Title: To George Washington from James Madison, 8 November 1786
From: Madison, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Richm[on]d Novr 8th 1786

I am just honoured with your favor of the 5th inst: The intelligence from Genl Knox is gloomy indeed, but is less so than the colours in which I had it thro’ another channel. If the lessons which it inculcates should not work the proper impressions on the American Public, it will be a proof that our case is desperate. Judging from the present temper and apparent views of our Assembly, I have some ground for leaning to the side of Hope. The vote against Paper money has been followed by two others of great importance. By one of them sundry petitions for applying a scale of depreciation to the Military Certificates was unanimously rejected. By the other the expediency of complying with the Recomm[end]ation from Annapolis in favor of a general revision of the federal system was unanimously agreed to. A

bill for the purpose is now depending and in a form which attests the most federal spirit. As no opposition has been yet made and it is ready for the third reading, I expect it will soon be before the public. It has been thought advisable to give this subject a very solemn dress, and all the weight which could be derived from a single State. This idea will also be pursued in the selection of characters to represent Virga in the federal Convention. You will infer our earnestness on this point from the liberty which will be used of placing your name at the head of them. How far this liberty may correspond with the ideas by which you ought to be governed will be best decided where it must ultimately be decided. In every event it will assist powerfully in marking the zeal of our Legislature, and its opinion of the magnitude of the occasion. Mr Randolph has been elected successor to Mr Henry. He had 73 votes. Col. Bland had 28 & R. H. Lee 22. The Delegation to Congress drops Col. H. Lee, a circumstance which gives much pain to those who attend to the mortification in which it must involve a man of sensibility. I am even yet to learn the ground of the extensive disapprobation which has shewn itself. I am Dear Sir most respectfully & Affecty Yr Obedt & hble servt

J. Madison Jr.


Title: To George Washington from David Stuart, 8 November 1786
From: Stuart, David
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Richmond 8th Novr [17]86

It gives me much pleasure to inform you, of the very auspicious manner, in which the serious entrance on business this Session, has been marked—Tho’ it is not much short of a month now, since our meeting, no business of importance was introduced ’till the last week—You will learn the issue of this, from the inclosed vote—The strong language in which this off spring of iniquity is condemned, will it is hoped have some operation on future Legislatures, and by banishing the idea of it from among the people, be the means of encouraging industry and œconomy, the true sources of public happiness—From a conception that the vote on this subject might have some effect on the policy of other States, where the measure is not yet adopted; the Printer was ordered to publish it, with a request to the Printers throughout the Continent to do the same.
As a further proof of the high regard, which seems at present to prevail for the preservation of national faith, I have to inform you, that an attempt to reduce the Certificates by a scale, has been unanimously rejected. The ease with which these two bugbears have been removed, gives me a hope, that a similar propriety will characterise all the proceedings of the present Assembly.
You have no doubt heard, that the Attorney was a Candidate for the chief Magistracy—As there has never been a Senate before yesterday, the election for this place, and Delegates to Congress was made—The Attorney was chosen by a great majority—the other Candidates were R. H: Lee, and Coll Bland—The Delegates to Congress are Messrs Maddison, Gresham, Carrington, R: H: Lee, and Jos: Jones—Coll Lee you observe is left out—It appears that this proceeded from an opinion generally prevailing, of his very embarrassed circumstances; to which, his election to Congress, served as an Asylum—Tho’ sorry therefore for his ill-luck, yet the principle from whence it proceeded, cannot be reprobated.
Many claims for impressed property have been laid before us and admitted, and the act for giving further time to bring in such claims has been revived—It cannot therefore be doubted, but the claims which you have would be good—But it is time, if you wish anything to be done with them that they should be sent

down—I have lost all hope of the assistance of my Collegue—the certain repeal of the Port-Bill, will be the consequence of his arrival, as it appears to have numerous foes, that need an able leader—From the progress made to-day in two acts, one for immediately empowering Commissioners to meet, for the purpose of fixing on similar taxes, on imported articles, with the States of Maryd & Pennsylvania; and the other, agreeable to the recommendation of the Commissioners at Annapolis, there can be little doubt of their ultimately passing—The subject of the latter Commission, the amending the articles of the Confederation, is important and delicate, but absolutely necessary—From some conversation with Mr Maddison on this business, I have reason to think you will be requested to act on it—I beg leave to remind you of the petition from the Potomac Company, which was thought necessary—the time for such business will soon expire.
If not disappointed by Messrs Page & Baylor, I hope to be able to pay you a pretty considerable part of the sum due you by Christmass—they have made me a faithful promise of paying a considerable sum at that time—I have not heard yet from Mr Savage on the Eastern Shore—but hope, he will have the annual rent for that estate also ready.
I inclose to you, a view of the taxes recieved at the treasury—Having nothing further at present to communicate, I must conclude with an offer of my respects to Mrs Washington and the family at Mt Vernon. I am Dr Sir with great regard Your Obt Servt

Dd Stuart


Title: To George Washington from Peter Trenor, 8 November 1786
From: Trenor, Peter
To: Washington, George

Petersburgh 8th Novr 1786

The inclosed Memorial I received from Mrs Ann Ennis of the City of Dublin which I expected to have had the Honour of handing your Excellency on my Way to Baltimore where I purposed going on my leaving Ireland—but calling here & meeting a market for my Goods prevents my having that Honour.
Your Excellency will perceive by said Memorial that the Will of the Late Doctor Willm Savage, with many other Papers relative thereto were in the hands of a Captain Brereton of Baltimore which I presume he informed your Excellency of—if your Excellency will be so obliging as to inform me by Post (at Messrs Gordon & Keans Portsmouth Virginia,) whether or not you have any Effects in your hands to discharge Mrs Ennis’s demand—and what sum she may expect—at same time if your Excellency will be so good, as to send me an order either on Philadelpha, New York, Baltimore or Portsmouth—for what you think proper to remit her—shall send you a receipt for same—& if required shall give your Excellency such Security for delivering of same as you may require.
In expectation of having the Honour of hearing from your Excellency before my return to Dublin (which expect will be in the Course of three Weeks.[)] I am your Excellency’s most Obed. Servt

Peter Trenor


Title: To George Washington from Theodorick Bland, 9 November 1786 [letter not found]
From: Bland, Theodorick
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Theodorick Bland, 9 Nov. 1786. On 18 Nov. GW wrote Bland of “the receipt of your obliging favors of the 4th & 9th inst.”


Title: To George Washington from William Deakins, Jr., 9 November 1786
From: Deakins, William Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir.
Geo[rge] Town [Md.] Novr 9th 1786

You will find by the Inclosed I had procured you 10 Bushels Spelts but the Waggoner on his Way down from F. Town lossed one of the Baggs Containing 3½ Bushels. the other two Baggs Containing 6½ Bushels I have sent to the Care of Mr Wm Hartshorn in Alexandria to be delivered to your Order. I am Very Respectfully Sir Your Obt Servt

Will Deakins Junr

P.S. I have engaged a part of the Poland Oats & will take care to get the whole you Want—W.D.


Title: To George Washington from David Humphreys, 9 November 1786
From: Humphreys, David
To: Washington, George

My dear General.
New Haven [Conn.] Novr 9th 1786

I have this moment been honored with your letter of the 22nd of Octr & am thereby relieved from some anxiety for fear mine of the 24th of Septr had miscarried. For the reasons you mention, I think it will be best that the General Meeting of the Cincinnati should be holden at Philadelphia. I am happy that the enclosures have met with your approbation.

A few days ago, I addressed a letter to you by Messrs Morse & Austin. the latter has since concluded not to go to the Southward—by the former I expect still to have an opportunity of forwarding this. Having been pressed in time, & not having kept any copy I can hardly recollect distinctly what I have written in the letter before referred to. I only remember that I had been much mortified by the ignorance & perverseness of some of the leading members, or Demagogues, in our Assembly; and that I gave no very favorable picture of our situation or prospects.
As to your question, my dear General, respecting the cause & origin of those commotions; I hardly find myself in condition to give a certain answer. If, from all the informations I have been able to obtain, I might be authorised to hazard an opinion, I should attribute them to all the three causes which you have suggested. In Massachusetts, particularly, I believe there are a few real greivances: and also some wicked agents, or emissaries, who have been busy in magnifying the positive evils, & fomenting causeless jealousies & disturbances—but it rather appears to me, that there is a licencious spirit prevailing among many of the people; a levelling principle; a desire of change; & a wish to annihilate all debts public & private. The Assembly of that State are occupied in removing all the real subjects of hardship & complaint. They have likewise passed a new Riot Act, & given some indications of spirit in support of Government. But still the preparations & systematic arrangements on the part of the Mob do not cease. You will have seen by the Speech of Mr King before that Legislature that Congress consider themselves as the Guarantor of each State Government, & bound to interfere in its support under certain circumstances.
I refer you to Mr Morse, the bearer of this, for particulars concerning this State—I will send by the next Post the Papers respecting Asgill. Tho’ I shall not see Mt Vernon this winter, my affections are centered there, being in sincerity your most zealous friend & Humble Servant

D. Humphreys


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, Jr., 9 November 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin Jr.

