Title: From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 31 August 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Jefferson, Thomas

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon Augt 31st 1788.

I was very much gratified by the receipt of your letter, dated the 3d of May. You have my best thanks for the political information contained in it, as well as for the satisfactory account of the Canal of Languedoc. It gives me pleasure to be made acquainted with the particulars of that stupendous work, tho’ I do not expect to derive any but speculative advantages from it. When America will be able to embark in projects of such pecuniary extent, I know not; probably not for very many years to come—but it will be a good example & not without its use, if we can carry our present undertakings happily into effect. Of this we have now the fairest prospect. Notwithstanding the real scarcity of money & the difficulty of collecting it, the labourers employed by the Potomack Company have made very great progress in removing the obstructions at the Shenandoah, Seneca & Great Falls—Insomuch that, if this Summer had not proved unusually rainy & if we could have had a favourable Autumn, the navigation might have been sufficiently opened (though not completed) for Boats to have passed from Fort Cumberland to within nine miles of a Shipping port by the first of January next. There remains now no doubt of the practicability of the Plan, or that, upon the ulterior operations being performed, this will become the great avenue into the Western Country—a country which is now sett[lin]g in an extraordinarily rapid manner, under uncommonly favorable circumstances, & which promises to afford a capacious asylum for the poor & persecuted of the Earth.

I do not pretend to judge how far the flames of War, which are kindled in the North of Europe, may be scattered; or how soon they will be extinguished. The European politics have taken so strange a turn and the Nations formerly allied have become so curiously severed, that there are fewer sure premises for calculation, than are usually afforded, even on that precarious & doubtful subject. But it appears probable to me, that peace will either take place this year, or hostility be greatly extended in the course of the next. The want of a hearty cooperation between the two Imperial Powers against the Porte; or the failure of success from any other cause, may accelerate the first contingency—the irritable state into wch several of the other Potentates seem to have been drawn, may open the way to the sec[on]d. Hitherto the event of the contest has proved different from the general expectation. If, in our speculations, we might count upon discipline, system & resource, & certainly these are the articles which generally give decisive advantages in War, I had thought full—surely the Turks must, at least, have been driven out of Europe. Is it not unaccountable that the Russians & Germans combined, are not able to effect so much, as the former did alone in the late War? But perhaps these things are all for the best & may afford room for pacification.
I am glad our Commodore Paul Jones has got employment, & heartily wish him success. His new situation may possibly render his talents & services more useful to us at some future day. I was unapprised of the circumstances which you mention, that Congress had once in contemplation to give him promotion. They will judge now how far it may be expedient.
By what we can learn from the late foreign Gazettes, affairs seem to have come to a crisis in France; and I hope are beginning to meliorate. Should the contest between the King & the Parliaments result in a well constituted National Assembly, it must ultimately be a happy event for the Kingdom. But I fear that Kingdom will not recover its reputation & influence with the Dutch for a long time to come. Combinations appear also to be forming in other quarters. It is reported by the last European Accounts that England has actually entered into a Treaty with Prussia; & that the French Ambassador at the Court of London has asked to be informed of its tenor. In whatever manner the Nations of Europe shall endeavour to keep up their prowess in

war & their ballance of power in peace—it will be obviously our policy to cultivate tranquility at home & abroad; and extend our agriculture & commerce as far as possible.
I am much obliged by the information you give respecting the credit of different Nations among the Dutch Money-holders; & fully accord with you with regard to the manner in which our own ought to be used. I am strongly impressed with the expediency of establishing our National faith beyond imputation, and of having recourse to loans only on critical occasions. Your proposal for transfering the whole foreign debt to Holland is highly worthy of consideration. I feel mortified that there should have been any just gr[oun]d for the clamour of the foreign Officers who served with us; but, after having received a quarter of their whole debt in specie & their interest in the same for sometime, they have infinitely less reason for complaint than our native officers, of whom the suffering and neglect have only been equalled by their patience & patriotism. A great proportion of the Officers & Soldiers of the American Army have been compelled by indigence to part with their securities for one eighth of the nominal value. Yet their conduct is very different from what you represent that of the French Officers to have been.
The merits and defects of the proposed Constitution have been largely & ably discussed. For myself, I was ready to have embraced any tolerable compromise that was competent to save us from impending ruin; and I can say, there are scarcely any of the amendments which have been suggested, to which I have much objection, except that whch goes to the prevention of direct taxation—and that, I presume, will be more strenuously advocated and insisted upon hereafter than any other. I had indulged the expectation, that the New Government would enable those entrusted with its Administration to do justice to the public creditors and retrieve the National character. But if no means are to be employed but requisitions, that expectation was vain and we may as well recur to the old Confœderation. If the system can be put in operation without touching much the Pockets of the People, perhaps, it may be done; but, in my judgment, infinite circumspection & prudence are yet necessary in the experiment. It is nearly impossible for any body who has not been on the spot to conceive (from any description) what the delicacy and danger of our situation have been. Though the peril is not

passed entirely; thank God! the prospect is somewhat brightening. You will probably have heard before the receipt of this letter, that the general government has been adopted by eleven States; and that the actual Congress have been prevented from issuing their ordinance for carrying it into execution, in consequence of a dispute about the place at which the future Congress shall meet. It is probable that Philadelphia or New York will soon be agreed upon.
I will just touch on the bright side of our national State, before I conclude: and we may perhaps rejoice that the People have been ripened by misfortune for the reception of a good government. They are emerging from the gulf of dissipation & debt into which they had precipitated themselves at the close of the war. Œconomy & industry are evidently gaining ground. Not only Agriculture, but even Manufactures are much more attended to than formerly. Notwithstanding the shackles under which our trade in general labours; commerce to the East Indies is prosecuted with considerable success: salted provisions and other produce (particularly from Massachusetts) have found an advantageous market there. The Voyages are so much shorter & the Vessels are navigated at so much less expence, that we hope to rival & supply (at least through the West Indies) some part of Europe, with commodities from thence. This year the exports from Massachusetts have amounted to a great deal more than their [im]ports. I wish this was the case every where.
On the subject of our Commerce with France, I have received several quæries from the Count de Moustiers—besides the information he desired relative to articles of importation from & exportation to France—he wished to know my opinion of the advantage or detriment of the Contract between Mr Morris & the Farm; as also what emoluments we had to give in return for the favor we solicited in our intercourse with the Islands. As I knew that these topics were also in agitation in France, I gave him the most faithful & satisfactory advice I could: but in such a cautious manner as might not be likely to contradict your assertions or impede your negotiations in Europe. With sentiments of the highest regard & esteem I have the honor to be Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Hble Ser.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Johnson, 31 August 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Johnson, Thomas

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon Augt 31st 1788.

I shall be obliged to you for informing me, what foundation there is for so much of the following extract of a letter from Doctr Brooke at Fredericksburgh to Doctr Stuart of this County, as relates to the officious light in which my conduct was viewed for havg written the letter alluded to.
Since then, I was informed by “the Honourable James Mercer, that his Brother Colo. John Mercer, who was at that time (July 10th) in this town, was furnished with documents to prove, that General Washington had wrote a letter upon the present constitution to Governor Johnson of Maryland; and that Governor Johnson was so much displeased with the officiousness of General Washington, as to induce him to take an active part in bringing about the amendments proposed by a Committee of the Convention of Maryland.”
If the letter which I wrote to you at Annapolis, while the Convention of your State was in Session, was so considered, I have only to regret that it ever escaped me. My motives were declared. Having such proofs as were satisfactory to me, that, the intention of the leaders of Opposition was to effect an adjournment of your Convention (if a direct attack should be found unlikely to succeed) I conceived that a hint of it could not be displeasing to the Supporters of the proposed Constitution—in which light, as well from a letter I had received from you, as from universal report & belief, I had placed you—for I defy any anti-fœderalist to say, with truth, that I ever wrote to, or exchanged a word with him on the subject of the New Consitution if (the latter) was not forced upon me in a manner not to be avoided. Nothing therefore could be more foreign from my design than to attempt to make proselytes, or to obtrude my opinions with a view to influence the judgment of any one. The first wish of my heart, from the beginning of the business, was, that a dispassionate enquiry, free from sinister & local considerations

might, under the existing, & impending circumstances of this Country, (which could not be unknown to any Man of observation & reflexion) take place; and an impartial judgment formed of it.
I have no other object, Sir, for making this enquiry, than merely to satisfy myself whether the information (for information was all I had in view) was considered by you as an improper interference on my part, or, that the documents, and interpretation of this matter, by Colo. Mercer, is the effect of one of those mistakes, which he is so apt to fall into. With very great esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Annis Boudinot Stockton, 31 August 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Stockton, Annis Boudinot

Mount Vernon Augt 31st 1788.

