Title: To George Washington from Bushrod Washington, 13 March 1798
From: Washington, Bushrod
To: Washington, George

My dear Uncle
Richmond March 13th [17]98

I shall lose no time in acquitting myself of inattention to your last favor (but one) with which you might without injustice have charged me, not Knowing the reason of my silence.
It has not (thank God) proceeded from indisposition, yet I feel grateful for your affectionate solicitude upon that subject.
Having sold Belvidere, that I might with more convenience pursue my practice in Town, (where I now reside) I determined to remove to my house in Westmoreland such part of my furniture as I could not find room for in my new habitation, with a view of passing a month or two during the winter vacations at my farm. On this account I was obliged to go to Westmoreland shortly after I recieved your letter from whence I only returned a few days ago and found the Court of Chancery sitting.
I have this day renewed my enquiries of the Auditor, who says, that after a full examination, he is not enabled from the returns to his office, to give any further information respecting your Lands—the consequence is, that none of them can be in danger. I shall from time to time call there and inform myself of any thing which future returns may make interesting to you.
The title to the land conveyed by Genl Lee is as binding between the parties and their heirs, as if it had been duly recorded. But it would yield to a subsequent purchaser from Lee without notice of your right. This is a danger not to be apprehended—but the conveyance to you will not prevail against the Creditors of Lee. The most certain, but not the easiest remedy for this inconvenience, is for you to convey to Lee, and he to reconvey to you that both deeds might be recorded together—or you may cancel his deed, and take a new one—this latter mode will be as effectual as the former,

unless he has since conveyed to another, which is not to be expected.
Some weeks ago I saw Mr N—— in this place, when he confidentially communicated to me, the base and insidious plot to which the inclosures in your letter allude, with an injunction of secrecy towards every person but yourself; assigning as a reason, that if it were Known at this time, he might be defeated in his endeavours to discover the real actors in this dark drama. I trust that his exertions may prove successful. To express the indignation I feel at the perfidious contriver or contrivers of this shallow design upon you is impossible. I hope it will (as most acts of darkness do) recoil upon the authors of it. It required but a small share of Mr N.’s discernment to suspect foul play, when the property in the letter was claimed, for more virulence exists not in the heart of any one, than in that of the fictitious Mr Langhorn, if I have been rightly informed.
As to the Character of Mr N. I am pretty sure, you have not been misinformed, tho’ not intimately acquainted with him, I have long had a high esteem for him and I have flatter’d myself with believing it reciprocal. I have often conversed with him upon political subjects, and have found his opinions in perfect harmony with my own. He is the reputed author of the pieces under the signature you mention, as well as of some others which were published very early after the adoption of the constitution. I believe that he stands alone in his family in political matters, but that he does not stand less firm on that account. His character is that of a zealous friend to the Government & I am satisfied that he is warmly attached to you—Under these impressions, I shall forward your letter to him under cover.
The paper which you enclosed me, came safe to hand—I mean the one respecting Colvills estate. Mrs Washington Unites with me in love & best wishes to my Aunt & yourself. Believe me to be My dear Uncle very sincerely Yr affect. Nephew

B. Washington

I am not charged with the postage of Yr letters, presuming you wish the papers sent me, returned, I enclose them.


Title: To George Washington from William Scales, 14 March 1798
From: Scales, William
To: Washington, George

Kind General
March 14. 1798

Many times I wrote to thee from the year 89 to the year 96 relative to the grievances in which I was involved by deception upon the Country and the influence of the Clergy, who profess Christianity but really live contrary to it and all the rights and liberties of mankind, and are Statemongers in disguise. Once I visited Philadelphia relative to the treaty lately formed and ratified with Great britain, and in the year 96 relative to the deception and imposition the Country lay under. Thou did not appear to regard my letters memorials and remonstrances in any one case. The 16 instant I visited thee personally and presented thee with a compendium of thy own laws, and when I fronted thee at thy door, thou didst pronounce them all nonsence.
General! This is doing the business for thyself and all the exploits of thy lifetime by one blow to all intents and purposes, and after my departure, I drew up my judgment of the whole in writing and offered to send it thee by some of thy best friends in Alexandria but a Clergyman told me that I was mistaken concerning thy real character, and after some thoughts I concluded, that it might be true, but then, the whole force of the charge comes down upon the Clergy and churches of America, and They have deceived thee as well as tried to their utmost to deceive me and all men. I will

conceed in Judgment of charity and, till suitable evidence is exhibited to the contrary, conclude, that thou art a man of substantial fidelity and nobility, but vastly damaged by clerical and masonic deception and villainy.
As thou art a Freemason, General, I am sensible my Saying masonic deception and villainy will grind hard upon thy feelings, but surely thou art a man of a noble mind and will consider thy own liability to deception as well as that of others.
Now General if this my charitable Judgment of thee is true, thy noble mind will lead thee to extricate thyself and thy people from the clerical and masonic deception and villainy and endeavor that Satisfaction be given me for the boundless labors and damages I have been put to through that deception and villainy. All this is infinitely reasonable.
And General I testify that I will not loss all my labors and damages through the aforesaid deception and villainy but at great expence, and if thou disregardest all this also, I cannot, at present see upon what grounds I shall be able to judge charitably of thee. Thy special Friend

William Scales


Title: To George Washington from Nicholas Fitzhugh, 15 March 1798
From: Fitzhugh, Nicholas
To: Washington, George

Dear sir
Ravensworth March 15 1798

I send you by the Bearer 2 black heart Cherry trees, a two pound pear, an one pound pear and a French Pear imported by Mr George Digges of Maryland, the name of which he could not inform me, having lost the Labels. I am sorry that I have been prevented from sending them sooner, having been detained from Home longer than I expected, by unforeseen business; however I hope it is not too late to set out Trees.
You will much oblige me if you can spare me a few Garden Herbs, particularly the Rasberry & Goosberry. Be pleased to make

my Respects to your Lady & Family (in which request Mrs Fitzhugh joins me) and believe me to be Dear sir Yours with Esteem

N. Fitzhugh


Title: From George Washington to Thomson Mason, 15 March 1798 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Mason, Thomson

Letter not found: to Thomson Mason, 15 Mar. 1798. On 17 Mar. Mason wrote GW: “I found your Letter of the 15th Inst.”


Title: To George Washington from Thomson Mason, 17 March 1798
From: Mason, Thomson
To: Washington, George

Sir
Hollin Hall March 17th 1798

On my Return Home yesterday Evening I found your Letter of the 15th Inst. and am sorry I happened to be from Home at that time, but we shall be very happy to see Mrs Washington & yourself at any other time which may be convenient to you.
You are extremely welcome to take up as many of the Holly plants, you mention, as you chuse. I am with Respect, Sir your obdt Servt

Thomson Mason


Title: From George Washington to William Stoy, 17 March 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Stoy, William

Sir,
Mount Vernon 17th Mar. 1798

Your letter of the 28th Ulto came safe, but was sometime longer than might have been expected, on its way.
As I think your charge for the prescription & application to Christopher (my servant), who was supposed to be bitten by a mad

dog, is a very reasonable one, I send you enclosed a five dollar bank note of Alexandria (having no other paper money by me); without enquiring whether your not having received four dollars before, proceeded from the neglect of the Servant, or any other person.
Christopher continues to do well, & I believe is now free from apprehension of any bad consequences from the bite. I shall beg to be informed of your receipt of this letter, being unwilling that you should go unpaid. I am Sir Your Very Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Alexander White, 17 March 1798
From: White, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philadelphia 17th March 1798