Sir,
Mount Vernon 9th Novr 1786.

I have received your letter of the 24th of Septr, together with the bill enclosed.
You will receive with this, the first of another sett of Bills, which Mr Watson the Drawer not only very readily gave, but likewise allowed interest upon the protested Bill, altho’ it is not customary to do so here, upon inland Bills of exchange. I shall forward the others next week, & you will be so good as to have them handed to Doctr Gordon’s agent as soon as may be.
I am sorry that the Doctrs commission has given his friends so much trouble; tho’ it can not be imputed to him, but must be considered as one of the lightest evils resulting from a paper currency. I am &c.

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Ezra Stiles, 9 November 1786
From: Stiles, Ezra
To: Washington, George

Sir
Yale College [Conn.] Nov. 9. 1786.

Permit me to ask your Acceptance of an Election Sermon, which the Reverend Mr Morse a Tutor in this College will have the Honor to present to you. I know you must feel sollicitous for the Tumults in Massachusetts. They are doubtless magnified at a Distance. I confide in it that there is Wisdom in the Legislature of that State sufficient to rectify the public Disorders and

recover the public Peace and Tranquillity. Perhaps all Things are cooperating & conspiring to effect the public Conviction of the Expediency & Necessity of a Cession of further Powers to Congress, adequate to the political Administration of a new and great Republic, to whose Origination your great Services have so highly contributed. I have the Honor to be, Sir, Your most obedt Very hble servt

Ezra Stiles


Title: To George Washington from Henry Lee, Jr., 11 November 1786
From: Lee, Henry Jr.
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Novr 11th [17]86 N-york

I have your letter of the 31st octr besides the pleasure we all feel in knowing the health of Mount Vernon I am delighted and edified by your sentiments—This moment Genl Knox & Mr King left me having perused the part of your letr which respects the Insurgents—They expressed the highest satisfaction in finding that your retirement had not abated your affectionate zeal for the prosperity of every part of the empire.
Every day brings new information of the designs & preparations of the Malcontents—they are training their people, have officered some considerable bodys & are forming connexions with their neighboring states and the Vermontese—A convention has assembled to devise ways & Means of supporting their military arrangements, & of doing such other things as may be necessary for the prosecution of their intentions—We have authentic information that they contemplate a re-union with G. Britain, & it is not improbable but that the convention now sitting will formally make propositions of this nature to Lord Dorchester (Sir Guy Carleton) who is arrived at Quebec with plenipotentiary powers as Governor General of British america—they also declare their willingness to establish an imperial government in the U-States and I beleive could they be indulged with their favorite wish abolition of debts they would chearfully enter into the plan of a fœderal government assimilating the British government. In some matters these people certainly think right, altho they act wrong—A continuance of our present feeble political form is pregnant with daily evils & must drive us at last to a change—then it would be wise that this necessary alterati[o]n should be effected in peace & governed by reason, not left to passion & accident. If the insurgents would submit to government, & by constitutional exertions induce their state to commence this change, they woud benefit themselves their country & the Union—Good management might perhaps produce this wholesome conduct, but it is too probable that desperate & intriguing men may pursue private objects only.
I enclose you a piece signed Belisarius—He is said to be Baron Steuben—this encites universal wonder.
I hope to see you & your lady next month. Our united love &

respects to Mount Vernon—Adieu with most affectionate regard your h. s.

H: Lee junr


Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 11 November 1786
From: Washington, George
To: McHenry, James

My dear Sir,
Mount Verno⟨n, 11th Novr 1786⟩

I met your favor of the 5th, in Alexandria yesterday. Today I dispatch one of my Overseers and two Servants for the Jack & Mules which are arrived at Baltimore. The Pheasants & Partridges, I pray you to procure a passage for them by Water, in the Packet. To bring them by Land would be troublesome, & might perhaps be dangerous for them.
Be so good as to let me know the expence of these importations, and the cost of their detention in Baltimore. It shall be immediately paid, with many thanks to you, for your obliging attention to the business.
If you have any particular information from my good friend the Marquis de la Fayette respecting the above things, I shall be obliged to ⟨you⟩ for it; his letter to me takes ⟨no not⟩ice of them, altho’ I had for some time been expecting one Jack and two she Asses through his medium—but by no means as a present.
One of the Servants who accompany’s my Overseer, belongs to the Honble William Drayton of Charleston So. Ca. This Gentn spent a day or two here on his return from New York, and at Dumfries (proceeding on) the above fellow run away from him & came here. He goes to Baltimore under the impression of assisting in bringing the Jack & Mules home, but the real design of sending him there is to have him shipped for Charleston, if the Packet (which I am informed is regularly established betwn that place & Baltimore,) or any other vessel is on the point of sailing for the former. Mr Drayton will readily pay the Captn for his passage, and the other incidental expences, having intimated this in a letter to my Nephew; but if any doubt is entertained of it, I will see it done.

Under this rela⟨tion of⟩ Circumstances attending ⟨mutilated⟩ way, I would beg of you, ⟨my good⟩ Sir, (if an opportunity presents) to have him shipped, & previously secured. The fellow pretends a willingness to return to his master, but I think it would be unsafe to trust to this, especially as he has discovered an inclination to get back to Philadelphia (with a view he says of taking a passage from thence).
Why will you not make a small excursion to see an old ac⟨quain⟩tance. It is unnecessary I ⟨should⟩ assure you of the pleasure it ⟨would⟩ give Yr Obedt & affecte Hble Ser⟨vt⟩

Go: Washington

P.S. Engage the Master of the Packet Boat to drop the Birds at this place as he passes by—otherwise I shall have to send to Alexandria for them.


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Johnson, 12 November 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Johnson, Thomas

Dr Sir,
Mount Vernon 12th Novr 1786.

On a supposition that you are now at Annapolis, the Petition of the Directors of the Potomac Company, is enclosed to your care. A Duplicate has been forwarded to the Assembly of this State. The fate of it I have not heard, but entertain no doubt of its favorable reception, as there are many auspicious proofs of liberality & justice already exhibited in the proceedings of it this Session.
I hope the same spirit will mark the proceedings of yours. The want of energy in the fœderal government; the pulling of

one State, & parts of States against another; and the commotions among the Eastern People, have sunk our national character much below par; & have brought our politics and credit to the brink of a precipice. A step or two more must plunge us into inextricable ruin. Liberality, justice & unanimity in these States, wch do not appear to have drank so deep of the cup of folly, may yet retrieve our affairs; but no time is to be lost in essaying the reparation of them.
I have written to no gentlemen in your Assembly respecting the Potomac business but yourself—the justice of the case & your management of it, will ensure success. With great regard & respect, I am Dr Sir &c.

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 13 November 1786
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Baltimore 13 Nov. 1786

I received your letter by Mr Fairfax yesterday noon. The Marquiss who does nothing by halves has paid every expence incurred by his present till its arrival at this place as well as the wages and passage of their conductor, one Campion. While here the asses have been carefully attended by my own servants in my own stable, not caring to trust them to the hostler of a tavern, or from under my own eye. I expect to be able to send the birds by Mortimers packet; and shall engage a fit person to take charge of them to your own door, provided it should appear necessary upon examining the vessel and character of the

seamen.
Campion will deliver you a letter from the Marquiss. What do you conjecture from his appointment to the Indies?
It would give me infinite pleasure to spend a few days at Mount Vernon, and to pay my respects to you and Mrs Washington in your place of peace and hospitality; which I shall certainly do unless the growing demands of a family should lay in a more urgent claim to my time. I want much to talk to you about a memoir of things and transactions in which you have been particularly concerned and which I think ought to be prepared for publication. I would have it to comprehend your whole past life. A general history of the revolution does not admit of what I mean. It would suspend the narration of the history if inserted entire; or it would lose its own peculiar effect, if interwoven with the revolution. The pieces of a diamond may be disposed to advantage, but it is most valuable when entire and its lustre most penetrating. This diamond ought not to be lost nor divided tho’ to ornament a crown. I am my dear Genl yours most affy

James McHenry


Title: To George Washington from Edward Newenham, 13 November 1786 [letter not found]
From: Newenham, Edward
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Edward Newenham, 13 Nov. 1786. On 20 April 1787 GW wrote Newenham that he had been “honoured with your favours of the 13th and 25th of November last.”


