Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 6 December 1789
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Richmond decr 6. 1789.

          When I had the honor of writing to you last, the amendments had, I believe, been under consideration in a committee of the

whole, and ten were adopted, and the two last rejected. Upon the report being made to the house, and without a debate of any consequence, the whole twelve were ratified. They are now with the senate, who were yesterday employed about them. That body will attempt to postpone them; for a majority is unfriendly to the government. But an effort will be made against this destructive measure.
          In the house of delegates, it was yesterday moved to declare the remainder of the amendments, proposed by our convention, essential to the rights and liberties of the people. An amendment was offered, saying, that in pursuance of the will of the people, as expressed by our convention, the general assembly ought to urge congress to a reconsideration of them. The amendment was carried by the speaker, giving a casting vote. This shews the strength of the parties, and that in the house of delegates the antifœderal force has diminished much since the last year. A representation is to be prepared, and the inclosed speaks the temper, which we wish to exhibit in it. Whether we shall succeed in our attempt to carry such a remonstrance through, is with me very doubtful. It will be pushed; because it seems to discountenance any future importunities for amendments; which in my opinion is now a very important point. I should have been sanguine in my belief of carrying the representation thro’ in its present form, if the friends would have joined the enemies of the constitution, in suspending the ratification of the eleventh amendment; which is exceptionable to me, in giving a handle to say, that congress have endeavoured to administer an opiate, by an alteration, which is merely plausible.
          The twelfth amendment does not appear to me to have a ⟨very real⟩ effect, unless it be to excite a dispute between the United States and every particular state, as to what is delegated. It accords pretty nearly with what our convention proposed but being once adopted, it may produce new matter for the cavils of the designing. I am dear Sir yr obliged and affectionate friend and serv⟨t⟩

            Edm: Randolph

            P.S. I shall do myself the honor of replying to your official letter as soon as the assembly rises.


Title: William Jackson to Clement Biddle, 7 December 1789
From: Jackson, William
To: Biddle, Clement

            Dear Sir,
            New York, December 7th 1789.

          The letter for Mr Holker, which encloses one for the Person, applying to be Steward of the Household, is, by the Presidents desire, committed to your care for conveyance.
          Be so good as to give it an early transmission.
          I shall take the liberty to write to you on my own account within a few days.
          The President and Mrs Washington are in perfect good health. I am, very respectfully, Dear Sir, Your most obedient Servant

            W. Jackson.


Title: To George Washington from Fenwick, 7 December 1789 [letter not found]
From: Fenwick, Mason, & Company
To: Washington, George

          Letter not found: from Fenwick, Mason, & Company, 7 Dec. 1789. The dealer’s catalog description of this document states that it concerns “the purchase of champagne, claret, etc.”


Title: To George Washington from George Washington, 8 December 1789
From: Washington, George (of N.C.)
To: Washington, George

            Honr’d Sir
            Tarboh North Carolina December 8th 1789

          Since the adoption of the Constitution in this State, I have undertaken though with a trembling heart to ask your intrest in appointing me an Officer in the Naval department of this State, for my maintainance, though I must seriously acknowledge to you that I little deserve it, But I must inform your honnor that I am at this Period voi’d both of Fortune & friends, which induce’s me to implore your most gracious Benevolence, when I reflect on your extensive Humanity I flatter myself with a feeble hope of acquireing your Paternal attention, there are four Ports in this State, Edentown Washington Bath & Wilmington & should your unden’yable Humanity grant me a Commission, I would rather chuse the latter should it meet with your approbation,

Complying with my request will ever be reflected on by your distres’d Petitioner

            Geo. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Elijah Hunter, 9 December 1789
From: Hunter, Elijah
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sr
            Mountpleasant Decbr 9th 1789

          I have Been for Some time Past in Greate Contemplation whether I Should Trouble your Excellensy with a Line by way of Remembrance, Respecting Some of the Transactions of the Late war or Not, Which I hope you will Not Take amis, if you Should Not Think it worthy your Notice to answer.
          I must also Beg leave to appologise For Languge and Stile To address Such a Character in Life as yourself, For I am Not a Profit Nor a Profits Son Neither was I Brot up at the Feet of Gomalea, But through Divine assistance I Shall be able to Lay Before you Matters of Fact which I Shall only appeal to your Self For the Truth of.
          In the First Place In the winter 1779 when your Excellensy had your Quarters at the Rarritan in Newjersy you may Remember I Came to you with a Letter from Genl McDogal—Informing you that Governor Tryon had Sent a Packet of Letters to me and others to be Distributed and one to myself Insinuating with me to alter my Sentaments and Promising me the Protection of Govermt and its Emoluments in Case of my Being discoverd in Giving them Inteligence These Letters with a Letter From Genl McDogal of my Character you had Before you as I was then a Total Stranger to you.
          I was also Sent by you to Philadelphia To Congress Mr John Jay Being then Presedent who I was well acquainted with, and you Requested me to Call on you In my Return which I Did.
          you then Sr Requested me to Countenance a Corespondance with the British, I then Made Some appoligy that I was unequal to Such a Task and the Resque was Greate, and that I must Become an obnoctious Character on Both Sides, which I Daily Experience to be True, Instances of which if opertunity offerd

Could Site you to—But your Excellensy usd Some Forcable arguments to Excite me To undertake by assuring me the Protection of the States and in Case of our obtaining Independasy that Such Persons who Stood forth at Such a Cretical Moment would Not be Forgot by them, and that it Might be of More Servise than Five hundred men in the Field at my own Expence—and that I had Taken an active Part In my Countries Cause, and that it Become Every Man to Take Such a Part for Gaining our Independansy as Providenc Pointed out, upon thes Conditions, with Nearly the Same from the Then Presedent of Congress I Concluded on the Business and your Excellensy Gave me the Statement of the army and wrote by me to Genl McDogal and also you may Remember that you made an appology to me that it would be attended with Considerable Expence out of Pocket But the Funds were Low and that you Could Not Furnish with Cash for that Purpose, Neither have I Recd any During the war, Except Two half Joes, I Re[ceive]d from you at a Time at Newinsor when I Brot up Four Men By your Express Request to be as Pilots on the Sound which Cost I was to and Did Give them for their Expensis. But if Independansy was obtaind that No Doubt I Should be amply Rewarded I upon these Conditions with I Trust a Zeal for the Cause I went on with Chearfulness and Kep up a Continual Correspondance with them which Soon Became So General That it Took up all my Time To Ride To Head Quarters and So to Meet those who were Imployed Between the Lines This was Kep up More or Less to the End of the war. Now Sr as to the advantages arising from this Inteligence I must Leave to yourself But This I have To Give me Some Satisfaction I have Recd from your Excellensy From west-point a Letter wherein you Returnd me your Thanks for the Information Re[ceive]d by yourself & the Different officers of Ports and also I have a Satificut From you upon your Departure from Newyork Left with genl McDogal To Secure my Character and Recommend me to whom it might Consern Such Like ones I have from Different officers.
          But Sr as to the Intelegence which was Given by me I will Site To Two Instanses Paticulor as No Doubt your Memory may Fail and as I Conseave it was Important I Shall only mention them Two one of which when the Enemy Came up the North River and Took Verplanks Point and Stony Point with an Intent on

West Point and to Make an attack on Connecticut at the Same Time In order to Draw our Troops from the Highlands and also another Instance when Majr Talmage was attacked—at Poundridge which I Gave Talmage Possitive Information Two Days before it happend and the Time when Exactly as I Dont Doubt you will Remember by the Letters which Passed Between you and Talmage about the Matter the other Instance the Information was Given to Genl McDogal Pointedly and the Enemies Design which at First he Could Not Beleave But in a Few Hours Provd the Fact which he has alwaeys acknowledged with the Greatest Gratitude the Many other Instanses would be To Tedious to Mention Genl McDogal a Few Days Before his Death To Two Persons of Character who he Supposd might be of Servise to me in a Future Day Told them that the States were under Greate obligation to Capt. Hunter and was Sorry that he Could Not Se that Full Satisfaction was Made him But it was out of his Power to Do more and Requested as I understand that Those men might Mention this from him In Case it Might Be Nessesary.
          But Sr Sometime Previous to this Genl McDogal Through his Influance as a Temporary Releaf obtaind from the Treasurer of this State about Eight Hundred Pounds in Satificuts which was at about 3/6 Pounds and that as I was a Capt. Malitia and So was Considerd as Being in Servise and the Reason why this was Done was Because I Did Not Chose to apply to Congress as that must be In Such a Publick Manner that my Situation must be Laid open to the World and which has been the Reason why I have Never Made application Since and in Peticulor Since the New Goverment has Taken Place—as all Debates are Made Publick.
          But Sr when I Consider the Justness of my Claim and the Character of the administrator of Goverment and that it is him who I must appeal to as a Living witness of the Truth of these Things, Gives me Courage to Lay the Matter Before you and also another Motive when I Consider that Many Persons who Now Reseave Large Sallar⟨ies⟩ from Goverment who have Never Resqued Life Nor Property In the Servise of the Country and are Now Injoying the Liberties and Emoluments of it, which I as a Siteson am obliged to Pay my Dues and Taxes to Defray the Expence and What I have Recd has Not amounted to half of my

