be assimilated with a firm, manly & dignified conduct in this business, it would be desirable; but the latter I will never yield. On this head it may not be amiss to add, that no official (nor indeed other) accounts have been received from France of the reception of the Treaty with G. Britain, by the National Convention—Perhaps it is too soon to expect any.
          Our negociations with Spain, as far as accts have been recd from Mr Pinckney (soon after his arrival there, but after a conference with the Duke de la Alcudia on the subject, before, however, the Peace between France & that Country was publicly known) stands upon the same procrastinating—trifling—undignified (as it respects that government)—and insulting as it relates to this country ground as they did at the commencement of them Under circumstances like these, I shall be at a loss (if nothing more decisive shall arrive between this and the Assembling of Congress) what to say on this subject, especially as this procrastination & trifling, has been accompanied by encroachments on our territorial rights. There is no doubt of this fact, but persons have, nevertheless, been sent both by Govr Blount & Genl Wayne, to know by what authority it is done. The conduct of Spain (after having herself, invited this negociation, and throughout the whole of its progress) has been such, that I have,

at times, thought it best to express this sentiment at once in the Speech, and refer to the proceedings. At other times, to say only, that matters are in the same inconclusive state they have been; and that if no alteration for the better, or a conclusion of it should take place before the Session is drawing to a close, that the proceedings will be laid fully before Congress.
          From Algiers no late accts have been received; and little favorable, it is to be feared, is to be expected from that quarter.
          From Morocco, the first communications, after our Agent arrived there, were pleasing, but the final result, if any has taken place is yet unknown—and are more clouded.
          Our concerns with the Indians will tell well—I hope, & believe, the Peace with the Western Indians will be permanent; unless renewed difficulties with G. Britain shd produce (as it very likely would do) a change in their conduct. But whether this matter can be mentioned in the Speech with propriety before it is advised & consented to by the Senate, is questionable. and nothing, I am sure, that is so, & is susceptible of caval or criticism, will escape the annonymous writers (if it should go unnoticed elsewhere). It will be denominated by these gentry—a bolster. All the hostile Indians to the Southward have renewed the treaties of Amity & friendship with the United States; & have given the best proofs in their power of their sincerity—to wit—a return of Prisoners & property; and Peace prevails from one end of our frontier to the other. Peace also had been produced between the Creeks & Chickasaws by the intervention of this government, but something untoward & unknown here, has occasioned a renewal of hostilities on the part of the Creeks.
          The Military establishment is of sufficient importance to claim a place in the general communication, at the opening of the Session; and my opinion is, that circumstanced as things are at present, & the uncertainty of what they may be next year, it would be impolitic to reduce it—but whether to express any opinion thereupon, or leave it entirely to their own decision may be considered.
          Whether a report from the Secretary of the Treasury relative to Fiscal matters, particularly on the loans of money—and another from the Secretary of War respecting the Frigates—Arsenals—Military Stores directed to be provided; and the train, in wch

the Trade with the Indians is, agreeably to the several Acts of Legislature may not be proper—and to be referred to in the Speech.
          Having desired the late Secretary of State to note down every matter as it occurred, proper either for the speech at the opening of the Session or for messages afterwards—the enclosed paper contains every thing I could extract from that Office. Aid me I pray you with your sentiments on these points & such others as may have occurred to you relative to my communications to Congress. With affectionate regard I am always Your

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Robert R. Livingston, 29 October 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Livingston, Robert R.

            Dear Sir,
            Philadelphia 29th Oct. 1795

          On my way from Mt Vernon to this city, I met your favor, with the Packages, committed to the care of Mr Fay and pray you to accept my thanks for your attention to them. From the former place I sent you a parcel which came under cover to me from Sir John Sinclair which I hope got safe to your hands. They were put in charge of my Secretary Mr Dandridge whom I directed to send them by a safe hand to you—and this he did, as he informs me, by a Mr Knightingale.
          Every good wish attends you and family—and with sincere esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Your affecte Servt

            Go: Washington

            P.S. [S]hall I ask the favor of you to send the enclosed to Colo. Hamilton if he is in the City of New York.


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 29 October 1795
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Department of State Oct. 29. 95.

          I have selected the inclosed letters from the correspondence of Mr Deas, & two letters from Mr Montgomery our Consul at Alicant, for your perusal—in addition to those just now given to Mr Dandridge; and have the honour to be, with great respect sir your obt servt

            Timothy Pickering


Title: To George Washington from Edward Carrington, 30 October 1795
From:
To:

              Dear Sir
              Richmond Octo. 30. 1795

            I now have it in my power to give decisive information on the enquiries you did Genl Marshall and myself the Honor of confiding to us in regard to Colo. Innes, & regret, exceedingly, that they have issued in his declining the appointment contemplated, as he would certainly have filled it with all the advantages you are so solicitous to Secure. He has given the proposition a very thorough deliberation, and with a sincere desire of accepting it; but has felt the necessity of yielding his wishes to the reasons which he has stated in a letter to me. As I cannot convey them to you in a better manner than by enclosing his letter, I herewith take the liberty of doing so.
            I sincerely wish that circumstances had not been such as to delay this information the length of time which has elapsed since you set the enquiry on foot, and hope you will believe that it has not been unnecessarily prolonged.
            With assurances of my readiness at all times to obey such requisitions as you think proper to make, I have the Honor to remain Your affectionate Friend & Most Obt servt

              Ed. Carrington


Title: Enclosure: James Innes to Edward Carrington, 30 October 1795
From: Innes, James
To: Carrington, Edward

              My Dear Sir,
              Henrico [Va.] Octor 30th 1795

            I have bestowed on the confidential communication which you made to me the Evenening before the last, the attention which

it merited. If the Attorney-generalship of the United States were even within my reach, a variety of considerations, too potent in their nature, to be overcome by either my wishes, or ambition, to become a servant of our National Government in so conspicuous an Office, would prevent my acceptance of it. The considerable change, which my affairs must undergo, in removing my residence from hence to Philadelphia, would be attended with expence, and detriment. Besides, the difficulty of sustaining a family in that City, from the extreme enhanced prices of all the Articles, necessary for the maintenance of one, in any kind of Style, or decorum, would very far exceed the amount of the Salary annexed to the office in question; and it would be some time, before I could calculate on any aid to be derived to my slender Finances, from the exercise of my profession, which, probably, might never be considerable: In addition to this, a lameness in my right hand, produced by exposure to the inclemency of the weather, in my late Western tour, which has been of long continuance, and has almost deprived me of the use of it, may possibly constitute a corporal disability to discharge the various, and arduous duties which depend on the exercise of the pen. These different obstacles, which are beyond my controul, and in direct hostility to the warmest wishes of my heart, will constrain me to remain where I am, if ever the opportunity of changing my situation, which you have alluded to, should present itself. The persecution I have undergone, and am still to undergo, in the impending Session of our Legislature, on account of my Mission to Kentucky, must, you are, I am sure, sensible, render my station in the State-Government uncomfortable, and would naturally incline me to wish for the change of a situation which exposes me to the tyranny, and malice, of a certain political Sectary, among us, who hate all those, who do not hate the American Government, and all it’s doings—but in my circumstances, I must brave the storm, or perish in the conflict.
            If the communication, which is the subject of this letter, was made by the permission, or desire of the President, my grateful acknowledgments, are as much due to his goodness, for the honor he intended me, as if it had been actually conferred, and I beg you to profer them accordingly: but if it has proceeded from your anxietude for my welfare, I shall estimate it as an additional mark of that friendship, which I shall ever endeavour

to cultivate with sincerity and affection; and in either event, you will be pleased to accept my thanks, and believe me to be your friend & servant