Title: To George Washington from David Stuart, 13 November 1786
From: Stuart, David
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Rich[mon]d Novr 13th 1786

I am informed by Mr Pendelton one of the Auditors, that it is unnecessary to lay your claims before the legislature—that by the law lately revived, they will be paid in Certificates, when

passed by the Court of Fairfax. I therefore send them up to you, that you may have this done at the next Court—After which, you will be pleased to forward them on, again to me—You will see Pendletons advise noticed, at the bottom of the largest claim.
Information is just recieved here, that the Indians have met with a considerable defeat from Logan, one of Clarke’s officers. The treaty reported to be made with Spain, respecting the navigation of the Mississippi, gives much displeasure here—Governor Henry in particular, is much incensed at it. If it is possible to defeat it, it will be done; and our members in Congress, will be instructed to that effect.
I informed you in my last, what were my expectations of getting money—if not disappointed in these, I shall certainly be able to pay you, the greater part of the sum due you. If I should be able to dispose of the corn, made on the estates of New Kent & King William; I shall be able to pay you at the same time, your annuity—There is some probability that Mr Newton of Norfolk will buy it immediately—I shall attend to the enquiries you have suggested, and also to the one from Mrs Washington. I am Dr Sir with great regard your Obt Serv:

Dd Stuart


Title: From George Washington to Robert Alexander, 14 November 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Alexander, Robert

Sir,
Mount Vernon 14th Novr 1786

Fifteen months ago I informed you in as explicit language as I was master of, of my want of the money you are indebted to me. I have waited (considering the urgency of my call) with patience to see if you would comply with the demand: But no disposition having yet appeared in you to do this; I find myself under the disagreeable necessity of informing you, that unless you name a time not far distant for payment, & secure the same to me without delay, that I shall (tho’ very reluctantly, as I think you have abundant reason to conclude from my long forbearance) have recourse to the most effectual mode the Law will give me to obtain justice.
It will avail nothing Sir, for you to repeat to me the claim you have upon Mr Custis’s Estate. This, independent of the Law suit, is, I am told, very trifling; but were it otherwise, his affairs & mine now are, & have long been as distinct as yours & mine. If justice is denied you there, seek it; but let it be no plea for withholding my money which ought to have been refunded to me twelve or fifteen years ago, before your dealings with Mr Custis came into existence. I am &c.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Anne Ennis, 15 November 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Ennis, Anne

Madam,
Mount Vernon 15th Novr 1786.

Your letter, or memorial dated the 12th of July in Dublin, came to my hands yesterday under cover of a letter from Mr Peter Trenor of the 8th inst.

The Memorial mis-states several facts—one of them materially; for I have not, nor never had one shilling of the late Mrs Savage’s property in my hands: on the contrary, merely to relieve that Lady from the distress she represented herself to be in, I sent her in the year  a Bill for £ which sum is yet due to me. The circumstances attending that unfortunate Lady & her Estate are these. Her first husband, the Revd Chas Green, left all his property real & personal to her, estimated at about £5000 current money of this State: not in trust, as you set forth, but at her absolute disposal. When she was about to enter into her second marriage, with Doctr Savage, she previously thereto made this Estate over to him, securing an annuity of £100 currency, for the term of her life, if it should be demanded: and it was this sum, which was secured to her by a trust-bond to Bryan Fairfax Esqr. & myself. The unhappy differences which soon arose, & occasioned a separation between the Doctor & her, obliged Mr Fairfax & myself, in order to obtain support for Mrs Savage, to put the Bond in suit. The Doctor (who I believe might very properly be classed among the worst of men) made use of every subterfuge, & practiced all the chicanery of the Law to postpone the payment; which he was well enabled to do, as there was a suspension of our Courts of justice consequent of the dispute with Great Britain. However, when no longer able to stave off judgment at Common Law, he threw the matter into the high Court of Chancery of this State, where it now is. We are encouraged by our Lawyers to expect a final issue of the business in a term or two more; but what reliance is to be placed on these assurances, is not for me to decide.
As soon as the money is finally recovered, & in the hands of Mr Fairfax & myself, we have neither the power nor inclination to withhold it one moment from the Executors of the deceased Mrs Savage; but it will readily occur to you Madam, that for our security, there must be an attested Copy of the Will, under the Seal of the Corporation where it is recorded, annexed to a regular power of attorney (to be proved in this Country) from the Executors to some person here, to receive the money from us. It is the business of the Executors—not the Trustees, to settle the accounts & pay the legacies of the Testator.
I have never seen any authentic copy of the Will. In the one which was shewn to me by a Mr Moore of Baltimore I was not

named as an Executor; If I had, it would not have been agreeable to me to have acted. I am, Madam &c.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Bushrod Washington, 15 November 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Bushrod

Dear Bushrod,
Mount Vernon Novr 15th 1786.

Your letter of the 31st of Octr in reply to mine of the 30th of Septr came safe to hand.
It was not the intention of my former letter either to condemn, or give my voice in favor of the Patriotic Society of which you are a member. I offered observations, under the information you gave of it, the weight of which were to be considered. As first thoughts they were undigested, and might be very erroneous.
That representatives ought to be the mouth of their constituents, I do not deny; nor do I mean to call in question the right of the latter to instruct them. It is to the embarrassment into which they may be thrown by these instructions in National matters that my objection lyes. In speaking of National matters I look to the Fœderal government which in my opinion it is the interest of every state to support, & to do it as there are a variety of interests in the Union there must be a yielding of the parts to coalesce the whole. Now a county, a district—or even a state might decide on a measure though apparently for the benefit of it in its seperate & unconnected state which may be repugnant to the interest of the nation, and eventually so the state itself: as a part of the Confederation. If then members go instructed to the Assembly from the different districts all the requisitions of Congress repugnant to the sense of them—and all the lights which they may receive from the Communications of that body to the Legislature must be unavailing altho. the nature and necessity of them when the reasons therefor are expounded are as

self evident as our existance. In local matters, which concern the district—or in things which respect the internal police of the state, there may be no impropriety in instructions. In National matters also, the sense (under the view they have of them) but not the Law of the district may be given leaving the Delegates to judge from the nature of the case and the evidence before them which can only be received from Congress to the Executive & will be brought before them in their assembled capacity.
The instructions of your Society as far as they have gone accord with my sentiments, except in the article of Commutables. Here if I understand the meaning and design of the clause I disagree to it most clearly—for if the intention of it is to leave it optional in the person taxed to pay any staple commodity (Tobacco would be least exceptionable) in lieu of specie, the people will be burthened—a few speculators enriched—and the public not benefited. Have we not had a recent, and glaring instance of this in the course of the war, in the provision tax? Did not the people pay this in some way or other—perhaps badly—and was the Army, for whose benefit it was laid the better for it? Can any instance be given where the public has sold Tobacco, Hemp, Flour, or any other commodity upon as good terms as individuals have done? Who is this to serve? Is there a man to be found who, having any of the staple commodities to sell that will say he cannot get a reasonable price for them? Must there not be places of deposit for these commutables? Collectors, storekeepers, &ca, &ca employed? Rely on it, these will sink one half the tax and a parcel of speculators will possess themselves of the other half, to the injury of the people, & deception of the public. It is to similar measures of this, we owe the present depravity of morals, and abound in so many designing characters.
Among the great objects which you took into consideration at your meeting in Richmond, how came it to pass that you never turned your eyes towards the inefficiency of the Fœderal government, so as to instruct your Delegates to accede to the propositions of the Commissioners lately convened at Annapolis—or to devise some other mode to give it that energy which is necessary to support a national character? Every man who considers the present Constitution of it, and sees to what it is verging, trembles and deprecates the event. The fabrick which took nine

years (at the expence of much blood and treasure) to erect, now totters to the foundation, and without support must soon fall.
The determination of your Society to promote frugality & industry by example—to encourage manufactures—& to discountenance dissipation is highly praiseworthy. These and premiums for the most useful discoveries in Agriculture within your district—The most profitable course of cropping—and the best method of fencing to save timber &ca would soon make you a rich & happy people. With every good wish for you and yours in which your Aunt joins me I am—Dear Bushrod Yr Affecte

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Wakelin Welch, 15 November 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Welch, Wakelin

Sir,
M[oun]t Vernon 15th Novr 1786

I take the liberty of giving you the trouble of forwarding the enclosed letters to their addresses. I have again requested the favor of Mr Young to send me a few Seeds: the cost may be about Ten pounds, more or less; for the amount of which, & other small matters, (should he think proper to add them) I pray you to honor his Draft.
You would do me a singular favor by engaging the Captain who has charge of the Vessel by which they may be sent, to put them in the Cabbin or steerage. If they go into the hold of the vessel, the destruction of the seeds will be followed by a disappointment which would be of infinitely more importance to me than the cost of them.
Messrs Forrest & Stoddard have ships which pass by my door: so have Messrs Drusina Ridder & Clark. I persuade myself the masters of any of these would so far oblige me as to be attentive to your recommendation of them: Captn Johns of the Potomac Planter I am sure would.
I have a Farmer who was sent to me from Gloucestershire in England by a friend of mine at Bath. He has now written for his wife to come to him, with her children, & to bring with her some

seeds, implements of Husbandry &ca, to this Country. Bristol is their nearest Port, but opportunities from thence to this river rarely happening, I have recommended it to their friend & patron Mr Peacy, to open a correspondence with you, or the House of Messrs Forrest & Stoddard of London, that she may be advised of the sailing of a vessel from that place to this river as a more speedy & certain mode of conveyance; your compliance therein would be very pleasing to me, & very serviceable to an honest, old English farmer. I am &c. &c.