Pock⟨et⟩ Expence I have Sr a Family To take Care of which is Near and Dear to me as Perhaps to any other man, Therefore in Duty to them as well as the Justness of my Cause I Cannot Rest the Matter in Silence any Longer.
          I Cannot with Justise omit Mentioning Two Persons who were also Imployed in the Same Servise under my Deretion and your order and approbation who have Not Re[ceive]d one Cop[pe]r and Both Now in Low Surcumstance one of which was a Man of Some Property and Good Character who has Been undone by the war and has Long been Confind in Goal But through my assistance I have Got him out and For Further Peticulors on Many Different Subjects I Shall omit at Pres⟨ent⟩ and Now Dear Sr if what I have Mentioned Should be by you thot worthy your attention Should be Glad if you Could Let me Know whether it would be agreeable For me to Call on you For Further advise on the Matter and That a Line Left With Malankton Smith of Newyork who I Expect will be the Bearer of this or to Samuel Frankling & Co. who will Forward it to me by my Sloop who will Return from Newyork on Friday Next.
          Now Dear Sr I Shall Leavve the Matter to your wise Consideration Praying that you may be Led in to all Truth and the God of the universe may bestow on you all that grace wisdom and understanding that you Need For to Direct you in the Greate Important Trust Reposed in you For without that you Cant Do anything, acseptable to him and that you may Finish your Course with Joy and at Last Receave a Crown of Glory Laid up In heven for those who Love the Lord Jesus Christ and his appering which God Grant may be the Happy Lot and Portion of us all for Christ Sake which is the Sinseare Desire of your Humbe Sert

            Elijah Hunter


Title: William Jackson to ——, 9 December 1789
From: Jackson, William
To: Unknown

            Sir,
            December 9th 1789.

          The President of the United States having occasion for Mitchell’s map, which hangs in one of the offices of Congress, and is supposed to be in your care, requests that you will be so good as to send it by the Servant, who delivers this note. I am Sir, Your obedient Servant

            W. Jackson.


Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 9 December 1789 [letter not found]
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Robert Morris, 9 Dec. 1789. On 14 Dec. GW wrote to Morris: “I have been favored with the receipt of your letter of the 9th instant.”


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Osgood, 9 December 1789
From: Osgood, Samuel
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            General Post Office New York December 9th 1789

          As the meeting of the Congress of the United States is near at hand, it becomes my Duty to state the situation of the Post Office, in order that if any defects shall be found in the present System, the Supreme Executive may make such representation of the same, as the importance of the business may require.
          I have employed as much of my time, as could be spared from the necessary and current Transactions of the Office, in exa[m]ining into the nature of the Business, and the Defects of the System. And beg leave to submit the following observations for Consideration.
          If the views of the Legislature should be to raise Revenue from the Post Office, in order to aid and support the General Government, the Defects of the present regulations of the Post Office are many, and may easily be pointed out.
          If their should be no view of raising a permanant and sure Revenue, yet for the purpose of establishing more confidence, and security in the Post Office Department, in the minds of those that may be interested in it, many alterations will be found essentially necessary.
          These alterations cannot all be pointed out by men, from mature consideration; for I find the business is more extensive and various, than I had expected; and that it will require some Months Practice and Experience, to obtain adequate & Just Ideas of it.
          The two following articles, upon the present regulation, operate very powerfully against the Revenue.
          Any person may receive carry and deliver inland Letters and Dispatches; and is subject to no Penalty, if it is done without hire or reward.

          All Masters of Ships and Vessels, and passengers in them, may bring letters to the United States, and are not obliged to carry them to a Post Office, nor are they subjected to a penalty, if the Letters are brought without hire or reward.
          The subsequent alterations may be found necessary for greater security in the Post Office, whether Revenue be, or be not an object.
          A more acurate and particular description of Offences and frauds, that may be committed by any person employed in any way or manner whatever in the Department; and penalties proportioned to the Injuries that may happen from the committing such Offences, or being guilty of such frauds.
          In this way then will be brought into View, such Offences as may be committed by the Postmaster General, and those employed in his Office.
          The Deputy Postmasters and such as they employ.
          The Contractors for carrying the Mail, and their Agents and Servants.
          Many Offences may be pointed out, that probably never have been committed in the United States; but the Opportunity to commit them is great, and the injury may be irreparable, as property to a very great amount is frequently conveyed by the Mail. It therefore appears to me, that it would only be exerciseing a due Degree of caution and prudence, to guard against them by defining the Crimes, and affixing to them such penalties as would be most likely to deter from, and prevent the actual committing of them—If afterwards they should be committed, the injured person would have the satisfaction of knowing that the Laws of the Country extended to him as much Protection and Security, as he can reasonably expect.
          It is not necessary to detail all the Crimes and frauds that may be committed in the Post Office Department; If the Legislature should proceed to a new arrangment of it, they will readily occur in an examination into the nature of the business.
          The Duties of the Postmaster General at present seem to be as follows—To keep an Office at the place where Congress may hold their sessions—To obey such orders and Instructions as he may from time to time receive from the President of the United States—To appoint Deputy Postmasters, and instruct them in their Duty in conformity to the Acts of Congress. To receive and

examine their Accounts and Vouchers, and draw out of their, Hands Quarterly, the Balances due the United States: To render to the Treasury annually an Account of the Receipts and expenditures for examination, and Allowance; and to pay over the Surplus Monies—To provide by Contract, and otherwise, when Contracts cannot be made, for carrying the Mail; and to pay the necessary expences thereof—To establish and open new Post Offices, and new Post Roads, whenever and wherever they may be found necessary. And in general, to superintend the Department, and to be accountable for it, in the various duties assigned to it, except the carrying of the Mail.
          On any Breach of Oath the Postmaster General one due conviction, forfeits to the United States one thousand Dollars.
          It is further Ordered, how often he shall cause the Mail to be carried Weekly; and that he shall advertise for proposals for carrying the Mail.
          On the accountability of the Postmaster General, I beg leave to observe, that no man can, however great his Industry, however Sagacious and cautious he may be in his appointments, without subjecting himself to a certain loss, be answerable for the conduct of his Deputies. The calculation of loss being certain in case of Responsibility, if he has not a salary sufficient to compensate such Loss, he must transact the business and keep the Accounts in a manner that the Treasury shall not be able to Charge him with any more Money than he chooses to be Charged with; which has in fact been the case, I believe ever since the Revolution. Or he may hold the Office untill he shall find he cannot preserve his Reputation and Credit, and then if he is an honest man he will resign.
          The number of times that the mail shall be carried weekly; the advertising for Proposals for carrying the Mail; and the establishing new Post Offices, and new Post Roads, appear to me to be matters, that should remain in the Discretion of the supreme Executive. Very great Embarrassments ensue, when business is pointed out in detail, and there is no Power at hand that can alter that detail, however necesary the alteration may be.
          Suitable Penalties should be required of the Postmaster General, in case he neglects or refuses to render true and Just Accounts of the Receipts and expenditures, & to pay over the

Moneys to the Treasury, that may be over and above the annual expenditures, at such periods, as may be required of him.
          In some regulations of foreign Post Offices, that I have attended to, it does not appear that the Postmaster General has an Office separate from one, in which common and ordinary business is done—There may be some reasons given why it should be so: The minutiae of the common business, is important—Those who are most likely to be immediately acquainted with any irregularities, are they who have the receiving and Delivering of the Mail—When the Postmaster General keeps a separate Office many of these irregularities escape his notice—or never come to his knowledge.
          But these remarks would apply more forcibly if there were in the United States, one City of so much consequence, as to have nine Tenths of all the business Center in it. As this is not the case; many Irregularities may take place, and the Postmaster General whether in an Office or not, when the mail is received and delivered will never be acquainted with them.
          I found the General Post Office not blended with one, in which common and ordinary business is done; and it remains in the same situation.
          Let the regulations of the Post Office be calculated in the best possible manner to draw business into it, yet the Revenue will be greater or less in proportion to the rates of Postage—The rates at present have reference to two kinds of Letters—Inland Letters, and Letters that pass and repass by Sea. According to what I am informed is the true instruction of the Ordinance of Congress that imposes the Rates; every single Ship Letter, bro’t to a post Office ought to be charged, in the first instance, with 24/90 of a Dollar, and if it is forwarded by land, the usual rates of travelling Letters, ought to be added to the same. But in the manner the business has been transacted, these Letters have been a burthen and expence to the General Post Office.
          Letters may come from beyond Sea to the United States, in their own Packets, when established, in foreign Packets, and in private Ships or Vessels: So far as I have been able to find out the regulations of other Nations; the rates of Postage are the same, or nearly so, on Ship Letters, let them come in any of the before mentioned ways. The British Postmaster General is subject to a

heavy Penalty if he sends any letters in Ships not navigated according to Law.
          The Letters that come to the United States by Sea, are very numerous; and may be made a source of considerable Revenue, under Proper Regulation.
          With respect to inland Letters, the Prohibition against receiving and carrying them will be of little consequence unless it extends to all persons, who may receive and carry Letters, with or without hire and reward; and proper penalties be annexed to enforce a due observance of it. Some few exceptions may be necessary, where Masters of Vessels carry letters respecting the Merchandize under their immediate care; Letters sent by Friends, or special Messengers, or by common known Carriers if their be such in the United States.
          Regulations may probably be found necessary respecting Bye or Way letters: embezzlling or destroying Letters, on which the Postage has been paid. Detaining or opening letters—secreting, embezling, destroying and stealing any valuable papers out of any letters. Against the Carrier of the Mail, in case they neglect or desert it, or loiter on the road. To oblige Ferrymen to set the Mail across in all possible cases, in a given time.
          To recover small Debts due to, and from the Postmaster in a summary way.
          These are some of the principals that may be found necessary to be introduced into the Regulations of the Post Office, and no doubt many others may suggest themselves to the wisdom of the Legislature.
          The Privilege of Franking Letters is claimed, in some instances, where it is supposed the present regulations do not extend it. In doubtful cases I have taken the advice of Council; and have conducted agreeably thereto. It will be found necessary to make alterations with respect to franking Letters.
          The Secretary of the Treasury having lately requested my Opinion, as to what might probably be the Surplus Revenue in the Post Office Department upon its present establishment, or any one that might be substituted in the place thereof, I take the liberty of enclosing my answer to him, which contains all that I can say respecting the same, until I shall have better Documents for forming estimates. I have The Honor to be &c.