I need say nothing of public news, the news paper intelligence being equally authentic with any I could give.
It seems very doubtful whether the President will make any further communication on the subject of French affairs; those who are connected with him in principle and friendship differ in opinion both with respect to what he will do, and what he ought to do—I dined with him a few days ago; there was no other company except Mr Sedgwick; the President said the letters from our Ministers were not then decyphered; but I discovered he had some knowledge of their contents; he expressed his doubts with respect to communicating them; he said if the communication was confidential yet there were men in the Legislature who would publish everything—Asked whether the Members of the Legislature would take an oath of secrecy—I took the liberty to say, that I thought everything explanatory of the relative situation of France and this Country ought to be communicated; that these things might lead to war, the declaration of which, and the preparatory

measures, the Legislature alone was competent to; that I had no hesitation to say the Members of the Legislature would not take an oath of secresy, but being bound in honor not to reveal what was confidentially conmmunicated no authentic account could be published, for no Member would avow himself the author of any reports which might be spread—and that with-holding information would strengthen the ground of opposition to effective measures; he said the letters might contain facts which would implicate Individuals on either side of the Water, or even endanger the personal safety of our Ministers—if there are any such facts contained in the letters they ought certainly to be with-held—but that does not preclude the publication of the intelligence of a more general nature—Mr Sedgwick said little while I staid; thinking that they probably wished to be by themselves I left them early. Upon the whole I conclude he will make no further communication to Congress on that subject—I would not have communicated these sentiments expressed in the private manner which I have related to any other Person.
I have great hopes of success in our application to Congress; the resolution for appropriating 200,000 dol⟨lars⟩ in three annual instalments passed the House of Representatives by a large Majority 58 rising in favr of it, and the House not full, I believe there were not 20 in the House against it—A Bill has been reported, and was made the order of the day for yesterday, but an older Order was called for and had the preference, I expect it will be taken up on Monday and pass the third reading on Tuesday I have been much among the Senators, and altho I do not as I did two years ago ask them expressly how they will vote, yet if I am not much mistaken I know the Sentiments of a sufficient number to carry the measure—or rather I know enough of their policy to satisfy me that they will not suffer the measure to fail; when I have the pleasure of seeing you I will be more particular—should this Bill pass Goverment will have done all that in my opinion is incumbent on them to do respecting the Federal Seat; the removal of the Goverment will then depend on the exertions of Individuals to prepare accommodations, a Subject on which to you I need not enlarge, but it cannot be too deeply impressed on the minds of all who are interested in the event—I am with Sentiments of the highest Respect Dear Sir Your most Obt Servt

Alexr White


Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 19 March 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Biddle, Clement

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 19th Mar. 1798.

Your letter of the 11th instant has been received; and I shall depend upon receiving samples of the Oznabrigs & Ticklenbirgs, with the prices annexed, so soon as you are enabled to give them; as I cannot much longer delay purchasing the quantity I want, and am now making partial purchases to supply immediate calls, & not on good terms.
By the first regular Packett from Philadelphia I shall expect to receive the Groceries, the Table Ornaments, and the Encyclopedias: Let the latter be accompanied by Mr Dobson’s acct of cost; and say what sum will be necessary, in addition to any balance which I may have in your hands, after paying for such articles as have been ordered and which I am about to request; and the money shall be immediately remitted.
In consequence of the opinion given by you of Mr Savages Print (presuming it is his you allude to) I pray you to request him to chuse four for me, and have them put into handsome, but not costly, gilt frames, with glasses (supposing them to be of a size to admit glasses) and send three of them to me; the other, Mrs Washington (I believe) is under promise of presenting to Mrs Green (now Mrs Miller). This is the additional expence alluded to in the last Paragraph; and which I request may be paid as soon as presented to you.
I am very sorry to hear of the Capture of the Ship New Jersey. Where, or how, or when, these violations will end, is not for me to say. With esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Your Obedt Humble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 23 March 1798
From: Spotswood, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Newpost March 23d 1798

yours of the 11 of feby—covering Sundry land papers—was delivered me by my Son—to morrow, I shall write my letters, and arrange the necessary papers for Kentucky—where they will certainly arrive the 17 of april.
There is no doubt of obtaining Woodrows survey, at the price you offer 20s/ and I am inclined to think that Mr Short will buy it for much less—Indeed I am pretty certain from the remote Situation of this land from the thick inhabited parts of Kentucky, that if the cash could be pd down, that it might possibly be obtained from 8s/ to 10s/ pr Acree and this could be easily Accomplished by forwarding a letter through me to Colo. Marshal—directing him, on Mr Short Makeing the purchase—to draw on you at—Sixty days Sight the difficulty the merchants there are under in makeing there remittances—haveing Nothing but cut money—and there knowledge of you—would cause them to purchase up yr bill with avidity—the purchase if to be made, will be accomplished at their may court of appeals, where Mr Hite attends—from executeing the deed and presenting the bill I suppose—would bring it to 1st of July that the payment would not become due until the last of September—if agreable to you to proceed in this way—and the land to be had—the whole Business of conveyance, &c. might be accomplished at there May court.
I will thank you Sir, when you have an opportunity, to inform Mr Lewis—that his daughters health is perfectly Established—My family still enjoy the blessing of health—and desires to be presented Respectfully to you Mrs Washington & the rest of the family—as well as dr Sir yr Most Obdt & Affectionate Hb. st

A. Spotswood

The papers will go of[f] to Kentucky abt 1st day of april perhaps Sooner—I am inclined to believe that the Merchts in Kentucky will take bills at 90—& 120 days.


Title: To George Washington from William Augustine Washington, 23 March 1798
From: Washington, William Augustine
To: Washington, George

My dr sir
Haywood March 23th 1798

Your truely affectionate & friendly Letter by Mr Rice I have recd be pleased to accept my most grateful acknowledgements, for your kind condolence in my late misfortunes: The mysteries and decrees of an allwise Providence, are unsearchable to short sighted Mortals; and it behooves us, & becomes our duty to be resigned to the Divine Will; this has allways been a consolation to me under every affliction—my remaining children are a great comfort to me, and I am sincerely thankful to Almighty God for that Blesing.
Your Ideas of the Education of youth agree exactly with mine; I shall certainly send them to a publick Seminary as soon as I conceive the judgment is so formed; that pride & emulation will be a spur to the acquirement of knowledge—in the mean time I shall endeavour to provide them with a good instructor; I expect one from Cambridge this Spring.
I have made particular inquiries for Flower Barrel Staves, & find there is no person in this Neighbourhood who has any, or are in the practice of getting; Genl Lee owns a good quantity of Timber Land, & I have understood, he intended to get Staves this year for Market, he is at present at Alexandria, I have not seen him, & do not know what he would ask for them—I expect you⟨r⟩ best plan would be to write to some one at Norfolk or the Great Bridge, where there would be a certainty of contracting, & probably upon better terms, & with a greater certainty of not being disappointed—I fear from present prospects Corn will be low this year, the most I have had offered me has been 18/ delivered in Alexandria, but on a long Credit, Mr Wm Wilson has offered me 15/ to be taken from my landing, but on Ninty days Credit—I am at a loss to determine, whether to accept the present offers, or to wait longer—much I suppose will depend upon the prospect of our negotiations with France, & I am so out of the way of Public information, that I