I have received and thank you very sincerely, my dear Madam, for your kind letter of the 3d instant. It would be in vain for me to think of acknowledging in adequate terms the delicate compliments, which, though expressed in plain prose, are evidently inspired by the Muse of Morven. I know not by what fatality it happens that even Philosophical sentiments come so much more gracefully (forcibly I might add) from your Sex, than my own. Otherwise I should be strongly disposed to dispute your Epicurean position concerning the œconomy of pleasures. Perhaps, indeed, upon a self-interested principle—because I should be conscious of becoming a gainer by a different practice. For, to tell you the truth, I find myself altogether interested in establishing in theory, what I feel in effect, that

we can never be cloyed with the pleasing compositions of our female friends.
You see how selfish I am, and that I am too much delighted with the result to perplex my head much in seeking for the cause. But with Cicero in speaking respecting his belief of the immortality of the Soul, I will say, if I am in a grateful delusion, it is an innocent one, and I am willing to remain under its influence. Let me only annex one hint to this part of the subject, while you may be in danger of appreciating the qualities of your friend too highly, you will run no hazard in calculating upon his sincerity or in counting implicitly on the reciprocal esteem and friendship which he entertains for yourself.
The felicitations you offer on the present prospect of our public affairs are highly acceptable to me, and I entreat you to receive a reciprocation from my part. I can never trace the concatenation of causes, which led to these events, without acknowledging the mystery and admiring the goodness of Providence. To that superintending Power alone is our retraction from the brink of ruin to be attributed. A spirit of accomodation was happily infused into the leading characters of the Continent, and the minds of men were gradually prepared by disappointment, for the reception of a good government. Nor would I rob the fairer Sex of their share in the glory of a revolution so honorable to human nature, for, indeed, I think you Ladies are in the number of the best Patriots America can boast.
And now that I am speaking of your Sex, I will ask whether they are not capable of doing something towards introducing fœderal fashions and national manners? A good general government, without good morals and good habits, will not make us a happy People; and we shall deceive our selves if we think it will. A good government will, unquestionably, tend to foster and confirm those qualities, on which public happiness must be engrafted. Is it not shameful that we should be the sport of European whims and caprices? Should we not blush to discourage our own industry & ingenuity by purchasing foreign superfluities & adopting fantastic fashions, which are, at best, ill suited to our stage of Society? But I will preach no longer on so unpleasant a subject; because I am persuaded that you & I are both of a Sentiment, and because I fear the promulgation of it would work no reformation.

You know me well enough, my dear Madam, to believe me sufficiently happy at home, to be intent upon spending the residue of my days there. I hope that you and yours may have the enjoyment of your health, as well as Mrs Washington & myself: that enjoyment, by the divine benediction, adds much to our temporal felicity. She joins with me in desiring our compliments may be made acceptable to yourself & Children. It is with the purest sentiment of regard & esteem I have always the pleasure to subscribe myself, Dear Madam, Your sincere friend and Obedt Humble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Cottineau de Kerloguin, 4 September 1788
From: Cottineau de Kerloguen, Denis-Nicolas
To: Washington, George

Honourable Sir!
Port au Prince [Santo Domingo]Sept. 4th 1788.

Ever Since the Glorious Peace which fixt the American Independance, have I wished for a favourable Opportunity to address Your Excellency, which I have at last obtained through My good Friend Mr J. C. Zollickoffer who has the Honour of presenting this Letter.
So Conspicious a part, as Your Excellency has had in this perilous affair, in Conducting the same Under so many Difficulties, will be handed down to affter ages by History, But Whilst all the World admires Your Desinterested ⟨by⟩ Your So Generously remembring those brave Officers who fought Under Your Banners; in instituting the Order of Cincinatus as a token of their Bravery inspires even Foreigners who have a Share in the American Contest with a Noble Ardour to become Members of Such a Patriotic and Herois Order.
It is this which Occasions this address to Your Excellency, I being own of those Foreigners by Birth a Natif of France, who early in the War became Animated with those Principles of Liberty even before the Alliance with France, fitted out the Pallas a Stout, well armed and Manned Fregatte of 24 Guns, and loden with Warlike Stores, which early in the Spring 1778 beaught in

to North Carolina, where I entered Immediately in the Servise with My Good Friend Mr Zollickoffer, building with my Own Sailors Fort Hancok, on point Lookout as bygoing Commission from the State of North Carolina certifies.
But the Pallas having taken her Cargo on Board, I entered likwise the servise of the United States in Naval Department, and Sailing for France fall in with the British Fregatte La Brune, which I engaged and would have taken her to a Certainty had not an other Fregatte come to her Relief; and which Action being reported to His Most Crist. Majesty Purchassed the Pallas and again entrusted her to my Command and Confirming my Commission from Congress with Order to join the famous Paul Jones on a Cruise.
How we Sailled and fell in with the Briti[s]h Fregatte Seraphis of 44 Guns, and the Fregatte Scarborough and took them both are facts so memorable, as they well authenticated. the Seraphis Fregatte was taken by Paul Jones, and the Scarborough by me. this induced His Most Crist. Majesty to refer on Paul Jones the Military Order of Merite, and Nominated me an Officer of His Royal Marine Nevertheless continuing me in the servise of the United States and I am this Moment Under Orders if any War should brackout Between France or Great Brittan to Join Immediately either the French, or the American Navy.
Thus Circumstanced I approach Your Excellency as Great Master of this Order of Cincinatus in flattering hopes if my Servises come within the prescribed Rules and Limits of this Noble Order I may be Admitted and Incorporated therein. Any of the Usual Expences will be Defray’d By my Friend Mr Zollickoffer who will Transmit to me the Deploma. He has long be[en] wishing for the same admission but as he is on the Spot he can pleade his own cause before Your Excellency. In this happy Expectation, I have the Honour to remain Respectful Most Dutyful and Humble servt

Cottineau De Kerloguin


Title: From George Washington to William Barton, 7 September 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Barton, William

Sir,
Mount Vernon, 7 September, 1788.

At the same time I announce to you the receipt of your obliging letter of the 28th of last month, which covered an ingenious essay on Heraldry, I have to acknowledge my obligations for the sentiments your partiality has been indulgent enough to form of me, and my thanks for the terms in which your urbanity has been pleased to express them.
Imperfectly acquainted with the subject, as I profess myself to be, and persuaded of your skill as I am, it is far from my design to intimate an opinion, that heraldry, coat-armour, &c., might not be rendered conducive to public and private uses with us; or that they can have any tendency unfriendly to the purest spirit of republicanism. On the contrary, a different conclusion is deducible from the practice of Congress and the States; all of which have established some kind of Armorial Devices to authenticate their official instruments. But, Sir, you must be sensible, that political sentiments are very various among the people in the several States, and that a formidable opposition to what appears to be the prevailing sense of the Union is but just declining into peaceable acquiescence. While, therefore, the minds of a certain portion of the community (possibly from turbulent or

sinister views) are, or affect to be, haunted with the very spectre of innovation; while they are indefatigably striving to make the credulity of the less-informed part of the citizens subservient to their schemes, in believing that the proposed general government is pregnant with the seeds of discrimination, oligarchy, and despotism; while they are clamorously endeavouring to propogate an idea, that those, whom they wish invidiously to designate by the name of the “well-born,” are meditating in the first instance to distinguish themselves from their compatriots, and to wrest the dearest privileges from the bulk of the people; and while the apprehensions of some, who have demonstrated themselves the sincere, but too jealous, friends of liberty, are feelingly alive to the effects of the actual revolution, and too much inclined to coincide with the prejudices above described; it might not, perhaps, be advisable to stir any question, that would tend to reanimate the dying embers of faction, or blow the dormant spark of jealousy into an inextinguishable flame. I need not say, that the deplorable consequences would be the same, allowing there should be no real foundation for jealousy, in the judgment of sober reason, as if there were demonstrable, even palpable, causes for it.
I make these observations with the greater freedom, because I have once been a witness to what I conceived to have been a most unreasonable prejudice against an innocent institution, I mean the Society of the Cincinnati. I was conscious, that my own proceedings on that subject were immaculate. I was also convinced, that the members, actuated by motives of sensibility, charity, and patriotism, were doing a laudable thing, in erecting that memorial of their common services, sufferings, and friendships; and I had not the most remote suspicion, that our conduct therein would have been unprofitable, or unpleasing, to our countrymen. Yet have we been virulently traduced, as to our designs; and I have not even escaped being represented as short-sighted in not foreseeing the consequences, or wanting in patriotism for not discouraging an establishment calculated to create distinctions in society, and subvert the principles of a republican government. Indeed, the phantom seems now to be pretty well laid; except on certain occasions, when it is conjured up by designing men, to work their own purposes upon terrified imaginations. You will recollect there have not been wanting, in

the late political discussions, those, who were hardy enough to assert, that the proposed general government was the wicked and traitorous fabrication of the Cincinnati.
At this moment of general agitation and earnest solicitude, I should not be surprised to hear a violent outcry raised, by those who are hostile to the new constitution, that the proposition contained in your paper had verified their suspicions, and proved the design of establishing unjustifiable discriminations. Did I believe that to be the case, I should not hesitate to give it my hearty disapprobation. But I proceed on other grounds. Although I make not the clamor of credulous, disappointed, or unreasonable men the criterion of truth, yet I think their clamor might have an ungracious influence at the present critical juncture; and, in my judgment, some respect should not only be paid to prevalent opinions, but even some sacrifices might innocently be made to well-meant prejudices, in a popular government. Nor could we hope the evil impression would be sufficiently removed, should your account and illustrations be found adequate to produce conviction on candid and unprejudiced minds. For myself, I can readily acquit you of having any design of facilitating the setting up an “Order of Nobility.” I do not doubt the rectitude of your intentions. But, under the existing circumstances, I would willingly decline the honor you have intended me, by your polite inscription, if there should be any danger of giving serious pretext, however ill founded in reality, for producing or confirming jealousy and dissension in a single instance, where harmony and accommodation are most essentially requisite to our public prosperity, perhaps to our national existence.
My remarks, you will please to observe, go only to the expediency, not to the merits of the proposition. What may be necessary and proper hereafter, I hold myself incompetent to decide, as I am but a private citizen. You may, however, rest satisfied, that your composition is calculated to give favorable impressions of the science, candor, and ingenuity, with which you have handled the subject; and that, in all personal considerations, I remain with great esteem, Sir, your most obedient, &c.