              Jas Innes

              P.S. You find from the weakness of my hand, I am obliged to have recourse to an Amanuensis; yet, rest assured, that every thing which has passed between us on this subject, shall rest in perfect confidence.


Title: From George Washington to the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 30 October 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Commissioners for the District of Columbia, the

            Gentlemen,
            Philada October 30th 1795.

          Your Letter of the 26 Instant covering one from Genl U. Forrest of the 24th came to me by the last post—& as the subject thereof is important, & as there is no time [to] lose, I delay not in giving you my opinion.
          From Genl Forrest’s communication there appears to be every probability that a Loan from the State of Maryland may be effected for the purposes of the Federal City, to the extent you wish. If therefore, upon more mature consideration & enquiry, you concur in opinion that it can be done, I think you ought not to hesitate to make the attempt. I would have you, however, to be fully assured (as far as is possible) of success, before the attempt is finally determined upon; as a failure might be attended with disadvantage to the interests of the City. If the attempt should terminate unfavorably, it will then be time enough, if it should be thought expedient, to make application to the Genl Government.
          The papers which were transmitted to you on Wednesday last by Mr Dandridge, by my direction, will shew you that your attempt for a Loan in London has issued without success. I am Gentlemen, Your obedt Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 31 October 1795
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

            War-Office Octr 31. 1795.

          The Secretary of War respectfully informs the President that General Rochambeau, who some time ago proposed sailing for

France, now expects to depart next Monday, & will gladly take any letters or commands with which the President may have occasion to honour him.


Title: To George Washington from Alexander White, 31 October 1795
From: White, Alexander
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Washington [D.C.] 31st October 1795

          I purpose to set out for Virginia tomorrow and to return about the end of November—You would no doubt observe that I neither signed the letter lately addressed to you by my Colleagues on the subject of an application to the Assembly of Maryland for a Loan, nor transmitted my reasons for with holding my signature—I will now explain the motives of my conduct in both instances—I did not sign the letter Because I thought that a Plan for obtaining money having been agreed upon by the Commissioners, and having received the sanction of the President every heart and every hand ought to unite in supporting it, and that every effort ought to have been concentered to that point—Unless, indeed, a measure clearly & decidedly preferable had occurred; and I did not consider that proposed by the letter alluded to, in that light—Because General Forrests information carried with it no degree of conviction to my mind that the attempt would be successful; more especially as it was agreed by my Colleagues, that there were intelligent men who thought differently from General Forrest, and that the measure would certainly be opposed—Because if the proposed Loan could be obtained on the terms suggested, it would cover by mortgage two thousand Lots without affording an adequate relief to the City and might eventually cost eleven per Cent Int. Because even the discussion of the measure in the Assembly of Maryland may be highly injurious to the City—the Enemies to the establishment of the Seat of Goverment on the Patowmack, did originally rely much on the division of the State of Maryland—Should it appear that such division still exists, it will revive their hopes

and induce them to exert every nerve to prevent the favourable interposition of Congress—it would be the same were we even to succeed by small majorities in the two Houses as was the case with the first Laws passed in that State favourable to the Seat of Goverment; but should the measure fail it will be infered, that the opposition has increased and give additional Spirit to the Enemies of the City it will likewise deprive me of one of the most powerful arguments which I meant to use with that description of men; to wit, that Congress, by withhold[ing] their aid could not defeat the measure of the Seat of Goverment, because the States of Virginia and Maryland, rather than suffer such an event to take place would advance the sums necessary to compleat the Buildings—I dread even a Public discussion in the Assembly of Maryland—lest facts unfavourable to the City, such as the waste of time and money, abortive schemes, buildi⟨ng⟩ up and pulling down &c. &c. may be held up to vi⟨ew⟩ in the highest colouring—and from thence spread like wildfire in Phila. and in Congress, though otherwise they might have remained unnoticed and unknown.
          I did not communicate my Sentiments at the same time with my Colleagues, Because, a diffidence in my own opinion induced me to suppose they might be right—I therefore did not choose to take on myself the blame of counteracting a measure which was considered so essential to the prosperity of the City and of which the success could only be known by experiment—I was the more delicate on this subject, because men often calculate so erroneously on the feelings of others, that I apprehended I might be considered as interested in defeating every measure except that which is to send me to Congress—But I do assure you Sir the engaging in this negotiation is a painful Task, and one which nothing less than an anxious desire to promote the interests of the City—sanctioned by your choice, would have prevailed on me to undertake—Should the proposed Application to the State of Maryland be approved by the President, it will lay me under some difficulty with regard to my own conduct—I doubt whether I ought to proceed to Philadelphia while the business is depending in Maryland; for me to attempt to draw one string while my Colleagues are drawing another would be rather embarrassing I am equally in doubt how to act after the conclusion of that negotiation, should the Loan proposed be granted will it be proper to ask anything of Congress at this time? Should

it be rejected, it will cast a cloud over the feeble ray of hope which would have animated me; it will render the success of the business in Congress more precarious, and the negotiation more irksome—I am really loth to occupy one moment of your time but would be much gratified by a line expressing your Sentiments on these points—A letter put in the Post-Office in Philadelphia before the 15th of November will find me at home—I am with sentiments of the most profound respect and sincere regard Sir Your most Obt Servt

            Alex. White


Title: From George Washington to Henry William DeSaussure, 1 November 1795
From: Washington, George
To: DeSaussure, Henry William

            Dear Sir,
            [Philadelphia] Sunday Morning 1st Novr 1795.

          I thank you for the plan of the Santee Canal, which you have had the goodness to send me.