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from George Weedon, 17 November 1786
From: Weedon, George
To: Washington, George

Sir
Richmond November 17th 1786

Your circular Letter of the 31t of October having been communicated to the annual Meeting of the Virginia Cincinnati,

they have directed me to assure you, that while they regret the loss the Society sustains by your relinquishing the Presidency, they are fully sensible of the justness of those motives which have determined your Retreat. They lament however, that to the causes which might have operated to produce this resolution before, is added a more afflicting one, the ill state of your health. They can never sufficiently express their gratitude for the patronage you afforded the Society in its insecure and infant state; and they trust that they shall never deviate from those principles of their constitution, which, as they procured your approbation, must dispel every idea of jelousy from the minds of the good People of these United States. They receive with pleasure the information of your being ready to sign Diplomas during your continuance in Office; as they apprehend those Papers might lose much of their value, in the opinion of the members, if marked with any other signature—This circumstance induces them to wish that you could be prevailed upon, to sacrifice so much of your valuable time to the interests of the Institution, as might be necessary for this purpose, without subjecting yourself to any other duty of the Presidency; supposing that the other labours of the Office, might without inconveniency be transferr’d to the Vice President of the Society—I have the honor to be with much esteem Your obt Servt

G. Weedon Prest


Title: From George Washington to Theodorick Bland, 18 November 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Bland, Theodorick

Dr Sir,
Mount Vernon 18th Novr 1786.

Several matters in which I have been pretty closely engaged, having prevented my sending to the Post office with my usual regularity, is the cause of my not having got, & of course acknowledged, the receipt of your obliging favors of the 4th & 9th inst: earlier than I now do. By ascribing this delay to the true cause, I shall stand acquitted of all seeming inattention.
Permit me now, Sir, to thank you for the interesting communications in your letters, & to express to you the sincere pleasure with which I am filled at hearing that the acts of the present Session are marked with wisdom, justice & liberality. The critical

situation of our affairs calls for the most vigorous display of these virtues, & it is much to be wished that so good an example from so respectable a State will be attended with the most salutary consequences to the Union.
No man entertains a higher sense of the necessity of revising the fœderal System, & supporting its government, than I do; nor would any man more readily depart from a prescribed line of conduct to effect this, than myself, in any matters I am competent to. With these sentiments & under such impressions, notwithstanding my having bid adieu to the public walks of life in a public manner, I should, if the partiality of my Country had called me to the service you allude to in your letter of the 9th, have yielded assent, not from an opinion that I could have answered their purposes better, or with equability to many that might have been named, but to evince my gratitude for the numberless instances of the confidence they have placed in me, & my obedience to their call.
But a recent act of mine has put it out of my power, if this honor is intended me, to accept it consistently.
You know Sir, I was first appointed, & have since been rechosen, President of the Society of the Cincinnati; the last time much against my inclination. The triennial Genl Meeting of this Body is to be held in Philadelphia the first Monday in May next. The peculiar situation of my private concerns—the necessity of paying some attention to them; love of retirement, & a wish to enjoy a mind at ease; rheumatic pains which I begin to feel very sensibly, with some other considerations, induced me to address a circular Letter, dated the latter end of October, to the several State societies, informing them of my intention not to be at the next Genl Meeting, & desiring not to be rechosen. The Vice President is also informed of these matters, that the business may not be impeded on account of my absence. Under these circumstances you will readily perceive the impropriety there would be in my informing so worthy & respectable a part of the community as the late Officers of the American army, of the reasons which militate against my attendance at this Meeting, & to appear there at the same moment on another occasion.
I thank you for the Cutting-box. The Drill-plough I promised to have made for you has been ready some time, & wou’d have been sent to the care of Mr Newton ere this; but the hourly

expectation of receiving the Timothy seed I promised to obtain for you, induced me to keep it (as I did not imagine you would apply it to any use ’till the Spring) ’till both should go together. My best respects to Mrs Bland. I am Dr Sir, &c.

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Gardoqui, 18 November 1786
From: Gardoqui, Diego Maria de
To: Washington, George

Sir
New york 18th Novr 1786.

I received in course the honor of your Excellency’s favor under 30th Augt to which I did not reply puntualy for want of subjectt, but haveing now that of the enclos’d letter which was sent to me by the Count of Floridablanca for your Excellency I gladly embrace the oportunity, haveing taken the liberty to add in it a translation in English for fear of your Excellency’s being at a loss to understand it being in Spanish.
It gave me the utmost pleasure to find that the Vicuña Cloth meritted your aprobation & that your Excellency wou’d wear it: As a memento of my regard & great consideration for your Excellency’s great qualities, is what I wish you wou’d do it, & I further beg your Excellency wou’d make free & command me as a sincere well wisher to the great monument you have erected in the States & as an attach’d freind to them & your Excellency. I am glad to hear that your Excellency is so much pleas’d with the Jack Ass, & that he promises so valuable. I don’t dare to affirm that I shall be able to provide your Excellency with the female you want for him, but I can assure you that I have already taken such measures as may probably produce what you want, & I will further promise your Excellency that I shall ⅌ first Packett write my freind General Galvez to send me such female if to be had in the Dominions he governs, so that upon the whole I hope to help your Excellency in your wishes.
Accept my most gratefull thanks for your Excellency’s repeated invitation to Mount Vernon I shall certainly embrace it if my business shou’d permitt me, but I have lately understood that it was probable your Excellency wou’d favor Philadelphia

with a visitt next spring. I sincerely wish it may prove so as I shou’d not loosse a day in setting out for the honor of waiting on your Excellency. I wou’d at the same time communicate you my earnest wishes to join the States & my country in a firm & permanent good freindship, but I am truly concern’d that some of your worthy Gentn will not understand their own Interest. I repeatt their own Interest because my noble Master repays generously any good step, whereas the reverse, is the only way to deprive themselves of that fruitt which they hope to reap by the negative.
Excuse my noble General if I have got into an improper subjects but I have been, am & will be a true freind to your United States, & am certain that what I hint will be to the advantage of those immidiately concern’d in the western lands & that any contrary effectt will putt an everlasting impediment to all manner of intercourse. Pardon me & beleive me to be with the highest consideration & respectt Your Excellency’s most Obedt humble Servt

James Gardoqui


Title: From George Washington to James Madison, 18 November 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Madison, James

My Dr Sir,
Mount Vernon 18th Novr 1786.

Not having sent to the Post Office with my usual regularity, your favor of the 8th did not reach me in time for an earlier acknowledgment than of this date.
It gives me the most sensible pleasure to hear that the Acts of the present Session, are marked with wisdom, justice & liberality. They are the palladium of good policy, & the only paths that lead to national happiness. Would to God every State would let these be the leading features of their constituent characters: those threatening clouds which seem ready to burst on the Confederacy, would soon dispel. The unanimity with which the Bill was received, for appointing Commissioners agreeably to the recommendation of the Convention at Annapolis; and the uninterrupted progress it has met with since, are indications of a favourable issue. It is a measure of equal necessity & magnitude; & may be the spring of reanimation.
Altho’ I have bid a public adieu to the public walks of life, & had resolved never more to tread that theatre; yet, if upon an occasion so interesting to the well-being of the Confederacy it should have been the wish of the Assembly that I should have been an associate in the business of revising the fœderal System; I should, from a sense of the obligation I am under for repeated proofs of confidence in me, more than from any opinion I should have entertained of my usefulness, have obeyed its call; but it is now out of my power to do this with any degree of consistency—the cause I will mention.
I presume you heard Sir, that I was first appointed & have since been rechosen President of the Society of the Cincinnati; & you may have understood also that the triennial Genl Meeting of this body is to be held in Philada the first monday in May next. Some particular reasons combining with the peculiar situation of my private concerns; the necessity of paying attention to them; a wish for retirement & relaxation from public cares, and rheumatic pains which I begin to feel very sensibly, induced me on the 31st ulto to address a circular letter to each State society informing them of my intention not to be at the next Meeting, & of my desire not to be rechosen President. The Vice

President is also informed of this, that the business of the Society may not be impeded by my absence. Under these circumstances it will readily be perceived that I could not appear at the same time & place on any other occasion, with out giving offence to a very respectable & deserving part of the Community—the late officers of the American Army.
I feel as you do for our acquaintance Colo. Lee; better never have delegated, than left him out; unless some glaring impropriety of conduct has been ascribed to him. I hear with pleasure that you are in the new choice. With sentiments of the highest esteem & affectn I am &c.