Title: From George Washington to Richard Peters, 7 September 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Peters, Richard

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon Septr 7th 1788.

Occasional absences from home—and occurrences—unimportant to any except myself—added to the want of matter wherewith to trouble you—are the reasons for my not having acknowledged the receipt of your favor of the 27th of June at an earlier period.
I was sorry to learn from the above letter that the crops of wheat in the lower parts of your State were indifferent. The cause assigned for it, aided by the uncommonly wet spring, produced the same effect with us. Is it to the difference of climate—our continental situation—the sudden changes in the temperature of the Air—or to the different modes of cultivating the lands that the Wheat in this Country more than in England is so apt to be injured in the Winter? Has no remedy been suggested yet to the Agricultural Society of Philadelphia for preventing the evils which result from the heaving of the ground, by which the roots of the Wheat are exposed to, and perish after, frosts? Against this, and the Hessian-fly, if it has advanced so near you, it is time, indeed, to arm yourselves. For the latter, it is said, spreads desolation wherever he goes. But is not the Yellow bearded Wheat an antidote against the venom of these destructive insects? Colo: Morgan and others have informed us that it is. The fact ought in my opinion, to be ascertained by repeated experiments; because, if true, the remedy is at hand—is easy—and can be applied with little additional expence; and, perhaps, no diminution in the Crop.
The Buck Wheat which I sowed in the Spring (or rather in the early part of Summer) for manure, was, I apprehend, put in too late, and stood too long before it was plowed in; for I have been amazingly plagued with it. Perhaps the extreme wetness of the Season may have contributed as much or more than either to my difficulties. The Buck Wheat, in many places yeilded to a super-abundance of Weeds (distinguished with us by the name of Carrot & Hog Weeds) and in low places to a course grass which subdued every thing else—None of these, more than the Buck Wheat, could I plow in till after Harvest; before which, all of them had passed the meridian of their bloom, and that succulent state which must have fitted them best for speedy putrifaction &

fermentation. They were not buried so well at the first plowing as they ought and now that I am crossing the former plowing, I find it next to impossible to make tolerable work; or to go ten steps together before the Plough is choked. How this might have been in a Season not more than usually wet I will not undertake to decide; but the inference I am inclined to draw from the whole, is, that the Buckwheat should be sown in April—ploughed in before it begins to seed, in June—the ground when this takes place being again sown, The expence of which, in my opinion, will be amply compensated by the succulency of the plant—seasonable plowings in—and superior preparation—The plants having time to rot, and ameliorate the Soil.
The Harrows which you were so obliging as to provide for me, came safe; but my fields being, in a manner, always underwater, I could make no use of them. I am not less pleased with them, however, on that account, for I think them well calculated for the cultivation of Corn in my mode; with Potatoes and Carrots intermixed. Of the advantages of wch husbandry, I am more and more convinced as I advance in my experiments; having tried this mixture with success in very dry—very wet—and in ordinary seasons. The greatest difficulty lyes, in judiciously working the Corn; as the Plows can never cross their last furrows and the Hoe harrows after a good plowing before the ground gets foul—or hard—will, I conceive, effectively do this.
I do not know to what cause to attribute it, but my plants of Scarcity have not answered (fully) my expectations—probably from improper management; for the leaves never having grown to the size I have been taught to expect, have not, I presume, been often enough pulled. I shall thank you, however for a little seed for next year. And beg leave to remind you of the Potatoe cleaner. The sooner it comes to me now the better. My Cabbages between the Corn rows have failed entirely. They will not do in this mode of cultivation—and for that reason I am disposed to discard them altogether. Potatoes & Carrots will, I am certain succeed in it, and are a very good substitute for this vegitable. Pease also I am affraid will not be a beneficial crop in my rotation system. One of two things I have had demonstrative proof of, this season, namely, that Pease exhaust, or Irish Potatoes enrich the Soil, considerably—I mean when the first are sown broad-mowed—and carried off the ground. A field which was

in these articles last year, was sown with oats & clover this year. The difference in the quality of them, though there was no perceivable in the quality of the soil previous to the preceeding crops was so apparent as to be discovered almost as far as the field could be seen—Those on the Potatoe ground being so much the most luxurient.
It would seem from the public Gazettes that the minority in your State are preparing for another attack of the—now adopted Government; how formidable it may be, I know not. But that Providence which has hitherto smiled on the honest endeavours of the well meaning part of the People of this Country will not, I trust, with-draw its support from them at this crisis. With best respects to Mrs Peters & yourself, in which Mrs Washington joins me, I am—Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Humble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Powel, 9 September 1788
From: Powel, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philadelphia September 9. 1788

About three Weeks, or a Month, since I did myself the Honor of writing to you and informing you that I had shipped a chair for you by Capt. Ellwood, who promised to deliver it at Mount Vernon or Alexandria. The chair is, I hope, in your Possession before this Time.
In one of your Letters you have requested me to remind you of the Spanish chestnuts. I now take the Liberty to request the

Favor of you to oblige me with a few of them, in hopes that they may succeed better than those of the last Year.
From the present Appearances there seems to be little Doubt that the new Government will be put in Motion at New York. The Delegates from Rhode Island, who had withdrawn, are returned there, & have determined to vote upon that Question. Thus after so long trifling with the Dignity of the Union, this long & unworthy Point of altercation, will be settled in the same Manner that it might & I think ought to have been done at first—My meaning is that the necessary Steps for organizing the Government should have been instantly taken on the Accession of a Ninth State to the Union, without Regard to local Interests, leaving it to the future Government to chuse its own Place of Residence.
The late Proclamation of the King and Council of Great Britain to prevent the Importation of american wheat, on account of the Hessian Fly, has created an Alarm here, in Consequence of which our Supreme Executive Council, have made a long Publication in the Pennsylvania Packett, of this Day, with a Design to show that the Plant alone & not the Grain of the wheat is injured by this destructive Insect—of Course that the Propagation of this Scourge cannot happen from sowing wheat that has grown on Land infested by this animal. Mrs Powel begs Leave to add her affectionate Comps. to Mrs Washington & all the good Family to those of dear Sir your most obedt humble Servt

Samuel Powel


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Thurber, Jr., 10 September 1788
From: Thurber, Samuel Jr.
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Providence R. I., 10th Sept. 1788

Being Informed that the State of Virginia is Endeaviouring to entroduce diferant species of Manufactrey & I cannot learn that the Article of Paper is Manufactried there, I as being acquainted with that buisnis am induced (as I would wish to be in a place whire there is some encouragement) to lay a Request before your Excellency (knowing of no other Man who is so great a friend to all that is Good) It is that I may be informed wheather a Conveniant seat for a Paper Mill may be had, in that, highley favoured State, & wheather a Substantial Friend may be found who will assist, in Errecting such a Mill, I am unable to do it & indeed unable to seek after my desires, therefore I am Constraned to trouble the Man, who nothing but the fullest assurance of his being one of the greatest & best of Friends to his Countrey & to all Mankind, would have emboldened me to have done it, pardon Oh pardon such a peace of presumtion, in One who with all Sincerety wishes nothing more, then, that Heaven will ever continue to power down upon that Eloustrious Head every desired Blessing. I am, Dear Sir, with all Submission your Excellency’s Devote, Most Obt & Very Humbe Sarvt

Saml Thurber Junr


Title: To George Washington from Nicholas DuBey, 11 September 1788
From: DuBey, Nicholas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philad[elphi]a 11th Sepber 1788.

At the latter End of 1786, I bought of Messrs Savary & Gallatin of Richmond a tract of 20 thausend acres of Land, Scituated 2 miles from the ohio, between Little & Great Canaway, joigning your Excellency’s possessions on the Same River, near Sandy Creek Harrisson’s County. This Parcel is undivided between Mr Ostervald, a rich Swiss, for the greatest part, Mr J. P. Jeanneres of the Same Country & me Self. The first of those Gentlemen Desires to Know which would be the best mode for the improuvement of these Lands, before I answer him, I take the liberty to inquire if Your Excellency has had no thoughts as yet to form Settlements On your tracts, Also what would be the most adviseable Method to be pursued in opposing the Savages & Erect at once Settlements of Some Consequence, in Case that Mr Osterwald Should bring over from Swiss a Certain nombre of families, which would be very easy, in this Supposition, what Certain advantage, would he reap from it?
I have the honor to beg your Excellency to be willing to impart your intentions, that I might Acquaint Mr Ostervald with them & who would be more disposed, Should Your Excellency join with him to undertake it on a Large Scale.
I beg your Excellency would let me Know what Kind of Lands they are, and if there are Some Settlemen⟨ts⟩ near, or adjoining them. I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s Very humble & obedient Servant.

