Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 9 March 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Lear, Tobias

My dear Sir,
 Chester [Pa.] 9th. March, 1797.

Thus far we have arrived safe, but found it disagreeably cold.
To give the greater surety to the large looking Glasses, and such other articles as are liable to be injured by the jolting of a dray; be so good as to have taken down by hand, and stowed where they will not be trod on; or tossed about in the Vessel’s hold.
The grate (from Mr. Morris’s) pray have packed first in some of the old Carpeting to keep it from scratching. The bedstead which Nelly Custis slept on belongs (Mrs. Washington says) to me. Let this and the trundle under it be sent in the Vessel.
I question whether enough of the small hooks were got;—desire Mr. Dandridge to get a couple of dozen more, like the two he took out of my Room yesterday,—and he was to have got me small awls, but I believe did not do it. I wish it to be done.
Mr. Hill told me he had done something (but what I do not recollect) with the livery clothes; I pray you to enquire and know they are sent around.
Mr. Slough of Lancaster had 600 dollars sent him to buy Horses:£160 of which was expended. The balance after deducting incidental expences I expected to have recd. before I left Philadelphia; but did not, and forgot to mention it.
The newly published Pamphlets, pray purchase, and bring with you for me; Mr. Dandridge knows what I already have. Desire Peter Porcupine’s Gazette to be sent to me (as a Subscriber).
If there be means left after I have fairly and honorable discharged all the claims upon myself let Mr. Dandridge (if he should have occasion for it) have to the amount of 200 or two hundred & fifty Dollars, to provide such necessaries as he may require for his voyage to be returned when convenient to him.
When the point at which the Vessel can sail is ascertained; advise me of it by letter. I wish you & all with you, every thing you wish yourselves—and am Sincerely & Affectionately Yrs.

P.S. On one side I am called upon to remember the Parrot, on the other to remember the dog. For my own part I should not pine much if both were forgot.


Title: To George Washington from Arthur Fenner, 10 March 1797
From: Fenner, Arthur
To: Washington, George

Sir
Providence [R.I.] March 10th 1797

The General Assembly, which convened at East Greenwich on the twenty-seventh of February, having continued in Session until the Night before last, I had not the Opportunity of transmitting the inclosed Address. I have now the Pleasure of doing it, and of

assuring you that I am, with every Sentiment of Esteem and Respect, Sir, Your most obedient, and Most humble Servant

A. Fenner


Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 10 March 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Lear, Tobias

My dear Sir,
 Head of Elk [Md.] 10th. of March 1797

We arrived at this place to dinner and shall remain all night. To morrow we shall proceed but slowly.
As I have missed the Post of this afternoon, and another does not happen until Monday it is probable this letter will not reach your hands in time. If the case however should be otherwise, and you have means to accomplish it, let me request you to provide for me as usual new Carpeting as will cover the floor of my blue Parlour. That it may accord with the furniture it ought to have a good deal of blue in it;—and if Wilton is not much dearer than Scotch Carpeting—I would prefer the former. All the old Carpeting (belonging to me) I would have sent;—and Mrs. Washington requests that you would add the Bellows and the Vessels (Iron & Tin) in which the ashes are carried out. If two pair of new Bellows were added to the old, (and of a better kind) it would be desirable.
I pray you to desire Mr. Kitt to make all the enquiry he can after Hercules, and send him round in the Vessel if he can be discovered & apprehended. I am always & Affectionately Yrs.
P.S. The parlour is about 18 foot Square—a suitable border if to be had, should accompany the Carpeting. Pray get me of those Thermometers that tells the state of the Mercury within the 24 hours—Doctor Priestly or Mr. Madison can tell where it is to be had. Perhaps the old one if no thing better, may do to present to Mr. Snowden, according to his letter to me left with you.


Title: To George Washington from Elizabeth Willing Powel, 11–13 March 1797
From: Powel, Elizabeth Willing
To: Washington, George

My very dear Sir
Phila. 11 [–13] th March 1797

Like a true Woman (as you will think) in the Moment of Exultation, and on the first Impulse (for you know we are never supposed to act Systematically or from attentive Consideration,[)] I take up my Pen to address you, as you have given me a complete Triumph on the Subject of all others on which you have I suppose thought me most deficient, and most opposite to yourself; and what is still more charming—your Candor shall preside as Judge, nay you shall pass Sentence on yourself, and I will not appeal from your Decision. Suppose I should prove incontestably that you have without Design put into my Possession the love Letters of a Lady addressed to you under the most solemn Sanction; & a large Packet too. What will the Goddess of Prudence and Circumspection say to her favorite Son and Votary for his dereliction of Principles to which he has hitherto made such serious Sacrifices.

Was the Taste of your Sex predominant in your Breast; and did the Love of Variety so preponderate, that because you had never blundered as President, was you determined to try its Delights as a private Gentleman; but to keep you no longer in Suspense, tho’ I know that your Nerves are not as irritable as a fine Ladies, yet I will with the Generosity of my Sex relieve you, by telling you—that upon opening one of the Drawers of your writing Desk I found a large Bundle of Letters from Mrs Washington bound up and labled with your usual Accuracy. Mr Lear was present, I immediately desired him to take Charge of the Package which he declined—alleging that he thought it was safer in my Hands, at least for some Time—at first I urged it; but finding him Inflexible as I suppose from Motives of Delicacy I sealed them up And I trust it is unnecessary for me to add that they will be keept Inviolably until I deliver them to him or to your Order. As Mr Lear has been connected both with you and Mrs Washington, and as it is probable that some family Circumstances may have been mingled into her Communications to you, to save his Feelings I have sealed the Package with Three Seals bearing the Impression of my blessed Friends Arms, such as that I myself use. Should Mrs Washington appear to have any unpleasant Sensations on this Subject you will I am certain remove them by reminding her—that tho’ Curiosity is supposed to be a prominent feature of the female Mind, yet it will ever be powerfully counteracted when opposed by native Delicacy, or sense of Honor, and I trust a pious Education.
I shall my good Sir give to Mr Lear 245 Dollars which I find was the first Cost of the writing Desk. In my Estimation its Value is not in the least diminished by your use of it; nor from its having been the Repository of those valuable Documents that originated with you during your wise and peaceful Administration for Eight Years. I am sensible many true & handsome Compliments might be paid to you on this Occasion; but as they have been resounded with Elegance & Sincerity through the Whole Continent, and will be re-echoed by Posterity, as you must be conscious they are just and as you are not a Man of Vanity, I will not in my blundering Way attempt a Theme that I feel myself totally inadequate to, as Blundering would not have to me even the Charm of variety to recommend it.
And now let me return you Thanks for your Tributes of Affection. Mr Lear has sent me in your Name a Pair of Lamps & Brackets

with the Appendages. From you they are acceptable tho from no other Being out of my own Family would I receive a pecuniary Favor, nor did I want any inanimate Memento to bring you to my Recollection. I most sincerely hope to hear that you are all well and safely arrived at Mount Vernon long before you will receive this Scrawl. Be pleased to present my best Wishes to Mrs Washington & Miss Custis. Truly & affectionately I have the Honor to be, Sir Your most Obedt & Obliged

Eliza. Powel

N.B. March 13th Mr Lear dined with me Yesterday. I desired him not to mention the Circumstance alluded to in the first ⟨Para⟩-graph of this Letter, therefore Mrs W. need not be informed of it unless you choose to tell her yourself. E.P.


Title: Address of Baltimore City Council, 12 March 1797
From: Baltimore City Council
To: Washington, George

[12 March 1797]

To partake of the prosperity arising from your unwearied attention to the Welfare of our Country—To admire that firmness which has never been disconcerted in the greatest difficulties, and which has acquired vigor in proportion to the exigency. To feel that honorable ascendancy you have obtained in the well founded opinion of your fellow Citizens by a Wise administration, and the exercise of the virtues of Private life, and to suppress our admiration and acknowledgment would be wanting to our own individual sensations and the just expectation of those we represent.

Permit therefore the Mayor & City Council of Baltimore amongst the first exercise of their Corporate Capacity to gratify themselves and their Constituents in the sincere expression of regret for your retirement. Their lively gratitude for your public services. Their affectionate attachment to your private Character. Their heartfelt farewell to your person & family, and their unceasing solicitude for your temporal & eternal happiness. In behalf of the Corporation of the City of Baltimore

Jas Calhoun Mayor


Title: To George Washington from Landon Carter, 12 March 1797
From: Carter, Landon
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Cleve 12 March 1797

Your favr of the 27th ulmo came to hand three days ago just when I was puting into the Office a Letter of congratulation to meet you at your assylum from the Labors of a weighty Trust. Abstracted from self I can withdraw from an high Idea of the importance of our Loss and am capable of exulting in the calm delights of the Man I love and whom e’er long I may have permission to call by the closer name of Friend. When retired to the peaceful quiet of Mt Vernon—I mean when absolutely so—I will benefit by the indulgent expression of wellcome uttered in one of your Letters; there to testify my warm attachment.
A letter from Mr James Anderson was inclosed which I have answered conformable to its’ contents. The correctness of that

Person bespeaks him a man adapted to business and I hope you will have that satisfaction in him which I have longed after in vain For incorrectness has been the stumbling block to my eager desire to improve and complete a Plan that has the fairest prospects.
I dont know how you will approve my increasing your expence in the transportation of the Pease but I conceive them safer in bags; which too will afterwards be useful on your Farm: I have in pursuance of these Ideas purchased Bags for the Occasion. I am Dear Sir with most true regard and very respectfully Your most Obt Hble servt

L. Carter

P.S. I had writen to Mr A. on the first Plan of yr Waggon & first qty ordered—present Letter to him alluded to, is to the late plan & increased qty to 40 ⟨bus.⟩.


Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 12 March 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Lear, Tobias

My dear Sir,
Baltimore, 12th. Mar. 1797.

As I ride on matters occur to me and I shall take the chance of mentioning them to you before you may have left Philadelphia. A boat was bespoke, but no direction given either for the payment or mode of getting it round. My credit is at stake as it respects the first, and my interest as it regards the second, and I shall be obliged to you for seeing how both can be promoted.
It is incumbent on me also to pay rent up to the time the house is surrendered, and to see that it is made clean and delivered up in good order. I have several times mentioned this to Mr. Dandridge and pressed it upon Mr. Kitt;—& trust it will be done. The furniture belonging to the public ought to have been well cleaned, as well as the Rooms before they were turned over to the President’s order, with the Papers.

Let me request the favour of you to purchase for me half a dozen pair of the best kind of White Silk stockings (not those with gores but) to be large, and with small clocks (I think they are called) I want the same number of raw silk, for boot stockings; large and strong.
In my last from Elkton I mentioned the want of a Carpet for my parlour at Mount Vernon;—and observed that as the furniture was blue, the ground or principal flowers in it ought to be blue also;—& that if Wilton Carpeting was not much dearer than Scotch I should prefer it. Mrs. Washington says there is a kind different from both much in use (Russia) if not dearer or but little more so than the former I would have it got. The Room is about 18 feet Square, and the Carpet should have a suitable border if to be had. This letter may get to your hands on Tuesday morning and on the Post of Wednesday a line or two informing when the goods will be on board, & the Vessel will sail, will be very agreeable to My dear Sir Your Affectionate friend & Servt.


Title: To George Washington from John Fitzgerald and James Craik, 13 March 1797
From: Fitzgerald, John,Craik, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Alexandria Monday afternoon [13 March 1797]

A number of the Inhabitants of this town & its Vicinity wish to have the pleasure of meeting you on your entrance into the State & escorting you to Mt Vernon[.] As they flatter themselves that this token of their sincere affection & esteem will not meet your disapprobation, they have dispatched the bearer & request you will let them know at what time you will probably cross the ferry that they may regulate themselves accordingly. We have the honor to be your mo. Obedt Servts

John Fitzgerald
James Craik


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Pendleton, 13 March 1797
From: Pendleton, Edmund
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Caroline [County] March 13 1797

However as a citizen I may depricate the consequences of your retirement from the helm of our political barque in the present lowering season, yet as your friend I sincerely congratulate you on having eased your body and mind of that heavy and anxious weight, & returned to a tranquil private life with both in full vigor enabling you to enjoy the sweets of domestic ease and social converse, exempt from the apathy usually produced by old age and mental decay. Long, long may you continue to enjoy, without allay this state of domestic and social pleasure, & be always happy.
This being intended as my annual tribute to friendship, I have only to add that the prospect of our growing, or rather should-be growing, Crops of wheat is very unfavourable [.] I am with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and friendship, Dr Sir your affecte & most Obt Servant

Edmund Pendleton


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 14 March 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

Dear Sir,
City of Washington 14th Mar. 1797.

The pressure of business in the last days of my administration, occasioned my dispatching the enclosed Instrument to the Commissioners of this City without the Seal of the United States (as certified); and I should not have known it wanted this evidence, had not those Gentlemen (upon my arrival here) informed me of the omission.
I now forward it for the purpose of having this defect remedied; and request the favor of you to return it to the Commissioners with the Seal annexed. with great & sincere regard, I am Your Affecte Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Erskine, 15 March 1797
From: Erskine, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir.
London March 15th 1797

I have taken the liberty to introduce your August & immortal name in a short sentence (see Page 58) which is to be found in the Book I send to you. I have a large acquaintance amongst the most valuable & exalted classes of men; but you are the only

Human being for whome I ever felt an aweful reverence. I sincerely pray God to grant a long and serene evening to a life so gloriously devoted to the universal happiness of the world.

T. Erskine


Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 15 March 1797
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

My dear Sir,
Philada March 15th 1797.

I have before me your respected favers of the 9th, 10th & 12th inst. which have been received in due course. The directions contained in these several letters shall be duly attended to & the articles therein mentioned, forwarded.
We have been fortunate in getting the things on board the Vessel without any injury and they are well stowed. A few more are to

go down this morning (if rain should not prevent) which will complete her lading, and tomorrow, if wind & weather permit, she will probably sail. There will still remain a few articles which cannot be put on board this Vessel; but will be sent by another which will sail early next week.
The House is now preparing for the President, and he proposes to come in on Monday next, when I presume everything will be in as good order as it can be put.
The furniture of the Green Drawing Room & other Articles sold at Auction went off very low indeed. The numbers attending the Auction was considerable; but they were disappointed in an expectation which they had formed that the Painting, P⟨r⟩ints &c. were to have been sold. The Lustres—Stoves & other fixtures in the House will be taken by the President at cost or a fair valuation. There is nothing to be sold of the public furniture.
It is my intention to tarry in this place through the present week, in which time I trust that everything respecting the House, furniture &c. will be settled & closed—when I shall go on to the Potomac & take on with me all the accounts &c. belonging to you.
We are all well here, and Mr Dandridge unites in offering his best respects to all at Mt Vernon with—my dear Sir, Your respectful & affectionate friend & Servt

Tobias Lear


Title: To George Washington from Francis Peyton, Jr., 20 March 1797
From: Peyton, Francis Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Alexandria 20th March 1797

I am directed by the Council of this Town, to solicit the honor of your company, with the Gentlemen of your family, to dine with the Citizens of Alexandria, at Gadsby’s tavern on thursday next at two oclock.
If the time proposed should not meet your convenience I should be happy to know at what time you can favour us with your presence. I am Sir with respect Yr Ob. Servt

Francis Peyton


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 21 March 1797
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Department of State [Philadelphia] March 21. 1797.

On the 18th I was honoured with your letter of the 14th covering an instrument directing the transfer of the streets and public lots in the City of Washington from Messrs Beall & Gantt to the Commissioners for that city: The seal of the United States has been affixed to it; and by to-morrow’s mail I shall send it to the Commissioners, as you desire.
Dr Edwards has handed me the inclosed printed paper addressed to you by Sir John Sinclair; and says he expects some further communications to be forwarded to you, from the same quarter.

We have yet no official intelligence concerning General Pinckney. I am with great & sincere respect Sir, your most obt servt

Timothy Pickering


Title: To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 21 March 1797
From: Scott, Gustavus
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Washington 21 st March 1797.

I received whilst at Baltimore from Genl Swan 10 Pounds of the Chiccorry or Succourry Grass seed, just from England, fresh, & I believe of excellent Quality. His request to me was to distribute it among those most likely to ensure its propagation; & to forward one half of the whole Quantity to Mount Vernon. You will be pleased to say to whose Care at Alexandria I shall address it.
The vast Croud of Visitors I found in Brydons Rooms waiting to pay their Respects to you  convinced me I cou’d not more agreeably shew my Respect to you than by leaving you to the pleasure of your own Reflections after the fatigues of the Mayor Corporation & innumerable other Visitors. I have the honor to be with sentiments of perfect Respect Sir Yr mo. obt servt

Gusts Scott


Title: To George Washington from John Turberville, 22 March 1797
From: Turberville, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Hiccary Hill 22nd March 1797

Sometime between the years 1740 & 1758, a Richard Magraw, of Fairfax County, Sold a Tract of Land, Containing 296 Acres, to

Major Lawrance Washington of Mount Vernon, Which land, the Said Magraw, took up as waste land, in the year 1740 as by the proprietors Deed Specifies. The Land was adjoining to the Land taken up by Colo. Wm Fairfax, of Belvoir in the name of Anne Fairfax his Daughter Who intermarried with Major Lawrance Washington. at his death, by his Will his Executors were directed to Sell that 296 Acres, to be applied to the payment of his Debts. Colo. George Lee Who intermarried with Mrs Ann Washington Widow to Major Washington Purchased the Said land from the Executors; You Sir (as the Only one living). At the death of Colo. George Lee, his Eldest Son George Fairfax Lee inherit’d the Land, and I purchased it of him. We have been in Peaceable and Quiet possession of the land untill the year 1794 when I then Sold the Land to a Peirce Bailey of Loudoun, but upon Examination There’s no Deed from Magraw to Maj. Washington in any Records in this State. Tho’ the Original propriators Deed was amongst Majr Washingtons papers, (as I Suppose) for it was amongst Colo. George Lees; When I bought the Land, but no Deed from Magraw; and by some means the Executors Deed to Colo. George Lee had never been proven, all the Witnesses to that Deed are Dead except, Mrs Hannah Washington of Bushfield[,] Mr Bryan Fairfax and Mrs Mary Lee Widow of Mr Thomas Ludwell Lee[.] The Deed is now at Dumfries District Office proven by Mrs Washington and Mr Bryan Fairfax, and Mrs Lee has attended but would not Swear that her name on the Deed was her hand Writing and so it Stands for farther prooff. Mr Peirce Bailey not finding any Deed from Magaw to Washington nor the Executors Deed fully proven to George Lee He sued my Bond, and has got a Judgment vs me for double the Sum I Sold him the land for. My Lawyers tell me that as the Deed has not been Recorded from Magraw to Majr Washington if any person Can Prove that there ever was Such a Deed Which there Surely was, That, That proof Will be Sufficient to give a good Title, As I am inform’d you lived with Majr Washington about the time the Purchase was made expect you Can recollect Something about it, if So I Shou’d be Particularly Obliged by your leting me hear from You before the (may) District Court As I have appeal’d from Fairfax Court to the District Court and [it] will Come on in May.
I hope you will excuse my Freedom in troubleing you with this Letter. nothing but the Probability of my loosing £600 Would

have urged me to give you any trouble on my Account and am yr Most Obt Humle Sert

John Turberville


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 24 March 1797
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

Dear sir
Philad[elphia] 24 March 1797.