have never heard the event of their negotiations, or whether any communications has been made from our Commissioners to the Executive.
I did receive your Letter of the 14th of Novr 1796, inclosing a Copy of Sir Isaac Heards Letter to you, respecting the Genealogy of our family, at the time I recd it I was extremely ill and confined to my bed with a severe fit of the gout; however in that situation Genl Lee called to see me on his way to Philadelphia; I desired him to inform you that I had recd your Letter & that I should attend to your request; & having heard that Mr Herbert of Alexandria, had found among the papers of Colo. Carlile, (who was one of the Executors of my Uncle Lawrance Washington) a paper containing a Genealogical description of our Family from their first coming over to America, I requested of Genl Lee to apply to Mr Herbert for it, & if he could obtain it to take it on to you—as soon as I recovered I pursued my inquiries here, by examining of all my papers, the Tomb Stones at the Burial ground of our Ancestors, and could find nothing which lead to an investigation—I then wrote to Mr Lawrance, & Robt Washington of Chotanck; I got very little information from them, they said that they always understood that they were decended from Lawrence, who came over with John, our Ancestor; but Mr Robt Washington sent me word, that he understood, that Mr John Washington near Leeds, had a Genealogical Table of the Family from the first coming over of our Ancestors[.] I immediately wrote to a Mr Balmain, who married one of Mr J. Washingtons Daughters, & who had administered upon the Estate; requesting that he would examine his Testators papers & if he could find such a paper, that he would let me have it, or a Copy of it, soon after he was to see me, & informed me that he had looked over the greater part of the papers, but had not discovered such a paper, but if he should meet with it he would certainly send it to me—soon after he removed into your Neighbourhood & I have never seen or heard from him since; This information I requested Mr Bushrod Washington to give you last summer, when he went from here to Mt Vernon; I shewed him your Letter to me, & communicated my researches to him, & he promissed me that he would inform you of the results; I fear you will find some difficulty in complying fully with Sir Isaac Hear[d]s request as to Lawrance, unless you could find out where he lived & died; his will I suppose is on record; which would shew nearly

about the time he died; If I can get any further information on the subject I will immediately communicate it to you.
You request to know where Mrs Washington is, & whether she had recd your Letter by Post in answer to hers—she is at present at Bushfield & when I last heard from her in tolerable health; she did recive your Letter by Post, whilst she was here—She is greatly to be pitied; the many & severe losses she has lately met with, has been a severe tryal to her fortitude and resignation; & should my worthy Friend Mr Corbin Washington loose his Wife, it will certainly be another severe trial to her resignation to the divine Will: but I trust in God she may yet recover, as we have had some late Letters from Corbin mentioning that he thinks she is better, & may recover. My sincere respects to Mrs Washington, and wishing you both health & happiness, I conclude My dr sir Your Sincere & Affe. Nephew

Wm Augt. Washington

P.S. we are at present, in this Neighbourhood, entirely cut off from the Public post, last year we had a private rider to Port Royal, & got our Letters & papers regularly, at present we have none, & my nearest post office at present is at the X roads about 6 miles below Westmoreland Ct House, the Cross post from Fredericksbg goes down on the South side of Rapak & crosses at Tapahannock & comes up no further than the Cross roads in Westmd any Letters to me you will be pleased to direct via Fredericksbg to be put in to the Westmoreland Mail; or, by the cross post from Fredericksburg to the post office in Westmoreland County.

W. A. W.


Title: To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 25 March 1798 [letter not found]
From: Biddle, Clement
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Clement Biddle, 25 Mar. 1798. On 8 April GW wrote Biddle: “Your letter of the 25th Ulto is before me.”


Title: To George Washington from Henry Hollingsworth, 25 March 1798
From: Hollingsworth, Henry
To: Washington, George

Dear Cettyzean
Elkton [Md.] March 25th 1798

after geting throug the buisey Scean of the war and closing my Accounts which was done with some dificulty, as my worthy Friend General Green who was at the Head of the Department in which I cheefly acted [was] dead, those persons who had the Setlement of my accounts knew little of the dificultys we had in transacting buisenis at its commencment and of course made no allowance for the Hurry and confusion a part of the Buisenis was done in, I thought of further Establish our Independance by if possible as I couldnot think we ware Independand while we are beholding to Brittan or any other country for halfe we eat, drink, and ware I therefore thought it my duty to attempt at somthing in the woolen line in

order if posseble to make Cloths by Macheanery as practised in England, my first attempt was circumvented by the whole Manafactery with the Macheanery being distreyed by Fire have sinc taken it up on a more Extencive plan and have a prospect of suckseeding have trowbled our mutal Friend Mr Law (who seems to be a genuin Republickan) to take a sample of our Cloth for your Inspection and could you indulge us so far as to do us the Honor of wairing an out side Garment of our Manafacturing which permitt me to assure you was spun on a Jinney whih drew forty fore thread at a draught, and the wool was prepared and Carded by watar by Macheanerey made at this place the Honer done will be ever acknowledged by your old Freind and most Obdt Humle Sert

H. Hollingsworth


Title: From George Washington to William Hartshorne, 27 March 1798 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Hartshorne, William

Letter not found: to William Hartshorne, 27 Mar. 1798. On 27 Mar. Hartshorne wrote GW: “Thy favor of this date I recd.”


Title: From George Washington to Miles Smith, 27 March 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Smith, Miles

Sir,
Mount Vernon 27th March 1798

A few days ago I was favoured with the receipt of a letter from William Strickland Esqr. of York in England; which, as it was introductory of you, to me, I presume it must have passed through your hands.
It would have afforded me much pleasure if you had been the bearer of that letter; and if at any time, business or inclination should induce you to make a tour into this State (Virginia) I should be much gratified in seeing you at this retreat; and in conversing with you on the principles and practice of Husbandry, notwithstanding my thread is nearly spun, and my wish is to Lease out my Farms (containing from five hundred to 1200 Acres of Ploughable ground) before it is broken. I live within eight or nine miles (by land & water) of Alexandria. I am Sir Your Obedt Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Judith Sargent Murray, 29 March 1798
From: Murray, Judith Sargent
To: Washington, George

Sire
Boston Franklin Place March 29th 1798

Emboldened by your past condescension, I presume to hope that the Gleaner may possibly occupy a proportion of those moments of relaxation from more important contemplations, which, (such is the constitution of humanity) are indispensably requisite, even to the most luminous, and persevering intellect.
One copy of the Gleaner, will accompany this letter, as a Candidate for your attention; and as the regulations respecting package by the stage will not permit me to send more than one set, at one time, the volumes for Mrs Washington, are in reserve untill the next post. You will have the goodness to tender my most respectful Compliments to that admired Lady, and to your lovely, and amiable grandaughter.
As I shall experience an anxiety relative to the safe arrival of the parcel, in some degree proportioned to the perfect esteem which I cherish for the illustrious personage to whom it is addressed, I have to request, that I may be advertised of this event as soon as is convenient. I am, honored Sire, with all possible veneration your very devoted, and most obedient Humble servant,

J. Sargent Murray


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Jennings Lee, 30 March 1798 [letter not found]
From: Lee, Edmund Jennings
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Edmund Jennings Lee, 30 Mar. 1798. On 5 April GW wrote Lee: “Your letter of the 30th Ulto was presented to me yesterday.”