N: DuBey


Title: To George Washington from Henry Lee, Jr., 13 September 1788
From: Lee, Henry Jr.
To: Washington, George

My dear General.
New York 13th Septr 88.

at length the new govt has received the last act necessary to its existence. This day Congress passed the requisite previous arrangements. The first Wednesday in January the ratifying states are to appoint electors, on the first Wednesday in february the president is to be chosen, & the first Wednesday in March is the time, & this city the place for commencing proceedings.
Some delay has attended this business from a difference in opinion respecting the place of meeting, but this delay has not in the least affected the sooner or later operation of the constitution. The southern gentlemen did not accord in the place of temporary residence, from a discordance in sentiment, of its effect on the establishment of the permanent seat of govt. Some considered this city, others a more southern position, as the most favorable theatre to negotiate the determination of the ten miles square. Many plausible & some cogent reasons are adducible in support of either opinion & time only can shew which is founded in propriety.
The solemnity of the moment, & its application to yourself, has fixed my mind in contemplations of a public & a personal nature and I feel an involuntary impulse which I cannot resist of communicating without reserve to you, some of the reflexions which the hour has produced. Solicitous for our common happiness as a people, & convicted as I continue to be, that our peace & prosperity depends on the proper improvement of the present period, my anxiety is extreme, that the new govt may have an auspicious beginning—To effect this & to perpetuate a nation formed under your auspices, it is certain that again you will be called forth.
The same principles of devotion to the good of mankind

which has invariably governed your conduct, will no doubt, continue to rule your mind however opposite their consequences may be, to your repose & happiness. It may be wrong, but I cannot suppress in my wishes for national felicity, a due regard to your personal fame & content[ment].
If the same success should attend your efforts on this important occasion, which has distinguished you hitherto, then to be sure you will have spent a life, which providence rarely if ever before gave to the lot of one man. It is my beleif it is my anxious hope that this will be the case, but all things are uncertain, & perhaps nothing more than political events. The new govt tho about to commence its proceedings & r[e]ceived by a large majority of the people with unprecedented unanimity & attachment, must encounter from the nature of human affairs many difficultys—these obstacles to its harmonious progress will receive additional weight & influence from the active & enterprizing characters who continue to inflame the passions & to systemize the measures of opposition—the circular letr from this state, seems to be the standard, to which the various minoritys will repair, & if they should succeed in bringing quickly into action the objects of that letr, new & serious difficu[l]tys must arise, which will cross & may destroy the govt in its infancy—Much will depend on the part which the assembly of Virginia may adopt in this business, & from the complexion of that body, little is to be hoped. They appeared to be generally opposed, & Mr Henry with many other conventional coadjutors, are members of the legislature—Madison will not be there, nor is there a friend to govt in the assembly of comparative ability—It would be fortunate if this gentleman could be introduced into that body, & I think it is practicable—Mr Gordon one of the orange members would readily vacate, to let him in & the county would certainly elect him. In my letr of this date to Doctor Stuart, I have mentioned this suggestion.
It would certainly be unpleasant to you & obnoxious to all who feel for your just fame, to see you at the head of a tumbling system—It is a sacrifice on your part, unjustifiable in any point of view—But on the other hand no alternative seems to be presented.

Without you the govt can have but little chance of success, & the people of that happiness which its prosperity must yield—In this dilemma, it seems wise that such previous measures be in time adopted, which most promise to allay the fury of opposition, to defer amendments, till experience has shewn defects & to ensure the appointments of able & honest men in the first Congress.
One of the best means to accomplish this seems to me to bring into the assembly of Virga the aid before mentioned.
Indeed I know of nothing so effective, for on the conduct of Virga every thing will depend—Her example will be followed, & if she supports with promptitude the system recommended by this state, confusion & anarchy may be the substitutes of order & good govt.
With much freedom have I disclosed to you & to you only, my sentiments on the present epocha as it involves in it, yourself. I am persuaded you will attribute my conduct to the motives which gave birth to it—zeal for the public prosperity, solicitude for your fame & happiness.
In a few weeks I shall return to Virga, if by land, I shall pay my respects to Mount Vernon, when it will be more in my power to explain fully my opinion.
If any thing in this city would be agreable to you, it will give me pleasure to obey your commands & I can send articles procured, by water to Alexa. It is most probable we shall return by sea, in which case they can be taken with me. Mrs Lee begs to be presented to your lady. I have the honor to be with unalterable attachment yours truely

Henry Lee.


Title: From George Washington to John Canon, 15 September 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Canon (Cannon), John

Sir,
Mount Vernon September 15th 1788

As I have not received a line from you for more than fifteen months, and am altogether in the dark respecting the business which was committed to your care—I would thank you for information respecting the tenements—the Rents &ca of my Lands in Fayette and Washington Counties. And, as the latter—that is the Rents—may have been received in specific articles I should be glad to know they are disposed off. Letters Lodged at the Post office (and I believe one is now established from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh) will come safe—by private hands they

rarely do—and any money which may have arisen from the Rents, or the produce of them, Mr Smith, I am certain, will undertake if committed to his care, to forward to me.
If any proposals have been made to you for purchasing either, or part of the above tracts, I should be glad to know on what terms. As also to whom they are now tenanted, and what the Rents are. I am Sir Yrs &c.

Go. Washington


Title: GW to Lafayette, 15 September 1788 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

Letter not found: GW to Lafayette, 15 Sept. 1788. On 27 Nov. 1788 GW wrote Lafayette: “I wrote to you my dear Marquis, on the 15th day of September last.”


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Powel, 15 September 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Powel, Samuel

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon Septr 15th 1788.

It was many days after the receipt of your obliging favour of the 9th ult.; by the Post, that Captn Ellwood arrived in the Packet. He brought the chair in very good order, and you and Mrs Powell have the best thanks of Mrs Washington and myself for the trouble you have been at to procure it. I think it handsome & neat; and with some additions which I will take the liberty sometime hence of proposing (such as can readily be inserted) they may be made to suit the colour and furniture of the room for which they are intended as well as a chair of quadruple their cost. In the meantime I have requested Colo. Biddle who does business for me in Philadelphia to pay the cost of the one which you have sent me.
I have not been more fortunate in my Sainfoin seed than you were. Though from the appearance one would not judge so, yet it is a tender Seed. Of my first sowing last autumn, a few vegetated & came up, but were destroyed by the Frost. Of those reserved till Spring seeding not one ever appeared above ground—and now I have not a single plant of this grass growing.

I have never seen Winlaws threshing Machine, but as the account of its utility is contained in Youngs Annals of Agriculture, I have requested that Gentleman if from his own experience, or that of others in whose judgment he can entirely rely, it is not (as most of these things are) too complicated for unskilful labourers—or, a vision of the day, and pass away like it—to send me one.
The present Congress, by its great indecision in fixing on the place at which the new one is to meet, have hung the expectations & patience of the Union on Tenter hooks—and thereby (if further evidence had been wanting) given a fresh instance of the unfitness of a government so constituted to regulate with precision and energy the Affairs of such an extensive Empire. In every good wish for Mrs Powell and yourself I am joined by Mrs Washington and this family—and with great esteem and regard I am—Dear Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 16 September 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Biddle, Clement

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 16th Septr 1788

I have your letters of the 24th Ulto  & the 5th inst. now before me. The articles sent by Captn Ellwood arrived safe and agreeable to the invoice.
If you have not already purchased the Winter Barley I would not wish you to do it, for I think it is very probable that I may be able to get the quantity which I shall want of the Brewer in Alexandria in exchange for Spring Barley, or if I should be disappointed there, that I can obtain it upon better terms & perhaps of a better quality upon James River than at Philadelphia, as you observe that the crops of it have generally failed, and none has yet been seen that is fit for seed.
I should be glad to have the Herrings & Shad which are in your hands disposed of if it can be done without making an unreasonable sacrifice of them, that you may receive the Balance which is due upon your acct and have money of mine in your hands to procure any articles that I may have occasion for from Philadelphia—should you not be able to dispose of them immediately I will remit you a Bank Note.
I will thank you to pay Samuel Powell Esqr. for a chair which he was so good as to procure for me as a pattern. With great esteem, I am, Dear Sir, Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. You will oblige me by forwarding the inclosed letter to Mr Smith.


Title: From George Washington to John Lewis, 16 September 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, John

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon September 16th 1788

I have to acknowledge the reception of your letter of the 15th of December 1787 together with the copy of my account inclosed therein—since which time I have received the two inclosed letters from Mr John Couper expressing a desire to purchase the tract of Land in No. Carolina which was the Joint property of your father Colo. Fielding Lewis and myself—These two letters, together with my answer to the first (a copy of which is also inclosed) will shew you upon what footing the matter now stands with respect to me—I will thank you to let me know, as soon as is convenient, your determination respecting the sale of this land that I may give Mr Cowper a decided answer.
I will be much oblige[d] to you if you will look among your fathers papers for a protested Bill of Exchange drawn by the Executrs of Willm Armisted Esqr.—I am almost certain it was among other matters committed to his care to transact for me at the General Court of May 1775, when I was called of to the northward.
I will likewise thank you for the amount of those charges in my Acct which are not extended that I may see how the Balance stands. Mrs Washington Joins her best wishes for you and those of your Family. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Sert

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 17 September 1788
From: Biddle, Clement
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Philad[elphia] Sept: 17. 1788.

Since I wrote you respecting the Winter barley for seed I find Mr Morris has some at his farm where I can be supplied if Capt. Ellwood arrives in time—One Vessel put up for Alexandria but finding little freight altered her Voyage to James river therefore no Conveyance has Offered since your Order came to hand—The Wire work for the Wheat fans is ready for the first Vessel.
The inclosed Letter from Mr Dubey is from a Swiss Gentleman of respect—Your answer under Cover to me will safely reach him. I am with great respect Your Excellencys Mo: Obed. serv.

Clement Biddle

The Ordinance for organizing the new Government & fixing the meeting at New York Came from Congress to the Speaker of our Assembly last Evening.