Once more at home, and I flatter myself recovered from the fatigues of your journey. You have witnessed on your route the great affection and attachment of the people and the sound part of the community, which is still visible in every company I go into, and which I am persuaded will not diminish, though the external marks of it may gradually be less strongly expressessed. This is the least reward you could have received, or the country could have given. It is nevertheless a precious one.
Letters have arrived yesterday from Mr Pinckney dated 5 Jany Paris. He has been refused, as stated in the enclosed paper. De la Croix in a letter to Mr Munroe acknowleging his recall, informs him that no minister Plenipotentiary will be received by the Republic till such time as the grievances complained of shall be redressed. Mr Pinckney wrote after this to De la Croix: had a verbal answer by his secretary, repeating his refusal, and the propriety to avoid inconveniences of his departure. In short on the part of the ⟨Directorial⟩ minister every step is insulting, and the form of the rejection passing thro’ Mr Munroe not the least so. Mr P. notwithstanding thought his duty required that he should not leave the territory of France, without a written order or orders from the Govern, of the U.S. Thus things were situated on the 5th of last January.
I presume Congress must be called and that immediately; and that it may also be expedient in the mean while, to direct Mr Pinckney, to make another effort, such as may not commit the dignity of the U.S. and if unsuccessful retire to Hamburg or some other place to wait events or a better disposition on the part of France. I send my sincere respects and affection to Mrs Washington & Miss Custis. Adieu

James McHenry


Title: To George Washington from William Bingham, 25 March 1797
From: Bingham, William
To: Washington, George

Dear sir
Philadelphia March 25th 1797

Amongst the Number that experience the Hospitalities of Mount Vernon, there are none whose personal Merit (independent of their Education, their Rank & Pretensions) more deservedly entitle them to this attention, than my Friends Mons’ d’Orleans, Mons’ de Montpensier & Mons’ de Beaujolois.
Your previous Acquaintance with these Gentlemen, renders it unnecessary to recommend them more pointedly to your Notice & Civilities.
They intend, after paying their Respects to you & Mrs Washington, to make a Short Excursion to the Westward. I have the Honor to be with Respect Sir Your obed. hble servt

Wm Bingham


Title: To George Washington from George Washington Parke Custis, 25 March 1797
From: Custis, George Washington Parke
To: Washington, George

Dearest Sir
Nassau Hall [Princeton, N.J.]Ma[rch] 25th [1797]

A letter from my Sister this morning informed me of your safe arrival at Mount Vernon, which has hitherto prevented me from writing—I congratulate you on a thing so ardently wished for by

all those interested in your welfare—The marks of approbation and esteem manifested in the manners of the different States thro which you passed must have been highly gratifying and satisfactory, and the pleasure received on reaching the destined haven must have rendered your happiness consummate.
The different studies I have passed through during the Winter, I am now reveiwing, and the evident good effects resulting from an attention to them at first are now conspicuous; the examination will come on in a fortnight, and immediately after, the Vacation will commence—The money you were so Kind as to transmit for the bearing of my expences I shall receive at my departure, and keep regular accoumpts of all expenditures—I shall set off the next day and pass through Philadelphia without stopping by which mean I shall have about 20 days to stay at home, my anxiety to attain which will preponderate against all other considerations—The Roman History I have finished reveiwed and am perfect, translating French has become pretty familiar, and the great deal of writing attending which has probably improved my hand, I have read a great many good authors, this winter and have paid particular attention to Hume, have obtained a tolerable idea of Geography, and Sir injustice to myself, and my own endeavours I think I have spent my time in no wise to be complained. Arithmetic I must confess I have not made as much progress in as could be expected owing to a variety of circumstances, and the superficial manner in which I first imbibed the principles but the ensuing summer shall make up the deficiency and then I hope I shall have no cause to complain of myself—If Sir by staying in Philadelphia I could do any thing you might wish; I will do it, or any thing else with pleasure as for myself I have no desire to delay a moment—I now conclude by wishing you health and happiness—Remember me to all family and beleive me Sincerely Yours

G. W. P. Custis


Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 25 March 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Lear, Tobias

dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 25th Mar. 1797

Your letter of the 20th instt, with the Bill of lading for the Goods in the Sloop Salem, and another letter of the 15th are both received; and I hope this will find you safely arrived in the Federal City.
I have got Painters at work in order to prepare my rooms for the furniture which is expected; but I find I have begun at the wrong end, for some joiners work (of the deficiency of which I was ignorant before it was examined) ought to have preceeded theirs, as the fixing of the chimney pieces ought also to do. the first I have engaged, but cannot, on enquiry, find that a skilful hand is to be had in Alexandria to execute the latter. I would thank you therefore for engaging one, if to be had in the Federal City or George town, to be here on Monday or tuesday at farthest as my work will be at a stand without. To prevent imposition, and to avoid disputes, I would prefer employing the artisan by the day. The work immediately foreseen, and which must be done without delay, is, to refix the Marble chimney piece in the Parlour which is almost falling out; to fix the New one (expected from Philadelphia) in the small dining room; to remove the one now there into what is called the School room; to fix the Grate which is coming round in the large dining room; and to give some repairs to the steps; which (like most things else I have looked into since I have been at home) are sadly out of repair.
’Tis possible either of the Commissioners or Captn Hoban could point out a proper character, as they have had to do with the best workmen; and tis possible, but I do not think it very probable, that Cornelius (my old Servant) might be competent to it. two things however are necessary—viz.—Skill & dispatch. Our best regards are presented to all with you—and I am Your sincere friend and ⟨affect⟩ionate Servant

Go: Washington

P.S. If Cornelius had knowledge in practice or theory sufficient for the job, I should be disposed to give him a preference; first because I am acquainted with his temper and industry; and 2dly because I foresee many other things in his line that must be done as fast as I can accomplish them; by engageing a workman upon moderate terms, make Bricks or raise stone, and procure lime.

The Winds have been favorable for Captn Elkins, but we see nothing of his Sloop yet. As soon as it arrives I will let you know, as it would be very pleasing to me, to have you here at that time. Yrs &c. G.W.


Title: From George Washington to Alexander Spotswood, 26 March 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Spotswood, Alexander

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 26th Mar. 1797

Your letter of the 22d instant has been received, by which I find you have fixed the commencement of your journey to Kentucky to the 3d of next month. Although some passages in your letter lead me to conclude that mine to you of the first of Feby had got to hand, yet, as you have not acknowledged the receipt of it, I am left in doubt, and having a press copy thereof by me, I forward a duplicate from that.
To the Sentiments contained therein, relative to my land on rough creek, I have nothing to add. I thank you sincerely for your kind congratulations on my return to this place; and with every good wish, in which Mrs Washington unites for your prosperous journey and safe return; and with best regards for Mrs Spotswood and the family—I am—Your affecte friend and Humble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from James Gillis, 28 March 1797
From: Gillis, James
To: Washington, George

Most respected Brother
Alex[andri]a March 28th 1797

Brothers Ramsay & Marsteller wait upon You with a Copy of an address which has been prepared by the unanimous desire of the Antient York Masons of Lodge No. 22. It is their earnest request that You will partake of a Dinner with them and that You will please appoint the time most convenient for You to attend. I am most beloved Brother Your most Obedt hble Servt

James Gillis. M[aster]


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Fay, 30 March 1797
From: Fay, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York 30th March 1797

Your letter of the 19th Ulto enclosing proposals for selling your Virginia Lands, came duly to hand, I have deferrd any reply until I gained an opportunity to consult several of my friends who proposed being concerned with me in the purchase; we have considered your proposals, and we find several obstacles in the way of closing with them. we should find much difficulty in making the first advances. The Interest required to be paid, we doubt would consume the growth of the property before we could bring it into productive cultivation, and we are not sufficiently acquainted with the Situation and quality, to decide how far we should be Warranted to pay the price you propose, taking the whole together, under all these circumstances we have concluded to relinquish the Idea of purchasing, and more especially as we agree with you respecting the disgrace of Land Jobbing in Europe.
We shall however send persons to that Country the present Season, to View Lands which we already own, when we shall probably look at yours also, and if on being more particularly acquainted, we should judge your offers advantageous, and your Lands should remain unsold, we shall wait on you for the purpose of concluding a Contract, in the meantime do not require you to refuse any other opportunity which may offer for Selling. I am Most respectfully, and affectionately your friend & Servant

Joseph Fay.