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Peters, 18 November 1786
From: Peters, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Baltim[or]e Novr 18th 1786

I have the pleasure of recieving your favour of the 21 of Oct. you mention you are desireous of having procurd 50 bushls of Spring Barley. I have none by me at present, but if it can be procurd which I have no doubt of you may depend on its being sent you in time for sowing in the Spring. I should suppose 50 Bushls will be but a very small quantity if you have no Objection I will send you 100 Bushls and engage to take the produce of it. I believe that kind will answer this Climate, I procurd last Spring for Col. Lloyd Mr Bordley & some others some of the same but they have kept the whole produce, for sowing in the Spring.
We should be willing to engage with you for 5000 Bushls Yearly at 5s. per Bushl this Currency if you find it will Answer your purpose, which I am confident it will from what I heard of the Fertility of your Land, I think they will turn out at least 35 bushls per Acre upon an average, which I think is more than any other Crop from the same Lands will produce; the Farmers here are troubled much in Cleaning the Barley for want of method. I will send you a small machine which will not Cost more than Ten shilling which will ⟨illegible⟩ & Clean in the hands of one man more than five could without such; should there be any Barley in your neighbourhood I shall be very glad to purchase

it. Permit me to present my respectfull Compliments to Mrs Washington & ⟨subscribe⟩ myself with esteem & regard Your very humble Servant

Thos Peters


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Vaughan, 18 November 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Vaughan, Samuel

My Dr Sir,
Mount Vernon 18th Novr 1786.

The obligations you are continually laying me under, are so great that I am quite overwhelmed & perfectly ashamed of myself for receiving them, notwithstanding your politeness leaves me without a choice. The picture of a battle in Germany, & the Jarrs came very safe. The first is fine: the latter is also fine and exceedingly handsome—they shall occupy the place you have named for them.
May I hope Sir, that you have heard of the safe arrival of your Lady & family in England. Every occasion which informs me of your health and happiness, is pleasing to me; but none would equal that of testifying under my own roof the sentiments of perfect esteem & regard, with which I have the honor &c.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Lafayette, 19 November 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de

My Dr Marqs
Mount Vernon 19th Novr 1786.

On thursday last I received in very good order, from Baltimore, under the care of Monsr Compoint, the most valuable things you could have sent me, a Jack & two she Asses, all of which are very fine. The Pheasants & Partridges are coming round by water; for these also I pray you to accept my thanks. Words, my dear Marquis, will not do justice to my feelings, when I acknowledge the obligation I am under for the trouble & pains you have taken to procure, & forward these valuable Animals to me.
Monsr Compoint having brought no letter from you to me; having no instructions or orders to produce—and having lost with his pocket book a letter from your old aid Mr McHenry to me, which might have contained some information; I am left entirely in the dark with respect to the cost of the Asses in Malta, & the expences attending them since. I therefore pray you My Dr Marquis, to furnish me with an Accot of them as soon as possible, that I may delay no time in remitting you the amount.
As this letter is only intended to give you the earliest advice of the safe arrival of Monr Compoint & his charges, I shall, as the Vessel by which it goes is now passing my door, add no more than those assurances, which you will ever believe me sincere in, of being with the most affectionate regard, yrs &c. &c.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Brandon, 20 November 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Brandon, Samuel

Sir,
Mount Vernon 20th Novr 1786.

I have received by Captn Bartlet, your letter of the 27th of July. The Ass arrived safe, & the other Articles agreably to the

Bill of lading. I am much obliged to you Sir, for your attention in executing my comm[issio]n, & the polite manner in which you offer me your future services. The Ass is undoubtedly one of the best kind that could be procured at Surinam; but I do not find it charged in your accot—If you will be so good as to let me know the price of it by the first opportunity, the money shall be remitted to you. I am &c.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Drayton, 20 November 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Drayton, William

Sir,
Mount Vernon 20th Novr 1786.

I wish it was in my power to give you a more favourable acct of your Servant Jack than what follows.
After his absenting himself from you at Dumfries (as I believe my Nephew has already informed you) he came here, & remained quietly till the 12th; when being informed by some Gentlemen from Baltimore that a Packet from that place was on the point of Sailing for Charleston, I sent him under the care of a trusty Overseer to be shipped to you—requesting a friend of mine in the Town to engage a passage, & provide every thing necessary for him on ship board. When they arrived at Baltimore, unfortunately, the Vessel was hove down; it became necessary therefore to commit him to Goal for security, but before this could be effected (there being some demur on the part of the Goaler to receive him without the order of a Majestrate, which occasioned delay, & gave an opportunity to escape) he embraced a moment favourable thereto, to accomplish it. Diligent, but ineffectual search was instantly made, & it is supposed to arrive at Philadelphia, is his object.
The Gentleman to whose care I sent him, has promised every endeavor in his power to apprehend him, but it is not easy to do this where there are numbers that had rather facilitate the escape of slaves, than apprehend them when runaways. I hope your journey was not much incommoded by this untoward step

of your Waiter. With Sentiments of great esteem I am—Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Serv⟨t⟩

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Hansbrough, 20 November 1786
From: Hansbrough, William
To: Washington, George

To his Excellency General Washington
Novm. the 20th 1786

I have to inform your Excellency that I ly under the unhapiness of being distresd at this time by Mr Mause for the rents that I am in debt to you for the non payment of the rents I owe for the teniment of land I now live on If your Excellency will be kind enough to take a likely Negro Woman twenty eight years of agee it will much relieve me at this time I hope your Excellency will not destroy one tenant for the misconduct of others I have but the one Negroe Woman and if she is sold by public sale she will Not sell for the rents by reason of the scarcity of money therefore I hope your Excellency will have Compassion on me at this time or Else I am Entirely ruind Its please god to afflict my family with reumatism that I have no assistance but that Negroe Woman but I freely will give her up Mr Rector and my self have made up and pd fourty too pounds I have sold 22 bushels of small grain on the place I live on and if your Excellency thinks proper Ill give up the place as it is in good repair or I freely give up the Negroe therefore I hope your Excellency Will have Compassion as you see Cause my affects will be sold the 23d instant without some relief at your hands—This from your destresd tenant

W. Hansbrough


Title: From George Washington to Richard Harrison, 20 November 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Harrison, Richard

Sir,
Mount Vernon 20th Novr 1786.

I have received your Letter of the 10th of July together with the two Toledo Blades sent by Captn Sullivan.
I am much obliged to Mr Carmichael for this polite mark of attention to me; but hope I shall have no occasion to use them. I should have been happy Sir, to have received them from you in person; but as your business will not yet permit you to return to your native Country, I must postpone the pleasure of seeing you to a future day, tho’ I hope not a very distant one. I am Sir &c.

G: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Jabez Bowen, 23 November 1786 [letter not found]
From: Bowen, Jabez
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Jabez Bowen, 23 Nov. 1786. On 9 Jan. 1787 GW wrote Bowen: “I have received your letter of the 23d of Novr.”


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Tupper, 23 November 1786
From: Tupper, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

Sir
Mingo Bottom—Ohio county Novr 23rd 1786

I did myself the honor at the close of the Season last year to give your Excellency a hint, with respect to our ill success we have been in some measure more fortunate the last season and

have completed four ranges of Townships—four more are begun, some of which were not far proceded on, by reason of certain information reciev’d, of the hostile disposition of the Indians in particular with respect to the Surveyors—but by a kind hand of providence thier schemes have been frustrated & no special accident has happend’d to either of the Surveyors—we are now on our return to visit our Wives and Sweat-hearts. I still entertain my former enthusiastic notions with respect to this Country, & firmly beleive that the beneficent, divine being, hath reserved this country as an Asylum for the neglected & persecuted soldiers of the late American Army, in particular those of the eastern states—I am returning home with as full a determination, to encourage a speedy settlement here, as though nothing had between us & the Indians—I hope I may not be instrumental of leading my friends to special danger or destruction.
As I have but a few minutes to write, I beg leave to refer your Excellency to the bearer, William McMahen Esquire a Member of the Assembly of your state for the County of Ohio, who is thoroughly acquainted with the affairs of this country and has been exceedingly serviceable to the surveyors.
Colonels Sproat & Sherman present thier most respectful compliments to your Excellency. My son Anselm who was my Adjutant, wishes to present his most profound respects. I wish to be remberd to Mrs Washington in such terms as will express the greatest respect—Colonel Humphries & all my acquaintance in that part, I remember with singular pleasure—I have the honor to be Your Excellency’s Most Obedient Most Humble servant

Benjn Tupper


Title: To George Washington from Edward Newenham, 25 November 1786 [letter not found]
From: Newenham, Edward
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Edward Newenham, 25 Nov. 1786. On 20 April 1787 GW wrote Newenham that he had “been honoured with your favours of the 13th and 25th of November last.”