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Powel, 9 December 1789
From: Powel, Samuel
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir
            Philadelphia December 9. 1789

          In my answer to the Enquiries made by Major Jackson, when last in this City, respecting the Hessian Fly, I recollect that I informed him that this destructive Insect had disappeared from this State. That answer, I then believed, from all the Information I was then possessed of, that I was fully warranted in giving—but, upon a Conversation that I had last Night with a very intelligent Farmer, I find it necessary to inform you that this Insect still abounds in Pennsylvania.
          The Purport of the Information given by this Gentleman, is, that the Wheat is, at this Time much infested by the Hessian Fly in his Neighborhood in Bucks County; but that those Farmers who have sown the Yellow-bearded Wheat, are not under Apprehensions of a Failure of their Crops at the ensuing Harvest from it’s Ravages, as this Species of Wheat has been found from Experience, in Pennsylvania as well as in some other of the

States, to be more capable of resisting its Devastations than any other.
          I am sorry to find that Facts are such as to oblige me to contradict the Answer and Information I have given to Major Jackson on this Subject—The Love of Truth, however, will not permit me to withold from communicating this Intelligence, by the first Opportunity after I received it[.] I sincerely hope it may arrive in Time to prevent any Error that might have arisen from my Information to Major Jackson.
          Be pleased to accept the best Thanks of the Society for promoting Agriculture for your obliging Care of Mr Young’s Tenth Volume. If you should have written to Mr Young on the Subject of the Hessian Fly, I shall take it as a particular Favor if you will be so good as to inform me of it, that I may have it in my Power, immediately, to inform him of the true State of Facts, & how far I have contributed to this Error.
          Mrs Powel requests Leave to offer her best Compliments to Mrs Washington, yourself, and all the good Family. I have the Honor to be, with real Respect & Regard Your most obedt humble Servt

            Samuel Powel


Title: Clement Biddle to Tobias Lear, 10 December 1789
From: Biddle, Clement
To: Lear, Tobias

            Philadelphia 10th December 1789

          Since my last of the 30th Ulto I have had an Opportunity of further Enquiry Concerning Buckwheat and find that it cannot easily be had before the Close of Winter but can be Certainly procured during the winter about the prices mentioned in my last letter. Capt. Carhart is arrived from Alexandria and tells me he shall return immediately to potowmack if he can procure a Freight and in that Case will sail about the 20th of this Month—

I shall take care to inform Mrs Meredith in time to ship the Potatoes if the Vessel goes for Alexandria.

            C.B.


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Hanson, 10 December 1789 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Hanson, Samuel (of Samuel)

Letter not found: to Samuel Hanson, 10 Dec. 1789. On the same day Hanson wrote to GW: “Your favour of this date is just received.”


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Hanson of Samuel, 10 December 1789
From: Hanson, Samuel (of Samuel)
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Alexandria, 10th Decr, 1789.

          Your favour of this date is just received.
          I am sincerely distressed at having given you one moment’s uneasiness, and truly repent the occasion of it. I am ashamed at having subjected you to the trouble of so full & particular a Communication of your sentiments upon a subject, which I had as little right, as intention, to explore. In apology, I can only say that I had not the most remote wish, or expectation, of obtaining any promise in my favour. This I knew to be as impossible as it was improper. The object of my Address was to discover

whether there were any circumstances respecting my character which would induce you either, in a private Capacity, to withhold your testimony in it’s support, or, in a publick one, determine you to suppress my Suit, as inadmissible. It is true I was conscious that, if there had ever been any imputation upon me, either as a Man or a Citizen, it had never come to my Knowledge. I knew, too, that, with regard to charges of this kind, the Party interested is not usually kept long in ignorance. But the case was possible. I was anxious, therefore, to discover whether my Character appeared as irreproachable in your Eyes as it did in my own, and as, I trusted, it was in reality. Peculiarly situated with respect to the School, I found that, if there was no prospect of Success from my application, it was important to me to know it. I was, therefore, desirous of Knowing whether You had determined against me; without any design of discovering whether I might reckon upon your patronage and Support. Merely to know that you had not determined to reject my Suit, could not, I conceived, be construed into a promise of Encouragement[.] Between the State of not being absolutely rejected, and that of certain Success, there appeared to me so vast a difference, that, from the former in favour of the latter, no conclusion, or even Argument, could be drawn. But I am, now Sir, sensible the distinction was improper, and am extremely sorry it was attempted to be made.
          Begging you to excuse this, last, trouble upon the Subject, I remain, with perfect respect & Esteem, Sir your much obliged & most obedient Servant

            S. Hanson of Saml


Title: From George Washington to the New Jersey Legislature, 4 December 1789
From: Washington, George
To: New Jersey Legislature

            Gentlemen,
            [New York, c.4 Dec. 1789]

          In replying to the flattering and affectionate address, with which you are pleased to honor me, I confess a want of expression to convey the grateful sentiments which it inspires—You will do justice to those sentiments by believing that they are founded in sincere regard and respectful esteem.
          The opportunities which were afforded me, in the trying vicissitudes of our arduous struggle, to remark the generous spirit which animated the exertions of your citizens, have impressed a remembrance of their worth, which no length of time or change of circumstance can efface. To the gallantry and firmness of their efforts in the field, they have added the wisdom and liberality of distinguished patriotism in council—appreciating, with judicious discernment, the blessings of that independence, which their efforts contributed to establish, they were unanimously agreed to secure and perpetuate them by adopting a Constitution, which promises equal and efficient protection to the privileges of confederated America.
          The assurance now given by your honorable Body, to support the federal system, is a renewed proof of the estimation in which it is held, and a happy indication of the beneficial effects already experienced, and hereafter expected to flow, from its operations—As such it is to me peculiarly grateful, and must be so to every citizen of the Union, whose wish is private prosperity and public honor—Allow me, Gentlemen, to assure you of every endeavor on my part, to promote these desirable objects.
          In making my acknowledgements for the favorable opinions you express of my military conduct, as it reflected the observance of civil-rights, it is justice to assign great merit to the temper of those citizens, whose estates were more immediately the scene of warfare—Their personal services were rendered without constraint, and the derangement of their affairs submitted to without dissatisfaction—It was the triumph of patriotism over personal consideration, and our present enjoyment of peace and freedom reward the sacrifice.
          Imploring a continuance of these enjoyments to our country, and individual happiness to the citizens, who procured them, I offer up a sincere prayer for you, Gentlemen, and your constituents.

            Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James Vaughan, 11 December 1789 [letter not found]
From: Vaughan, James
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from James Vaughan, 11 Dec. 1789. In a letter to GW, 15 Oct. 1791, Vaughan stated he sent a letter to GW “the 11th Decr 1789.”


Title: To George Washington from Hopley Yeaton, 11 December 1789
From: Yeaton, Hopley
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Portsmouth New Hampshire December 11th 1789.