Title: To George Washington from Priscilla Beale, 2 April 1797
From: Beale, Priscilla
To: Washington, George

Sir,
April 2d 1797

I have been called on repeatedly by Mr Hezekiah Veach your Collector for the Rents Due you I have Long since sent some wheat to Baltimore for the Purpose of paying you the Rents due you. But when I sent it there wheat had fallen in Consequence of which I stowed it for a better markett. since Then I have been Afflicted with a very sick Family. one of my sons have been Down with the Consumtion for some time and I Expect will Expire Every day

also most all my family Lies Very much afflicted Col. Deakins advised me to notice you of my situation and Request you to wright to Mr H. Veach whatever price You thought Just & Equeateble To take for the Tobacco as I Cant make it on the Land I must pay you in Money when wheat was up I was so situated that I Could not send for my money at Baltimore which is for you and no other purpose your honor will please to wright to Mr Veach not Distress as I mean you Shall be paid shortly I am sir with Rept your mos. Hbl. St

Priscilla Beale


Title: Farm Reports, 2–8 April 1797
From: Anderson, James
To: Washington, George

Editorial Note
When in November 1785 GW himself took over for a few months the direct, day-to-day supervision of his several farms at Mount Vernon, he

devised the general format for the weekly reports that successive farm managers thereafter followed. The reports of the farm manager were based upon the reports that the overseers of the individual farms made to him each week and often included reports from the head carpenter, the miller, and others. See the editor’s note in Farm Reports, 26 Nov. 1785–16 April 1786. For the most part, the editors of GW’s Papers have not included the Farm Reports in the printed volumes. All surviving farm reports appear in CD-ROM:GW. James Anderson’s reports of 2–8, 9–15, 16–22, and 23–29 April 1797 are printed here because in April 1797 GW “Omitted keeping any Acct. of the Weather and Occurrences” (DiariesDonald Jackson and Dorothy Twohig, eds. The Diaries of George Washington. 6 vols. Charlottesville, Va., 1976–79., 6:241); his diaries are otherwise complete from the beginning of 1797 until 13 Dec. 1799, the day before his death.

[2–8 April 1797]

               A Meteoroligical Account of the Weather kept at Mount Vernon

                  1797 April

                  2d In the Morning
                  50 S. clear
                  52 S. clear
                  50 S. clear

                  3
                  52 S. clear
                  56 S. clear
                  58 S. clear

                  4
                  60 S. cloudy
                  62 S. cloudy & some rain
                  62 S. clear

                  5
                  62 S. clear
                  64 S. clear
                  64 S. clear

                  6
                  64 N.W. cloudy & Rain
                  64 S. clear
                  66 S. cloudy

                  7
                  61 N.E. Rain
                  62 N.E. rain
                  60 N.E. rain

                  8
                  53 N.W. Rain
                  54 N.E. Rain
                  52 N.W. Rain

                  Dr.
                  Mansionhouse for the Work of 8 hands Amount ⅌ Week
                  48 days

                  Cr.
                  By Waggon hauling Hay to Mansion house
                   2

                   "  Plank to Fishhouse, & Sand to Mansion 1 & Rails 1
                   2

                   "  going for Corn & Oats 1 & Wood to House 1 day
                   2

                     3 Horse Cart at Alexria for Seine 1 & Hauling wood 4 days
                   5

                   "  do Hauling Meal & Bran from the Mill
                   1

                     2 Horse Cart hauling manure
                   2

                     broke down
                   4

                   "  Fishing by Hauling the Seine
                  10

                   "  Joe pruning of Trees
                   4

                   "  Gunner Cuting wood
                   6

                   "  Anthony making Lime Mortar
                   6

                     Sick James Sick by a sore leg
                   4

                  48

                  Dr.
                  Ditchers for the Amount of the Work of 4 Men ⅌ Week
                  24

                  Cr.
                  By Hauling the Seine
                  17

                   "  with the Boat at Alexandria
                   1

                   "  Cuting of wood
                   6

                  24

Stock, one Stud Horse, 3 Stud Jacks, & 3 do Young Jacks—10 Asses—6 Horses, 9 Mules Working & 16 do unbroke & 16 Cows 3 Calves—10 Wedders 4 Ews & 4 Lambs—Decrease 1 Wedder killed—And one calf sold the Butcher. And one Calf dead.

                  Dr.
                  River Farm, for the work of 27 Hands Amot. ⅌ Week
                  162

                  Cr.
                  by ploughing, Harrowing, & Seeding of Oats, & Flax
                   42

                   "  Hauling Corn to Mill 1, & Rolling clove ground 2 days
                    3

                   "  Hauling of Old wood, & trash, out of the way
                    3

                   "  Cuting of Corn Stalks, & carrying them of the Wheat
                   55

                   "  Thrashing of Oats, When it Rained
                   33

                   "  Hauling of the Seine at the Landing
                    8

                   "  Working in the Garden at Mansion
                    6

                   "  Attending upon the Stock
                   12

                  162

Stock 12 Horses & 11 Mules, 83 Cattle & 15 Calves—196 Sheep & 76 Lambs One Mare had a Colt which instantly died.

                  Corn sent to Mill
                  25½

                  do fed to Stock
                  17½

                  do sent to Mansion
                  30

                  Oats sent to Mansion
                   8 Bu.

                  Do sowed in all
                  87

                  95

                  Flax seed sowed
                   2 Bu.

                  Clover seed sowed
                  86 lb.

                  Dr.
                  Mudyhole for the Work of 14 hands Amot. ⅌ Week
                  84

                  Cr.
                  By Hauling Corn to, & Meal from the Mill
                   1

                   "  Rolling of Wheat & Oats
                   2

                   "  Ploughing 25 & Nathan in the Kitchen 6
                  31

                   "  Picking up Corn Stalks
                   4

                   "  fencing 12 & Burning of Brush 4 days
                  16

                     Shelling Corn when Raining
                   9

                     Sick Gabriel 3, & 3 Women in Child bed 18 days
                  21

                  84

Stock 7 Horses & 4 Mules, 33 Cattle & 2 Calves 49 Sheep & 18 Lambs

                  Corn sent to Mill
                   8½ Bu.

                  do  fed to Stock
                   4

                  Total
                  12½ Bu.

                  Dr.
                  Doguerun for the Work of 16 hands Amot. ⅌ Week
                  96

                  Cr.
                  By Hauling Wood from new Ground 6 & Mauling Rails 4 days
                  10

                   "  Ploughing 25, fencing 10 days & Grubing in Mill Swamp 4 days
                  39

                   "  Grubing new Ground 4, And cleaning up do 9 days
                  13

                   "  Joe at Hauling the Seine 1 day & Grubing in new Ground 6 days
                   7

                   "  Hauling of Rails
                   3

                     Sick Dick 4, Judith 4, Liney 2, And Lucey 2 days
                  12

                  [By] Cleaning of Stables, & Shelling Corn, when it rained
                  12

                  96

Stock 5 Horses, & 8 Mules 67 Cattle & 6 Calves 136 Sheep & 41 Lambs Increase 3 Calves.

                  Corn sent to the Mill
                  12 Bushels

                  do  fed to Stock
                   7½

                  19½

                  Dr.
                  Union Farm for the Work of 22 hands Amt. ⅌ Week
                  132

                  Cr.
                  By ploughing for Corn, And harrowing
                   40

                   "  Spreading manure, And filling up Gullys
                   35

                   "  making fences
                   19

                   "  Cleaning of Wheat 5 & cleaning out the Stables 20 days
                   25

                   "  Carting Manure, & Hauling Rails
                   10

                   "  Hauling of Slope from the Distillery to Jas Andersons
                    2

                   "  Sowing of Flax, & Grass seeds
                    1

                  132

Stock 15 Horses 6 mules 66 Cattle 2 Calves 111 Sheep, 46 Lambs Decrease 1 fatted Steer Sent to Alexandria for the Butcher

                  Corn sent to Mill
                  20 Bu.

                  do  fed to Stock
                  10

                  30 Bushels

                  Mill Dr.
                  I[ndian] C[orn]
                  Wh[eat]

                  To Mudyhole
                   8.2

                   "  Doguerun
                  12.

                   "  Union farm
                  19.2

                   "  River farm
                  25.2

                   "  Toll this week
                   8.

                  73.2

                  Contra
                  I[ndian]M[eal]
                  FlourSup[er]F[ine]
                  H[ominy]
                  Sh[orts]B[ran]

                  By Mudyhole
                   8.2

                   "  Doguerun
                  12

                   "  Union farm
                  15.2

                   "  River Farm
                  13.2

                   "  Mansion house
                  19.2
                  196

                  16.5

                   "  Fishery
                   2.

                   "  Jas Anderson &c.
                   1.3

                   3.

                   "  John Violet
                   1.

                   "  Genll Washington
                    .2

                   "  Joseph Cash
                   1.