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Marshall, 30 March 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Marshall, Thomas

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 30th Mar. 1798

General Spotswood, in my behalf, has requested Mr Short to purchase a small piece of land (from a Mr Hite) adjoining one of the tracts I hold on Rough Creek, in the State of Kentucky; and wch, it is said, would add much to the value of mine.
Should this purchase take place, and a good & sufficient conveyance thereof be made, & duly executed to your satisfaction, I hereby authorise you to draw upon me in payment thereof, for any sum, not exceeding Three hundred pounds or one thousand Dollars, at Sixty days sight, and the Bill shall be punctually paid.
I have had no further draughts upon me for the non-resident tax upon 5000 acres of Land which I hold on the rough Ck of Green River, but shall be ready to pay at all times such Bills as may be presented for this purpose. With very great esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Your Obedient Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Uvedale Price, 31 March 1798
From: Price, Uvedale
To: Washington, George

Sir
Foxley [Herefordshire, England]March 31st 1798

The subject of the work which I have taken the liberty of sending to you, may possibly have engaged but little of your attention, occupied as you have been with affairs of the highest importance; yet still, whatever relates to the pleasures which arise from visible objects, & from all their various characters, combinations, & effects, cannot be foreign to a cultivated mind. The best title which this work can claim to your notice is, that it opposes a kind of systematic despotism in gardening; by which term, taken in an extended sense, I mean all that is done for the purpose of improving

the outward appearance of natural objects. In this country, nearly for these last forty years, there has been a close resemblance between the prevailing system in politics, & that in gardening: whatever has a strongly marked character either in our minds, or our places, was to be new-modelled according to those prevailing systems, & reduced to the tamest uniformity. It has been your noble task, (the noblest that man can perform) to free a whole empire from so degrading a system in politics: the humble task in which I have been engaged, I trust is not totally without it’s use; for whatever teaches men to think for themselves, & points out more liberal & enlarged principles even in the slightest matters, may assist in strengthening the general habit of the mind.
Mr West, whose eminent talents in the highest line of painting reflect so much honour both on his native, & on his adopted country, has frequently talked to me with enthusiasm of the picturesque character of american scenery, as infinitely beyond any thing that we are here acquainted with: perhaps therefore the discussion of a character, which, though mixed with all that is sublime & beautiful, is so peculiarly displaid in that scenery, may not be uninteresting to you, & may prove no unworthy relaxation of your mind, now that it is free from the immediate care of watching over the country which your exertions had preserved. May you long enjoy the exalted pleasure of contemplating the great work in which you bore so distinguished a part, & the inestimable benefits which it has diffused among your grateful fellow citizens. I am Sir with the truest respect Your sincere admirer & well wisher

Uvedale Price


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Luff, Jr., 3 March 1798
From: Luff, Nathaniel Jr.
To: Washington, George

Venerable Friend,
Wilmington [Del.] 3d Mo. [March] 1798

I am a second time called to address a few lines to Thee, awakened in the night season, or previous to the dawn of day, for that purpose, (I believe,) the sentiments in the first instance that impressed my mind, not being inscribed on paper, are lost. I have in the second instance been more attentive to the impulse, (I will not call it divine) but am as to myself, fully satisfied of that incomprehensible power, being sensibly felt and understood by the obedient Sons and daughters of Men: when duly and truly asked for, and abided in, according to the Scripture testimony, “Ask and ye shall receive.”
The awakened sensation seems enlightened by a comparison of one of the greatest Men in America, and (in the sentiments of many) of the political World: compared with the feeblest child.
A neighbour of mine who in the seeming agonies of death, (of his Infant) in gratitude, and for past favors, was about to have christened, (as it is called) George Washington; & who has to the marvelous astonishment of all that see it, recovered, or survived. Whether this intimation communicated to me had a tendency to draw my mind into such a train of thinking, I cannot say, or whether it proceeded from a superior source. I thought I felt strength to venture to direct these lines; including in some measure the anxiety which has at times attended me, respecting Thee. My situation in life is such, as to require no immediate favor, (unless it is a dying prayer, should I be the survivor) as a free born American; and thy present situation such, as perhaps, not to forbid this freedom.
Without a further Soliloquy I have briefly to mention, that as I was in view of thy person during a very critical period of the Revolution: and tho’ but a beardless youth, was so filled with the love of my Country, and thy person, as almost to pay divine homage. but in the field of carnal warfare, I learned that great and important lesson; to set bounds to my ambition: and instead of those carnal weapons, that I was then disposed to use, am now desireous of being furnished with such, as are not carnal, “but mighty, to the pulling down, strong holds.”
Impressed with a great love and esteem for thy Person, and thy

preservation here, and thy Soul to live eternally in the heavens hereafter; I am imboldened to deliver a free and open sentiment, to an American Citizen, on an important and highly interesting subject—no less than the grand struggle, for the life, Liberty, and property of present, and future generations: the introduction of which, (respecting these States) thou hast had the leading command—a large share of the honor both at home, and abroad. but why, does the silent Whisper, like the gentle rilling of water, keep alive; or like water passing through earth, and falling on marble; abrade the fine polish, by the impurity of its mixture, & leave a stain? or like Slavery to sully this, (so much otherwise) approved Statue!
Reasons like these are presented to my mind, (for I could never be brought to believe, that avarice or mere interest could induce Thee to suffer the Chains however loosened; or lengthened) to have place in thy mind, as a leading motive; and have thus argued—that at a critical period, (as Thou was possessed of better information than most men) while Thou held the superior stations in Government, that thy judgment was founded on the general good, (as is clearly expressed) in thy Valedictory address. that thy example in such wise, would have hurtful tendency: by a too precipitate Abolition; which instead of establishing true Liberty, and happiness, would but increase their misery, by the abuse of it.
But since thy retirement, (I, as an individual,) with many others, looked for the fullfillment of such an apparent duty in a private Citizen: and more especially beloved as Thou art to a large proportion of thy fellow Soldiers, and others—yet nevertheless thy enemies speak against Thee, and this charge remains indefencible to thy friends, and a handle ⟨mutilated⟩.
I expect no reply to these co⟨mutilated⟩, either privately or publicly—but only a desire that Thou mayest condescend to read them, as proceeding from one who has, (as before observed) no favor to ask for, & but desires thy present and eternal wellfare.

Nathaniel Luff Jr

P.S. I should not have ventured to have subscribed my name, but in the initials: had I not learned that such mode, was considered offensive.

N.L.


Title: To George Washington from George Washington Parke Custis, 2 April 1798
From: Custis, George Washington Parke
To: Washington, George

Dearest Sir
Annapolis [Md.] April 2d 1798

Your letter arrived by the ordinary course of the Mail which goes by Baltimore and gave me sincere pleasure in hearing that you were in good health and likewise the family.
I was somewhat unwell for sometime after coming here owing to the water but that is entirely removed and I am very well again—I am going on the College with the class and likewise the French master who is I beleive very competent to the task—We likewise write Dissertions on various subjects every week which are both amusing and instructive and which create emulation laudable in every thing.
I am very happily situated perhaps better than many and could a repetition of those sentiments which I have allways avowed express my gratitude and obligations to you: freely should they be exercised, but it is sufficient that they are indelibly grounded on my mind and can never be erased while the principles on which they are founded exist—Those principles are innate! It is them which elevate the soul and prompts us to good works. I conceive that misfortunes are intended as an awfull example for us to profit by and are proportionate to the degree of prevalency which the passions have over us—What then could have been a greater misfortune to me than your displeasure, what a greater happiness than your confidence?
I find that young Mr Carroll has been at Mount Vernon and report says addressing my Sister it may be well to subjoin an opinion which I believe is general in this place, viz., that he is a young man of the strictest probity and morals discreet without closeness, temperate without excess and modest without vanity—possesed of those amiable qualities of benevolence and friendship which are

so commendable in any one, and with as few vices as the age will admit of (this may be excused as I am acting on hypotheses and supposition) In short I think it a desirable thing and wish that it may take place with all my heart.
I have received every kindness from the citizens of Annapolis and could any thing heighten my opinion for you and your character it would be their expressions of esteem and regard. Adeiu Dearest Sir and beleive me sincerely and Affectionately Yours

G. W. P. Custis


Title: From George Washington to John Henry, 3 April 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Henry, John