          If Genl Pinckney has gone more into detail, than is found in the expression of your letter relative to the establishment at Fort Johnston, I should be glad to receive an extract thereof; otherwise, the transcript would be unnecessary. It is to be observed, however, that the strength of our garrisons must be proportioned to the means from whence they are drawn.
          I cannot, in this moment of your departure, but express my regret that it was not accordant with your views to remain in the Directorship of the Mint. Permit me to add thereto, that your conduct therein, gave entire satisfaction; and to wish you a pleasant voyage, and a happy meeting with your friends in So. Carolina—being with great esteem—Dear Sir—Your Obedient Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Charles Morgan, 1 November 1795
From: Morgan, Charles
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Raccoon Creek [Pa.] Novembr 1st 1795.

          I have not been so fortunate as I Expected in Geting the Rents due from Colo. Sreve, I was with him a few days ago and he has promised to get it as Soon as he possibly Can—he is about Selling part of the land he purchas’d of you which will Enable him to pay the Rents, and as the Bonds are on Interest I did not think it Advisable to push him for the money for a few weeks &c. I am your Hbe Servt

            Charles Morgan


Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 2 November 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Lear, Tobias

            My dear Sir,
            Philadelphia 2d Novr 1795.

          Your letters of the 19th & [  ] Ult. came duly to hand; and I expected ’ere this to have been decisive upon the contents

of them; but the case being otherwise, I shall postpone writing fully to you until the next, or another Post.
          It may not be amiss however, briefly to observe, that Colo. Rochfontain (being in this city) was asked how it came to pass, as he had seen the site at the confluence of the Rivers Potomac & Shenandoah, he had made no mention of it in his general report? His answer was, there was no ground on which convenient buildings could be placed, & assigned other reasons in a written report, which he made. But since the receipt of your last, with a letter from Genl Darke to the Secretary of War—I have suggested his going there again, in order to view the ground more accurately. This, if nothing more pressing should require his attendance in another quarter, will be the case. I shall defer therefore saying any thing further on the subject till this matter is decided. If the Colo. goes at all, he will probably pass through George Town, and if it could be made convenient for Colo. Gilpin (who understands the nature, & application of water well) and yourself, to accompany him, advantages, I am persuaded, would result from the journey. One of the Colos. objections to this site is, that no water work (on acct of freshes) would be safe there. These lands, however, considering the reservations of the Ferries, buildings, &ca, will come much higher than I had any idea of.
          If you have not already agreed for the Rent of my house in Alexandria at Sixty pounds pr Annum, I wish this sum might be compared with other rents, before it is fixed on. I was told by severals as I passed through Alexandria, that I might readily dispose of the lot, if I was so inclined, for £1200: Sixty pounds rent wd be only an interest of five prCt, which is inadequate for house Rent.
          Give my love to Fanny and the Children, in which Mrs Washington joins, and be assured of the sincere esteem & regard of Dear Sir Your Affectionate

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 2 November 1795
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

              Sir,
              Department of State Novr 2. 1795.

            I have the honour to lay before you the form of a pardon for Mitchell & Vigol, insurgents, for your signature.
            The petition inclosed for their pardon was received after you had decided to grant it.
            Some letters from Mr FitzSimons, & from me to Mr Deas are also inclosed for your information.
            I will wait on you to-morrow morning upon these subjects; and am most respectfully Sir Your obt servt

              Timothy Pickering

            The letter to Mr Pinckney is added to the list.


Title: To George Washington from William Thornton, 2 November 1795
From: Thornton, William
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            George Town [D.C.] Novr 2nd 1795.

          I address you at this time with the greatest reluctance because I know that the weighty concerns of State must demand a disengagement from all matters of less Importance; the object of my Epistle I hope however will be considered of sufficient moment to apologize for this intrusion.
          Since Mr Hadfield was engaged by the Board of Commissioners he has called their attention to several parts of the Capitol which he has pointed out as defective—Mr Hoban and I knew of these defects, not only in the foundation but also in some parts of the distribution of the interior—we lamented, and endeavoured to correct them—In some Instances we succeeded, some small ones may yet remain, but not of much Importance in our Estimation. He and Mr Blagdin join in Opinion that the foundation as now compleated will be sufficiently strong; otherwise, proceeding with the superstructure would have been unwarrantable.

          I think Mr Hadfield a young man of Genius; he is desirous of establishing a character as an architect, and therefore it would not have surprised me to find him attempting small alterations to suit his Ideas. He left England under an Impression that he was only to execute the Plans already made, but we find he is for innovating throughout, and I cannot but express my astonishment at some of his observations.
          1st. He was for omitting the Basement, & having the Columns & Pilasters five feet in diameter to give sufficient height, & drew sketches to exhibit this, without examining whether they would admit of a proper finish or not. When it was objected to by Mr Hoban & myself as increasing the expense enormously—he stated to the Board that the Colums & Pilasters might be reduced to three feet six Inches—We find the Rooms will be only in just proportion if there be a basement of 20 feet, and Colums & Pilasters above of three feet diameter so that it is impossible to have sufficient Elevation according to his statement—which will only substitute about ⟨6⟩ feet for 20.
          2nd. If a sufficient height could be obtained in the manner proposed by Mr Hadfield to finish the Representants Chamber which is very large, the Library in the north wing must either have the full height with 2 rows of windows, or only half the height, and with one row of windows. If of full Elevation, the semi-eliptical Entrance into the North wing must absolutely be taken down entirely, otherwise it would project into the Room, and it would also be necessary to take down the two division walls on the west side and lose three good Rooms which are now intended for Committee Rooms. At present the semi-eliptical Entrance only projects into one of these Committee Rooms, and terminates at the first floor so as to leave the Library clear, which will be a principal Room, & must either be appropriated to the use of the Senate or Representatives till the other wing be ready—We thought it better to do a small injury to the Committee Room than to the Entrance, which will now be a very elegant one. If the Library be only one story high it would be preposterously long for the Elevation being abt 90 feet in extent.
          3. He finds fault with the Arcades in the Senate & in the Representatives’ Chamber and proposes to place Colums in their stead which shall only rise as high as the galleries—I did not admire them (these Arcades) myself although the inside of the