                   "  Cooper Miller & boys
                   1.2

                  76.3
                  196

                  19.5

                  Flour as on 1st April Superfine
                  211 fine
                  66 mid.
                  2 ⟨Ship⟩

                  ⟨Deduce⟩ Sent to the House
                    1
                  —

                  210
                  66
                  2

                  Ship Stuff Distilleed 697

                  Dr.
                  Cooper for the work of 2 Men & boy, Amot. ⅌ week
                  18

                  Cr.
                  By Coopering Fish Barrels & Tubs at Fish house
                  10

                     Making, & Hooping Pails in the Shop
                   2

                     Making Flour Barrels
                   5

                     Working on the Mill Race
                   1

                  18

                  Dr.
                  Miller Ben for one Weeks Work Amot.
                   6

                  Cr.
                  By working on the Mill Race
                   3

                   "  Working in the Mill
                   3

                   6

                  Dr.
                  Spinners, Sewers & Knitters for the Work of 15 Women Amounting to ⅌ Week
                  90 days

                  Cr.

                           By Matilda Spining
                           6 lb. Tow Yarn

                            "  Delia Spining
                           6  do do

                            "  Annie Spining
                           6  do do

                            "  Delphia Spining
                           4  do do

                            "  Judith
                           4  Stocking Yarn

                            "  Kitty
                           2  Sewing thread

                            "  Betsey Sewing
                           9  Shirts

                            "  Alsey Sewing
                           3 2 days & in the House 4

                   6

                   6

                   6

                   6

                   6

                   6

                    6

                   6

                            "  Lame Alley Knitting
                           2 pr Stockings

                            "  Lucey Knitting
                           1 pr do

                   6

                   6

                   "  Caroline Working in the House
                   6

                            "  Charlotte working in
                           do

                            "  Dolsey working in
                           do

                            "  Sall working in
                           do

                   6

                   6

                   6

                     Sick Doll
                   6

                  90

Lame Peter knitting 2 pair Stockings 6

                  Dr.
                  Gardeners for the work of 4 Men Amounting ⅌ week to
                  24 days

                  Cr.
                  By cleaning & planting in the Garden
                  19

                   "  George working in the Kitchen
                   1

                   "  lost by Rain
                   2

                     Sick Peter from River Farm
                   2

                  24

                  Dr.
                  Carpenters for the work of 7 Men Amot. ⅌ week to
                  42

                  Cr.
                  By repairing of the fishhouse &a
                  10

                   "  Repairing of Mansion house
                   4

                   "  Going in the Boat after Salt to Alexria
                   3

                   "  Working in the Shop in the time of Rain, Making of 2 pair plough ⟨Rims⟩, Hewing ⟨Cart⟩ & plough ⟨Sheft⟩ &c.
                   5

                   "  Isacc, & Joe, repairing of the Fish Boat
                   1

                   "  Making of 2 ploughs for Union Farm, & assisting in repairing the Mansion house
                   7

                     Davie in the Cooper Shop
                   6

                     Decrease Christopher in the House
                   6

                  42

                  Dr.
                  Bricklayers for the work of 2 Men Amot. ⅌ week
                  12

                  Tom Davis & Muckles hauling of the Seine
                  12

               A General view on the Stock on all the Farms

                  Stud H.
                  Stud Jacks
                  Horses
                  Asses
                  Mules
                  Total

                  Mansion
                  1
                  6
                   7
                  10
                  25
                  49

                  River

                  12

                  11
                  23

                  Mudyhole

                   7

                   4
                  11

                  Doguerun

                   5

                   8
                  13

                  Union Farm

                  15

                   6
                  21

                  James Anderson

                   2

                  2

                  Mill & Distillery

                   1

                  1

                  Total
                  1
                  6
                  49
                  10
                  54
                  110

                  Cattle
                  Calves
                  Total
                  Sheep
                  Lambs
                  Total

                  Mansion
                  16
                   3
                  19
                  14
                  4
                  18

                  River
                  83
                  15
                  98
                  196
                  76
                  272

                  Mudyhole
                  33
                   2
                  37
                  49
                  18
                  67

                  Doguerun
                  67
                   6
                  73
                  136
                  41
                  177

                  Union Farm
                  66
                   2
                  68
                  111
                  46
                  157

                  James Anderson
                  15
                  10
                  25

                  Mill & Distillery
                   2
                   1
                   3

                  Total
                  282
                  39
                  323
                  506
                  185
                  691


Title: From George Washington to Henry Lee, Jr., 2 April 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry Jr.

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 2 Aprl 1797

If this letter should happen to find you in Philadelphia, the intention of it is to bring you acquainted with the situation of Messrs Reed & Ford’s engagement to transfer (after the 28th of March) seventy shares in the Bank of Columbia on your account for my benefit.
On my way home, I placed their obligation in the hands of a Gentleman within the District of Columbia, for the purpose of

having this transfer made. The following extract of his letter to me was received on friday last, but not in time to forward it by the Post of next morning, although I instantly wrote, & took the chance of a letters getting to Messrs Reed & Ford by the Mail of that day; & now enclose a duplicate—open for your perusal before it is delivered.
“Inclosed is Reed & Fords obligation wch you left with me, but on application to one of the Officers in the Bank to transfer to you the shares in question, he informed me it could not be done without a power of Attorney from them to some person in this town to make the transfer. It is suspected by some persons here, they have failed, and to day I was told by a Director they had no shares in the Bank of Columbia; Perhaps you may think it advisable to write on immediately that you may secure yourself in this business.”
This business, my good Sir, you will recollect well, was not of my seeking; that it was not agreeable to me to be paid in that way (because it was the money I wanted)—and that it was to accomodate you, under strong assurances that the obligation of Reed and Ford was as good as the Bank &ca &ca that I yielded to the measure. How far this assertion was well founded, may, (while you are on the Spot) be worthy of enquiry; as my confidence in, and disposition to oblige you, has involved this result.
I would fain hope that that part of the extract which relates to the failure, is without foundation; and for the honor of honest men, & fair dealing, I also hope it will not be found that they have been selling property to which they had no right, & of wch they were not possess’d. At any rate I shall lose what I ought not, & what I should not, if the money had been properly paid for from my unacquaintedness in these matters and from the motives mentioned before I have allow’d forty dollars a share when at the time, and now, the money (if I had been disposed to apply it so) would have procured these shares at thirty three dollars each by which means in twenty eight hundred dollars I sustain a loss of 490—besides loosing the interest on the former sum from the 24th of February until the transfer is made. I am Dear Sir Your Very Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 3 April 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Dandridge, Bartholomew Jr.

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon [3 April 1797]

Mr Lear informs me the President has declined, finally, to take any part of the furniture in the Green drawing room—and that you will be requested to have the lustre in the middle of it packed up & sent round to this place.
If the latter should not have taken place before this letter reaches your hands, let it be sent to Mrs Morris, who I beg will receive it as a present; and to whom I will write so soon as you inform me of its having happened, assigning the reason why it was not done before. Let me know the results of this direction as soon as you can.
I wish you a pleasant Passage in which your aunt joins, and the full fruition of all your reasonable and proper wishes; being your sincere friend and affectionate servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 3 April 1797
From: Washington, George
To: McHenry, James

Private
Dear Sir,Mount Vernon 3d April 1797
Your letter of the 24th Ulto has been duly received, and I thank you for the information given in it: Let me pray you to have the goodness to communicate to me occasionally, such matters as are interesting, and not contrary to the rules of your official duty to disclose. We get so many details in the Gazettes, and of such different complexions, that it is impossible to know what credence to give to any of them.
The conduct of the French government is so much beyond calculation, and so unaccountable upon any principle of justice, or even to that sort of policy which is familiar to plain understanding, that I shall not now puzzle my brains in attempting to develope their motives to it.
We got home without accident, and found the Roads drier, and better than I ever travelled them at that Season of the year. The attentions we met with on our journey were very flattering, and to some whose minds are differently formed from mine would have been highly relished; but I avoided in every instance where I had any previous knowledge of the intention, & could by earnest entreaties prevail, all parade or escorts. Mrs Washington took a violent cold in Philadelphia, which hangs upon her still, but not as bad as it did.
I find myself in the situation, nearly, of a young beginner, for although I have not houses to build (except one, which I must erect for the accomodation & security of my Military, Civil & private Papers, which are voluminous and may be interesting) yet I have not one, or scarcely any thing else about me that does not require considerable repairs. In a word, I am already surrounded by Joiners, Masons, Painters &ca &ca and such is my anxiety to get out of their hands, that I have scarcely a room to put a friend into, or to set in myself, without the Music of hammers, or the odoriferous smell of Paint.
I will make no apology for putting the enclosed under cover to

you. If General Lee should have left Philadelphia, let me request the favor of you to open the letter to him and cause the one under that cover to be delivered to Messrs Reed & Ford, by a person who you can inform me with certainly has done so, that I may know to what cause to ascribe (should it happen) any delay in their answer, and add, if you please, whether there be any cause to suspect a failure of these Gentlemen.
You will readily perceive that what is said of them, and what I write to Genl Lee is of a private nature, and not to be mentioned unless the reports respecting Reed & Ford are facts of notoriety. Mrs Washington & Miss Custis are thankful for your kind remembrance of them, and join me in best regards for Mrs McHenry & yourself with Dear Sir Your sincere friend and Affectionate

Go: Washington


Title: GW to Bartholomew Dandridge, 5 April 1797 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Dandridge, Bartholomew

Letter not found: GW to Bartholomew Dandridge, 5 April 1797. On 8 April Dandridge wrote GW: “About 2 o’Clock your letter of the 5th was put into my hands.”