Title: To George Washington from Richard Peters, 17 September 1788
From: Peters, Richard
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philad[elphi]a Septr 17. 1788

Yesterday I had the Honour of yours of the ’7th I was in Hopes the Crops with you would make up the Deficiency of ours which are wretched indeed. I have the best Crop in my Neighbourhood tho’ compared with that of a good Year it is but moderate. Our Situation removed from saline Particles in the Air & the Moisture & Warmth they occasion added to our bad Culture—hard Winter &, too frequently, improper Choice of Soil are among the Causes of Failure of our Wheat Crops. The Agricultural Society offered a Premium for a remedy against the spewing out of our Grain, but I do not know that they have recieved any satisfactory Scheme on that Subject. Deep & frequent ploughing & (what the Fly will now preclude us from for even the Yellow Wheat must be sowed late) early sowing, are the only remedies I know & these will not do in wet Ground without a favourable Winter. Hard Frosts & sudden Thaws heave out the Grain in this variable Climate. I have heard that drilled Grain stands the best against this Evil. The Yellow bearded Wheat is certainly in a great Degree an Antidote against the Ravages of the Fly but this will be destroyed if sown early. I think therefore that our Wheat Crops will never be so heavy as formerly tho’ this Discovery is a happy Instance of providential Care.
You failed in your Green Manure from a Desire to do too much—One Crop of good succulent Buckwheat ploughed in some Time in July is enough & I know it from Experience to be an admirable Manure. I have never suffered the Seeds to set but have rolled down the Plant when in full Bloom & have ploughed it in easily. At the common Time of crossing in August I have ploughed my Fields again without Difficulty Since scattering Seeds would vegetate but not so as to be inconvenient. Your Idea of sowing early is right. I would not sow it doubly for there is

not Time for both Crops to putrify nor have Farmers on any large Scale Leisure to attend to such a Complication of the Bussiness. I have cut a Crop for the Grain, which I intended to have ploughed in, because it got too forward before I could set my Ploughs at Work. This has too been an uncommon Season for Weeds. I am happy the Harrows please you. I have improved on the one with three Hoes; but your multiplied one is better than mine. I have made free Use of mine & my Crops are clean even in this very weedy Season. I hope Mr Biddle has sent you all the Iron Work. Remember that these Harrows are Preventatives more than Remedies. If you let your Ground get too foul they will choak. Therefore it must always be taken in Time.
The Scarcity Plant is worse this Year with me than I ever had it, yet I am content with it. The Leaves are generally smaller than I ever knew them. My Seed has degenerated, tho’ a Change will recover it. I will spare you some but do not fail to procure some elsewhere. If I get any I will share it with you. I believe too wet a Season is not advantageous to them. The Man I employed to make the Riddle has been dilatory but I have now set him to work & he promises to have it done speedily. I have so often failed in Cabbages that I will not plant many of them hereafter tho’ I now have a tolerable Crop. Pease are at least doubtful the Horse Bean is worse. Our Suns are too hot & Vermin too plenty—Potatoes & Carrotts are sure & excellent. I hesitate about transplanting Carrots. They are apt to grow hairy & forked when transplanted.
Our Antifederalists have changed their Battery. They are now very federal. They want Amendments & they must get into the Seats of Government to bring them about—or what is better—to share the Loaves & Fishes—Their Harrisburg Convention have agreed to submit to & support the Government, & some of them, like the moderate Men & converted Tories formerly, now make up in Sound what they want in Patriotism. In short their Convention was a mere Election Jobb & no Harm is to be expected from it except they get into the Government which in the whole cannot be prevented. When they have got warm in their Seats they will, as it always happens in such Cases, find it their Interest to support a Government in which they are Sharers tho’ they may make a little Bustle ad captandum—Mrs Peters

returns her affectionate & respectful Compliments to you & Mrs Washington & I beg you to accept the Addition of mine. I am very truly & respectfully your obedt Servt

Richard Peters

I am hurried with the Bussiness of our House therefore excuse my Haste. We shall take up the federal Subject having received the Ordnance of Congress & on our Parts organize the Government. I believe Mr Morris will certainly be a Senator. Who the other will be is not so certain.


Title: To George Washington from Moustier, 18 September 1788
From: Moustier, Eléanor-François-Elie, comte de
To: Washington, George

Sir,
New York 18th Septr 1788

I have but this moment recd, upon my return from Fort Stanwix, the letter which your Excellency did me the honor to write to me on the 17th of last month. I am much obliged to you for the detail which you gave me respecting the commerce between France & the United States, but shoud have wished it had been more particular. The expected departure of the squadron of M. de Saineville from Boston, which I am desireous of visiting, will not permit me to remain in New York more than 15 hours, to

prepare myself for my new Journey. I hope to return in a few weeks and to answer more particularly to the different interesting Objects which you have touched upon in your letter.
I flattered myself, Sir, that I should have had the honor of paying my personal respects to you in the course of this summer, but my tour to Fort Stanwix having detained me longer than I expected, I begin to fear that I shall be obliged to postpone my intended journey to the Southward ’till next year—I am very glad to have it in my power to congratulate you upon the adoption of a plan of Government, which you have strongly recommended to your Citizens, and the success of which cannot but be infinitely interesting to every friend of the United States. I have the honor to be, with the most respectful & inviolable attachment Sir, Yr Excellency’s Most Obedt & very Hble Sevt

Le Cte de Moustier


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Thomson, 18 September 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Thomson, Thomas

Sir,
Mount Vernon September 18th 1788

The enclosed, which I have Just received, is so full on the subject of your enquiry that I shall add nothing thereto—although I am sorry, and feel for the disappointed hopes of your

Lady to recover her lost Son, yet I am glad that it is in my power to remove, as soon as possible the painful suspence which the Impositions of Reynalds must have thrown her and the family into. I am &c.

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Fishbourn, 20 September 1788 [letter not found]
From: Fishbourn, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Benjamin Fishbourn, 20 Sept. 1788. On 23 Dec. 1788 GW wrote to Fishbourn: “Your letter of the 20th of September, has been put into my hands, only a few days ago.”


Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 21 September 1788
From: Jay, John
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
New York 21 Sepr 1788

Your Ideas relative to the Diffusion of Intelligence and useful Information by means of news Papers and the Press, appear to me exceedingly just; nor do I percieve any good Objection to preferring the Stages to Post Riders for the Transportation of the Mail, on the contrary I think the Ballance of Advantages is clearly in favor of the former.
 How far it was the Duty of the Post office to recieve and forward News papers is a Question respecting which I confess I have Doubts. If I am rightly informed the Post Riders were formerly permitted to carry news Papers, on such Terms as might be settled between them and the Printers. The Number of Printers & of news Papers are now so great, that if the latter were admitted into the Mail the Expence to the public would be considerably enhanced; and it seems but reasonable that as the Printers (as well as the public) would derive much advantage from such a Regulation, they should contribute somewhat to it.
The Direction of the Post Office, instead of being as hitherto, consigned chiefly to a committee, and managed without much System; should I think be regulated by Law, and put under the Superintendence, and in some Degree under the controul of the Executive. The Public are not well satisfied on this Head, as Mattrs now stand, and there is but little Reason to expect any important change during the Existence of the present Government. The succeeding one will have an opportunity of doing a very acceptable Service to their Constituents by regulating the Post office in a proper Manner; and the more of such things they may have to do, the better, as to what ought to have been the conduct of Government on the occasion, there can be no Doubt—But my dear Sir we cannot expect it from such a Body as Congress: nay unless personal Qualities should supply the Deficiency, I am not sure that the new Government will be found to rest on Principles sufficiently stable to produce a uniform adherence to what Justice, Dignity and liberal Policy may require: for however proper such Conduct may be, none but great minds will always deem it expedient. Men in general are guided more by conveniences than by Principles. This Idea accompanies all my Reflections on the new Constitution, and induced

me to remark to our late Convention at Poughkeepsie, that some of the most unpopular and strong Parts of it appeared to me to be the most unexceptionable. Government without Liberty is a curse but on the other Hand Liberty without Government is far from being a Blessing.
The opponents in this State to the Constitution decrease and grow temperate. many of them seem to look forward to another Convention rather as a Measure that will justify their opposition, than produce all the Effects they pretended to expect from it. I wish that Measure may be adopted with a good Grace, and without Delay or Hesitation. So many good Reasons can be assigned for postponing the Session of such a Convention for three or four Years, that I really believe the great Majority of its advocates would be satisfied with that Delay. After which I think we should not have much Danger to apprehend from it; especially if the new Governmt should in the mean Time recommend itself to the People by the wisdom of its Proceedings, which I flatter myself will be the Case. The Division of the Powers of Govt into three Departments is a great and valuable point gained; and will give the People the best opportunity of bringing the Question whether they can govern themselves, to a Decision in their Favor. with the greatest Esteem and Regard I am Dr Sir your affte Fd & obt Servt

John Jay


Title: From George Washington to Henry Lee, Jr., 22 September 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry Jr.