Title: To George Washington from Battaile Muse, 26 November 1786
From: Muse, Battaile
To: Washington, George

Honourable Sir,
Berkeley C[oun]ty Novr 26th 1786

The Flour in your mill I wish To be sold if you are In want of money at what Ever price it will Fetch—I Paid Doctr Selden for the 50 bushels of wheat 5/6 ⅌ bushel amounting To £13.15.0 in Augt Last in order To Close Our accts at that Time—as Colo. Gilpin gave that price For the remainder of the Crop I allow’d it To the Doctr I had reather be Considerable Looser than you should not be paid the Sum of £13.15.0 as I owe it and It stands Charged in your acct[.] when you Sell Flour From your mill I wish it To be Sold at any rate.
I heard From the Sheriff of Fauquier County Yesterday—the Execution in His hands against Rector the Money Cannot be made yet—For want of buyers at His Sales—I shall go down my Self the week after Next To See into all your affairs in that County and If that Execution Can be Settled I will Contrive the money To you Immediately after it Falls into my hands about £90. This is the only Prospect I have For money untill next spring—one Charles Rector that Took the place Let to Enock Ashby run away while I was below £83.2.0 in Debt—He has moved To Frederick County. John Thompson that Left His place Last Spring owes £40 & odd pounds. He lives in Fauquier Cty at this time—but Proposes To Leave the County. these People were Too Poor to Bear distress For such sums—as no one would buy their Little & Security they Could not give To Replevey their goods. those People Aught To be Corrected, To be made Examples off—If you approve I will bring Suits against them and on their Confessing Judgemts For Cost & one For the Sum 20£ & the other For £10 its Likely they may be able To Pay those Sums—I wish them To be made Pay Some thing, as they

have behaved Very Ill—Colo. Kennaday will not Pay—am I To Sue Him or return your acct  Please write To me your desire on acct of those three Persons. You have good Proof For your Claims as they all have Frequently assumed the Payments To me—as To Colo. Kennaday Debt—I am not anxious About; but the other Two, I wish To be Punnished a Little For their Wickedness, and deter other Tenants From behaving with Such Ingratitude—their is now three Widows on your Tract of Land—Ashbys bend—Lemart Deermant & Keys; these three Widows will be and Incumbrance on your Interest—I shall act Humainly with them and will Spurr them on To Industry and waite For your Particular directions respecting them. unless I am of opinion they do not act Providently in the Interim.
If I Continue to have my heath I Expect To have your accts in my hands Properly Known by Next May. I am Sir your Very Humble Servant—

Battaile Muse


Title: From George Washington to Robert Townsend Hooe, 27 November 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Hooe, Robert Townsend

Dr Sir,
Mount Vernon 27th Novr 1786.

The plank I want is to floor a room 24 by 32 feet. It must be 24 feet long & 1½ inches thick—all of a colour, and entirely free from Knots & sap. More than the nett quantity is requisite, for allowances. If it were seasoned, so much the better; but this is hardly to be expected in plank of this particular kind.
If Mr Swift can supply me, it will be better than to send to the Eastern shore; if he can not, I then beg the favor of you to engage Messrs Peterson & Taylor (I think the names are) to furnish me agreeably to the above Memo[randu]m—as soon as possible—With much esteem, I am &ca

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to George McCarmick, 27 November 1786
From: Washington, George
To: McCarmick, George

Sir,
Mount Vernon 27th Novr 1786.

I have received your letter of the 31st of October, & thank you for the information contained therein. Since which I have obtained a full account of the decisions in my favor against the settlers of my Land on Miller’s run, from Mr Smith.
Altho’ those people have little right to look to me for favor or indulgences, & were told, if they run me to the expence of a Law suit, that they were not to expect any; yet as they are now in my power, it is not my wish or intention to distress them more than the recovery of my property obliges me. They may therefore continue on their respective places either as Tenants at an equitable rent which shall be deemed reasonable between man & man, or as pur-chasers, if the terms can be agreed on between us; but they, nor no others will ever get it for 20/ ⅌ acre: this is five shillings less ⅌ acre, than these people would have given whilst the matter was in dispute, could we have agreed on the security & times of payment. It will be a matter of indifference to me whether I sell the Land altogether, or in parcels of 2, 3, 4 or 500 acres, provided in the latter cases the price is proportioned to the quality of the Land & the improvements thereon; & provided also that it is laid off in regular form & in such a manner as not to injure the rest. Nor should I be very sollicitous about the payments, if the principal is well secured & the interest regularly paid at my house without giving me any trouble in the collection of it. For if this should be the case, I would immediately put the Bond or Bonds in suit. A part of the purchase money I should require down, or at a short period—perhaps one fourth. On these terms also I would dispose of my land in Fayette county, near Yohoghaney.
If I had known that you had removed from your former place of abode near my Land, to Cat-fish, I should not have taken the liberty of referring those who might wish to become purchasers of it, to you to shew them the land, as it was too inconvenient for you to do it; but would have requested this favor of Colo. Cannon, who lives more convenient. The same cause prevents my requesting you to have an eye to it now. It could only suit a person who lives near, & can know almost every day, what is doing on the places, to take charge of them if the present occupants

are determined to remove. But if your Jersey friends or others should want to become pur-chasers, you might oblige them & me too by letting them know that my lands are for sale.
If it was really necessary to have the out lines of the Tract run, in order to ascertain the boundaries of it, I am very willing to pay the expence; but the course by which this was done ought to have been taken from the Patent as the final act.
I am much obliged to you for the information respecting the expeditions of Genl Clarke &c., & for the account from Detroit. I wish, most sincerely, that the first may answer the purpose of giving peace to the Western Settlements.
Mr Lear, a young Gentleman who lives with me, & who is the bearer of this letter, will probably deliver it. If he should stand in need of your advice or assistance, I pray you to give it to him. I am Sir &c.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Philip Marsteller, 27 November 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Marsteller, Philip

Sir,
Mo[un]t Vernon 27th Novr 1786.

I send my Barge for the German family with which I agreed on Saturday last, & for their necessaraies if they have any to bring. As I have no body about me who can converse with them in their own language, I pray you to inform them that it will be necessary they should exert themselves to learn English; that their residences in the room into which they will be first introduced may be temporary, as they probably will be removed from it as soon as I can conveniently provide another place (on this Estate) for them to live in; that they will have provisions given to them to dress in the manner they like best; that they may obtain vegetables, out of my Garden by applying to the Gardener, to eat with their meat—and lastly, that I wish to impress upon them in

strong terms the propriety of diligent attention to their duty, as I shall expect this of them, & shall myself be hurt if their idle conduct obliges me to remind them of a breach of their contract.
As there is no hurry in the case, I will take a more leisure moment to write to you on the matter hinted to you already. I am Sir, &c.

G: Washington

P.S. Pray ask, & let me know if the man understands thatching houses with straw.


Title: To George Washington from Philip Marsteller, 27 November 1786
From: Marsteller, Philip
To: Washington, George

Sr
Alexa[ndria] Novr 27th 1786

I recd your favor of this date and agreeable to Request have fully explain’d to them the Contents thereof, and hartily wish their behavior may merit your Attention.
I enclose the Indentures Signed on the part of the Servants, your part Sr after being Signed will belong to them. Col. Hooe informs me that the Laws of the State do not require the like Transactions to be done before a Majestrate therefore have not applied to any. The Man does not understand Thatching, that being a Trade in the old Country—but the Woman Says she understands making Cheese according to the Custom of her Country, which comes very near to the mode of making English Cheese, by what I could learn from her —Your further Commands shall always be attended to Sir By Your Very Humle Servt

P. Marsteller


Title: From George Washington to Presley Nevill, 27 November 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Nevill, Presley

Dr Sir,
Mount Vernon 27th Novr 1786.

Accept my thanks for the information given me in your letter of the 25th ulto from the Court House of Washington, respecting the decision of one of my Ejectments. I have, since, been informed by Mr Smith, of the favorable issue of the whole, and of the necessity there is of my paying immediate attention to the Tenements to prevent the waste & damage which otherwise will follow.
Consequent of this advice I send Mr Lear, a young gentleman who lives with me, into that Country to take such measures for the preservation of my property as the exigency of the case, when investigated, may require. As it is more than probable he will see you, your friendly information of matters respecting this business, & advice to him would highly oblige me; as also your civilities to him.
Altho’ the present occupants have little right to look to me for indulgences, & were told not to expect them; yet, as they are now in my power, it is neither my wish nor intention to distress them further than the recovery of my property from their usurpation, must unavoidably involve them in. They may therefore become Tenants upon terms equitable between man & man, or purchasers—it being my intention to dispose of the Land, from a conviction that property at the distance that is from the proprietor of it, never can be converted to uses so beneficial as the money arising from the sales; because those in whose fidelity & care we can depend, are too independent, & generally have too much business of their own to attend to smaller matters; & others who are less qualified, & more ready to accept trusts of this sort, are too apt to abuse them: this I have found to my cost.
As Pittsburgh is a point to which emigrants from the northern & Eastern States, & foreigners almost universally, direct their first steps, you would do me a favor to let those who may enquire for cultivated places in your presence, know that that

tract, as well as the other (commonly called Washington’s bottom) in Fayette county, are for sale. I would sell them altogether, or in parcels; but not, by the latter mode, in such a manner as to injure the sale of the rest. I would also give credit for the whole or greatest part of the purchase money, provided the principal is well secured, & the interest arising therefrom regularly paid at my own house without trouble or delay. You would oblige me too, my good Sir, by giving me your candid opinion of the value, or in other words, what these Lands ought to sell for upon the terms here mentioned.
If your Father is in that country now, I beg to be remembered to him & to Mrs Nevill. With esteem and regard, I am Dear Sir &c.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Canon, 28 November 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Canon (Cannon), John

Sir,
Mount Vernon 28th Novr 1786.