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Hatfield, 5 April 1797
From: Hatfield, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia April 5. 1797

Being impressed with your ardent desire to promote the Arts, and Sciences, in America; Allow me Sir to address you on the subject of establishing a Manufactory of Cotton in the City of Washington. I have conversed on the practicability of it, with several respectable Gentlemen, who feel anxious that a manufacture may be introduced there.
On the first proposal of the Columbianum for the promotion of Painting, Sculpture, Architecture, and Engraving; the idea sudgested itself to me that this Manufacture would be accepted as a collateral branch of the fine Arts. From a confidance I feel, in

your having (every opportunity) proposed Schools of Arts, and establishments of Manufactures; I hope you will not consider me intruding on your time by proposing what I sincerely wish may tend to the Welfare of the City. It is a Manufacture which is itself, divided into Various Branches, and consequently will require a capital beyond the general extent of an individual—I have in New York a quantity of Machinery, of the most modern construction to facilitate labour; and if necessary funds would be appropriated, I should consider it a duty to introduce this in the Federal City only.
The Manufacture I trust I am generally acquainted with, and should be happy to be an active character in prosecuting so valuable (and what would necessarily attract the attention, not only of those interested in the City, but of the disinterested) for the welfare of it. One great object would be, to employ the young Children, who are now, (if I may be allowed the expression) an incumberance on every Plantation.
From a small alteration in the Machinery a Sail Cloth Manufactory may be applied, as occasion requires, which eventually may be an object of the most mature consideration to the United States. The plan of an establishment, if it is concurrent with your sentiments, would no doubt, be immediately adopted. I am with the greatest regard your obedient Hum. Sert

Thos Hatfield


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 5 April 1797
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philadelphia April 5. 1797.

Of the letters received from Mr King, those which I forwarded this morning were addressed to General Washington: two others, one addressed to the President of the U.S., and one to G.W. President of the U.S., I retained, under the idea that they were official, and presented them to Mr Adams: but he was inclined to think them intended for you personally; and therefore I now do myself the honor to inclose them. If they are official, you will have the goodness to return them. With great respect I am your most obt servt

Timothy Pickering

P.S. Genl Pinckney has been refused by the Directory, with the marks of indignity indicated by the public papers; and about the 28th of Jany (after they recd the news of Buonoparte’s last fatal

success) they ordered him to leave France. He was to set out for Amsterdam on the 31st where he will wait for instructions.


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 6 April 1797
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir,
Philadelphia 6 April 1797.

I have received to-day your letter of the 3d inst. which contained the agreeable account of your safe arrival at home, and the objects with which you are surrounded. I am not sorry to hear that you have found so immediate employment; for altho’ I wish the hammering business was over and the smell of the oil gone I do not think either so great an enemy to happiness as having nothing to do. I very well remember, that before you brought me back into public life I always experienced somewhat of restlessness in the interval between dropping one pursuit and finding out another.
I have seen Gen. Lee, and have no reason to suppose from his information that any thing has happened to affect the house of Reed & Ford. I shall however make further inquiry and advise you accordingly.
I have got the Plate, images, two large Coolers & three small ones in one of my rooms, where they can remain till a fit opportunity offers to dispose of them or send them down.
Mr Lear had not received the deeds from Richmond when here, but expected them very soon. I believe every thing has been conducted fairly and as it ought to have been.
And now for a little news which I wish were of a better kind, or less unpleasant.
By Mr Kings last letter, it appears “that Mr Pinckney had received an order from the directory to leave Paris on the 28 of Jany and that he left it on the 30th.” This is the last official information. About an hour since Mr Vaughan told me that the Birds of London had received a packet from Mr Pinckney dated (I think) the

21 Febry Paris, containing letters for his friends in Charles town to be forwarded; that he concluded from thence that Mr Pinkney had not left Paris, at that date. I am Dr Sir most sincerely and affectionately yours

James McHenry

Mr Murray Mrs Murray & Mr Dandridge sail on Sunday in the freinds for Amsterdam direct.


Title: To George Washington from Battaile Muse, 6 April 1797
From: Muse, Battaile
To: Washington, George

Honorable Sir,
Berkeley Cy Marsh FarmApril 6th 1797

My Father Sold me 2100 Acres Land Lying in the Knaway River—2000 of which was to be Conveyed by Colo. William Branaugh—which I am Told is done. As Far as I am informed I expect you may give up Colo. W. Branaughs His Bond that he gave you for the Conveyance of the 2000 acres Land as I have before wrote you—In the execution of the devetion of the Lands I expended 50/—which my Father Told me you were to Pay—Notwithstanding he had given up your Bond to pay expences I am Sir your Very Humble Servant

Battaile Muse


Title: From George Washington to James Anderson (of Scotland), 7 April 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Anderson, James

Sir,
Mount Vernon 7th Aprl 1797

A few days since, through the Channel of our Minister in London, I was favoured with the receipt of your third volume of Essays relating to Agriculture & rural Affairs for which I pray you to accept my best thanks.
I am once more seated under my own Vine and fig tree, and hope to spend the remainder of my days—which in the ordinary course of things (being in my Sixty sixth year) cannot be many—in peaceful retirement, making political pursuits yield to the more rational amusement of cultivating the Earth.
To do this in the small way, I find I shall need a Gardener in October next—the time of the one I now have terminating the 10th of that month and no inclination on my part to employ him any longer. You have not only skilful persons of this profession in Scotland, but generally speaking, they are more orderly & industrious, than those of most other nations; and besides the dissimilitude of climate between the Southern & middle parts of Scotland, and the middle States of this Country, is not great. These considerations have induced me to turn my eyes that way; presuming that the emigration of men in that line are not under governmental restraints.
My present Manager (Mr James Anderson, an honest, industrious and judicious Scotchman five years since from the County of Fife) has Written to a Mr Foreman and to a Mr Harper (whose

places of residence and professions, together with what was formerly his own, are to be found in his memorandum enclosed)—to procure, & send me a Gardener. He thinks it is much in the power of Mr Harper, who according to his account has been several years principal Gardener to Lord Murray, to do this; but I have desired him to request them, to consult and advise with you on this Subject before any agreement is entered into as I shall place more confidence in a Gardener who is approved by you, than by them alone without this check. For taking the liberty of requesting this favor of you, and for the trouble it must necessarily give I shall rely on your goodness and usual complaisance for a pardon.
I would prefer a single man to a married one, but shall not object to the latter if he has no children, or no more than one, or at most two; and his wife would undertake to superintend my Spinners, & if required a small dairy at the Mansion house (where the Gardens are). The man ought to be a good Kitchen and Nursery Gardener; to have some knowledge of a Green & hot house, and how to raise things in hot beds. He would have two or three labourers under him, but not placed there with a view to exempt him from manual labour. He would be furnished with a good apartment, convenient to his work, to reside in; and would have an ample allowance of good Provisions with fuel, and if a single man, with his washing also.
My Manager conceives that such a character, with the assurances here given, might be had for twenty guineas pr Annum: but if he should be mistaken in this, and a well recommended Gardener could be engaged for twenty five guineas a year, I would allow the latter sum and pay his or their passage (as the case may be) provided he (or they) would enter into articles with you (or some other in my behalf) to remain with me three years—four would be still better—without which, that is for a single year only, I would not encounter the expence of the passage, & run the hazard of being left to seek another at the end of it. Both of us would be placed on surer ground by the longest term; while one, or the other, perhaps both ultimately might be incommoded by the short⟨er⟩.
You would do me a particular favor by acknowledging the receipt of this letter as soon as convenient after it gets to your hands informing me of the prospect of succeeding, for I shall be without

a Gardener in October, and cannot engage one here permanently until I know the result of my application with you. With great esteem & regard I am Sir Yr obliged & Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. Upon second thoughts, it appears best that the letters of my Manager to Messrs Foreman & Harper shd pass under cover with this letter open to you that you may know precisely what is requested of them and give your advice accordingly.


Title: To George Washington from Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., 8 April 1797
From: Dandridge, Bartholomew Jr.
To: Washington, George

My dear Sir,
Philad[elphi]a 8 April 1797

The Letter which you were pleased to write to me of the 3d inst. was not put into my hands ’till late on thursday evening, which prevented my answering it on friday morng as by some new arrangement the Mail for Alexa. is closed at ½ past 7 in the morning.
The Lustre was taken down, well packed, and (with the Boat awning, Sail, &ca) put on board the Tryal, Capt. Hand, who sailed early on Monday last. As the lustre was gone, I have not mentioned it to Mrs Morris. I have enquired of James relative to the Grate. He asserts that he gave the Key into Mr Kitt’s hands, which is all that can be learnt relative to it. If this was really the case I think it probable it will be found in some of the boxes which were sent round. James say’s that brick dust finely powdered is what he used for cleaning the Grate, it must be put on a piece of soft sheep skin leather & rubbed regularly every day.
In the moment of my departure I pray you my dr Sir, to accept,& to be assured of unfeigned gratitude for the various testimonies of generous approbation which you have manifested towards me in many instances, & particularly for those which you have lately afforded. I shall always recollect them with lively sensibility. Today the ship in which Mr Murray goes will leave Philada & tomorrow morning we follow, & go on board at New Castle. Be pleased to remember me to my Aunt in terms of sincere affection & accept with her my thanks for your good wishes of a pleasant passage; being with prayers for your health & happiness & with real respect & attachment my d. Sir, Yr obliged hble Servt

B. Dandridge

P.S. 11 o’Clock P.M.
About 2 o’Clock your letter of the 5th was put into my hands, & I candidly declare it has not been possible for me to make any

enquiries relative to a steward for you. It has rained incessently all day, & I have scarcely had time to dine. We embark tomorrow morning nevertheless. I have seen John, & he says that the servants saddles were brot from Mount Vernon last summer, all that were here, were sent round. B.D.