(Private)
Dear Sir,Mount Vernon Septr 22d 1788
Your letter of the 13th instant was of so friendly & confidential a complexion, as to merit my early attention and cordial acknowledgments.
I am glad Congress have at last decided upon an Ordinance for carrying the New government into execution. In My Mind, the place for the meeting of the new Congress was not an object of such very important consequence: but I greatly fear that the

question entailed upon that body, respecting their permanent residence, will be pregnant with difficulty & danger. God grant that true patriotism & a spirit of moderation may exclude a narrow locality and all ideas unfriendly to the Union from every quarter.
Your observations on the solemnity of the crisis & its application to myself, bring before me subjects of the most momentous & interesting nature. In our endeavours to establish a new general government, the contest, nationally considered, seems not to have been so much for glory, as existence. It was for a long time doubtful whether we were to survive as an independent Republic, or decline from our fœderal dignity into insignificant & wretched fragments of Empire. The adoption of the Constitution so extensively, & with so liberal an acquiescence on the part of the Minorities in general, promised the former: until, lately, the Circular letter of New York carried, in my apprehension, an unfavorable, if not an insidious tendency to a contrary policy. I will hope for the best, but before you mentioned it, I could not help fearing it would serve as a Standard to which the disaffected might resort. It is now evidently the part of all honest men, who are friends to the New Constitution, to endeavor to give it a chance to disclose its merits and defects, by carrying it fairly into effect, in the first instance. For it is to be apprehended, that by an attempt, to obtain amendments before the experiment has been candidly made “more is meant than meets the ear”—that an intention is concealed to accomplish slily, what could not have been done openly—to undo all that has been done. If the fact so exists, that a kind of combination is forming to stifle the government in embrio; it is a happy circumstance that the design has become suspected. Preparation should be the sure attendant upon forewarning. Probably, prudence, wisdom, & patriotism were never more essentially necessary than at the present moment: and so far as it can be done in an irreproachable direct manner, no effort ought to be left unessayed to procure the election of the best possible characters to the new Congress. On their harmony, deliberation & decision every thing will depend. I heartily wish Mr Madison was in our Assembly: as I think, with you, it is of unspeakable importance Virginia should set out in her fœderal measures under right auspices.
The principal topic of your letter is, to me, a point of great

delicacy indeed: insomuch that I can scarcely, without some impropriety, touch upon it. In the first place, the event to which you allude may never happen—amongst other reasons—because, if the partiality of my fellow Citizens conceive it to be a mean by which the sinews of the new government would be strengthened, it will of consequence be obnoxious to those who are in opposition to it; many of whom, unquestionably, will be placed among the Electors. This consideration alone would supercede the expediency of announcing any definitive, and irrevocable resolution. You are among the small number of those, who know my invincible attachment to domestic life, and that my sincerest wish is to continue in the enjoyment of it, solely, until my final hour. But the world would be neither so well instructed, or so candidly disposed as to believe me to be uninfluenced by sinester motives; in case any circumstance should render a deviation from the line of conduct I had prescribed myself indispensable. Should the contingency you suggest take place, and (for argument sake alone let me say) should my unfeigned reluctance to accept the Office be overcome by a deference for the reasons and opinions of my friends; might I not, after the Declarations I have made (and Heaven knows they were made in the sincerity of my heart) in the judgment of the impartial World and of Posterity, be chargable with levity and inconsistency; if not with rashness & ambition? Nay farther, would there not even be some apparent foundation for the two former charges? Now justice to myself and tranquility of conscience require that I should act a part, if not above imputation, at least, capable of vindication. Nor will you conceive me to be too solicitous for reputation. Though I prize, as I ought, the good opinion of my fellow Citizens; yet, if I know myself I would not seek or retain popularity at the expence of one social duty or moral virtue. While doing what my conscience informed me was right, as it respected My God, my Country & myself, I could despice all the party clamour and unjust censure, which must be expected from some, whose personal enmity might be occasioned by their hostility to the governmt. I am conscious, that I fear alone to give any real occasion for obloquy—and that I do not dread to meet with unmerited reproach—And certain I am, whensoever I shall be convinced the good of my Country requires

my reputation to be put in risque, regard for my own fame will not come in competition with an object of so much magnitude. If I declined the task it would be upon quite another principle. Notwithstanding my advanced season of life, my encreasing fondness for Agricultural amusements, and my growing love of retirement augment and confirm my decided predeliction for the character of a private Citizen: Yet it would be no one of these motives, nor the hazard to which my former reputation might be exposed, or the terror of encountering new fatigues & troubles that would deter me from an acceptance—but a belief that some other person, who had less pretence & less inclination to be excused, could execute all the duties full as satisfactorily as myself. To say more would be indiscreet; as a disclosure of a refusal beforehand, might incur the application of the Fable, in which the Fox is represented as undervaluing the Grapes he could not reach. You will perceive, my dear Sir, by what is here observed (and which you will be pleased to consider in the light of a confidential communication) that my inclinations will dispose & decide me to remain as I am; unless a clear & insurmountable conviction should be impressed on my mind, that some very disagreeable consequences must in all human probability result from the indulgence of my wishes.
If you return by land, I shall expect without failure the pleasure of your Company. I am much indebted to you for your obliging offer of forwarding such articles as I might want from New York; though I shall not have occasion at this moment to avail myself of your goodness. Mrs Washington offers her best Compliments to Mrs Lee, with ardent wishes for the reestablishment of her health; which joined with my own, will conclude me, with great regard and esteem Dear Sir Yr most Obedt & Affecte Sert

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Richard Henry Lee, 18 April 1785
From: Lee, Richard Henry
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
new york, April 18, 1785

I should before this have thanked you for your favour of March 15th, if I had not been in daily expectation that the arrival of the packets would bring us some intelligence from Europe worth communicating to you; the February packet has but just come in after a passage of eight weeks, and neither she or other vessels in short passages, bring us any thing interesting. War or peace in Europe, hangs yet in doubtful balance; both parties arming with assiduity, and nothing determined upon. Mr. John Adams, is sent plenipotentiary to the court of London, and Mr. Jefferson is the minister at Versailles, Dr. Franklin having

leave, at his own request, to retire. Returning appearances of good humour, and a proposition first made by the British court, to treat of our differences in London, has induced hopes of an amicable adjustment of disputes. Mr. Gardoque is not arrived, but expected about the last of this month from the Havana, to which place he went from Spain previous to his coming here. If the commenced bickering between Madrid and London on the Musquito shore should go on, we may probably have easier work with both courts in our business with them. I have the honour to enclose you the report of a respectable committee on the subject of selling the western lands, which has not yet been acted upon, though it speedily will. What changes may be made in this plan before it finally passes, cannot yet be told, but probably there will be some. Your idea of settling a state at a time, would most certainly be the wisest and the best, if the excessive rage for taking lands there could be possibly restrained. But really it seems that either Congress must sell quickly, or possession will be so taken as to render doubtful this fine fund for extinguishing the public debt. It has been impossible to get a vote for more than seven hundred men to garrison all the posts to be fixed in the trans-Alleghanian country, from north to south; a number very inadequate, I fear, to the purpose of even suppressing illegal trespasses upon the western lands. Our friend the Marquis La Fayette, arrived after a short passage, but I believe it was a very boisterous one. Your letter for Mr. Lee I sent after him to Virginia, whither he was returning before I received it. My best respects attend your lady.
I have the honour to be, with the truest esteem and regard, dear Sir, your most obedient and very humble servt.

RICHARD HENRY LEE.


Title: From George Washington to William Heth, 6 April 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Heth, William

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon Aprl 6th 178⟨6⟩

An honest confession of the truth, is the best apology I can make for my not acknowledging the receipt of your favor of the 24th of Decr before this. The fact is, the letter was mislaid, and entirely forgot, till chance recovered it. I now send you Colo. De Corny’s third Bill of Exchange on Colo. Wadsworth. his second I have never (I believe) seen, the first you have. With esteem I am—Dear Sir Yr Most Obedt Sert

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Leven Powell, 18 December 1786
From: Powell, Leven
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Loudoun Decr 18h 1786.

Supposing the Buck Wheat was intended only for Sowing & having pretty full employment for our Waggons Occassion’d me not to send Any down to you sooner than I did; When that Waggon was loaded I was so engaged in business that I had not time to write. The residue of the Buck Wheat I have now by me, but again our Waggons are much engaged in getting down a Quantity of Tobacco for a vessel that is now waiting for it & it will be very convenient to me if you can wait for the Buck Wheat ’till a more Leisure time. If you cannot conveniently do so be pleased to inform my son At Alexandria & it shall be immediately sent to you. When this load is sent down I shall do myself the pleasure of writing you with respect to the usefulness of this Grain & how it is to be managed. With much respect I am Dr Sir Yr Obt Hble Servt

Leven Powell


Title: To George Washington from William Gordon, 24 September 1788
From: Gordon, William
To: Washington, George

My Dear Sir
London Sepr 24. 1788

I send under cover to Mr Hazard, that so it should not be known at the Coffee house, that I correspond with your Excellency; & pray you not only to have any direction to me written in some other hand than your own, but the letter sealed with the seal of another. When you write again, introduce the Key in some sentence when it may appear natural, with a stroke underneath it. The reason of the request is, my not being absolutely certain about it, though I conceive it has some relation to the persons who surrendered at York Town.
I have been laboring hard for near a year, but have not yet completed the History so as to be in readiness for sending by the present vessels. The Index is printing, but the paper will require some time drying before the books can be bound. The delay for a few months will admit of their being more closely & better bound. At the end of the fourth volume, I have insertd Extracts of the Virginia act for the establishing of religious freedom as also the New Constitution, which I conclude will soon take place. May it prove a blessing to the United States in particular, & the world of mankind in general! Let me suggest, that could it be made fashionable through the Continent, to have one fish day in every week, your fishery would be thereby promoted. The introduction of coals for firing at Boston, & elsewhere when wood is dear, would probably employ a few vessels in carrying them from Virginia. The American hemp, when grown upon rich ground & well cured is far better than the Russian; cannot the raising of it in places affording water carriage produce a staple to exchange for European goods? Could not sugars be raised to advantage in the southernmost parts of the country? While Mifflin was president, I hinted to him, that Congress should possess the sovereignty of all gold & silver mines through the States, & not any individual state or person. None should be permitted to be wrought but with their leave, & only to such an extent, as to stock the country with a bare currency, without reducing its value, by a redundancy. The communication of these thoughts to your Excellency, I am persuaded you will consider as tokens of my abiding affection for America; & I am persuaded that the voice of the country