Parliament House in Ireland is finished exactly in that style and is generally admired: as the Representatives’ Room is very large it is necessary to support the Roof by Columns: to do this they must either stand upon the abutments of Arcades, or there must be columns over columns, or there must be columns from top to bottom—in either of these last cases the expense is much increased & the work not so firm. It thus appears proper to admit the Arcade internally if admitted it is peculiarly requisite to have the Basement as now intended, also an arcade under the Portico & in the interior of the Building; besides the interior arcade will make the Communications above, compleat and regular, to the Galleries of all the Building, to the Colonade of the Portico, to the Library &c. for it is meant that a Colonnade should stand on the Arcade all round the middle part, having a covered walk above as well as under the arcade. If an Arcade be made in the middle it would be regular with respect to the Building throughout and the object in the Center, contemplated as its grand ornament, would appear to great advantage from the Colonnade above. If any alteration be made it is altogether a matter of opinion whether or not it will add to the beauty of the Building—It is certain that several Rooms will be lost by taking away the Basement, and the Elevation will be much diminished, which I should think a strong Objection, especially as a loss of height was sustained by not taking the advantage of placing it higher up the Hill; Independent of this a Building would look low in any situation of only two stories, & of that length.
          4. The rejection of the Basement is said to diminish the expense one third & the increase of the Columns Pilasters &c. to add only one sixth—This Statement cannot be correct, for an increase of the diamr of the Columns &c. gives an increase of height, & there will not be a reduction of twenty feet which is the height of the Basement but of abt 14 feet; besides it is plain work, and the greatest expense is in the Columns the Pilasters their Capitals & Entablatures. They will cost many times as much as the plain work of which the Basement is made; therefore, whatever is taken from the height of the Building by a reduction of the Basement is only taking away so much plain work at a certain price whatever is added to the height of the Building by increasing the most expensive parts will be a proportionate increase of price: the first may be stiled an increase according to

quantity, the second accordg to quality—besides no Calculations have been made of the finish of the Work, and to find whether the Parts which ought to correspond to the intercolumniations (spaces between the Columns or Pilasters) will answer if any alteration be made, & the stone which will be wanted for these, & for the Pilasters is not yet ordered; the Contractors require three months previous notice; thus the Season will pass, or else improper Stone must be used; these even are not yet cut, and nothing can be done of consequence till they are laid for the Bases of the Pilasters will be the first wanted if the Plan be altered. besides if this Alteration be made & the present base Course serve as Subplinths they will be out of order & improper. On the other hand a proportion of the Stone of the Basement is ready for setting. No objection can be urged to a rusticated Basement, because such are made use of not only in some of the most beautiful remains of Antiquity but also in the most magnificent modern Houses in England & other places—I will only instance a few in England. Wentworth House, which is an elegant palace belonging to the Marquis of Rockingham, six hundred feet in length—and of the same Order viz. the Corithian with a rustic Basement—Worksop-Manor House belonging to the Duke of Norfolk, three Hundred feet in extent yet only a small part of a superb Building once contemplated—Same Order rustic Basement. Holkham House—345 feet—Heveningham Hall, which is a very elegant Structure has a line of Pilasters supported on a rustic Arcade that runs the whole length—Chiswick House, the Seat of the Duke of Devonshire has a rustic Basement supporting fluted Columns of the Corinthian Order—Wentworth Castle, Seat of the Earl of Strafford abt 6 miles from Wentworth House is of the same Order on a rustic Arcade. Wanstead House is also Corinthian on a rustic Basement, & considered as a very chaste & beautiful Building—It was designed by the Author of the Book on Architecture called the Vitruvius Britannicus—These may serve to shew that a Basement (rusticated) is not only proper, but adopted by many of the first Architects. The expense is certainly less than any other mode of obtaining the same height—Mr Hallets Drawing had no Basement but an Attic to obtain the same Elevation tho’ more expensive. It is universally admitted to be more proper to place a mass of Building under Columns than over them; the first makes the Building appear light, the

other heavy; and a Basement in this is peculiarly proper on account of the interior.
          At all events if any alteration take place it will be necessary to take down two or three Courses of freestone at one Corner besides the Sills of the windows must all be taken up and no progress can be made this Season—nor perhaps the next. If any be taken down it will certainly have a very bad Effect, and will give rise to a thousand murmurings from every quarter—Since Mr Hadfield’s arrival we have delayed the progress of some parts to have his opinion, none has been given but in a general way & tendg to alter the whole—He says he cannot make out what is requisite from what Mr Hoban has explained and laid before him—He has as many Drawings as Mr Hoban had, who never doubted a moment. He has indeed more, for Mr Hoban has with much attention and industry calculated the minutiæ of the finish to the parts now begun, and he does not hesitate to say he can proceed to make a compleat finish. Mr Hoban & I have made no material alteration that can affect the Sections of the principal Rooms made by Mr Hallet, indeed a Section of the Irish Parliament Hall would give a sufficient Idea to any Man conversant with Architecture of the intention of the Halls; and the Elevation, and Foundation, as now laid, would be sufficient to designate the rest with such a description as Mr Hoban has given. If Mr Hadfield be incapable of making the necessary Drawings from what are now before him he is not in my opinion capable of executing the Plan; if he be capable of making the Drawings, after such a declaration, what prospect is before us when we perceive (as I conceive it) an unwillingness to proceed with the plans of anoth⟨er⟩ & especially by a person who refused to engage for more than one year? I think this involves a Dilemma. Again, If it be difficult for one person to execute the plans of another, or to perfect what is begun, what situation should we be in, if this Gentleman after making new plans refused to continue at the end of the Year unless upon his own Terms? You will pardon my Suggestions, they may be groundless fears, but as they rise from considering the questions I cannot suppress them though I write them unwillingly. When we proposed to send for Mr Hadfield we thought Mr Hoban had undertaken so much, that he could not give sufficient Attention to the Capitol, but from trial, and witnessing the regular progress

of his Operations I should have been unwilling to risk any other in lieu of him without his being well known as a practical Architect especially in the Circumstances of this undertaking where a small delay may be fatal. It is an affair of such magnitude that a moment’s Interruption produces Effects incalculable. Mr Hoban we know to be a practical man, and a person on whom I think we may depend. He has sometimes opposed my wishes, but I knew his motives were good, and I always admire independence. He said when Mr Hadfield observed that he could not proceed upon the present plan, that he (Hoban) could proceed to a compleat finish, and rather than leave the affair in any doubt he was willing to continue if Mr Hadfield persisted in his refusal. Mr Hoban I know would rather decline the undertaking than pursue it; yet, he, as a person engaged by the public, conceives himself bound to the Public in honor. I have been led to make these numerous Observations by a Sense of duty; yet I am sorry to take up so much of your time. I have not seen Mr Hoban since the adjournment of the Board and cannot therefore say what may occur. Many Things will naturally present themselves in an Investigation of the Subject which I may have omitted, but I think the leading Objections to any alteration whatever are stated. I would not have hazarded so freely my Opposition to these Changes if I did not feel a consciousness of the validity of my reasons, nor would I have ventured a Sentiment to give a bias; but, as Opinions are opposed to Opinions I state mine which are founded on facts and freely leave the determination to the Executive; however you may Conclude I shall feel a pleasure, independent of my sense of duty, in conforming to your Inclination. I am sir with the highest respect your sincere & affectionate Friend

            W.T.