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 3d April 1798

As you were so obliging upon a former occasion as to aid me in obtaining Plank from Mr Smith of Vienna, as I am in want of more, & some Scantling; and as my letter to him may not pass through so safe a channel as by committing it to your care, I take the liberty of using this freedom—persuaded you will excuse it.
If to relax, & diversify the scene a little, you should find it convenient & agreeable to yourself to extend your walks to the Potomac, I should be very happy in seeing you under my vine & fig tree, being with much esteem & respect Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Paul Ferdinand Fevot, 4 April 1798
From: Fevot, Paul Ferdinand
To: Washington, George

Right Honored Sir!
Baltimore 4th April 1798

The unexpected Circumstances which have attended my journey to Your Seat force me to trouble Your Excellency with this.
I had the honour of imparting to You from New York the reasons of my departure from Switzerland in May last resolved on by me on account of the ungratefulness of the Sovereign of Bern, & the firm persuasion that our Country being not able to withstand an invasion which I thought the French were planning I should fall an useless sacrifice in the first commotion. I could look on no Country for a refuge but this the more so that a Book published in the Year 1795 intitled Answer to all the questions that might be asked relating to the United States of America, gave me the greatest encouragement.
“The most generous hospitality is shewn to Strangers whose good Fortune it is to land in America, talents are encouraged & rewarded; husbandry meets with the most uncomon succes, a man with a few Pounds, may buy a good tract of land through the generous credit given to him by the Sellers, & such is the fruitfulness of the ground that the first crop will not only repay him all his expences but enable him to acquit the Capital of the purchase. The new-Comer is struck with the glorious aspect of the Country, the regularity & cleanliness of the Cities, the affability of the Natives; & above all the most watchfull Police, chiefly in Public Offices!!!”
How many reasons had I not to rock in the delightfull cradle of hopes, & indulge me with the sweatest dreams; I speak English, I am conversant with History, Geography, Civil & natural Law, Instrumental & vocal Music, Fencing, Arithmetic. The Countess D. S: who had known me for a year offered me letters of recomandation

for her Brother M: of R: and such were her expressions of esteem for me that I blushed allmost through modesty to deliver the Testimony I received from that Lady.
Notwithstanding the danger I was exposed to in crossing France, I took that road on purpose to see the M. How I escaped the snares laid to me in the Republick is useless to relate. I saw the M. at his Seat where I remained two days; He shewed me Your picture, that of the taking of York-Town related to me number of circumstances to that event, such as Lord Cor[nwallis] ’s offering him his sword & His sending him to deliver it up to you &ca—He told me that his critical circumstances could not permit Him to give me a written recomandation for Your Excellency, but that He relied enough upon Your Friendship & regard for Him as to shew kindness to any-body who could prove to You that he was acquainted with him; but his Lady took a proper opportunity the next day to get from Him the few lines I had the honour to present to Your Excellency on Saturday.
I had in view to sail for North Carolina where my Sister was settled to have an opportunity of taking a survey of the Country at a little expence, & determine afterwards: At Nantes I met but with one Vessel for New-York, after my arrival there I found my Brother in Law by a curious chance; We set sail in Novr last for Wilmington where I spent the winter & finding the trade in a declining State, & no line that I could follow with advantage, wishing to know the instrinsec value of the recommandations I had, I wrote first to Ralph Izard Esqr. at Charlestown, & I received the enclosed very obliging letter; after what meeting with a Vessel for Baltimore & got in to it & arrived in said City after a narrow escape of an Equinoxial Storm. I went to the Alexandria’s Stage Office & got a place for that Town; the Hospitable affable Clerks & Porters there told me proper care would be taken to awake me before 4 O clock fixed time for departure, & that I ought to give them my portmanteau which they would secure for me: But the Stage run away 24 m: before 4. I could get at the office no intelligence of my Portmanteau containing every thing I had precious & valuable. An English Gentleman took to his charge to forward me as far as George Town from whence I walked to alexandria where I got my portmanteau.
If I could not hope to have got over all disapointements I

were little thought that my quick feelings should be put by Your Excellency to a more paining trial. I was not surprised in beholding your reserved Countenance at first meeting, but I entertained a chearfull hope that it would clear up when I should have made myself better known. I respectfully presented to You my note of recomandation, & Your Excellency told me You did not read French; upon which I took the liberty to express my hope that You knew the hand writing; & Your answer was You rather thought it was! If I am still acquainted with the English language this expression is to carry with it if not a thourough doubt of an allegation at least a strong shade of it injurious in this instance to any honest man; and very ungenerous, very cruel indeed to a Stranger of a genteel appearance & behaviour; 1200 leagues distant from his native Country, who having exposed himself to run 400 more at a grievous expence for him, relying on a recomandation, does not get by it the least token of interest or protection but not even a kind word! I never was in a Situation to stand up for a Protector to nobody; but many applied to me for advices & other services, and it is happy for me to recollect that I was foremost to give opportunity & full liberty to honest & distressed People to make the best of me. The few moments Your Excellency could not help from giving me a private tète a-tète were spent by You in vain questions, such as asking me three times over, if I came by water: These were sufficient to inform me what I was to depend upon, & to keep me from bringing on the Carpet any conversation that might be of any moment to me, & plague to You.
I to be sure had the honour to dine at Your Excellency’s table, & You woutschafed offering me to drink a glass wine with You, but what had past before had so much benumbed me as to put it out of my power to enjoy any attention Your Excellency should have been pleased to bestow on me. People whose animal existence is secured & are from that essential foundation wishing to soar higher, may set the greatest price in being taken of any notice soever by one of the First Man of the Age; but a Gentleman who like me is anxious about fixing his existence though impressed with the greatest respect for high Caracters must look as a Calamity being raised for a moment to the level of an Eminent Nobleman without any ⟨fruit⟩ for him but the spending for that honour

the greatest part of the property he can for the present moment dispose of.
However if to obtain in life a high Situation, if the worship of the Multitude is to be captivated by divesting oneself of humanity & generosity there is much more comfort in my position than I thought.
If Your Excellency still doubts my connections with the family of R——the frankness with which I dare to address You, will fully convince You that I spoke the truth when I gave myself out for a Swiss; that virtue which I am possessed of in the highest degree prompts me to a few more lines. I am distressed for proper words to express my gratitude for the reception Your very respectable Lady had favoured me with; Her gracious civility, the anxiousness The Lady had for my being obliged to wait for Your Excellency; Her condescendency to keep up a conversation, in short those manners of the Lady of the highest birth, & the most refined education, has raised in me the most precious & most thankfull remembrance.
I hope Your Excellency will rest satisfied that I shall not permit me to trouble You again, but I beg leave You would read the letter of the Family Izard & that of one of the first Members of the Senate of Berne, those will be sufficient I presume to certify that I am worthy being presented to any Gentleman’s house; begging you would return them to me directed without any further trouble to Mr Fevot at Wilmington North Carolina. I have the honour to be with the greatest respect & submission Right honored Sir Your most obedient most humble Servant

Ferdinand Fevot Lawyerat the Sovereign Council of Bern


Title: From George Washington to Edmund Jennings Lee, 5 April 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Edmund Jennings

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 5th April 1798.