          Permit an inferior Officer in rank, tho’ not inferior in Affection for you in your high Sphere, or for my Country’s welfare, amidst the great concerns of a happy Continent, who have called you, by their united voice to your present important Station, to lay before you my humble Memorial, vizt
          That I was in the earliest Stage of the late arduous Contest, on the side of my Country;
          That I had the Honour to serve as first Lieutenant on Board the Continental Frigate the Deane. That I continued in the Continental Navy in a rank not inferior to that of Lieutenant to the Close of the War, with as much zeal, and I hope as much honor, as will permit me to lay claim to some notice, but give me

leave to appeal from myself to those who are well acquainted with my Character on this subject and pleace to Remember that I say nothing of the great pecuniary losses I have sustained, and the Sacrifice of domestic pleasures I have cheerfully made for my country’s cause; Whenever therefore, there shall be in your gift, Sir, such Offices in this State, or any other in the Union, for which you shall think I am equal and in which I may deserve from that public to which I have devoted the cream of my life, your united Goodness and Justice will not forget. Sir your dutifull and most devoted Humble Servant

            Hopley Yeaton


Title: To George Washington from Philip Dalby, 12 December 1789
From: Dalby, Philip
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Winchester [Va.] 12 Decembr 1789

          Presuming upon Favors I have already receiv’d from you, I take the Freedom now to address you, wishing to draw your Attention towards me, if any Opportunity should offer of an Appointment to a small office, appertaining to the Federal Court or otherwise in this part of the World; I am at present but little engag’d in Business (my mercantile Concerns not having answered my Expectations) it wou’d therefore be in my power to attend fully to any post you might [be] pleased to think me adequate to; which would be ever gratefuly acknowledgd by Sir, Your most obligd humble Servant

            Philip Dalby


Title: To George Washington from John Walker, 13 December 1789
From: Walker, John
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Wilmington North Carolina December 13th 1789

          I had the honor to be appointed Naval Officer for Port Brunswick in this State by joint ballot of both houses of our Legislature in the year 1782—and have continued in that office untill this time, by the laws of this State it is held during good behaviour—This State has lately ratified the federal Constitution by which I learn that my Office is vacated, and that it is to be filled by your Excellencys appointment.
          I am informed that an application is to be made by Mr Callender of this place supported by the petition of many respectable Citizens for his advancement to this Office—Against Mr Callenders merit I have not a word to offer—nor against the Gentlemen whose names are subscribed to his petition, I have however been told that a report prevailed and gained credit with many of those Gentlemen that I had resigned which implied a voluntary going out of Office, which was certainly not true and so far those Gentlemen were deceived, and in order to convince me that they were so, most of those very Gentlemen subscribed the enclosed certificate subsequent to their petition in favour of Mr Callender.
          Mr Callender has served in the American Army with reputation during the late war, I also had the honor to serve under your Excellencys command and had once the good fortune to be Known to you but cannot now flatter myself that I retain a place in your recollection—To your Excellencys judgement this will appear of little moment as to the subject on which I trouble you, but I rely on your humanity to excuse me if I betray some vanity in recalling to mind the honor I have enjoyed in being known to your Excellency.
          I am not conscious that I have neglected any Duty or committed any ill practice in the Office I have held—I am sure no

complaint has been made that I know of—which the aforementioned certificate will demonstrate—I am therefore only removed by this States having entered into the New federal Government—We have rejoiced at being reunited to the other States under the New federal Constitution, I trust your Excellency will not make the event painfull to any one.
          I beg pardon for the trouble I have given your Excellency—and beg leave to subscribe myself with th⟨e⟩ greatest respect and submission, Your Excellencys, Most obedt & Most humbe Servt

            Jno. Walker


Title: To George Washington from Charles Pinckney, 14 December 1789
From: Pinckney, Charles
To: Washington, George

            Dear Sir,
            Charleston [S.C.] December 14 1789

          Your avocations have been so numerous & important since your entrance into office that I have not troubled you with but one letter which was to recommend Mr Hall, & to very sincerely congratulate you upon your appointment to the supreme magistracy. I am well convinced that to increase the number of your correspondents unnecessarily is to do you a serious injury, for I should suppose with official communications—with proper & improper applications for favours—& the oppressive correspondence

of numbers, who with very little information or pleasure to you write merely for the purpose of boasting the honour of your correspondence—with such I have always considered you as so overwhelm’d that I have hitherto forborne to write you although motives of respect as well as information ought frequently to have induced me.
          Upon the present occasion I feel myself in some measure obliged from the situation which I hold to state to you my sentiments on the critical situation of our neighbouring State & eventually the frontiers of this—To predict with some degree of certainty what may be the consequence of things remaining in the state they are & no treaty formed with the Creeks & southern Indians, permit me to trespass for a moment upon your time by observing—that however I confess it is conjectural, yet there appears to me to be good grounds for supposing that the situation of our foreign concerns is totally changed with respect to Spain—Upon the conclusion of the peace I believe it was the intention of that court to have entered into a treaty of amity & commerce with us—to have been our friends & to have done every thing in their power to have promoted the intercourse—but they mistook the means—for instead of forming a treaty upon those terms which would have insured a reciprocity of Benefits, they thought the best way to remove every future ground of difference—to prevent our becoming dangerous neighbours—& to keep us at a distance was to propose the surrender of a right as degrading to the honour as it would have been ultimately injurious to the interests of the Union—I happened to be in Congress at the time the proposal was brought forward through the then Secretary Mr Jay—having more leisure or having more maturely considered the offer, I was requested by the opponents to prepare an answer to the reasons which Mr Jay offered in support of Mr Gardoqui’s proposal—this I did, & being afterwards desired by many of the southern members to furnish them with copies, I had a few printed which were confidentially delivered to some of my friends, for their information upon a subject which at that time very much engaged the attention of the public—I have the honour to inclose you one of the few copies I have left—I do so in order that I may not only more clearly illustrate the observations I am about to make but also that in case another attempt should be made to

conclude this treaty you may be informed of the reasons which at that time induced an Opposition—as the Business of treaties must ever be of a secret nature you will no doubt consider the communication as it is intended entirely confidential.
          The Court of Spain being defeated in this measure have appeared to me to entirely change their ground—The original & I believe the only reason of Spain’s anxiety to conclude a treaty with us was to secure her American Continental possessions from being at any time the object of invasion or insult from the southern or more probably the western inhabitants of the Union—they have ever dreaded the settlement of the western territory & looked forward to the time when it would become necessary for its inhabitants to use the Mississipi, as a period very likely to produce those uneasinesses which would perhaps end in the invasion of their dominions—Had they at first proposed a solid & reciprocally beneficial treaty it would have prevented or at least postponed for a number of years any danger of this sort—but having as I have already observed wrongly concieved the means of effecting it & being foiled in their first attempt they have now changed their ground—They are endeavouring by every exertion in their power to attach not only the southern Indians but as many as they possibly can of the inhabitants of the Western territory closely to their interest—they have compleatly succeeded with some of the most powerful nations of the southern Indians. hence the difficulty of treating with them—& I am sorry to find from accounts which appear to me to be tolerably authentic that they have diverted a considerable number of the inhabitants of some of the States & tempted them to become settlers within their borders—thus situated it seems to me as beyond a doubt that they are the spring of all the present disturbances with the Creeks & that they are cherishing a spirit of discontent & disaffection in them & the western inhabitants to the Government of the Union—By means of their intrigues Georgia has been for some years in a lamentable state of depredation & distress—although they have hitherto forborne to commit hostilities on the citizens of this State, yet the inhabitants of the frontiers are in an uneasy & disagreable situation—they all look up to the Union for the establishment of that solid & permanent treaty which can alone secure to them the peaceable enjoyment of their possessions.

          Not having been officially informed of the reasons of the late commissions miscarrying, I am unable to form any judgements of the motives which occasioned it—as I am confident a general Indian War would not only be attended with great inconvenience to Georgia & our frontiers, but with a very considerable expenditure of Blood & Treasure to the Union, I have made it a point to acquire from the most respectable authority on their borders & elsewhere such information as is the most to be depended upon—not to detain you with a circumstantial account of the means used to obtain it, or a detail of their relations, the result is—that however anxious the Spanish Court are to foment & continue the existing animosities, yet there is a disposition in the Indians upon just & proper principles to again become the friends & probably the allies of the Union—In this temper they now are, & I am convinced that detaching Mr McGillivray from his Spanish connexions & confirming him the friend and perhaps the useful agent of the United States is not a difficult or improbable measure. To you Sir I have been repeatedly requested to suggest these opinions—from the weight & influence of your character & situation much is very properly expected—as the organ therefore of a growing & important territory, whose future population & consequence depend upon the friendship & intercourse of their Indian neighbours, I intreat the early & earnest attention of the general Government, to whom with great propriety the sole management of India[n] affairs is now committed—I am the more anxious on this point because on the renewal of hostilities in June last the Executive of Georgia in virtue of the Union made a formal requisition on me for the aid of this State—fortunately a truce was concluded before it was necessary to interfere—When I consider the number & force of the hostile indian tribes—how formidably their number might be increased should the same intrigues induce the Choctaws to join them—how much the power of the Indian nations must be increased by the arrangement of their affairs being in the hands of such a man as Mr McGillivray—& how amply they are assisted by the Spanish Court, not only in stores & money but even in the aid of disciplinarians to introduce as much order as Indians are capable of recieving—when I add to these the little that is to be obtained by a war & the distresses & expences it must occasion, you will pardon I am sure the anxiety

I am under to have a permanent & solid peace—no State arrangement—no truce—no partial compromise will be sufficient, They must be taught to revere the justice of the Union & look up to it as the sole means of giving to them a lasting treaty & the secure possession of their real rights.
          So much for Business of a public nature permit me now to thank you for the many marks of regard I recieved while with you in 1787—particularly in furnishing me with introductory Letters to your friends in Europe had I pursued the route I at that time intended—although I have hitherto been prevented by marrying & being requested by my friends to accept the Government I have by no means given it up altogether—My term of office will expire in a twelvemonth—when if nothing prevents I shall endeavour to execute my former plan—I am strengthened in this Idea by the wish of my Wife to revisit that part of the World—she is the daughter of Mr Laurens & sister to your former aid de Camp our deceased & much lamented friend Colonel John Laurens—from the age of seven to fourteen she was educated in France & until she came to this Country remained in England—so that her accurate knowledge of the french language & acquaintance with their customs will be extremely useful should curiosity or Business make it necessary for me to go there or to any of the neighbouring States of Europe—From your late tour we are flattered with the hope of your one day visiting this country—whenever you so far honour us I am sure that every thing in our power will be done to render your Visit pleasing and agreable to you. I am with the sincerest Respect & Esteem much obliged Dear Sir Yours truly

            Charles Pinckney.