I have just been advised by Mr Smith, my Counsel, of the favorable issue of the Ejectments I was compelled to bring for the recovery of my land in your neighbourhood; and of the necessity there is for me to appoint an agent to take care of my interest therein.
As I am not acquainted with any one, who lives near the land, in whom I could place such entire confidence as yourself, permit me to ask if you could make it convenient to take charge of this Tract, so far as to see that each tenement, for the preservation of it, has some person living thereon, upon the best terms you can get them. And that you may not conceive, Sir, that I mean to give you trouble without compensation, I beg leave to inform you, that whatever you may think adequate to the former, I will readily allow.
Altho’ the present occupants of it have little reason to expect favor or indulgences at my hands, yet as they are now in my

power, I do not wish to distress them further than the repossession of my Land, & common justice to myself naturally tends to. I am willing therefore that they should remain on their respective places at such a rent as shall appear reasonable & just between man & man; & this I am perfectly willing you should fix, without considering, or in any degree attending to the loss I have sustained by being kept out of my property for more than twelve years. If you should incline to undertake this trust in my behalf, I shall be well satisfied with these or any other Tenants, for the ensuing year; a longer term, I do not at present incline to let the Tenements for, as it is my intention to sell the land if I can obtain what I conceive it is worth, & would not encumber it with Leases.
From the present scarcity of money I know it would sell low for ready cash, or on short credit; but permit me to ask your candid opinion of its real worth—& what you think it would sell for if credit was given for three fourths of the purchase money, three, four, or five years, with interest to be regularly & punctually paid at my own house during that term; & whether you conceive it would be most advantageous for me to sell it by the tract, or in parcels of one, two, three, four, or five hundred acres, as may be most convenient to the purchasers?
Mr Lear who lives with me, and who I expect will deliver this letter to you, will, if it is necessary, explain any matter that I may be deficient in.
I beg leave to recommend him to your civilities, & friendly advice what steps he had best take in this business, if you should be disinclined to engage in it yourself. With esteem, I am Sir, Your mo: Obt Servt

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Freeman, 28 November 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Freeman, Thomas

Sir,
Mo[un]t Vernon 28th Novr 1786.

Mr Smith having advised me of the decisions in my favor at the Nisi prius Court held for the county of Washington; & of the necessity there is for my sending, or appointing some person on the spot to attend to my interest in the recovered lands; I have, as you appeared fixed on a removal to Kentuckey in the Spring, & with difficulty could be induced to continue the management of my business in your neighbourhood ’till now, sent Mr Lear, who lives with me, to examine into the situation of the Tenements—views of the present occupants, & on the spot to make such arrangements in my behalf, as the exigency of the case may require. He will call upon you in his way out, or in; & by him I should be glad to know what has been done with my Negroes: if sold—to whom, on what credit & for what sum. I wish also to know whether you have received any more of my money; & in that case, how it has been applied: if any is coming to me Mr Lear will afford a safe conveyance for it. I want also to know, in what situation, under whose occupation, & what the expectations are from my land near you—especially the place lately occupied by Simpson; and in what condition the Mill is. I would not wish to have any of the places not already under Leases, engaged for more than one year, because, as I am determined to sell the land if I can obtain a price adequate to what I conceive to be the worth of it, it might be considered as an incumbrance. To keep the buildings & fences in good repair may be essential, even if I gain nothing by the rents.
Considering the present scarcity of money, I am sensible it would not answer to sell for ready Cash; but what do you suppose the track near you would fetch if three, four, or five years credit (paying interest) should be given for three fourths of the purchase money? And what difference do you think there would be in the amount of the sales, between selling the tract entire, or by the Lotts as now laid off—or in three, four, or five hundred-acre parcels? If any person should apply to you for information respecting this Land & the terms, I would accommodate them in this manner; & with respect to price, I want no more pr acre than such kind of land, with such credit sells at in the same part of the country. I am &c.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 29 November 1786
From: Washington, George
To: McHenry, James

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 29th Novr 1786

Your letters of the 18th by the Packet, & 19th by the Post, are both at hand—The Birds were landed yesterday. A Patridge died on the passage.
If Monsr Campion’s information is to be depended on, he had no letter from the Marquis de la Fayette or any other character

in France, for me; nothing confidential therefore could have been disclosed by the loss of his pocket book, unless it was deposited in your letter. His acct is, that he was ordered to repair to L’Orient with the Asses & Birds, from whence he & they were to be shipped by the Messrs Barauds. That the Marquis told him, letters should follow, and he supposes they will arrive in the French Packet.
By Monsr Campion I send the guinea you paid for his board; if there are any charges yet behind, I wish to be informed of them that they may be immediately paid. My sincere thanks are due to you, my dear Sir, for your kind attention to this business. Having received no intimation at, or previous to the arrival of Monsr Campion respecting the light in which he ought to be viewed, I thought it best to err on the safe side, and therefore took him to my table, where he has conducted himself with modesty & propriety.
Under full conviction that the Asses were never intended as a present, and that the Chinese Pheasants (instead of costing 16 Gu[inea]s a pair as the Baltimore paragraphist has anounced to the public) came from the Kings Aviary as a present to the Marquis for me (for so says Monsr Campion) I am concerned that such information should have been exhibited in a public gazette as appeared in the B. Pap. for it may be viewed as a contrivance to bespeak, what I should industriously have endeavoured to avoid, had I supposed it was so meant;—a present. Was this publication confined to Maryland, or even the United States there would not be so much in it; but as these paragraphs for want of other matter to fill a Paper, are handed from one to another, and ultimately get into the British & French Gazettes; the Marquis will entertain a queer idea of it, if nothing more is meant than what was promised, & expected—that is—to be the instrument through the medium of Adml de Suffran (Govr of the Island of Malta, or head of the Order) of procuring & forwarding them from that place to me. That he should have paid all the expences which attended the getting, and shipping them is beyond a doubt—It could not well be otherwise, as their procuration was a doubtful essay. As I have not however received a single line respecting these animals, I do not undertake to contradict the report, but think the evidence of it—the cost—&ca appears to have been too slight to hand it in

such a dress to the public. With sincere esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Yr most Obedt & affecte Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 30 November 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Lear, Tobias

Mount Vernon Novr 30th 1786

Instructions for Mr Lear
You will proceed to Pittsburgh by the following rout—Leesburgh, Keys’ Ferry, Bath, Old Town and Fort Cumberland. From the latter pursue the new road by the Turkey foot to Colo. John Stephenson (commonly called Stinson) wch is on the road to Pittsburgh.
When you are at Bath enquire the way to a piece of Land I have on the river about 14 Miles above the town on the way to Old Town and see if it is in the occupation of any one, and on what terms it is held. A Colo. Bruin in Bath, or a Mr McCraken near the Land will I expect be able to give you information on this head.
When you arrive at Colo. Stephenson’s you will deliver the letter which is addressed to him & receive what money he may be in circumstances or inclination to pay you on my acct.
At Pittsburgh I expect you will find General Butler to whom you have a letter and from whom it is probable you may receive an answer. If he is not there leave the letter for him in the care of his brother (who lives at that place) or some other.
Colo. Nevill lives at a place called Shirtees six miles below

Pittsburgh and I believe not much out of the road to my Land on Millers run (lately recovered) or to Colo. Cannons in the vicinity of it.
You will converse fully and freely with Colo. Nevill on the points touched on in my letter—hear his sentiments on them—and find out if you can how far and with what cordiallity he is disposed to serve me in providing Tenants and securing the Rents of the newly recovered Lands—You will be able to learn from him also whether Colo. Cannon is at home or at the Assembly in Philadelphia—probably Colo. Nevill will ride there with you in the former case, or to the land in the latter one—The condition the last is in you will examine and inform the residents thereon of the person I have named as my Agent—and though they have little right to expect favor from me, yet I have no inclination to distress them more than can be avoided.
As Colo. Canon lives near my land & is esteemed a worthy and respectable character it would be more convenient and perhaps better—every thing considered—that he should superintend my tenants than any other person—but if he declines it and Colo. Nevill discovers an inclination to serve me in this business he would be my next choice—and Major McCarmick the third—In case either of the first (in the order they are named) should incline to accept this trust there will be no necessity for you to deliver the letter to the latter in person if he should not fall in your way.
The name of the person accepting the trust must be inserted in the blank power herewith given you.
You will endeavor to discover from those to whom I have written as also from others what probably is the highest price that can be obtained for the two tracts I wish to dispose of—viz.—that on Millers run in Washington County containing about 3000 Acres—and that on Yohiogany (commonly called Washingtons bottom) in Fayette County of 1650 Acres giving the credits & receiving the payments in the manner mentioned in my letters—& if you should find that none are of opinion that the first will exceed 30/ pr Acre and the other 40/ both Pensyla Curry you may give it out that although I have not named the prices of these tracts in my letters yet you have good reason to believe and indeed to know that if these prices could be averaged (in case the Lands are sold in parcels) that I would be content

therewith and assurances might be given of my disposing of them on these terms.
After having finished the business which takes you to Washington County, return home by the way of my other Land in Fayette County the condition of which I wish you to examine over and above the Acct you will receive from Major Freeman  & then return in by Braddock Road at the Great Meadows lying on which I have a small tract which sometimes has and at other times has not a tenant (though no rent has ever yet been paid me for it) See in what state & Condition this tenement is in.
Your road from hence will cross the No. Branch of Potomack above Fort Cumberland and pass through Rumney and thence to Winchester where you will deliver my letter to Mr White and receive the money due from Genl Lees Estate to me if he inclines to pay it.
In this trip you will have an opportunity of satisfying yourself fully with respect to Colo. Hulls enquiries which I wish you to do—and also what the legal fees of my Lawyers are in the ejectments lately decided in my favor that I may know better what to add to them.
If Major Freeman can give any Acct of the suit (an ejectment I believe it is) brought by my Brother Colo. Jno. Washington in Fayette Court I should be glad if you would obtain it that I communicate the same to him. Wishing you good health and as pleasant a journey as can be expected from the Season I am your sincere friend