Your letter of the 30th Ulto was presented to me yesterday. The apology you have offered for breaking the Seal of my Nephews letter, to me, is perfectly satisfactory. The like has often happened to myself.
I hope I shall see General Lee before he leaves this part of the Country. The enclosed for Mr Corbin Washington, I request the favour of you to be caused to be delivered to him before he leaves Alexandria (and the sooner the better) if he is not at your house. With esteem, I am, Dear Sir Your Most Obedt

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 8 April 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Biddle, Clement

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 8th April 1798

Your letter of the 25th Ulto is before me, but I have not yet heard of the arrival of Captn Tice at Alexandria.
Not being able to wait any longer for Oznabrigs, I have made

the purchase of what I stood in need of, in Alexandria—further enquiry therefore after this article, and the price of it, may be discontinued by you, in Philadelphia, on my Account.
The Bills for the other articles, purchased by you, with the A/c currant, have been received. By the latter, a balance of $138.38 appears against me, but as interest on my Certificates became due the first of this month, and you will have the Coach and other things to sell, belonging to me, I have not remitted it.
About the middle of August, the term for which my present Miller is engaged, will expire; and it is not probable it will be renewed, as he is not, in the first place, though a pretty good Miller, the most industrious man in the world; and in the 2d place, requires an increase of Wages.
His present wages, & allowance of Provisions are: $166⅔ pr ann., the first: the 2d ample, but specified. A Cow is allowed to afford Milk, and Wood is furnished and laid at his door; the house is comfortably large, and a Garden adjoining to it. In short I do not see that any convenience is wanting that a person in that line, can reasonably require.
The Mr Lewis’s, formerly, have aided me in procuring Millers; perhaps they could recommend one now. Mr Oliver Evans is much in that line, to him I have wrote, as he is acquainted with my Mill, having fixed some of her Works—and understanding that he lives in Philada I leave the letter open for your perusal before delivery, wishing you to converse with him as well as the Mr Lewis’s on the subject of it, & inform me of the result. My enquiries, as you will perceive, go no further at present than to discover a fit character, who would be willing to engage on the terms here mentioned, & could be here by the middle of Augt—With esteem—I am Dear Sir Yr Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Oliver Evans, 8 April 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Evans, Oliver

Sir
Mount Vernon Aprl 8th 1798.

As you have some knowledge of my Mill: and much in the way of being acquainted with Millers, I have taken the liberty of asking, if you could recommend a good one, of honest sober character, to me.
My present one stands engaged to the middle of August only, and it is not probable the agreement will continue longer: because, altho’ he is a pretty good Miller, & I have no charge against his honesty, he is far from being an active & industrious man; and because he is endeavouring to raise his wages, which the work of the Mill will not enable me to do.
His present lay is $166⅔ dollars pr annum and provision of Meat, Bread & Fish found him in sufficient quantities, and by specification, to prevent disputes. He has a Cow allowed him for Milk, and wood without restriction, laid at his door. His house, Garden and other conveniences you will recollect are adequate to a Man in his line; and a Coopers shop at hand. and a considerable Distillery at the spot (but this is not mentioned by way of inducement) has just commenced work.
With this information, if, on the terms beforementioned, you could recommend a character whom you conceive would suit me, it would be doing me a kindness. A Married man with a small family would be prefered; and it would be needless to observe, to you, how essential honesty, sobriety & industry are, in the person employed. It is not my wish that a Miller should be absolutely engaged. The one I now have will remain until the Middle of August; but I am desirous of knowing, & as soon as enquiry can be made, if a good one could be had, on what terms, and whether he would contract to be here by the time abovementioned.
This letter will go under cover to Colo. Clemt Biddle of Phila. whom I have requested to converse with you on the subject matter there of, and to inform me of the result. I am Sir Your Obedt Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Alexander White, 8 April 1798
From: White, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Philadelphia 8th April 1798

The Senate did not sit on Friday and met yesterday only to adjourn, so that our City business remains undetermined—Mr Howard is arrived; he will take a decided part in favr of the measure, though a Baltimorian in Maryland, in Congress he is a Marylander. Mason was expected on Friday, I know not whether he is yet arrived. I hope a decision will take place tomorrow, and that either 66,666 dollars will be granted; or the 100,000 dollars which may yet be borrowed under the guarantee; advanced by Congress; this last Idea was started by Mr Hillhouse; Were I sure that sum could

yet be borrowed, I would advise our Friends to oppose the grant from Congress, and risk the bill (when amended) for 66,666 dollars; but in the present state of uncertainty I submit to them to pursue the measure which they judge most safe—The very extraordinary communications from our Ministers in France will be published Tomorrow. Sketches you have no doubt seen in the papers. I hope they will unite the People of this Country as one Man. I did suppose the opposition in Congress would vanish; but I understand it will still be kept up, though I know not on what ground. the most violent do not pretend to justify the conduct of France or to censure our own Goverment in recent transactions—On the contrary they admit, that the President went as far in his instructions, and some say further than they would have agreed to; and surely an affiliation with the French on the principles of republicanism and the purity of their manners can no longer be subjects of declamation—With the most fervent wishes for the continuance of the Peace of our Country—I remain Dear Sir Your most Ob. Servt

Alexr White


Title: To George Washington from John Searson, 9 April 1798
From: Searson, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Philad[elphi]a 9th April 1798

When I last return’d to this Country in August 1796, your Excellency being then President of the United States, from the Amiable Character I had heard of you, your Humane And Beneficent Disposition to the Distressed took the Liberty to wait on your Excellency presenting you a Poem I publish’d in Ireland, which you were so Condescending as to Accept of, and in Augt 1797 you were so good as to order Col. Biddle to forward one of the Poems publish’d in Philada to you at Mount Vernon, for which I retain the most lively Gratitude.
When the Epidemic Fever broke out here I like many Others Went to New york to Evade Infection, by which lost a great part of the Benefit of my Subscribers, but got some in that City to purchase

a number of them, And whilst there, made application to Governor Jay Soliciting his Favour for a clerks place in Some of the Publick Offices at Albany, where he then was And as your Excellency pays no Postage, beg leave to Enclose it for your Inspection, When a youth have been Book-keeper in Some of the first Compting Houses in New york and this City, as also many years a Mercht in Wholesale trade on my Acct having Married reputably here, But in 1772 Saild with my Motherless Daughter for Londonderry, three years before the Commencement of the late American War. and had it not in my Power to return to America ’till 96, for Pecuniary Reasons. but was master of an Academy near Londonderry Several years have good Certificates from thence and Gentlemen of respectability in this City. Pardon great and worthy Sir the mention of my trifling affairs. Tis to Gentlemen of Ability I Can only Address my Self, Seeking for friends from Humane Motives, and Gratitude Sincere, is all I have to offer, my old friends here being long Since gone to the House appointed for all living May real Happiness ever await you Excellency & family is the Sincere Prayer of your Excellency’s most Grateful and most Devoted Humble Servant

John Searson

your Exellency can Enclose under Cover Governor Jays Letter. P.S. my address is to the Care of the Postmaster Philadelphia.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Attwood Digges, 10 April 1798
From: Digges, Thomas Attwood
To: Washington, George

London 10th Apr. 1798

Mr Digges presents His respectful complements and best wishes to General Washington and sends this in a small box of seeds, which accompanies a few Potatoes of a remarkably approved kind & productive Growth, which Mr Rhd Edmonds Seedsman No. 96 Grace Church Street London handsomely offerd to and pressd Mr D. to present in His name to General Washington.
Mr Chs Pye, who has also purchasd some seeds of Mr Edmonds with me, has promisd to take care of them, He being one of the passengers by the Mount Vernon Capt. Johnson bound to Alexandria.
The Potatoes and the Garden Seeds are obligd to be put in seperate parcells for fear of the yeilding damp of the former hurting the seeds.
Mr Digges has taken the liberty to send in the Box of seeds a few late News Papers.


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 11 April 1798
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia April 11 1798.