Title: To George Washington from Jabez Bowen, 15 December 1789
From: Bowen, Jabez
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Providence [R.I.] Decembr 15. 1789

          In my Letter that I addressed to your Excellency in Boston I informed you that I should attend the General Assembly, where the Question would be determined wheather we should Call a Convention, or not. altho’ we found a small Majority, whose private sentiments were for the motion, yet so many of them were bound by Instructions from their Constituents to vote against it that the motion was lost by a Majority of 22.
          The Assembly now stands Adjorned to the second Monday in January then to meet in this Town.
          We have just heard of the Adoption of the Constitution by North: Carolina, on which I hartily Congratulate your Excellency, more especially as the Majority is so verry large. This Event will have some weight with the oposition with us, but I am afraid not sufficient to Insure a Convention.
          The Towns of Newport Providence Bristol &c. with the whole Mercantile interest in the other Towns in the State are Federal.

while The Farmers in general are against it. Their oposition arises principally from Their being much in Debt, from the Insinuations of wicked and designing Men, That they will loose their Liberty by adopting it; That The Sallerys of the National Officers are so verry high That it will take the whole of the Money Collected by The Impost to pay Them. That The Intrest & principle of The General Debt must be raised by Dry Taxation on Real Estates &c. We have Exerted our utmost abilities to Convince Them of the Errors that they have Imbibed by hearing to The old Tories and Desperate Debtors. but all in vain, what further Sir is to be done? if we knew what our Duty was, we are willing to do it. Tho’ I have no Idea that The Antis will or can be induced to come in without the arm of Power is Exerted and That They shall be taught that The principles that they hoald and Disseminate among the Citizens of The Neighbouring States as well as This is inconsistent, and not propper to be professed by any person or persons that Live on the Teritorys of the United States. their wish is to overturn the whole Federal Government rather Than This State should submitt to it.
          If we faile in getting a Convention at the next Meeting of the General Assembly will Congress protect us if we seperate from the State Government: and appoint us Officers to Collect The Revennue, if this should be Thot well of and should be put in practice but in part I have no doubt but it will bring the Country part of the Community to their sinses soon—and that one Town and another will be a Dropping off so that The oposition will be done away. be pleased Sir to give me an answer to this proposition as soon as Convenient. wishing for a Continuance of your Health I Remain Sir with sentiments of the highest Esteeme Your Obedient Humble Servant.

            Jabez Bowen

            This will be deliverd by Major J. S. Dexter who is a Member of our Genl Assembly and to whom I Refer your Excellency for further particulars.
            (Private)


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 15 December 1789
From: Jefferson, Thomas
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Chesterfeild [Va.] Dec. 15. 1789.

          I have received at this place the honour of your letters of Oct. 13 and Nov. 30 and am truly flattered by your nomination of me to the very dignified office of Secretary of state: for which permit me here to return you my humble thanks. Could any circumstance seduce me to overlook the disproportion between it’s duties & my talents it would be the encouragement of your choice. but when I contemplate the extent of that office, embracing as it does the principal mass of domestic administration, together with the foreign, I cannot be insensible of my inequality to it: and I should enter on it with gloomy forebodings from the criticisms & censures of a public just indeed in their intentions, but sometimes misinformed & misled, & always too respectable to be neglected. I cannot but foresee the possibility that this may end disagreeably for one, who, having no motive to public service but the public satisfaction, would certainly retire the moment that satisfaction should appear to languish. on the other hand I feel a degree of familiarity with the duties of my present office, as far at least as I am capable of understanding it’s duties. the ground I have already passed over enables me to see my way into that which is before me. the change of government too, taking place in the country where it is exercised, seems to open a possibility of procuring from the new rulers some new advantages in commerce which may be agreeable to our countrymen. so that as far as my fears, my hopes, or my inclination might enter into this question, I confess they would not lead me to prefer a change. but it is not for an individual to chuse his post. you are to marshal us as may best be for the public good: and it is only in the case of it’s being indifferent to you that I would avail myself of the option you have so kindly offered in your letter. if you think it better to transfer me to another post, my inclination must be no obstacle: nor shall it be, if there is any desire to suppress the office I now hold, or to reduce it’s grade.

in either of these cases, be so good only as to signify to me by another line your ultimate wish, & I shall conform to it cordially. if it should be to remain at New York, my chief comfort will be to work under your eye, my only shelter the authority of your name, & the wisdom of measures to be dictated by you, & implicitly executed by me. whatever you may be pleased to decide, I do not see that the matters which have called me hither will permit me to shorten the stay I originally asked; that is to say, to set out on my journey Northward till the month of March. as early as possible in that month I shall have the honor of paying my respects to you in New York. in the mean time I have that of tendering you the homage of those sentiments of respectful attachment with which I am Sir Your most obedient & most humble servant

            Th: Jefferson


Title: To George Washington from Charles Morrell, 15 December 1789
From: Morrell, Charles
To: Washington, George

            15 Decemr 1789

          Pardon me a straing boy for troubling your Excellency on so extrordnor an ocasion, I am the s[on] of James Morell an offcer in the Ammerecan army under Excellencys emedeat Command, but by the war is reduced to poverty unable to help him selfe or me, bound me to a Traid my master beate me severely my father applyd to a Court of justice who releaved me I have acquired as mutch of the traid as will Enable me to carey on the business—Could but prevail on the noble generous mind to aid me a little with Cash to purchess Tools with, Mr John jay hes lent me Three Pounds four shillings untill may nixt Mr John Franklin promisesed to answer as mutch, Could I but prevail on your Excellencys jenerous mind to do me the like favour four Pounds will set m[e] to work and Enable me to assis my father with his large famely help my selfe return the money by may or June with Every degree of thanks I am your Excellencys Most obedeant & verey Humble Sert

            Charles Morrell

            I wait at your Excellencys dore.


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 15 December 1789
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

            My dear Sir
            Richmond decr 15. 1789.

          Your friendly favor of the 30th Ultimo is this moment delivered to me. My three last letters since the 8th of October have, I hope, been received, and will satisfy you of my having determined to proceed to New York about the 15th of next month.
          You may be assured, that Mr Wythe neither wished nor expected to be the successor of Mr Pendleton. I will candidly tell you the reason, upon which this assurance is founded. In the month of July it was intimated to me in a letter from Colo. Griffin, that it was his desire to know, whether Mr Wythe would enter into fœderal employment. The intimation seemed to arise from a purpose to say something to you concerning him. I therefore took an indirect opportunity of communicating Colo. Griffin’s request to Mr Wythe; whose answer was, that he could not make a reply in the then state of the application, and even if it were made in a stile, which permitted him to declare himself, he should say, that he was too old and too happy in his present situation to be induced to a change. It is true, that the office of the district-judge would not have compelled him to travel much beyond Richmond; but he sits in a kind of legal monarchy, which to him is the highest possible gratification. We shall however enter into some general discourse, that will lead to a discovery of his true sensations; tho’ I am confident, that he felt as much pleasure at the idea of being thought of, as an actual appointment would have afforded.
          Mr Griffin opened the court to-day. He was inclined at first to enter upon duty in the county-court-house. But Colo. Carrington and myself remonstrated with him on the necessity of doing this very publickly, and in the court-room of the capitol. To this remonstrance he yielded. The truth is, that every body is highly pleased, that Mr Griffin is put into the mode of getting a livelihood; and they have an earnest hope, that he will conduct himself in the situation, which requires great prudence, circumspection, and indeed talents.
          The senate, as I mentioned in my last, rejected the 3d, 8th, 11th & 12th amendments, and adopted the rest. It has been thought best by the most zealous friends to the constitution to

let the whole of them rest. I have submitted to their opinion; not choosing to rely upon my own judgment in so momentous an affair. The ground of their opinion is a resolution to throw the odium of rejection on the senate. I am my dear sir your obliged friend and affte servant.

            Edm: Randolph.


Title: From George Washington to the Chiefs of the Choctaw Nation, 17 December 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Chiefs of the Choctaw Nation

            Brothers.
            [New York, 17 December 1789]

          I have sent Major Doughty one of our Warriors, in order to convince you that the United States well remember the treaty they made with your Nation four years ago at Hopewell on the Keowee—guard and protect him and show him the places at which trading posts shall be established in order to furnish you with goods; and when the said posts shall be established, support them to the utmost of your power.
          Be attentive to what he shall say in the name of the United States for he will speak only truth.
          Regard the United States as your firm and best support—Keep bright the chain of friendship between the Chickasaws and your nation—reject the advice of bad men who may attempt to poison your minds with suspicions against the United States. Given under my hand and Seal, at the City of New York this seventeenth day of December One thousand, seven hundred and Eighty nine.