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Gardoqui, 1 December 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Gardoqui, Diego Maria de

Sir,
Mount Vernon 1st Decr 1786.

I have had the honor to receive the letter which your Excellency did me the favor of writing to me on the 18th ulto together with the enclosure from the Prime minister of Spain, for which, and the translation, I pray you to accept my grateful thanks.
Besides the pleasure I feel in making these acknowledgements, one object that prompts me to them at this early period, is, to beg that your Excely will not take the trouble of being instrumental in procuring for me a She Ass (by means of which I might preserve the breed of the valuable Jack I received as a present from his Catholic Majesty). At all times & under any circumstances, I shou’d have been perfectly ashamed if an unguarded expression of mine should have been the cause of giving you trouble, but more so in the present. When I had the honor of addressing you last, I had actually sent to Surinam, where I was informed very good, though not of the first race of these animals, were to be had, for a she one; & besides, thro’ the medium of my good friend the Marqs de la Fayette, I had assurances & the further prospect of obtaining one or two from

the Island of Malta. I am quite unhappy therefore lest the information in my former letter, that “I am endeavouring to provide a female that the advantages which are to be derived from this Jack may not end with his life,” should have been construed an expression of a wish that your Excely would employ your influence to effect this purpose, & it is the inducement which has hastened me to an explanation & correction of the indigested manner in which information was communicated.
Rheumatic pains, with which of late I have been a good deal afflicted, and some other causes, will render it inconvenient for me to be in Philada in May next as seems to be expected, & where one of my first pleasures would have been to have paid my respects to your Excellency.
It will be to be regretted if a contrariety of sentiments respecting the navigation of the Mississippi should impede that harmony & mutual intercourse of interests so essential between nations whose territories border on each other. I would fain hope therefore that the true & reciprocal benefits of Spain & the United States, in this case, as well as in all others which may arise between them, will be cooly & dispassionately considered before the ultimatum on either side is fixed. There is no ground on which treaties can be formed that will be found permanent or satisfactory, unless they have these for their basis: but however necessary it may be to inculcate this doctrine upon others, your Excellency I am sure is too much of a politician to need the remark, & too much of a friend to these States to insist upon any measure, which the essential interests of your Nation, or the orders of your Court, may not have dictated; incompatible therewith. With very great consideration & respect I have the honor to be &c.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Rawleigh Colston, 4 December 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Colston, Rawleigh

Sir,
Mo[un]t Vernon 4th Decr 1786.

Your favor of the 10th of Novembr, (which did not reach me ’till within these three days) as well as the former by Mr Ireland, came safe to hand.
Mr Wright, whom I saw at Alexandria, will have informed you, that as the business respecting the affairs of the deceased Colo. George Mercer was transferred by a decree of the high Court of Chancery, from me to Colo. John Mercer; & the Bonds & other papers assigned over to the latter, that it lay with

him to settle the accounts & to decide on the propriety of making conveyances. The Deeds were only with-held ’till payment of the consideration money should be made, or satisfactory security should be given for the doing of it—and that (if it was necessary for me to do it at all) I could make no conveyance without his express direction; this being necessary, for my justification. And this I also repeated to Mr Ireland in emphatic terms.
Since these conversations I have received a line from Colo. John Mercer requesting me to execute a Deed to you for one of the Lotts sold Mr Hickman; but as the Deeds for conveyance of these lands are much out of the usual form, (there being many parties to them) & all the papers respecting the business now out of my possession, I have, in answer to this request, desired him if it is indispensably necessary for me as the seller to convey, to have the deed (for there were some blank ones left) filled up & sent to me with authority for me to sign, & no delay should be found on my part. Having thus explained my sentiments of, & agency in this business, you will readily perceive to what quarter your future applications are to be directed. Considering the light in which Mr Ireland stood, I gave him a statement of the case in writing, that Mr Stone might act in it agreeably to the dictates of his own judgment, or the orders of Colo. Mercer, with respect to the execution. I am Sir &c.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Fielding Lewis, Jr., 4 December 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, Fielding Jr.

Sir,
M[oun]t Vernon 4th Decr 1786.

Your letter of the 11 th of Octor never came to my hands ’till yesterday. Altho’ your disrespectful conduct towards me, in coming into this country & spending weeks therein without ever coming near me, entitles you to very little notice or favor from me; yet I consent that you may get timber from off my Land in

Fauquier County to build a house on your Lott in Recter town. Having granted this, now let me ask you what your views were in purchasing a Lott in a place which, I presume, originated with, & will end in two or three Gin Shops, which probably will exist no longer than they serve to ruin the proprietors, & those who make the most frequent applications to them. I am &c.

G: Washington


Title: Editorial Note
From:
To:

General Lincoln did not complete this extended account of Shays’ Rebellion for GW until 4 Mar. 1787, a month after he had defeated and dispersed Daniel Shays’ followers at Petersham on 4 February. Hence Lincoln’s letter, to which GW responded on 23 Mar. 1787, served for GW not as a running report but as a recapitulation of developments in Massachusetts. It was primarily Henry Knox, the secretary at war, who kept GW informed from New York of events as they unfolded in New England during the winter. For a time in January, Knox was writing to GW by every post, enclosing firsthand accounts from Lincoln and others of the progress of the campaign against the insurgents in western Massachusetts. During the summer of 1786 the farmers in the rural towns of western Massachusetts expressed their growing discontent with their condition and with the government in Boston. The towns petitioned the General Court and called county conventions to press for economic relief, usually demanding paper currency and tender laws. By September the more radical of the protesters had moved to the forcible closure in some counties of the courts of common pleas through which debts were collected. Before the end of the month both Henry Lee in New York and David Humphreys in Connecticut had written GW about these developments in Massachusetts, which they found alarming, and by early October the Virginia newspapers were printing detailed reports from Boston. On 23 Oct., on the same day that Knox sent GW his first report, GW first expressed in writing, in a letter to Humphreys, his bewilderment and anger that Americans could turn against and seek to overthrow a government of their own making. The Massachusetts General Court met on 22 Oct. to begin the session

      in which it sought without success to deal with the growing unrest and violence in the western counties of the state. To pacify the farmers, it enacted legislation to increase somewhat the supply of money and to give debtors some additional protection from their creditors; to restore order, it passed a new riot act and gave the governor broad powers to lift habeas corpus. As Lincoln makes clear in the part of his letter written on 4 Dec., neither of these stratagems worked. Within two weeks of the adjournment of the legislature on 18 Nov., the Shaysites had twice prevented the court from sitting in Winchester, and on 20 Dec. they kept the court closed at Springfield. Gov. James Bowdoin on 4 Jan. 1787 ordered 4,400 troops to be raised and put under the command of General Lincoln, and on 19 Jan. he gave Lincoln his marching orders. In the portion of his letter to GW written on 22 Feb., Lincoln gives a succinct and lucid account of what ensued: his march with his army from Boston to Worcester on 19 Jan.; the wild flight of Shays’ assembled forces at Springfield on 25 Jan. after Gen. William Shepard’s Hampshire militia fired on them in defense of the federal arsenal; Lincoln’s dogging of Shays’ forces back and forth between Hadley, Northampton, Amherst, and Pelham; and Lincoln’s night march of 3 Feb. in a snowstorm to Petersham culminating the next day in the capture of the remnants of Shays’ forces, except for those who scattered and fled into the woods. Lincoln writes the last portion of his letter, dated 4 Mar., to tell of the Shaysite raid from New York on Stockbridge at the end of February and to express misgivings about the disqualifying act passed by the General Court in mid-February placing severe disabilities on all who had taken up arms. Both GW and Henry Knox, to whom Lincoln sent a copy of this eloquent appeal for tolerance and generosity, shared Lincoln’s views, which were to prevail after the election of John Hancock as governor in April.