I do myself the honor to inclose copies of the instructions to and dispatches from the Envoys of the United States at Paris. No statement

of the facts described in the latter can give them their proper force: but the facts as related by the envoys, with the manner and all their circumstances, carry irresistable evidence to every fair and unprejudiced mind, that this display of corruption and injustice exhibits the true character of the French Government; and that all the propositions made to our envoys have been authorized and required by the Directory itself: Yet Mr Jefferson says that there is no evidence that the Directory have any participation in or knowledge of this infamous business! That Talleyrand was known to be an unprincipled man; and that all the evil lies at his door! I am with great respect, sir your most obt servt

Timothy Pickering


Title: To George Washington from Hugh West, 11 April 1798 [letter not found]
From: West, Hugh
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Hugh West, 11 April 1798. On 11 April GW wrote West: “In reply to your letter of this date. . . .”


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 14 April 1798
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Philadelphia April 14 1798.

The inclosed has just come to hand with Mr King’s public letters.
The publication of the instructions to our Envoys to the French Republic and their dispatches is operating admirably. The Democrats in neither House of Congress make much opposition: and out of doors, the French Devotees are rapidly quitting the worship of their idol. The long-enduring patience of the people of the

U. States under insults and injuries that are unexampled, will be followed, I trust, with corresponding ardour of resentment and persevering resistance to the ambitious & rapacious projects of the most corrupt government upon earth. I am most respectfully sir yr obt servt

T. Pickering


Title: From George Washington to William Booker, 15 April 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Booker, William

Sir
Mount Vernon 15th April 1798.

I am sorry to inform you that, the Machine you erected for me at the Union farm has by no means answered your expectation, or mine.
You will recollect, that in its first performance, under your own direction, the execution in the course of the day fell short of 50 bushls—it has been growing worse, until I was obliged to disuse it, not being able to get out 25 bushls in the day; and before 500 bushls were got out, it had expended two bands which cost between eight & £10.
I do not give you these details by way of complaint: other motives have induced them. 1st, a late Advertisement of yours, by which it appears that new, & important discoveries, or improvements have been made; 2d, a wish to erect another, but discouraged by the operation of the last; and 3d (which more immediately affects yourself) from the unfavorable impression the failure has made upon those who, in these parts, were desirous of adopting them for the purpose of getting out their grain & had come to see mine work—I should be glad to hear from you on this subject as soon as convenient—and am Sir Your Obedt Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Paul Ferdinand Fevot, 15 April 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Fevot, Paul Ferdinand

Sir,
Mount Vernon 15th April 1798

The papers which you were pleased to transmit to me from Baltimore are, agreeably to your request, returned.
Not perceiving what has been your object in addressing such sentiments as your letter of the 4th instant contain—and not being conscious of having merited the reprehension you have judged it expedient to inflict on me, I shall not give you the trouble of reading an answer in detail.
I cannot forbear observing however, that as it is not usual with me to treat any Gentleman with incivility, or even with indifference (especially under my own roof) I am unable to recollect any part of my behaviour which could give rise to such mis-conception of my motives.
As to the deceptions which may have been occasioned by the quotation in your letter, I shall only remark that I had no agency in the fabrication of it, or of any thing similar thereto—that it is to be regretted, that we should have Land-jobbers & other Speculators among us, who, to promote their interested views will publish such accounts—and that foreigners should be imposed upon by them. I am Sir Your Obedt & Humble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to James Lloyd, 15 April 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Lloyd, James

Sir,
Mount Vernon 15⟨th⟩ April 1798

For your kindness in forwarding a copy of the dispatches from our Envoys in France to the Government here, I pray you to accept my best thanks.
What a scene of corruption and profligacy has these Communications disclosed in the Directors of a People with whom the United States have endeavoured to Treat upon fair, just & honorable ground!
If they should be attended with the effect of “Speedily uniting our fellow-citizens in a firm determination to support our Government, and preserve our Independence” as you seem to expect, it wd indeed be cause for much congratulation and no one would rejoice more at such an event than I should; But—I wish it may be so. With esteem & respect I am Sir Your most Obedt ⟨Servt⟩

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Patrick O’Flynn, 15 April 1798
From: Washington, George
To: O’Flynn, Patrick

Sir,
Mount Vernon 15th April 1798

About the middle of August, the term of my present Miller will expire, and it is not probable the agreement will be renewed; first, because he wants to have his wages raised, next, because the work of the Mill will not afford it; & lastly, because though a good Miller, he is far from being an industrious man.
The wages, & allowances I now give, and am willing to continue, are $166⅔ pr Ann: flour—Meat—fish, ⟨illegible⟩ ample; but the quantity of each to be specified to prevent disputes. A Cow to afford

Milk, & wood sufficient, to be laid at his door; A house (& Garden adjoining) close by the Mill, & a Coopers shop at a convenient distance from it, all adequate to the wants of a person in that line.
Knowing that no place is more likely to furnish a good Miller than Brandywine, and that you must be acquainted with the Millers there on whose recommendation of one you could depend, I give you the trouble of receiving this letter, praying you to make the enquiry, & to inform me of the result.
You will perceive, that I have no call for a Miller until the middle of August; of course no engagement is to be entered into until you hear from me again; but it is essential I should be informed (and soon after the result of your enquiries are known) whether a good Miller, who can be recommended for his honesty sobriety & industry could be had; whether one would engage to be here by the middle of August, and on the terms before mentioned.
My Mill stands at the head of a Creek about nine miles below Alexandria, and is accessable by Boats; the Packets, therefore, which ply between that place & Philadelphia pass within view of it; & afford a ready, easy & cheap conveyance for Passengers between the two. I should prefer a married man with a small family to a single person—I hope your family are well—I am Sir Your very Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 16 April 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 16th April 1798

Your obliging favour of the 11th instant, enclosing copies of the Instructions to, and Dispatches from the Envoys of the United States at Paris, was received with thankfulness, by the last Post.
One would think that the measure of infamy was filled, and the

profligacy of, & corruption in the system pursued by the French Directory, required no further disclosure of the principles by which it is actuated than what is contained in the above Dispatches, to open the eyes of the blindest; and yet, I am persuaded, that those communications will produce no change in the leaders of the opposition; unless there should appear, a manifest desertion of their followers. There is sufficient evidence already, in the Aurora, of the turn they intend to give the business, and of the ground they mean to occupy—but I do not believe they will be able to maintain that, or any other much longer. With very great esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir—Your Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from George Deneale, 18 April 1798
From: Deneale, George
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir,
Alexandria 18 April 1798

I have lately recd a letter from a friend of mine in Whitehaven, Mr John Dixon, in which he say’s there was formerly a suit brought by Bryan Lord Fairfax & Genl Washington against Thompson Mason, as Trustees on behalf of Mrs Savage under which he has a claim of £50 and requests me to make some Inquiry, and advise him what has been done in the business. I have therefore taken the liberty of asking you what proceedings have been had, and that you will be so obliging as to inform me how I can Obtain the Information requested—I have Inclosed the Deeds agreeable to Mr Lewis’s direction. I am respectfully Yr Very Hie Servt

G. Deneale


Title: From George Washington to Bushrod Washington, 22 April 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Bushrod

My dear Bushrod,
Mount Vernon 22d April 1798

Enclosed are Deeds from me to General Lee, and from him to me. They were copied from his original deed to me, without my previous examination of it, supposing (I understood it was drawn by Mr Charles Lee) that it was correct in all its parts. When we were about to execute the New one⟨s⟩ I found that his title to the old one was not recited—whether this is essential to the conveyance I know not, as the Lands are accurately described and he has, as he says, Doctr Skinners conveyance to him wch he will send me. The Patents from the Commonwealth to Skinner I have. If the Deeds enclosed are valid please to have them recorded—if not return them with your observations. I hope they are good wishing to have no more trouble with them. Yours Affectionately

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Charles Lucas Pinckney Horry, 23 April 1798
From: Horry, Charles Lucas Pinckney
To: Washington, George

Sir
April 23d 1798

It is with hesitating reluctance that I intrude on your leasure to beg you will peruse with indulgeance the small publication I have the honor to present you, your goodness will I hope excuse this liberty, and pardon my desire of proving to you (tho’ by a very imperfect production) that I partake the admiration which the Caracter of Genl Washington everywhere inspires, and the profo[u]nd contempt I have for his insignificant Enemies. I in treat you Sir to accept the assurance of all the sentiments of esteem and respect with which I have the honor to be your most obedient and very humble Servant

C. L. Pinckney Horry


Title: To George Washington from Oliver Evans, 26 April 1798 [letter not found]
From: Evans, Oliver
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Oliver Evans, 26 April. On 14 June GW wrote to Evans: “Your last was dated the 26th of April.”