will show that they have been addressed to the right person. I am sensible your attachment to domestic happiness, will render you averse to appearing again in public life. But the good of your country is a law that you must submit to when you are called to possess a power in the most honorable way by all professions & ranks of people, & which, to your everlasting credit when known, you honestly declined with the truest patriotism, when offered in an irregular manner. This is a secret which will remain till you are dead, unless I could be certain of not offending through the publication of your letter, with the suppression of the party to whom it was addressed.
When the New Constitution is adopted, many will endeavour to supplant the possessors of present places. I most sincerely wish that my friend Mr Hazard, the post master general may be continued. His fidelity & regularity I apprehend cannot be exceeded; & it is I conjecture almost his sole support, while his duty obliges him to maintain an aged mother.
I have forgotten whether you sent me only thirty pounds for the thirty subscribers, or forty for forty sets. When I can look over my papers, which have been much deranged, shall be able to determine; but as I may possibly not find your or Mr Mason’s letter soon enough, pray you to mention it.
I most sincerely pray, that your honor & happiness in this world may be only the forerunners of more substantial ones, in that future & better world which remains for the people of God, & the living & true way to which—the Lord Jesus—has been revealed to us by the gospel. Mrs Gordon joins in affectionate regards to your Excellency, & your Lady.
Pray present my respects to your young gentleman, who by this time is a fine youth, I hope—Mr & Mrs Lund Washington, Dr Stewart & family, & others with whom I had the honor of being acquainted while at Mount Vernon. Am not yet settled, please to direct therefore as before. I remain with the truest professions Your Excellency’s sincere friend & very humble servant

William Gordon


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 24 September 1788
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Hingham [Mass.] Sepr 24 1788

I was my dear general a few days since in Boston where I had the pleasure of receiving your favor of the 23d Ulto.
The information which your Excellency has received, respecting the machinations of the antifederal characters, appears from what circulates in this part of the country, but too well founded. I have no doubt, but every exertion will be made to introduce into the new government, in the first instance characters unfriendly to those parts of it, which in my opinion are its highest orniments and its most precious jewels. To this they will be induced from two considerations at the least—The first with a view totally to change the nature of the government immediately—But should they fail of that, they will then have it in their power to introduce into all the important offices in government men of their own sentiments, so that in a short time by their influence they may bring about that change which cannot at first or in any other way be effected by them.
Should these events take place, the situation of the federalists will be humiliating indeed. They will soon have the mortification of seeing that all their exertion for establishing a government, for promoting the honour, & for securing the freedom and felicity of the people have proved ineffectual not only so but they will find themselves buried in such obscurity as to be totally unable to rise with that influence necessary to have any controul over public men or public measures. Their only hope then can be, a forlorn in truth, that when the government established shall be found insufficient to answer the great and interesting purposes which it should embrace and when the distresses of the people in consequence thereof, are evinced by clamours and out rage against it, and things fall back into a state of confusion they may possibly stand on a floor with others. A melancholy consideration however, though the punishment

suffered hereby would be but just should this train of evils take place in consequence of our own indolence and in attention.
There never was an instance when it could have been more necessary to call into exercise the wisdom the prudence and patriotism of the United States than it will be in the important transactions of appointing the executive and the legislative branches of the new government. For the first impressions made therein will probably give a tone to all future measures.
We are happy here in finding it to be the unanimous voice of this rising empire, that your Excellency who has so just a claim to the merit of its establishment, should now take it under your protection. The share your Excellency holds in the affections of the people, and the unlimited confidence they place in your integrety and judgment, gives you an elevated stand among them which no other man can or probably ever will command. These things must insure to your Excellency all which a susceptible mind can wish, a power of promoting in the highest degree the happiness of a virtuous and an enlightened country.
But will not these very important considerations alarm those antifederal characters before mentioned? They must know that the influence your Excellency will have in the organization of the new government and in enforcing the precepts of it, will embarrass their Scheams if not totally baffle them. Surely they must know that these consequences will follow your acceptance of the important trust. We must therefore expect and we should be guarded in every point to prevent the influence of the intreagues and combinations of those who wish to set every thing again afloat. They will endeavour, as one of the most probable means by which they can effect their purposes, to prevent your Excellencys acceptance of the Presidency, your election they cannot hinder.
It seems to be the general voice so far as I can obtain a knowledge of it that Massachusetts may expect the vice President will be taken from this State. Governour Hancock and the honbe Mr John Adams are considered as the candidates for that office—It is said that the Governour has publicly declared that he would not accept it should he be appointed to the office—I think he will not be very open in divulging this sentiment,

though I am of opinion that in some unguarded moment it might have escaped him for he is I am confident flattered by his friends, that from the nature of making the choice he may possibly be the president[.] This in the idea of some is above all things to be deprecated, however we need not be anxious it cannot take place, for there certainly will be a division of the votes between Mr Hancock & Mr Adams the latter in my opinion will be the man for I cannot believe that the Governour would under his present want of health leave this government even if he should be elected second in the new one—I am prompted to wish that Mr Adams might come in from the double motive, that from his knowledge and rectitude he will be able to render the most essential services to the United States and that with him your Excellency will be perfectly happy—I am however very apprehensive that the antifederal junto will attempt from sinister views to prejudice your Excellency and to fix in your mind the most unfavorable ideas of him and they will endeavour to persuade you that the moment such a connexion shall take place your Excellency must bid adue to all hope of future happiness in public life. Perhaps these apprehensions are not well founded, I hope they are not, but when it is considered how dangerous your Excellencys administration must be to the views of that party we cannot suppose that they will stick at any thing to prevent its taking place.
I am happy in knowing Mr J. Adams my acquaintance commenced with him early in life, few men can boast of equal abilities and information and of so many virtues, his foiables are few, I am happy in knowing his sentiments of your Excellency, there is not virtue in your character, which the most intimate of your friends have discovered but it seems to be known and acknowledged by him—I am, from a free conversation with him, as well as from his general character perfectly convinced that there is not a man in this part of the confederecy if one can be found through the whole of it, who would render your Excellency situation at the head of the government more agreeable or who would make it more his study that your Administration should be honorable to yourself and parmanently interesting to the people.
I have my dear General thus freely written from the fullest

conviction of duty and in perfect confidence in your Excellency I feel my self exceedingly interested to see such a government as we want and need established without loss of time—I have many motives to wish it besides my regard, for the general good—I hope yet to live and enjoy the blessings of it—I have a large rising family who may share the fate of those about them, if things go well they may be happy if other wise they must partake in the common misery. I wish to see a government in existance and properly administred that I may not suffer the sad mortification which would take place if after all the toils dangers and sufferings of a long and distressing war prosecuted for the purpose of warding off an impending blow and of establishing our country in those rights to which they were justly entitled the people should from any conduct of theirs lose those blessings which to secure was the sole end of the important struggle. I have the honour of being my dear General with the most perfect esteem Your Excellencys most affectionate humble servant

B. Lincoln


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Milford, 24 September 1788
From: Milford, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Sir
Richmond, Septr the 24th 1788

Inclosed you have, A letter from Major John Poison, as also, one from said Gentleman to me respecting, an enquiry of some Lands in this Country, you will see Sir, by perusing his Letters, the wish, he has, to have early Information in England, and in consequence of his confidence, in me to Act for him, in this Part of the World I have taken the Liberty to write to you Sir Imediatly upon my Arrival in Virginia, (which was the 20th of this month) I then proceeded to Richmond to make the Enquirys He wished me, but could not by any means satisfy myself upon the Business, sufficiently to give him any Satisfaction by letter in the October Packett, but hope by the November Packett to have some, Intelligence, as Coll Harvey of the land, Office, (in this Place) whom I have waited upon, acquaints me that, you are the only Gentleman, in Virginia that can give me the regular and true, account, in what manner those Lands, were, and are now disposed off. I hope you will pardon the liberty, I take in writing tediously Sir, but my Anxious desire to procure Major Polson, early notice, is the only reason, and if you Excellency will do me the favour, to Answer this my Request, and put me, in the right, way, as speedily as Convenient (directed, to the Care, of Coll Burwell Bassett who, lives near where my Ship lyes) I shall esteem it an Honour, conferred On Sir your Excellencys, most Obt and very hume Servt

Samuel Milford


Title: To George Washington from Francis Willis, Jr., 24 September 1788
From: Willis, Francis Jr.
To: Washington, George