Title: From George Washington to the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 4 November 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Commissioners for the District of Columbia, the

            (Private)
            Gentlemen
            Philadelphia 4th Novr 1795

          In a letter hastily written to you on the 30th ulto, I approved the plan of applying to the Legislature of Maryland for a loan of money, agreeably to the suggestion of Genl Forest, for the purposes of the Federal city—Provided “upon more mature consideration and enquiry, you should concur with him in opinion that it certainly could be obtained.” I am in the same sentiment still; but let me entreat you not to be led into the attempt upon slight grounds.
          As essay & failure, may be attended with very serious consequences in the other plan, which has been approved; and would weaken, if not altogether destroy, some of your most powerful arguments with Congress. And the prospect of a foreign loan has, as you have been informed by Mr Wells, proved abortive.
          One of your board is much better acquainted with the views of different parts of Maryland, relative to the navigations of the Potomack & Susquehanna than I am; but depend, if ever the subject is discussed in the Legislature thereof, it will be found that where ever the preponderancy of interest lyes, there will be found a majority of votes also. And rely moreover, altho’ present appearances may not sufficiently indicate the fact, that the weight of Baltimore will be found against you, and ought to be

calculated upon. The intelligent people of that place, however tranquil from the present flourishing state of the Town and Trade, cannot view the progress of the Federal City & the inland navigation of the Potomack without perceiving the ultimate effect, and wishing to divert the means which would contribute thereto, to another object more interesting to them: I mean, opening the Susquehanna, which is now reviving and getting into activity again; and is, I presume, equally in want of pecuniary aids.
          These ideas, upon reflection, have had such weight with me, that I could not resist expressing them with more force, and more in detail, than they were conveyed in my former letter. You ought not, in my opinion to proceed on delusive hopes, or on ambiguous encouragements, for the reasons already mentioned; and others which might be assigned: But, rather than hazard a motion, uncertain in the result, before the ground is safely explored (in both houses) forbear to make it, relying, in preference, on the former plan.
          From Mr Scotts acquaintance with the individual members of the Legislature, he might (if his visit to Annapolis could be covered by any good pretext) contribute much to a previous knowledge of what would be the probable issue of the attempt at this loan; and adva[n]ce therein, or retreat, accordingly. With esteem & regard I am Gentn Your Obedt Servant

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 5 November 1795
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            New York November 5th 1795

          I received on the second instant your two letters of the 29th of October with the inclosures—An answer has been delayed to ascertain the disposition of Mr King, who through the summer

has resided in the country and is only occasionally in Town—I am now able to inform you—he would not accept—Circumstances of the moment conspire with the disgust which a virtuous and independent mind feels at placing itself in but to the foul and venomous shafts of calumny which are continually shot by an odious confederacy against Virtue—to give Mr King a decided disinclination to the office.
          I wish Sir I could present to you any useful ideas as a substitute—But the embarrassment is extreme as to Secretary of State—An Attorney General I believe may easily be fixed upon by a satisfactory choice—Either Mr Dexter or Mr Gore would answer. They are both men of undoubted probity—Mr Dexter has most natural talent & is strong in his particular profession—Mr Gore is I believe equally considered in his profession & has more various information—No good man doubts Mr Gores purity but he has made money by agencies for British Houses in the recovery of debts &c. and by operations in the funds which a certain party object to him. I believe Mr Dexter is free from every thing of this kind—Mr King thinks Gore on the whole preferable—I hesitate between them. Either will I think be a good appointment.
          But for a Secretary of State I know not what to say—Smith though not of full size is very respectable for talent & has pretty various information—I think he has more real talent than the last incumbent of the Office—But there are strong objections to his appointment—I fear he is of uncomfortable temper—he is popular with no description of men from a certain hardness of character and he more than most other men is considered as tinctured with prejudices towards the British—In this particular his ground is somewhat peculiar—It may suit party views to say much of other men but more in this respect is believed with regard to Smith—I speak merely as to byass and prejudice. There are things, & important things for which I would recommend Smith; thinking well of his abilities information & industry & integrity—but at the present juncture I believe his appointment to the office in question would be unadviseable.
          Besides it is very important that he should not now be removed from the house of Representatives.
          I have conferred with Mr King with respect to Mr Potts—We both think well of his principles & consider him a man of good sense—But he is of a cast of character ill suited to such an

appointment and is not extensive either as to talents or information It is also a serious question whether the Senate at this time ought to be weakened.
          Mr Innes, I fear is too absolutely lazy for Secy of State. The objection would weigh less as to Atty General.
          The following characters in the narrowness of the probable circle as to willingness have occured to me—Judge Pendleton of Georgia—Mr Desaussure (late Director of the Mint) of South Carolina—Governor Lee or Mr Lee late collector of Alexandria, of Virginia—McHenry of Maryland—I mean the Doctor.
          Judge Pendleton writes well is of respectable abilities and a Gentlemanlike smooth man—If I were sure of his political views—I should be much disposed to advise his appointment under the circumstances—But I fear he has been somewhat tainted with the prejudices of Mr Jefferson & Mr Madison—& I have afflicting suspicions concerning these men—Desaussure, I believe, has considerable talents, is of gentlemanlike manners good views—and only wants sufficient standing to put him upon a footing with any attainable man.
          Governor Lee has several things for him & several against him—he ought to have a good secretary under him—His brother I only know enough of to think him worth considering.
          McHenry you know he would give no strength to the administration but he would not disgrace the Office—his views are good—perhaps his health &c. would prevent his accepting.
          I do not know Judge Bee—I have barely thought of him.
          In fact a first rate character is not attainable. A second rate must be taken with good dispositions & barely decent qualifications. I wish I could throw more light. Tis a sad omen for the Government.
          By the fifteenth I will carefully attend to other parts of your letters—I regret that bad health & a pressure of avocations will permit nothing earlier. With the most respectful & affect. attachment I have the honor to remain Sir Your Obedt serv.

            A. Hamilton


Title: To George Washington from Edward White, 5 November 1795
From: White, Edward
To: Washington, George

            sir
            Savannah (Georgia) Novr 5th 1795.

          I am inform’d there is a vacancy for Surveyor for the Port of Savannah and from the recommendation of friends I am induced to solicit the appointment—particularly as I am well assured you would with Cheerfullness give a suitable office to a person that had the Honor of serving as an officer under you seven years last War—and one probably who you may recollect Commanded the Light Company of the Eighth Massachusetts Regt at your interview with Sir Guy Carleton—I have resided nearly ten years in this Country, have a family and am settled in this place—Respecting my reputation I could give you letters from many respectable Characters—but suppose it unnecessary, as the opinion of James Seagrove esquire with referance to General Henry Jackson, or any Gentleman of the late Army of my acquaintance or of this place at Philadelphia, will I hope satisfy you on that subject—Mr Caleb Swan, at present I believe Pay-Mastr Genl to the Federal Army, has served with me and is very intimately acquainted with me.
          If from information you find me worthy the appointment I shall accept it with Gratitude. I am sir, with the highest Respect your Most Obedt Humble Servt

            Edward White


Title: To George Washington from Henry Lee, 7 November 1795
From: Lee, Henry
To: Washington, George

            sir
            Citey tavern [Philadelphia] 7th Novr [1795]

          I am to receive in the course of next month Judge Wilsons bonds payable in one & two years to the amount of your demand for your dismal swamp lands.