Title: Farm Reports, 9–15 April 1797
From: Anderson, James
To: Washington, George

[9–15 April 1797]

               A Meteorological Account of the Weather kept at Mount Vernon

                  1797 April

                  9 in the Morning
                  50 N.W. clear
                  52 N.W. clear
                  50 W. cloudy

                  10
                  41 N.W. clear
                  46 N.W. clear
                  42 N.W. clear

                  11
                  52 W. clear
                  56 S.W. clear
                  52 S.W. clear

                  12
                  *62 S. clear
                  64 S. clear
                  62 S. clear

                  *began Planting Corn on River Farm

                  13
                  62 S. cloudy
                  63 S. cloudy
                  62 S. clear

                  14 all the Farms planting at
                  60 S. clear
                  64 S. clear
                  62 S. clear

                  15
                  60 S.E. cloudy
                  62 S.E. Thunder & Rain
                  60 S.E. much Rain

                  Dr.
                  Mansion house for the work of 8 hands ⅌ Week
                  48 days

                  Cr.
                  By one waggon hauling Rails 3 Corn 1 & Hay 2 days
                   6

                     3 Horse Cart hauling Lime 1 & wood 5 days
                   6

                   "  Picking up Stones off Clover Lotts
                   6

                   "  Planting Potatoes 3 & Lucern & St foine 3 days
                   6

                   "  Attending the Stone Mason
                   6

                   "  Joe Trimming Trees
                   6

                   "  cuting of Wood
                   6

                   "  Hauling of the Seine
                   6

                  48

Stock 1 Stud Horse 3 Stud Jacks 3 Youn[g] do—7 Horses 10 Asses—9 working & 16 unbroke Mules, 16 Cows & 3 Calves 9 Wedders 4 Ews & 4 Lambs, Decreased one Wedder killed.

                  Dr.
                  Ditchers for the work of 4 Men Amot. ⅌ week
                   24

                  By Hauling of the Seine
                   18

                   "  Cuting Wood
                    6

                   24

                  Dr.
                  River Farm for the Work of 27 Hands Amounting ⅌ week to
                  162 days

                  Cr.
                  By ploughing & planting Corn
                   70

                   "  Cleaning wheat & Hauling do & Cheat & Corn to Mill
                    3

                   "  Hauling Rails 6 days Weeding & Manuring Thorns 4
                   10

                   "  Making Posts & Rails
                   18

                   "  Raking weeds & dead Grass from off the Clover
                   10

                   "  Fishing
                   12

                   "  Peter in the Garden at Mansionhouse
                    6

                   "  Attending to Stock
                    6

                     Stoped By one days Rain
                   27

                  162

Stock 12 Horses 11 Mules & 1 Mule foal—83 Cattle & 14 Calves 196 Sheep & 75 Lambs Decreased 1 Lamb Sent to the Mansionhouse.

                  Corn
                  sent to Mill
                  25½ Bu.

                  do
                  sent to Mansion
                  30

                  do
                  fed to Stock
                  20

                  75½

                  Wheat sent to Mill
                  18½

                  Cheat
                  53

                  Dr.
                  Mudy hole for the work of 14 hands Amot. ⅌ Week
                  84

                  Cr.
                  By a Cart at the Mill 1 and hauling Rails 4 days
                   5

                   "  Rolling Oats
                   1

                   "  Ploughing 28 & cuting down Corn Stalks 5 days
                  33

                   "  Burning Brush & clearing of Ground
                  10

                   "  Planting & covering of Corn
                  10

                     Shelled Corn when Stoped by Rain
                   6

                     Sick Darcus, Letty, And Amie in Child bed each 6 days
                  18

                       Molly otherwise Sick
                   1

                  84

Stock 7 Horses 4 Mules 33 Cattle & Calves 49 Sheep and 19 Lambs Increased one Lamb.

                  Corn sent to Mill
                  10 Bu.

                  do  fed to Stock
                   4

                  14 do

                  Dr.
                  Doguerun for the Work of 16 hands Amot.
                  96 days

                  Cr.
                  By Ploughing 30 & Planting Corn 24 days
                  54

                   "  By Hauling wood to Distillery 1 & Manure 5 days
                   6

                   "  Cleaning the Meadow 7 fixing Gate ⟨Barrs⟩ 1 day
                   8

                   "  Shelling Corn & cleaning Stable when it rained
                   5

                   "  cleaning of new Ground
                   8

                   "  Joe hauling the Seine
                   3

                     Sick Joe 1 Lucey 1 Judah 3 & Cartor Jack 3 & Sarah 4 days
                  12

                  96

Stock 5 Horses 9 Mules 135 Sheep 41 Lambs, 67 Cattle & 6 Calves Decreased 1 Sheep found dead—Increase one Mule from Mansion house.

                  Corn
                  Sent to Mill
                  12 Bushels

                  do
                  fed to Stock
                  11½ do

                  23½

                  Dr.
                  Union Farm for the work of 22 hands Amot. ⅌ week
                  132

                  Cr.
                  By ploughing for Corn 48 & planting Corn 35 days
                   83

                   "  Filling up Gullys 20 & cleaning of Meadow 20 days
                   40

                   "  Hauling Slope 3 & Hauling Manure 3 days
                    6

                     Sick Siss
                    3

                  132

Stock 15 Horses, & 6 Mules, 65 Cattle & 2 Calves 111 Sheep & 33 Lambs—Decrease one Cow died—And de[c]reased 13 Lambs entered by Mistake in last Weeks report.

                  Corn
                  sent to Mill

                  20 Bushels

                  do
                  fed to Stock

                  15 do

                  35

                  Wheat
                  sent to mill
                  113 Bushels

                  Dr.
                  Carpenters for the work of 7 Men ⅌ week
                  42

                  Cr.
                  By Hewing of Timber for a wheat Machine
                  14

                   "  repairing Gates at River Farm
                   1

                   "  packing of Fish
                   1

                     Stoped by Rain
                   4

                     Isacc & Joe working in the Shop, making of Ploughs & repairing Mansionhouse
                  10

                     Davie in Coopers Shop
                   6

                     Christopher in the House
                   6

                  42

                  Dr.
                  Brick Layers for the Work of 2 Men ⅌ week
                  12

                  By Tom Davis & Muckles hauling Seine
                  12

                  John Neale assisting, & attending the same

                  Dr.
                  Spinners, Sewers & Knitters for the Work of 15 Women amounting to
                  96 days

                  Cr.

By Matilda Spinning
6 lb. Tow Yarn

 "  Delia Spinning
6 lb. do

 "  Annie Spining
5 lb. do

 "  Delphia Spinning
3½ do

 "  Judith
4 lb. Stocking Yarn

 "  Kitty
   2   Sewing thread

 "  Betsey Davis
Sewing 9 Shirts

 "  Alsey
Sewing 9 do

                   6 days

                   6

                   6

                   6

                   6

                   6

                   6

                   6

                   "  Lame Alley Knitting 2 pair Stockings
                   6

                   "  Lucey Knitting 1 pair do
                   6

                   "  Dolsey Spinning 4 lb. Tow Yarn 4 in the House 2
                   6

                   "  Caroline in the house
                   6

                   "  Sall in the House
                   6

                   "  Charlotte in Child bed
                   6

                     Sick Doll
                   6

                  90

                     Lame Peter knitting 2 pair Stockings
                   6 days

                  Dr.
                  Gardeners for the work of 4 Men ⅌ Week
                  24 days

                  Cr.
                  By planting & cleaning in the Vineyard
                  12

                   "  planting & cleaning in the Gardens
                  10

                   "  lost by Rain
                   2

                  24

                  Mill Dr.
                  I[ndian] Corn
                  Wheat

                  To Mudy hole
                  10.2

                     Dogue Run
                  12.

                     Union Farm
                  20.
                  113.58

                     River Farm
                  25.2
                   18.50

                  Toll this Week
                  10.

                  78.
                  131

                  Contra
                  I[ndian] Meal
                  Flour Sup. Fine
                  Hom[iny]
                  Sh[orts] Bran

                  By Mudyhole
                  10.2

                     Doguerun
                  12.

                     Union Farm
                  15.2

                     River Farm
                  13.2

                  5.

                     Mansionhouse
                  19.2

                   .9

                     James Anderson & serts &ca
                  1.3
                     . 50

                     John Neale
                  1.

                     William Stewart
                  1.
                     .200

                     Generals use
                   .2
                  392.

                     Fis[h]ery
                  3.

                     Davie Mudyhole
                  mid[lings]25 lb.

                     John Violet
                  1.