            Go: WashingtonBy Command of the President of the United States.
            H. KnoxSecretary for the department of War


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 17 December 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir
            United States Decr 17th 1789

          As I am uncertain of the condition & even the Office in which the papers containing accounts of our disbursments for subsistence of British prisoners remain; and as it is not improbable that some negotiations may (whenever our Union under the General Government shall be completed) take place between the United States & Great Britain, in which an accurate understanding of those Accots will become necessary—I have therefore thot proper to suggest the expediency of having some immediate attention paid to them.
          Notwithstanding, on as fair a statement of Expenditures as could now be made, much property must undoubtedly be lost by the United States for want of Vouchers and by reason of the negligence with which the business was conducted on our part; yet I was always impressed with an idea, that, under all these disadvantageous circumstances, a very considerable balance would still be found in our favor—My present wish is, to have the subject so far investigated, as that we might not commit ourselves, by bringing forward Accounts, which had better continue dormant. Shou’d there be no danger of that Kind, it would then be desirable to have the business placed in a state, which might enable us to speak from a general knowledge of facts, and in a proper tone; in case a demand of the American posts held by the King of Great Britain should draw pecuniary subjects into discussion. I believe Lists of property carried away by the British, at the time when they evacuated the posts they had occupied during the late War, are lodged in the Office of Foreign Affairs. I am sir with great esteem Your most Obt Servant

            G. Washington


Title: Tobias Lear to Alexander Hamilton, 18 December 1789
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Hamilton, Alexander

            Sir
            United States Decr 18th 1789.

          I am directed by the President of the United States to send you the enclosed letter from General Hazen dated Decr 16th—and likewise a memorial from the same person of the 12th inst: together with the Copy of a letter written by the Presidents command in answer to the enclosed Memorial. I have the honor to be with perfect consideration Sir Your most Obedt Servt

            Tobias Lear.Secy to the President U.S.


Title: To George Washington from Beverley Randolph, 18 December 1789
From: Randolph, Beverley
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Richmond December 18th 1789.

          I do myself the honour to inclose you an act of the General Assembly authorizing the Governor of this Commonwealth to convey certain land to the United States in Congress assembled for the purpose of building a light House.
          The State had some years ago placed upon the shore at Cape Henry nearly a sufficient quantity of materials to compleat such a light House as was at that time thought convenient, which have been in the course of time covered by sand. Measures are taking to extricate them from this situation and to place them in a more safe one.
          If the United States shall accept the cession now offered and will purchase the abovementioned materials the Executive will be ready to dispose of them as soon as their value can be ascertained. I have &c.

            Beverley Randolph


Title: To George Washington from John Paul Jones, 20 December 1789
From: Jones, John Paul
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            Amsterdam December 20. 1789.

          I avail myself of the departure of the Philadelphia Packet Captain Earle, to transmit to your Excellency a Letter I received for you on leaving Russia in August last, from my Friend the Count de Segur Minister of France at St Petersburg. That Gentleman and myself have frequently conversed on subjects that regard America, and the most pleasing reflection of all has been the happy establishment of the new Constitution, and that you are so deservedly placed at the Head of the Government by the Unanimous Voice of America. Your Name alone, Sir, has established in Europe a confidence that was for some time before entirely wanting in American concerns, and I am assured that the happy effects of your Administration are still more sensibly felt throughout the United-States. This is more Glorious

for you than all the Laurels that your Sword so nobly won in support of the Rights of Human Nature! In War your Fame is immortal as the Hero of Liberty! In Peace you are her Patron & the firmest supporter of her rights! Your greatest Admirers, and even your best Friends, have now but one Wish left for you—That you may long enjoy Health and your present Happiness!
          I send by this occasion to Mr C. Thomson & to Mr J. Adams Sundry documents, from the Count de Segur, on my Subject. I presume that those Peices will be communicated to your Excellency. They explain, in some degree, my Reasons for leaving Russia, and the Danger to which I was exposed by the dark Intrigues and mean Subterfuges of Asiatic Jealousy and Malice.
          Mr Jefferson can inform you respecting my Mission to the Court of Denmark. I was received and treated there with mark’d Politeness, and, if the fine Words I received are true, the Business will soon be settled. I own however that I should have stronger Hopes, if America had created a respectable Marine; for that argument would give weight to every transaction with Europe.
          I acquited myself of the Commission with which you honored me when last in America, by delivering your Letters with my own Hand at Paris to the persons to whom they were addressed. I am, Sir, with great respect, esteem, and Attachement Your Excellency’s most devoted and most humble Servant

            Paul Jones

            N.B. In case your Excellency should have any Orders to send me, I think it my duty to subjoin my Address—Under cover “To Messieurs N. and J. Van-Staphorst & Hubbard Amsterdam.”


Title: Tobias Lear to Clement Biddle, 21 December 1789
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Biddle, Clement

            Dear Sir,
            New York, December 21 st 1789

          I have to acknowledge your three favors of the 22d & 30th of Novr and 10th of Decr—all of which have been duly laid before the President, who now directs me to request that you will be so good as to inform me in your next, at what price per bushel 350 bushels of Buckwht could be delivered at Alexandria if sent in bags, includg the cost of the Buckwheat—the bags—commission on purchasing—freight and every incidental charge; and what would be the cost per bushl if sent in Barrels including every expense as above. He wishes this particular calculation to determine whether he shall procure it from Philadelphia or from the back Counties in Virginia—and requests this information to be given, if it can be obtained, in the course of this week, that he may, in his letter of next week to Major Washington, direct him to procure it from the back Country or wait its arrival from Philadelphia. From your last letter it is not probable the Buckwheat could be got in time to send (if it should be ordered) before the Rivers close, therefore, the calculation, I suppose, must be made with an idea of its being forwarded as early in the spring as possible.
          Mrs Washington will be much obliged to you to get from Mr Reinagle, who taught Miss Custis music last summer, such music as he thinks proper for her to progress with through the winter—and pay him for the same, which you will be good enough to forward to New York.
          Present my best Respts to Mrs Biddle—and tell her I will present her compliments to Mrs Lear on the first day of my marriage whenever that may be —and I thank you, my dear Sir, for your kind congratulations which shall be reserved for the proper occasion. I am, with very sincere esteem Dr Sir, Yr most Obedt Sert

            Tobias Lear.


Title: To George Washington from Mary Katherine Goddard, 23 December 1789
From: Goddard, Mary Katherine
To: Washington, George

            Baltimore, Decemr 23d 1789.

          The Representation of Mary Katherine Goddard, Humbly sheweth—That She hath kept the Post Office at Baltimore for upwards of fourteen years; but with what degree of Satisfaction to all those concerned, She begs leave to refer to the number & respectability of the Persons who have publickly addressed the Post Master General & his Assistant, on the Subject of her late removal from Office; And as Mr Osgood has not yet favoured between two and three hundred of the principal Merchants & Inhabitants of Baltimore with an answer to their last application, transmitted to him by Post on the 19th Day of November ultimo, nor with any Answer to sundry private Letters, accompanying the transcript of a like application, made to Mr Burrell when at Baltimore: She therefore, at the instance of the Gentlemen thus pleased to interest themselves on her behalf, lays before your Excellency, Superintendant of that department, as briefly as possible, the nature & circumstances, of what is conceived to be an extraordinary Act of oppression towards her.
          That upon the dissolution of the old Government, when from the non importation Agreement and other causes incident to the Revolution, the Revenue of the Post-Office was inadequate to its disbursements, She accepted of the same, and at her own risque, advanced hard money to defray the Charges of Post Riders for many years, when they were not to be procured on any other terms; and that during this period, the whole of her Labour & Industry in establishing the Office was necessarily unrewarded; the Emoluments of which being by no means equal to the then high Rent of an Office, or to the Attention required both to receive & forward the Mails, as will evidently appear ⟨by⟩ the Schedule, here unto annexed, and therefore, whoever thus established & continued the Office, at ⟨the⟩ gloomy period when it was worth no Person’s Acceptance, ought surely to be thought worthy of it, when it became more valuable. And as it had been universally understood, that no Person would be removed from Office, under the present Government, unless manifest misconduct appeared, and as no such Charge could possibly be made against her, with the least colour of Justice, She was happy in the Idea of being secured both in her

Office, and the Protection of all those who wished well to the prosperity of the Post Office, & the new Government in general.
          That She has sustained many heavy losses, well known to the Gentlemen of Baltimore, which swallowed up the Fruits of her Industry, without even extricating her from embarrassment to this day, although her Accounts with the Post Office were always considered, as amongst the most punctual & regular of any upon the Continent; notwithstanding which She has been discharged from her Office, without any imputation of the least fault, and without any previous official notice: The first intimation on that head being an Order from Mr Burrell, whilst at Baltimore, to deliver up the Office to the Bearer of his Note; and altho’ he had been there several days, yet he did not think proper to indulge her with a personal Interview, thus far treating her in the Stile of an unfriendly delinquent, unworthy of common Civility, as well as common Justice. And although Mr White, who succeeded her, might doubtless have been meritorious in the different Offices he sustained, yet, She humbly conceives, he was not more deserving of public notice & protection in his Station, than She has uniformly been in hers: It must therefore become a matter of serious Importance & of peculiar distress to her, if Government can find no means of rewarding this Gentleman’s Services, but at the Expence of all that She had to rely on, for her future dependence & subsistence.
          That it has been alledged as a Plea for her removal, that the Deputy Post Master of Baltimore will hereafter be obliged to ride & regulate the Offices to the Southward but that She conceives, with great deference to the Post Master General, ⟨mutilated⟩ impracticable, & morally impossible; because the business of the Baltimore Office will require his constant Attendance, & he alone could give satisfaction to the people, if therefore the duties of the Assistant, Mr Burrells’ Office are to be performed by any other than himself, surely it cannot well be attempted by those who are fully occupied with their own; and as two Persons must be employed, according to this new Plan, She apprehends, that She is more adequate to give Instructions to the Riding Post Master, how to act than any other Person possibly could, heretofore unexperienced in such business.
          She, therefore, most humbly hopes from your Excellency’s Philanthropy and wonted Humanity, You will take her Situation

into Consideration; and as the Grievance complained of, has happened whilst the Post Office Department was put under your auspicious Protection, by a Resolve of Congress, that Your Excellency will be graciously pleased to order, that She may be restored to her former Office, and as in duty bound, She will ever pray &c.