          If you will take your original price thus payable I will purchase—my enquiry respecting the Judges affairs leaves not a doubt in my mind of his ability & I had full conviction from a recent transaction of his honor & integrity. Most respectfully your ob. st

            H. Lee


Title: To George Washington from Mrs. Segur, 7 November 1795
From: Segur, Mrs.
To: Washington, George

              Sir
              new york the 7th day of 9bre 1795

            I had the honour of writing to you about three Weeks ago in order to describe you the circonstances in which i am. i exposed to you the necessity in which i find myself to borow somebody’s assistance. could i dare to present you a new picture of it, and repeat things which i could not have told you a single time had i not made use of all my courage. my pen would refuse to draw these caracter’s, my hand would stop an[d] stand still, notwithstanding the dreadfulness of my wants if this letter was not directed to the man who is in the world the most human,

generous and Sensible. your wirtue only embolden me. it is the object which i want to assault. i must spread my soul in yours, and have at least the consolation of drawing some tears out of the great Washington.
            mother of Seven children i had formerly the certitude to put them in an happy situation. six of them are with me and that is the only fortune that is left to me. all the rest was lost for me in St Domingo where i had my estates. for all of them and for me i possess nothing but a Small piece of land. the soil poor as it is cannot pay for our wants. a few dolars i had have supported us till now. but halas whatever bad food we have made use of, whatever great has been our economy, we could not make it last more than a few months. i am now out of the power to furnish any more bread to my children and to some old Servants who folowed me here. i can no more give them cloths. all of us are reduced to suffer the nudity and famine. can god permit it? after having so long enjoyed of his favours, after having so long possessed a great rank and fortune, must i without friends, without support⟨,⟩ without help, beg for my bread from doors to doors. yet if for to shorten our sorows we could make a end to our life but no: the sacred laws of providence don’t permit it. your virtuous soul knows we must submit to his decrees, that we must support the most cruel misery rather than to terminate our life before the time when she will be pleased to put an end to it be then sensible of my situation and Should you not know the family of Segurs some of which fought with you in the american war, let humanity guide you. if your business permit you to read my letter let your heart be alone judge of what i ask and then i can be easy i never will be happy but at least i will be able to substain a little my family and i will bless you all my life. yet as i am persuaded that if you do nothing for me it is only for want of possibility but not of sensibility i will always be with a very great respect Sir Your most obedient humble servant

              R. Ve de Segur

            if you are pleased to answer me be so good as to direct your letter at Mrs abram and wilcox in new york.


Title: To George Washington from William Thornton, 7 November 1795
From: Thornton, William
To: Washington, George

            sir
            George Town [D.C.] 7th Novr 1795.

          Your Letter of the 4th Instt addressed to the Board of Commissioners, I had the honor of receiving very late last night. Mr Scott set off for Baltimore on Sunday last, and, by a Resolution of the Board, was to proceed immediately to Annapolis, if a Letter from the Executive were received at Baltimore, in approbation of the measure last contemplated. Your Letter therefore of the 30th Ulto never reached this place, and I suppose must have been received by Mr Scott, as I hear he is now at Annapolis. We thought it material that, if (on a minute and attentive, but cautious, Investigation of Opinions) he thought a successful Issue would be certain, he should proceed as early as possible in his Application, lest the Petition for establishing a Bank in Baltimore to a very great extent, grafted on the Bank of Maryland, should interfere, and the strength of Parties be put to trial, which probably would produce a division that might prove injurious to our Plea.
          Your reasons for using the utmost Caution, in bringing forward the Plan, and considering Baltimore in the Scale of Opposition, I doubt not, will be sensibly impressed upon the Mind of my Colleague Mr Scott: indeed there can be no hesitation in assenting that the Susquehanna is not only generally represented, but in fact is, an Object of great consequence to Baltimore. Colonel Deakins & Major Stoddert, to whom I imagine Mr Scott communicated our Ideas, told me they are going to Annapolis and would give every aid in their power to Mr Scott. I requested them to proceed only on certain Grounds. They are cautious influential men, and I have no doubt will be useful.
          I consider your Letter as of so private a Nature, that I have transcribed it myself, and have forwarded a Copy to each of my Colleagues, whose motions will be governed thereby.
          I am sorry to inform you of the Death of our Secretary Mr Johnson, who was a worthy man; and the loss his Family have

sustained is exceedingly to be lamented. I am, sir, with the greatest Respect Your affectionate Friend

            William Thornton


Title: To George Washington from “A Friend to the People,” 8 November 1795
From: “A Friend to the People”
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Richmond November 8th 1795

          The last time I addressed you was from Baltimore. I took an opportunity about that time to write a few hasty thoughts in support of what I suggested to you, and published them in the Baltimore Telegraphe, in seven or eight Letters. I have since been through all the Western parts of this state, and should it aid in producing a good end, it will be among my chief delights. I wished to be here at this time, because the assembly Convenes next Tuesday. I took occasion in Berkely County, and the other Counties I passed through, where a newspaper was published to collect the sense of the people on the subject of the treaty, and published their sentiments in support of the measures our government pursued. I am now engaged in collecting a list of characters, with a number joined to each character, which may not be without utility in the future Communications I shall take the liberty to send you. It shall soon be transmitted.

            A Friend to the People


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 8 November 1795
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

            Sir.
            Near Baltimore 8 Novr 1795

          I inclose you an exposition of the principles of a new bank proposed to be established in Baltimore, designed to be laid before our Legislature at Annapolis of which I beg your acceptance and perusal. The thing having been composed at the

Sulphur Springs in Greenbrier County and the authorities added since my return (which was only monday week) you will make allowance for some of its defects that such a situation must have unavoidably occasioned. I expect a charter will be granted.
          Mr Scott informs me that an application will also be made to the legislature for a loan to forward the public buildings in Washington. It is probable that I shall be able to leave my family to take my seat in the Senate sometime next week where I shall favour the application as far as my influence extends should it have met with your approbation.
          Perhaps it may serve to lead to the plan the opposers of the treaty mean to pursue as well as to its extent, to mention an observation made by Mr Randolph (Son in law of Mr Jefferson) at the public table at the Sulphur Springs where most of the company were of one sentiment. “I hope that something may yet happen to prevent the execution of the treaty.” Mr Giles was at table. He expects that “something will be said in your speech about the treaty which will afford his party an oppertunity to express their opinions” Before I left the springs I sent to the Winchester paper a supposed address to you from the people of Greenbrier, which expresses my opinion. I believe it was published in that of the 15 Ultimo if you wish to see it.
          Let me add my humble intreaties to that of the prayers of all good men, that the late publications pointed at yourself, with the evident intention to induce you either to resign or withdraw from another election, may not be permitted to have that effect. You know the force and danger of the present crisis and how indispensible your remaining at the helm is to subdue it and give permanency to our prosperity and government. I am Sir most sincerely and truly your most ob. st

            James McHenry


Title: From George Washington to the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 9 November 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Commissioners for the District of Columbia, the

            Gentlemen,
            Philada 9th Novembr 1795.