                     Cooper Miller & boys
                  1.2

                     Fed to Sows & pigs
                   .1

                  81.2
                  392.250
                  5.
                   .9

                  Superfine Flour packed on hand formerly
                    6 Blls
                  Fine flour packed on hand formerly
                   2 Blls

                  210
                  66 mid.
                  2

                  Ship Stuff delivered

                  68
                  2

                   Still 1110
                  216

                  68
                  2

                  off this for the House
                    2

                  214

                  Dr.
                  Coopers for the work of 3 hands Amounting ⅌ Week
                  18

                  Cr.
                  By Trimming Pork & Beef Barrels at Mansion house 2
                   2

                   "  dressing Fish Barrel Staves 10 & making flour Barrels 6
                  16

                  18

                  Miller Ben
                  Working on the Mill Race
                  1½

                   do
                  Working in the Mill
                  4½

                  6

               a General View of the Stock on the Estate of Mount Vernon 15 April 1797

                  Stud,
                  Stud J[acks],
                  Horses
                  Asses,
                  Mules
                  Total

                  Mansion
                  1
                  6
                   7
                  10
                  25
                  49

                  River

                  12

                  12
                  24

                  Mudyhole

                   7

                   4
                  11

                  Doguerun

                   5

                   9
                  14

                  Union Farm

                  15

                   6
                  21

                  James Anderson

                   2

                   2

                  Mill & Distilery

                   1

                   1

                  1
                  6
                  49
                  10
                  56
                  122

                  Cattle
                  Calves
                  Total
                  Sheep
                  Lamb
                  Total

                  Mansion
                  16
                   3
                  19
                  13
                   4
                  17

                  River
                  83
                  14
                  97
                  196
                  75
                  271

                  Mudyhole
                  33
                   2
                  35
                  49
                  19
                  68

                  Doguerun
                  67
                   6
                  73
                  135
                  41
                  176

                  Union Farm
                  65
                   2
                  67
                  111
                  33
                  144

                  James Anderson
                  15
                   9
                  24

                  Mill & Distillry
                   2
                   1
                   3

                  281
                  37
                  318
                  504
                  172
                  676


Title: From George Washington to George Lewis, 9 April 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, George

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 9th April 1797

Your letter of the 31st Ult. from Culpeper County, came to my hands late at night on the 5th instt; and the enclosure for your brother Fielding was sent to him early next morning.
The melancholy occasion of your writing has filled me with inexpressable concern. The debt of nature however sooner or later must be paid by us all, and although the seperation from our nearest relatives is a heart rending circumstance, reason religeon & Philosophy, teach us to bear it with resignation; while time alone can ameliorate, & soften the pangs we experience at parting.
It must have been a consoling circumstance to my deceased Sister, that so many of her friends were about her. I find myself almost in the situation of a New beginner, so much does my houses, and every thing about them, stand in need of repairs. What with Joiners, Painters, Glasiers, &ca &ca I have scarcely a room to go into at present, that is free from one, or other of them. But the inside will soon be done, tho’ it will require a good deal of time to make good the decays which I am every day discovering in the out buildings & Inclosures.
This leads me to ask if you know of a good House Joiner (white or black) that could be hired by the year, or month, & on what terms. I want one who is capable of making a well finished pannel Door, Sash, & Wainscot; and who could be relied on for his sobriety & diligence.
At any time, and at all times, we should be very glad to see you & Mrs Lewis at this place; and with best regards to you both, in which your Aunt joins—I am Dear Sir, Your sincere friend, and Affectionate Uncle

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Eager Howard, 10 April 1797
From: Howard, John Eager
To: Washington, George

Sir
Belvidere, near Baltimore 10th April 1797

Since my return home Mr Gough has been generally in the Country at his farm which prevented my making enquiries of him respecting his cattle, until a few days ago. He at present has but one to dispose of that he would recommend to you—a young bull about nine months old, which he says will weigh at eighteen months, a thousand weight—I presume he means alive. But I am apprehensive you will think the price, two hundred dollars, too much.
Some of our farmers have greatly improved their breed of cattle by purchasing bull calves of him, and we have young farmers who are eager to purchase, many of them before they have the means of taking proper care of them, however there is such a demand for his cattle that he can always get his price for them.
In the course of the summer he will have a number of calves, the best of which at five or six months old, sell at about a hundred dollars.
I shall have great pleasure in rendering any service in this or any other way, and with my best wishes for your health I have the Honor to be, with the highest respect Yr Obedt Servt

John E. Howard


Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 10 April 1797
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philad[elphi]a April 10th 1797

I forwarded by Post the letter mentiond in the annexed from Mr Parish, under a Blank Cover to your address (being then hurried). You will judge wether the Contents of the annexed will be any gratification to Mr La Fayette to whom I pray my Compts. Mrs Morris & Maria desire their best & affectionate regards to Mrs Washington & Miss Custis. We were happy in the Company of Master Custis yesterday He is astonishingly improved and is a manly fine Fellow. I pray to be also presented to Mrs Washington & Miss Custis and that you will ever consider me as most sincerely attached to you & yours

Robt Morris


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 10 April 1797
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 10th April 1797

Your favor of the 5th instt with its enclosures, and also one of prior date, forwarding (at the request of Doctr Edwards) a Pamphlet from Sir John Sinclair have come duly to hand. For your kindness in sending these, & particularly for the information given in your letter of the 5th I feel myself very much obliged.
The conduct of the French Directory towards General Pinckney is, I believe, unexampled, of course has baffled all calculation: how

far it has come up to, or exceeded the expectation of their partisans among us remains to be developed, and the approaching Session of Congress will make the discovery. The good humour, and friendly disposition of the Dey of Algiers, are pleasing circumstances; and if of duration, would be very fortunate ones for the Commerce of these United States. My complimts (in wch Mrs Washington unites) are offered to Mrs Pickering & the family—& with sincerity & truth I am always Yr affe.

G.W——n

P.S. The Buckles of which you make mention are from Colo. Humphreys to me.


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Smith, 10 April 1797
From: Smith, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir
Vienna [Md.] 10 Apl 1797

Herewith You will receive by Capt. Walter the different kinds of plank agreable to Your Memo. forwarded to me by Mr Henry from Philadelphia—the quantity of Inch plank has fallen a little short of what was expected.
The only reason that can be assign’d for the Vessel not being with you in the first week of this month, there was some dificulty arose in carting the plank to the landing.
The cost and freight you have Stated as below—in Maryland Currancy dollars at 7/6 each. I have the Honor to be Your most Obt & very Hble Servant

Alexr Smith


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 11 April 1797
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia April 11. 1797.

I have the honor to inclose another letter from Colo. Humphreys which came in some of his late letters from Lisbon, & which among a mass of dispatches was overlooked.

I have yet met with no private conveyance for the case with the buckles mentioned in my last.
A letter of January 12 th reed this day from Mr Adams at the Hague, contains his conjectures on the motives of the extraordinary conduct of the French toward the U.S. He thinks it is but a new experiment, by terror, to gain that controul over them which the intrigues of her ministers and agents here have failed to accomplish; and now chiefly for the purpose of distressing the trade of Great Britain, and producing a diversion against her. But a Government directed by no principle, will suit its measures to circumstances and events; and as these are uncertain, so her conduct cannot be estimated. With perfect respect, I am Sir your most obt Servant

Timothy Pickering.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Lee, Jr., 15 April 1797
From: Lee, Henry Jr.
To: Washington, George

dear sir
G[eorge]town [Md.] 15th april [1797]

On reaching this place I called on Mr Lingan to whom R. & F. referred me.
The inclosed paper shews the determination to transfer 41 shares—letters are daily expected from R. & F. which will lead to the transfer of the ballance.
As my election comes on next monday  I fear my hurry will be such as to compel me to ⟨pass⟩ you & therefore I do now that by letr which I meant to have done personally. most respy yours

Henry Lee


Title: To George Washington from George Lewis, 15 April 1797
From: Lewis, George
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Fredericksburg 15th April 1797

Your favor of the 9th Inst, was taken from the office by my Brother John, and only handed me on thursday evening, too late for friday’s mail, since then I have been makeing every exertion in my power, to procure for you such a workeman as you wishd, and am sorry to say without effect.
the blacks in this neighbourhood are generally hired in the fall for the year, and there times will not expire untill the first of the next year, otherwise I could readily have furnished you with one. I can hear of no white man but what has a family, an incumberance I expect you would not wish—Its not improbable, but Colo. Ball may have such workemen as may answer your purpose. he had such when he left this place. they did some little work for me, and I found them industrious, sober, and well disposed, I would advise you to send immediately to him, for on recollection I think Colo. Ball when at my house early in last month was observing, that his workemen for want of employ in there profession, was then at work in the crop.
If this should be the case, I have not a doubt, but you may get them. I shall again make further inquiry, and should I find one to your wish will give you immediate information.
Mrs Lewis unites with me in thanks for your kind invitation, at any time to see you, I can assure you its an invitation that we have not waited for—on the contrary we have ever had a wish to visit you and my Aunt, but Mrs Lewis’s ill state of health for many years past, and considerably increased of late has prevented it on her part, and be assured on my own it shall and will always afford me singular satisfaction to visit you and my Aunt at all times—and so soon as I can adjust some matters that are incumbent on me at this time, I promise myself the pleasure of visiting you at Mount Vernon. Mrs Lewis joins me in best wishes to you and my Aunt, and accept the sincere esteem of Yr Affectionate Nephew

G: Lewis