May it please your Excellency
Septr 24th 1788

I took the liberty formerly to address you on some business that still remains unsettled, therefore must again be troublesome & request yr determination on the matter. at the decease of Mrs Washington Colo. Saml Washington wife she left some negros to her son that were given her after his decease, the child also died, & I who was her Executor from my own ill Judgment & being also ill advised sold them, as supposing they were vested otherwise than it is now thought, Sir I learn the right is in you, as I have wrote you before, & then requested that I might be directed to pay the amount of the sales to your Brothers Heirs unto whom our present Governour wrote me you intended to give it, & he also wrote me you would direct me not to be molested for my Error, as you judged what I had done was with good intentions; I humbly thank your Excellency for

yr good opinion, & assure you upon my honour it was the case, for notwithstanding it appeard impossible to me that the law should take from Mrs Washingtons own children what she never had till after her widowhood, still I got advice on the matter as Mr Whiting will shew you & yet still err’d, so now have only to entreat you to end the matter by directing whom I shall pay, upon which the bearer my Friend Mr Whiting will settle the matter, for untill that is done I cannot but be in an uneasy state, for in case of my death my innocent family would suffer for my doing what I thought, & was advised was right, should yr Excellency not choose to end the matter as he proposed, I must try to buy the negroes again tho suppose that would be difficult. there is another matter waits your will respecting these negroes, when I made sale of them to Colo. Henry, he had not seen them, nor I except the mother of the 4 children, which I told Colo. Henry, & advised him to enquire particularly of their father whom he ownd, concerning their sex age, health &c. &c. which he did & agreed to give £240 for the 5, I deliverd them without ever seing them, & in about 18 months Colo. Henry wrote me the eldest was an Idiot, & refused to settle for him as instead of a profit, he was a charge; & by his statement of the matter which Mr Whiting has he has deducted £60 for the boy; if you think that deduction too much I will go over to Colo. Henrys & propose to get disinterested gentlemen to examine into the matter & give their opinion, unto which I am convinced Colo. Henry will agree—My friend Mr Whiting who does me the favour to call on Yr Excellency on the business is acquainted with the circumstances of both these matters unto whom I beg & intreat you to be so good as to give your full determination that I may end a matter for which my only reward is a great deal of trouble & anxiety. The present Governour whose advice I took after I found I was in an error, told me the sale was good to the purchaser, tho I was liable to an action for my proceedings; for it is a well known maxim that ignorance is no plea in law, so I remain altogether at yr mercy of which Ive no doubt, from Yr Excellencies Most Obedt & hbl. Servt

Francis Willis jr.

P.s. Should the mode of settlement I propose not be agreeable, I will oblige myself to carry gentlemen of judgment & character

to Colo. Henrys, shew them the Negroes, & will buy of equall value & deliver them to yr order, which I suppose would be equally agreeable to whoever you intend to give the Negroes as there can be no attachment to those I soled being unknown to the children; F.W.


Title: To George Washington from James Madison, 26 September 1788
From: Madison, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
New York Sepr 26 1788

I subjoin two resolutions lately taken by Congress in relation the Mississippi which I hope may have a critical and salutary effect on the temper of our western Brethren.

In Congress Sepr 16
On report of the Committee &c. to whom was referred the Report of the Secy for For. Affairs on a motion of the Delegates of North Carolina, stating the uneasiness produced by a report “that Congress are disposed to treat with Spain for the surrender of their claim to the navigation of the River Mississippi” and proposing a resolution intended to remove such apprehensions.
Resolvd that the said Report not being founded in fact, the Delegates be at liberty to communicate all such circumstances as may be necessary to contradict the same and to remove misconceptions.
Resolvd that the free navigation of the River Mississippi is a clear and essential right of the United States, and that the same ought to be considered and supported as such.
In addition to their resolutions which are not of a secret nature, another has passed arresting all negociations with Spain, and handing over the subject thus freed of bias from any former proceedings, to the Ensuing Government. This last Resolution is entered on the secret journal, but a tacit permission is given to the Members to make a confidential use of it. With the Sincerest attachment and affection, I remain Dear Sir, Your Obliged & Obedt servt

Js Madison Jr


Title: From George Washington to Francis Adrian Van der Kemp, 27 September 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Van der Kemp, Francis Adrian

Sir,
Mount Vernon September 27th 88

The letter with which you was pleased to favor me dated the 29th of Augt came duly to hand, and afforded me the pleasure of hearing that you had made a purchase agreeable to your wishes in the vicinity of Esopus—I sincerely hope that it may prove an agreeable retreat, and a happy Asylum from your late troubles in Holland.
The Mangal Root which you saw growing in my Garden is not, I believe, of the best sort—it was you have observed red—That which is marbled, I am told, is the best. If of this kind the Revd Dr Doll could spare a little seed it would oblige me, and when you shall be stocked with such other sorts of seed as are not usual in this Country, I would gladly participate in your sparings.
Mrs Washington joins me in best wishes for you—Mrs Vanderkemp family, and I am Sir, Yrs &c.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Polson, 28 September 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Polson, John

Sir,
Mount Vernon Septr 28th 1788.

Your letter of the 25th of July by Captn Milford, came duly to hand; but I do not recollect to have received one dated Septr 2d 1783, spoken of therein. At that period I was with the Army in the State of New York and did not return to Virginia until the beginning of the succeeding year. All foreign letters to me, therefore, must either have passed the British Lines or taken their chance in Merchantmen—Both, were hazardous conveyances.
Every information (and small indeed it is) that I can give respecting your Land on the Great Kanhawa, is communicated to Captn Milford; with a request that he would transmit a copy of it, with this letter, to you. His ship lays near Williamburgh where your late attorney Mr Craig, lived, at the time of his decease—and where I presume his Executors (from whom the best information I conceive is to be had) must now live. Besides, in this situation Captn Milford is not far distant from Richmond, the Seat of the government and information; on account of the general resort to it for the purposes of attending the Courts—the Assemblies—Public Offices—&ca—&ca. From me, this place is far removed; and one to which I seldom or never go. Indeed I rarely stir from home, and having made no enquiry into the matter, am entirely ignorant as to the disposition of any of the Lands which were granted to the Virginia Regiment raised in 1754, after Patents were obtained for them, except those of my own; and these were within an ace of being sold for the payment of Taxes due on them, before I received information thereof.
If it was in my power to point you to a proper character (who lived convenient, and would accept it) for an Agent, I would do it with pleasure—but for the reasons above, it really is not. From Richmond there is a continual intercourse with the Western Country—from hence we scarcely have any—Captn Milford will have it much more in his power than I, to serve you in this respect. I am—Sir Your Most Obedt Hble Servt

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Title: From George Washington to Samuel Milford, 29 September 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Milford, Samuel

Sir,
Mount Vernon Septr 29th 1788

The letter which you wrote to me from Richmond on the 24th Instt came duly to hand. Was it in my power to give you information with respect to the circumstances attending Major Polson’s Land—or satisfactory answers to the quæries he has propounded on this subject, I would do it with pleasure. But the truth is—I know not a little more of the matter than you are already made acquainted with by his own letter dated in London the 26th of July which you enclosed to me & is now returned.
I was, I believe, the principal cause of his, and others getting the Lands which were granted to the officers and Soldiers of the Virginia Regiment raised in 1754 agreeably to a Proclamation of the then Governor of this State but after the proportions were assigned to each individual and the Patents were obtained, in the year 1772, I had no further agency in the business; and know no more what the Attorney of Major Polson did with his dividend of the Land than you do.
The readiest, indeed the only means that occurs to me, by which you can get certain information on this head, is to apply to the Executors, or administrators of Mr Craig—A Clue may thereby be found for tracing this business fully. who his Executors are I know not; but as Mr Craig lived in Williamsburg

and moved in a small circle, it is highly probable they are residents of that place also.
Being in company with a Gentleman eminent in the Law when your letter, enclosing Mr Polson’s to me came to hand I asked his opinion of property belonging to persons under the discription Major Polson gives of himself. his answer was; that as that Gentleman was not a Citizen of this State. did not leave it in consequence of the dispute with great Britain—nor bore Arms in America against the United States during the contest, it is not likely that his property is comprehended in any Confiscation Law of this Commonwealth. I am of the same opinion—but one mode by which the matter can be ascertained if there is no office of Registry to resort to at Richmond is for you or some person who is acquainted with these Laws the spirit—and tendency of them—to read them attentively compare them with [the] case of Major Polson—and see whether by name, or discription he is included or excluded. I never read one of them—nor have them by me. nor moreover am I acquainted with any of the proceedings respecting this business.
There is another predicament, however, under which Major Polsons Lands may have fallen. It is common to every one. and the Public Gazettes announce the frequency of it. I mean the disposal of the Land, or part of it, for payment of the Taxes to which it is subject. Scores of these Sales are advertised weekly in Dixons Virginia Gazette and Independt Chronicle. agreeably to Law, that the proprietors of the Land may be notified thereof; and prevent by timely payment, if they are able, and incline so to do, the actual Sale. whether this has been the case with Major Polsons Land or not, can only be known by a recurrance to and research of those papers. I have never attended to the matter myself and therefore can give neither you, nor him any information respecting it. The Land lays, I believe in the County of Greenbrier (or Bottetourt) and will be found if in this predicament, advertised by the Sheriff thereof.
Major Poison in his letter to me, requests that I would point out a proper Attorney to transact the business for him. This I am unable to do. The lands (by the common routs to it) lays at least 500 hundred miles from me—I have Lands in the vicinity of his, and have not, as yet found, a settler convenient to them,

able, or willing to take the management—The only person who was recommended to me for this purpose (Colo. Thomas Lewis) has given me no answer to my applications on this head though the first was made near twelve months ago to him —I mention this circumstance to shew the difficulty of procuring, and the danger of recommending a proper character to Major Polson. To me it would seem best for the Major to appoint some person in Richmond (being the residence of the public officers and the resort of People from all parts of the State) as his Attorney; empowering him (if the Property is unalienated) to sell—Seat—or in any other manner (agreeable to his wishes) dispose of the Land[.] who are of his acquaintance at that place or who would be a proper person there for this business I really know not as I rarely go there. Men and things in this State are greatly changed since my acquaintance with them (now almost 15 years ago)—for I have been very little from home since my retreat from public life, the beginning of the year 1784, to acquire fresh knowledge of them.
I have been thus particular to you because such information and advice as this letter contains, going through you to the Major, with the short letter herewith enclosed to himself will answer the purpose of a repetition of the same sentiments in a second letter. I therefore pray you to accompany my letter to him with a copy of this to you. I am &c.

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