          Your Letter of the 31st ulto by Mr Hatfield has been received. I have since seen Mr Hoban, & have had a good deal of conversation with both of them, in the presence of each other, with the plans before us.
          From the explanations of the former, it would seem as if he had not been perfectly understood—or in other words—that now he means no change in the interior of the building, of the least importance; nor any elsewhere, that will occasion delay, or add to the expense—but the contrary: whilst the exterior will in his opinion, assume a better appearance & the portico be found more convenient, than on the present plan. As far as I understand the matter, the difference lies simply in discarding the basement, & adding an attic story, if the latter shall be found necessary; but this (the attic) he thinks may be dispensed with, as sufficient elevation may be obtained, in the manner he has explained it, without—and to add a dome over the open or circular area or lobby, which in my judgment is a most desirable

thing, & what I always expected was part of the original design, until otherwise informed in my late visits to the City, if strength can be given to it & sufficient light obtained.
          However proper it may have been in you, to refer the decision of the objections of Mr Hatfield to the Executive—I shall give no final opinion thereon. 1. Because I have not sufficient knowledge of the subject, to judge with precision. 2. because the means of acquiring it, are not within my reach. 3. if they were, pressed as I am with other matters, particularly at the eve of an approaching, perhaps an interesting session of Congress, I could not avail myself of them: but above all, because I have not the precise knowledge of the characters you have to deal with—the knowledge of all the facts which are before you—nor perhaps the same view you can take of the consequences of a decision for or against Mr Hatfield’s proposed alterations, or of his abilities to carry them into execution if adopted.
          I have told him in decisive terms, however, that if the plan on which you have been proceeding, is not capitally defective, I cannot (after such changes, delays and expenses as have been encountered already) consent to a departure from it, if either of these consequences is to be involved: but that if he can satisfy you of the contrary, in these points, I should have no objection, as he conceives his character as an architect is in some measure at stake—and in short, as the present plan is nobody’s, but a compound of everybody’s, to the proposed change; provided these things, as I have just observed, can be ascertained to your entire satisfaction. I added further, as a matter of material moment, the short term for which he was engaged, & what might be the consequence of his quitting the building at the end thereof, or compelling fresh—perhaps exorbitant terms, if a new agreement was to be made. To this he replied, that he would not only promise, but bind himself, to stick by the building until it was finished.
          On the spot—at the seat of information—with a view of the materials on hand—the facility of obtaining others—with a better knowledge of the only characters on whom you can rely for carrying on the buildings, than I possess; with other details unknown to me, you can decide with more safety than I am enabled to do, on the measures proper to be pursued under the embarrassment which has arisen from this diversity of opinion.

That decision, be it what it may, will be agreeable to Gentlemen, Your obt Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Thornton, 9 November 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Thornton, William

            Sir,
            Philadelphia 9th Novr 1795.

          I have been favoured with your letter of the 1st instt and thank you for the explanations & details given therein. I must however decline giving any decisive opinion on the matter referred to me, by the Board, for the reasons which have been briefly stated in my official letter to it—to which others might have been added, but the pressure of business at this time would not allow me to be more diffusive—and must plead my excuse for not enlarging to you.
          In a decision on the case wch has been referred to me, much will depend upon the real abilities of Mr Hadfield—of which I have no adequate knowledge. If he is the man of science he is represented to be, and merits the character he brings; if his proposed alterations can be accomplished without enhancing the expence or involving delay; if he will oblige himself to carry on the building to its final completion; and if he has exhibited any specimens of being a man of industry and arrangement I should have no hesitation in giving it as my opinion that his plan ought to be adopted—otherwise, his mortification will be great—and it would, in a manner, be defeating the purposes of his coming hither. On the other hand, if there be any cause to suspect him of ignorance—or misrepresentation much caution, & strict investigation ought to be used. With esteem I am—Sir Your obedt Hble Servt

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Edward Carrington, 10 November 1795
From: Carrington, Edward
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir,
            Richmond Nov. 10. 1795

          I have been honored with yours of the 1st Instant covering Twenty five dollars, the expence of the Express to Mr Henry, and receive with great Satisfaction the entire approbation you are pleased to express of the manner in which your several late requisitions have been attended to. you must before this have

received the result of that which related to Colo. Innes, & I wish it had issued otherwise.
          To the enquiries you have done me the honor of propounding as to the temper of our assembly, I will endeavor to give true answers. a few days will however enable me to speak with more certainty than now. this is the day of meeting, and a very full house is convened. were I to form a conclusion from what I think is the state of temper through the Country, I should not expect an extravagant Conduct during the session. from several circumstances of abortive attempts lately to procure district, as well as County, meetings, for the avowed purpose of condemning the administration & the Treaty, I am of opinion that the spirit of dissatisfaction is considerably abated abroad—in the District including albemarle, an attempt has been made to obtain a meeting of deputies from the Counties in the district, at Charlottesville—the invitation was however, I am well informed, unattended in all the Counties but one or two, & in these so feebly, that the deputies did not go forward. In the County of Gloucester a meeting was called, but so few attended that an adjournment to another day was adopted; and although that day has for sometime passed, I have heard nothing of any proceedings of the meeting—from several other parts of the Country I have heard of similar issues of attempted meetings; and we have seen publications from but few. I believe there is a very general impression unfavorable to the Treaty owing to the greater industry of those who revile, over the supporters of it, but still I do not believe there is a very extensive temper of becoming disorderly, or resisting the acts of the constituted authorities. I mean these observations as applying to the great body of the people; The history of our assemblies do not however authorise a conclusion that a correspondent temper is to be expected from that now convened. it has every year, for several past, been observable, that, at meeting, but few hot heads were to be seen, while the great body were rational; but in the course of the session it has seldom happened otherwise than that the spirit of party has been communicated so as to infect a majority. In the present instance I verily believe a question put on this day for making the Treaty a subject of consideration would be negatived—yet Sundry members are here who will attempt every injury to both the administration & the Treaty. The party will want ability in

their leaders, for I do not even discover on whom they are to rely. General Lee, C. Lee, Genl Marshall & Mr Andrews will act with ability on the defensive. Mr Francis Brooke, Mr Mann page & Major Eggleston will probably be the assailants—a few days will unfold what may enable me to give you better information, and it shall be faithfully communicated. I wish Genl Lee may shortly arrive. he is not yet here. I have the Honor to be with the most affectionate regard Dear Sir yr most Ob. st

            Ed. Carrington


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 10 November 1795
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            (Private)
            My dear Sir,
            Philadelphia 10th Novr 1795.