            Mary K: Goddard


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 23 December 1789
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

            Dear sir
            Richmond decr 23. 1789

          I returned from the assembly the day before yesterday. Since my last nothing material has occurred in either house; except that the bill is passed, authorizing restitution to be made of Abingdon to Mr Alexander, if you shall approve.
          I found a fortunate moment for a conversation with Mr Wythe. He repeated what I wrote to you in answer to your favor of the 30th Ulto. Indeed he declared himself happy in believing, that he held a place in your esteem; and that he was confident, you had looked towards him with every partiality, which he could wish. Nay without going into the detail of our discourse, I am convinced from his own mouth, that the knowledge of his present situation is considered by him, as the only reason of a seat on the bench, not being tendered to him.
          I shall have the pleasure of seeing you so soon, that I shall now only add, that I always am Dear sir yr obliged friend & serv.

            Edm: Randolph


Title: To George Washington from James Read, 23 December 1789
From: Read, James
To: Washington, George

            Sir
            Wilmington North Carolina Decr 23rd 1789

          The Politeness with which you were always pleased to treat me in the Army, when I had occasion to wait on you, imboldens me to take the liberty of addressing you at present, and soliciting a continuance in the Office that I now hold, which is Collector of Port Brunswick; the General Assembly of this State appointed me to the Office in eightyfour (the first time that Duties were laid since the Revolution) and to continue Collector of the Continental Impost when the rest of the State adopted the measure, recommended by the late ⟨mutilated⟩ I have continued in the Office since that time, and beg ⟨mutilated⟩ to refer to a Certificate from the Treasurer (enclosed) ⟨mutilated⟩ the punctuality of my Settlements.

          I served as an Officer in the Army from the Year seventyfive to the end of the War, and after the Defeat of General Gates, when there were no Continental Troops belonging to this State, I offered my Service to the Assembly who gave me the Command of a Regiment of Militia, with which I joined General Greene, and had the Honor of presenting that worthy and respectable Officer’s aprobation of my Conduct, to the General Assembly, on my return from the Campaign. I hope Sir you will not think that I mean any thing more by this than that I have been a faithful Servant to the Public. I am Sir with the greatest Respect your obedient and very humble Servant

            James Read


Title: William Jackson to George Turner, 23 December 1789
From: Jackson, William
To: Turner, George

            Dear Sir,
            New-York. December 23rd 1789.

          The communication which I now make to you though painful, is friendly, and has no other object ⟨mutilated⟩ your interest.
          I suggested to you, when in Philadelphia that your delay, in repairing to the western-terri⟨tory⟩ would as certainly excite the President’s displeasure as I was convinced it would his disappointment. Accustomed to punctuality himself, he expects to see it in others—especially in the discharge of those trusts which involve the most interesting concerns of the ⟨mutilated.⟩
          You must excuse the freedom and force of this expression—it is the language of truth uttering sentiments of friendship—and better far it should be thus conveyed than take the form of an official communication.
          The President of the United States was told, yesterday, that you were still in Philada, and he is, indeed, much dissatisfied at the circumstance.

          Let me request you to do away his dissatisfaction by setting out immediately for the place of your official residence, where I wish you to reap a large harvest of honorable fame and private happiness. Being very sincerely Your friend

            W.Jackson.


Title: From George Washington to Joseph Willard, 23 December 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Willard, Joseph

            Sir,
            New York Decr 23d, 1789

          Your letter of the 7th Ultimo was handed to me a few days since by Mr Savage, who is now engaged in taking the Portrait which you, & the Governors of the Seminary over which you preside, have expressed a desire for, that it may be placed in the Philosophy chamber of your University.
          I am induced, Sir, to comply with this request from a wish that I have to gratify, so far as with propriety may be done, every reasonable desire of the patrons & promoters of Science—And at the same time I feel myself flattered by the polite manner in which I am requested to give this proof of my sincere regard & good wishes for the prosperity of the University of Cambridge. I am, Sir with great esteem, Your most Obedt Servt.


Title: From George Washington to William Fitzhugh, 24 December 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Fitzhugh, William

            Dear Sir,
            New York, Decr 24th 1789

          I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 4th inst. which announced to us the disagreeable intelligence of Mrs Plater’s death—Mrs Washington and myself sincerely condole with you, your Lady and the other friends of Mrs Plater upon this melancholy event.
          Mr Johnson has, as you supposed, declined the appointment of Judge to the District of Maryland, and I have lately appointed Mr Paca to fill that office. Mr Thomas whom you recommend

for that place undoubtedly possesses all those qualifications which you have ascribed to him—and so far as my own knowledge of that Gentleman extends, he is justly entitled to the reputation which he sustains. But in appointing persons to office, & more especially in the Judicial Department, my views have been much guided to those Characters who have been conspicuous in their Country; not only from an impression of their services, but upon a consideration that they had been tried, & that a readier confidence would be placed in them by the public than in others, perhaps of equal merit, who had never been proved. Upon this principle Mr Paca certainly stands prior to Mr Thomas altho’ the latter may possess in as high a degree every qualification requisite in a Judge. With very sincere regard I am, Dear Sir, Your most Obedt Servt.


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 24 December 1789
From: Lincoln, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

            My dear General
            Boston Decr 24 1789

          Docr Oliphant was during the war at the head of the medical department at the southward—He always supported the character as master of his profession a Gentleman of arangment, of Justice, œconomy & industry—He is among those unhappy men who have suffered by the late war and has seen better days If there should be an opening for him again in the public line I have no doubt but he would honour to any appointment he should receive. I have the honour of being My de[a]r General with the most perfect esteem your most obedient servant

            B. Lincoln.


Title: Tobias Lear to John Henry Livingston, 24 December 1789
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Livingston, John Henry

            Sir,
            New York Decr 24th 1789

          The President of the United States observing in the Public Papers that a sermon was to be delivered at the Dutch Church in this City for the benefit of a charity school belonging thereto, and not having an opportunity of contributing toward it at that time, he has now directed me to send you the enclosed sum of ten Dollars to be applied to that purpose. With very great respect I am Sir Yr most Obedt Servt

            Tobias Lear
            S.P.U.S.


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Martin, 24 December 1789
From: Martin, Alexander
To: Washington, George

            Sir,
            North Carolina—Fayetteville December 24th 1789

          I do myself the honour to inclose your Excellency herewith a copy of an Act of the General Assembly of this State passed at their last Session at this place, “for the purpose of ceding to the United States of America certain western Lands therein described,” which your Excellency will please to lay before the honorable the Congress of the United States at their next Session. I have the Honour to be with the highest respect Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant

            Alex: Martin


Title: To George Washington from “An Old Soldier”, 25 December 1789
From: “An Old Soldier”
To: Washington, George

            Great Sr
            Commonwealth of Massachusetts—Decr 25th 1789

          I hope it is a moment of leasure if this luckely should fall into your hands—urgent necessity induces me thus humbly to approach your Excellancy—I will not Sr long divert your attention from your arduous employment—but beg leave to observe—that on the first alarm of war I entered the Service of my Country being a minute Man in the then Massachusetts State—and having a fervant zeal to see the Conclusion I engaged from term to term till the first time of Inlisting for the War—which I unfortunately complyed with and had not the advantage of large Bounties as others afterwards had—and being a miner my Master had my wages till the last engagement—when the money began to depreciate—& our nec[e]ssaties so urgent that it procured