          Your favor of the 5th has been duly received, but nothing was said in it of young Fayette. I am willing, as I said in my last, to receive him under any circumstances, or in any manner you may conceive best; & wish to know what that is.
          Having, since I wrote to you on the 29th Ult. received more agreeable—tho’ not conclusive—accounts from abroad, I pray you to suspend your superstructure until you receive a ground plan from me, which shall be in a few days with better, or at least with more ample materials. Yours always—and very affectionately

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 12 November 1795
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

            War Office Nov. 12. 1795.

          The Secretary of War respectfully informs the President of the United States, that he has been so much occupied as not to be able absolutely to decide on the question which the President did him the honour to propose yesterday for his consideration; and prays the indulgence of a little more time.


Title: To George Washington from Jean Marie de Bordes, 13 November 1795
From: Bordes, Jean Marie de
To: Washington, George

            General,
            November 13, 1795

          You may not have forgotten, perhaps, a French Officer, who had the Advantage of following you in the memorable Campaign of 1776 and 1777, the Epoch of American Liberty, the Triumph of your Arms, and the Glory of your Talents. This Officer was at first a Volunteer in the Company of Artillery of Capt. Hamilton, afterwards Aide-de-Camp and Major of Brigade to General Roche-fermoy, and continued till the Year 1778 in the American Service, in the southern Part of the Continent, under Colonel John White, and Samuel Elbert, General Commandant of the Province of Georgia. At that Period, persuaded, that in consecrating his Blood to the Defence of his Country, he should not serve less the Interests of America, he returned to St Domingo, obtained a Situation in the French Army, and at the Siege of Savannah, was one of the Officers who proposed Count d’Estaing to the Favour of the Court.
          A Victim of the cruel Revolution which will reduce his flourishing Country, the Isle of St Domingo, to a Heap of Ashes, he is now at Philadelphia, destitute of Succour. Long Time he thought on military Emoluments, but, according to your Example, resolved these should not tarnish, in the Hands of its Defender, the noble, the great Cause of Liberty.
          The more than embarrassing Circumstances, however, in which he at present finds himself, oblige him to make a Sacrifice, which he should not have been able to have done, had he not been impelled by imperious Necessity. May he flatter himself that you will deign to support in Congress, the Reclamations which he makes to it, the Legitimacy of which he will fully justify? He hopes he may. But, as the legislative Body do not meet until December, and his Necessities are pressing, he farther supplicates your Excellency to be so good as to grant him such temporary Succour as the Exigence of his Situation may appear to you to require.
          His Confidence in this Request has a better Foundation, than on the Warrior who was the Model and Father of his Soldiers: he now finds in you the Magistrate become the Soul of a Legislation established on the most choice Virtues of

Humanity. I have the Honour to be, Your Excellency’s Very hble & very obt Sert

            de Bordes


Title: To George Washington from Edward Carrington, 13 November 1795
From: Carrington, Edward
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir,
            Richmond Nov. 13. 1795.

          I did myself the honor to address you by the last Mail in regard to the temper with which our assembly has convened. nothing has yet been proposed in the House on the Treaty or any other federal subject, and I am much inclined to believe the discontented party are under some doubts what they can, with prospects of Succeeding, attempt. they will probably delay their measures in order that, as usual a heat may be generated in greater extent than now exists. such future occurrences as shall be worthy of Notice shall be communicated.
          Will you be so good as to pardon my presumption in offering to your consideration for a vancancy which I learn has taken place, a character lately under your contemplation for another? I allude to the resignation of Judge Blair, & to Colo. Innes as his Successor. Genl Marshall & myself have had a private consultation on the subject of mentioning the latter Gentleman to you—we agree in this, that in point of talents & legal acquirements his pretentions are surpassed by none—& for steadiness & zeal founded on sincere attachment to the Constitution and Government of the U. States, he yields to none. the indolence of which [you] are apprised is all that can operate against him, and this we believe he will Sufficiently counteract from a Sense of pride, a Stimulus that may be added to, by a communication which we might make at the time of sounding him as to an acceptance. We believe he would accept, because he reluctantly declined the former proposition, and certainly would not have

done so, from any other consideration but the inadequacy of Salary. You may be assured Sir that the present suggestion rests intirely with Genl M. & myself, and will there expire should you, from any considerations forbear to adopt it. I am sure that the Gentleman who is the subject of it, has not a suspicion of our having thought of it. I have the Honor to be with the greatest attachment Dr sir, your Most Ob. st

            Ed. Carrington


Title: To George Washington from Comte de Malartic, 13 November 1795
From: Malartic, Louis-Hippolyte-Joseph, comte de
To: Washington, George

            Porte Nord-ouest, Isle de France le 22 Brumaire l’an 4 dela Rép[ubliqu]e F[rançais]e, une et indivisible.(13 8bre 1795. ⟨Vx⟩ Stile)[13 Nov. 1795]
            Monsieur,

          J’ose espérer que Vous permettrez à quelqu’un qui est arrivé en Canada l’année qui Vous a couvert de gloire par la retraite que vous Fites Faire à l’armée du général Bradoc, et qui n’a cessé de vous admirer depuis cette époque, de Vous prier de lui rendre un service.
          Un de mes neveux est arrivé à Philadelphie en 1789 pour aller s’établir sur les bords du Scioto, ayant servi quatre ans dans le Régiment des gardes Françaises, n’ayant à cette époque que Vingt quatre ans et aimant le service; il a cherché à être utile à sa nouvelle patrie, a été aide de camp du général Sainclair et a reçu plusieurs blessures à l’affaire que ce général a eue avec les sauvages: Mon neveu m’écrivit quelques jours après cette affaire, je n’ai eu aucune de ses nouvelles depuis; je le croyais de retour en France, mais j’ai appris par le dernier aviso qui nous est arrivé, qu’il n’y est pas encore. Votre excellence m’obligera infiniment si elle peut m’en donner des nouvelles.
          Vos provinces rendent à cette Colonie des services que la France ne doit jamais oublier par les secours qu’elles nous procurent. Je prie Votre Excellence de ne pas douter des sentimens

de vénération et de respect avec lesquels j’ai l’honneur d’être Monsieur Votre tres humble et très Obeissant Serviteur

            MalarticGénéral en chef et Gouverneur général des Isles des France et de la Réunion