but scanty release—hoping and expecting every Campaign to be the last—and not ambitious for office obtaind none took my tour as sentinal at all times and on all occations—cold & hot—wet & Dry—and being with the infantry was almost continually on the loins of the Enemy—I always loved—and had the love of my officers—obey’d every order punctually and considered your Excellencies as sacred—The promises of my officers—the incoragments in Genl orders—and the Resolves of the State and Congress induced me to hope and depend on an aduquate reward for my long toyl—hazard—& sufferings—when peace should be restored to our country again; but—alass! how aghast was I when with all my prudance—and many times suffering pinching need to preserve and save my earnings—& 250 Dollars in final settlements was my only Subsidy.
          And when I reflect on the many—many dark & dangerous Nights I walked my Post all attentive—the much fatigue nakedness—and hunger I have indured—the many hazards I have run for my country—first on Bunkers-hill—at Perls Point—at white plains—the fatigueing but glorious action at Trenton & Princeton—the malancoly retreat from Ty—the Victory at Bemises-heights—the Battle at Monmouth & the Concluding seage of Yorktown—and that Eight Years of my prime was gon—had lost my trade—was unacquainted with husbandry—had formd the Connection of matremony in a very respectable family—had Two babes by a most agreable companion—her father impatent for my return to releave him of the long burden of my Wife & children—and I—unfortunate Man had no where to put them nor any provisions made for them—where said I is my dear General whome I ever hoped would have it in his power to see us righted—my officers have forsaken me—Congress dont pay me—my country dont thank nor pitty me! I offered my Securities for sail they would fetch only 2s./10d. on the pound—and I resolved if they was ever made good I would have the benefit of them if I worked my fingers to the bone for bread—but too close application soon redused my health—and to keep from goal for the doctors bill my securities are redused to Two hundred Dollars—Seven Long Years have elapsed and no releaf till my patiance is nearly gon with my constitution by unremited strugles at day labour to pay Taxes and bearly support my family which now is Eight in number—six children

untaught through poverty—and by a rearage of rent my landlord thretens the remainder of my securities @ 5s./2d. on the £ unless a spedy prospect of the Interest being paid saves them to me—Is there or is there not, my dearest of Generals any ground of hope—I ketch at every incouragement—and recolect in the Generals last and farewell orders to the Armies of the United States he observed that “the officers & soldiers may expect considerable assistance in recommencing their civil occupations, from the sums due to them from the public which must and will most inevitably be paid”—also in the Genls presenting his thanks to the several classes of the Army he says—“And to the non commissioned officers and Soldiers for their extreordinary patience in suffering, as well as their invincible fortitude in action; to the various branches of the Army the General takes this last and solemn opertunity of profesing his inviolable attachment and friendship”—then observes “he wishes more then bare profession were in his power, that he was really able to be useful to them in future life.”
          Now I trust heaven has put it in his power—And when the new Constitution took place (which was pro⟨illegible⟩ of in the above Quoted genl orders) my heart leaped with Joy—but not more than when I was advertized of the great-good Man put at the head of it—and felt confidant of releaf—but how was I affected when I found the old creaditer was neglected and the revenew whittled up among the multiplicity of officers and offices of the new government—may they not with propriety wate for a part of their inormus Sallerys as well as the poor Soldier for his seven Years Interest on his heard earnd pettance—one Years neglect more and all my expectations are blasted—my Securities must go to keep me out of goal and my family from Starving—what oppression! what crualty! such a severe Strugle to save my country—and their promised rewards arested from me—through their neglect and my necessity for almost nothing—and I exposed in some future day to pay my proportion of the whole sum to the menopalizer—Dear sr help for all other help but that of Heaven faileth—The demand by Taxes—by my Landlord—by my Family and my infermities bares me down my courage is nearly exosted and I reduced to invy those who—not only bled with me but died in their Countries service and are now mouldring in the dust.

          But most worthy Sr—fully confidant of the rectitud of your mind—and your sincere wish to releave all in destress, and especially the deserving—And to distribute Justice to all men; and in perticular to the injuerd—I earnestly implore Heaven to Send all needed aid to the all attentive Preasidents exertians to contribute to all equally the rewards of their Country, according to their deserving—then may I depend on the small pittance due to your Excellancies most devoted & obedeant humbe Servt

            An Old Soldier


Title: To George Washington from John Ely, 25 December 1789
From: Ely, John
To: Washington, George

            SayBrook 25th Decembr 1789

          Permitt me Mr President to wish You & your Lady the Compliments of the Season.
          And also be Pleased to Permitt me to Inclose you a Coppy of a Letter I wrote you in 1780 and also one to the President of Congress of a Similar Nature, Together with a Petition to Congress, Those Letters Anticipated Events which have since Taken Place, as will appear by my Petition to Congress—I take this Method to Prevent Trouble to the President as I cannot Expect him to Pay Attention to Matters of an Individual Subject, when Great National Matters Calls for his Attention; Yet should I be so Fortunate as to Attract a Moments Reflection on my Conduct & Sufferings while in Captivity it might give a Favorable turn to an Unfortunate man, my Petition was Prefered to the Old Congress about 4 Years Past on which a Committe was appointed, which Committe who consisted of Doctr Johnson Mr King & Mr Henry made a Favourable Report. Leaveing a Blank for the Sum Found Due in which Situation, it now Lies, I Intend to wait on Congress in February Next for a Desition—I Flatter my self if aught in my Carrector Deserves your Notice and that of Congress I shall have Justice Done me. Permitt Further to add that as it is the Opinion of the Mercantile & Tradeing Part of this State that you will Ultimately Think Propper to Establish a Navil

Office at the Port of SayBrook; should that be the Case and I so Fortunate as to have the appointment I should Esteem my self Happy and should keep a good Lookout—I am with Every Sentiment of Respect to the President—his most Obedt and Very Hume Servt

            John Ely


Title: Indenture with William Gray, 25 December 1789
From: Washington, George Augustine,Gray, William
To:

            [Fairfax County, Va., 25 December 1789]

          This Indenture of a Lease made this twenty-fifth day of December Anno Domini one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine by & between George A: Washington, for and in behalf of George Washington Esq. as his true and Lawful Attorney, on the one part and William Gray on the other part, both of the County

of Fairfax and Commonwealth of Virginia, Witnesseth that the said George A: Washington for and in consideration of the Rents and covenants, herein after mention’d to be paid and performed on the part of the said William Gray—doth lease and to farm let, unto the said William Gray for the term of one year from the above mentiond date—A certain tract or parcel of Land belonging to the said George Washington Esq. of Mount Vernon, laying in said County of Fairfax and occupied last year by said Gray & John Robinson and being part of a tract formerly known by the name of the Chappel Land.
          For and in Consideration of the above being done on the part of sd George A. Washington the said William Gray doth agree to pay unto the sd George A: Washington the full and just sum of ten pounds Virginia Currency in Specie, or the amount thereof in Wheat deliverd into the Mill of George Washington Esq. of Mount Vernon at the market price provided the wheat is deliverd on or before the expiration of the Lease—Said William Gray doth also promise and agree that he will work no greater number of hands on said Land than he did last year, which consisted of himself, his Children & one Negroe—that he will not clear up any more of said Land than what is now cleared—that he will cut no timber off said Land more than is absolutely necessary for repairing the fences of sd Land and that the laps of such Trees shall be made use of for fuel—that he will sell or remove no wood or Timber from the Land—that he will make no more Tobacco than will be made use of in Chewing and smoaking in his own family—that he will make no waste of any kind on said Land—and lastly that he will at the expiration of the year peacibly & quietly give up & quit said premises unless the parties should agree to continue a lease for a longer term.
          In testimony of all these things, and for the true and faithful performance of them, the parties have hereunto interchangeably set their hands and seals, the day and year first written. Done in presence of—

            Geo: A. Washington
            William Gray


Title: To George Washington from Charles Thomson, 25 December 1789
From: Thomson, Charles
To: Washington, George

              Sir,
              Harriton [Pa.] Decr 25. 1789

            At the time I made my resignation, I took the liberty of recommending to your notice John Fisher, who had served as a clerk in the office for several years and whom I then considered not only as sober attentive and diligent, but as faithful. To my astonishment and indignation I find by a letter which I received last evening that I entertained an opinion of him which he by no means deserved, I therefore think it my duty as speedily as possible not only to recal my recommendation, but to transmit you a copy of the letter I received with the papers which accompanied it, that you may, if you will deign to take the trouble see the man in his true colours. To give a clearer view of the state of facts, I beg leave to mention, that formerly every individual in the several offices under Congress had an account opened in the books of the treasury, carried in his own account to the board and received his own Money—That Mr Morris, during his administration, fixed the stated quarterly payments and directed the accounts of each individual in the several departments to be included in one account and paid by one warrant drawn on the treasurer, that as I was always averse to have public money pass through my hands, especially when the payments at the treasury began not to be punctual and when the paper money of the states was substituted in the place of specie, I desired Mr Alden, the deputy Secretary, to make up the quarterly account, carry it to the treasury board, receive the Money and pay it as he received it. In doing this it seems Mr Alden for some time past

entrusted Fisher to carry some of the money to individuals but that instead of paying he emblezzled part of it. I would not have troubled you with this disagreeable subject, had I not from motives of humanity been led to recommend the man to your notice.
            Be pleased to accept, from my retirement, the compliments of the season and my congratulations on the accession of North Carolina to the Union. I now consider the revolution complete, and now it is accomplished I cannot without a mixture of wonder, joy and gratitude to the Supreme disposer of events, reflect on what easy terms compared to what it has cost others in similar circumstances, we have obtained a rank among the nations of the earth, and with what tranquilitty a reform has been made in our constitution & government, which bids fair to transmit the blessings of freedom, independence & happiness to future generations.
            Mrs Thomson desires with me to be remembered to Mrs Washington. With the greatest & most sincere esteem & respect I am Sir Your most obedient and Most humble Servt

              Chas Thomson