Title: To George Washington from Paul Ferdinand Fevot, 28 April 1798
From: Fevot, Paul Ferdinand
To: Washington, George

Right Honored Sir
Wilmington [N.C.] 28th April 1798

I just now receive the letter Your Excellency has had the condescindency to write to me. I am happy to find Your Excellency has forgotten the words I thought I ought to complain of. I will make bold to follow so noble an example. But I must respectfully entreat leave of Your Excellency who does not perceive what has been the object of my letter to observe that the letter of the Magistrate of Bern whose 1st part speaks of money was not a hint from me to Your Excellency for any service of the Kind. I wanted a Loan

on mortgage from that Gentleman which has not taken place. I hoped Your Excellency would ask me what were my Plans in America, & offer me your protection; I would have then premised that I could wish your Excellency to recomend me to some of Your Friends either in Philadelphia or Baltimore to get some scholars to teach them French, History, Geography or vocal Music, on the one hand to support myself untill I had cleared my interest in Switzerland, or got to happier times to engage in the mercantile line here; & on the other to make myself Known & better my situation, as I am sure of my abilities if I have time and opportunities to display them. Having suffered by the French Revolution I should have sought all occasions to serve this Country with my passions. But Your Excellency’s countenance has not permited me to make any-thing of my journey to Your Seat, & I dont wish now to lay under any Kind of obligation to Your Excellency.
I Know Your Excellency has no hand in the deceit offered to Strangers respecting lands I value your opinion upon the Subject which does credit to your reputation; but should have been glad to have the same from Your Excellency whom I consider as the maker of the political existence of this Country on the rascally conduct of all the fellows of the Baltimore Stage office who had any hand in the running away with my property, & pilfering me in some measure the money I gave for a place in the Stage which they deprived me of.
I begged Your Excellency to send me back my two letters, but not the note of Count of Rochambeau, that piece which has been productive of events so unfortunate, & so painfull to me is no more my property, it was adressed to You, & to You I return it with a tender of the sentiments of the most submissive respect with which I am Right Honored Sir Your most obedient most humble Servant

Fevot


Title: To George Washington from Foster & May, 30 April 1798 [letter not found]
From: Foster & May
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Foster & May, 30 April 1798. On 7 May GW wrote Foster & May: “Your letter of the 30th ulto” was received.


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Law, 4 May 1798
From: Law, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
[4 May 1798]

The repeated confirmations of Congress & the late progress of the public buildings in the City give the greatest hopes, that the important object will be attained in 1800—an example alone is wanting to encourage private buildings.
Pardon the liberty I take in suggesting to you how much your building one house at this Crisis would ensure the rapid rise of the City by doing away doubts—The workmen now build on the cheapest terms, it is charity to employ them & materials are low & if you will honor me by accepting of a Lot any where near the Seat of Congress & by permitting me to raise 5,000 Ds. till it is convenient to You to advance the money I shall be very happy.
Your name would effect much, I speak my most real solemn Sentiments when I say that some measure of this kind is necessary lest this Year should pass away & Congress depute a member to report whether accomodations are ready or preparing for Congress.
Could Mrs Washington & You favor Eliza & me with an early visit you could see the present situation of the City & the exertions I have made; next Year building will be 25 ⅌ Ct dearer at least than now, if the untoward circumstance of Congress postponing their removal for want of habitations should not take place.
Requesting this to be favored with your serious Consideration, I remain With unfeigned esteem & regard yrs mt Sincy & affy

T. Law


Title: To George Washington from George Washington Parke Custis, 5 May 1798
From: Custis, George Washington Parke
To: Washington, George

Dearest Sir
Annapolis [Md.] May 5th 1798

Colonel Fitzgerald arrived here about an hour ago and has politely offered to convey a letter to you. Nothing material has occurred since my last letter only that we now attend College at six in the morning which is by no means disagreable, and conduces to health.

With respect to what I mentioned of Mr Carroll in my last I had no other foundation but report which has been since contradicted. All the families in this town in which I visit express the highest esteem and veneration for your character which conduces in great measure to the satisfaction I feel in their company.
All is well at present I have found no inconvenience lately from the water which affected me at first—I attend College regularly and am determined that nothing shall alienate my attention. Adieu Dearest Sir may Heaven proportion her reward to your merit, and the sincere and ardent prayer of

Geo. W. P. Custis

P.S. I would thank you to inform to whom I am to apply for money in case of want. G.C.


Title: From George Washington to William Pearce, 6 May 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Pearce, William

Mr Pearce,
Mount Vernon 6th May 1798

A few days ago the enclosed a/c was sent in, and others of a similar nature have also been presented. To guard against these afterclaps was the reason why I urged you with so much earnestness to leave no accounts unpaid, of your own contracting.
Why the balance, if just, was left unpaid, when you had money to go to, at pleasure, or why it was referred to Mr Lear to pay, I am unable to say—Some accounts which have been presented, I have caused to be proved; but in the case of Messrs Fosters & May, they have been informed that the account should be transmitted to you for explanation. I request therefore you would let me know

whether the Balance claimed by them is really due—In short, be kind enough to give me such information concerning it as you are possessed of, that the matter may be settled with those Gentlemen; & with it, return their account.
In cradling my Wheat the coming Harvest I wish to catch it in the hand, in the manner practised on the Eastern Shore and other places; but as none of my People have been in the habit of cutting in this way, they might need an Instructor. Would it be in your power to engage a person who understands this business perfectly, and fixing the Cradles, to be here by the 25th June—to be paid by the day while here and for coming & returning—and his reasonable travelling expences?
At any rate I pray you to let me know, and as soon as you conveniently can, if I might depend upon it. Inform me at the same time, if you please, whether the Cradles and Scythe differ in any respect from those which you know I use—and if they do, to inform me in what the difference consists, that I might be preparing again⟨st⟩ Harvest. The Scythe, I presume must be the same, but the fixing of it to the sneed may differ; and the Cradle may vary from the usual kind, by having more, or less fingers—more or less co⟨n⟩ing—&ca—all of which can readily be described in a letter, by a person well acquainted with the two sorts, so as to enable me with the assistance of Mr Stuart, who you know is, from his own account, acquainted with all things to go on in this mode even if you shd not be able to procure me a very skilful hand (for none other I would have sent). I remain Your friend and Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Pinckney, 6 May 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Pinckney, Thomas

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 6th May 1798.

Permit me to give you the trouble of the enclosed letter to Mr Horry, in acknowledgment of one I received from him at Baltimore. I do this on the uncertainty of its finding him in Philadelphia; and because, in his letter to me, he did not say whether he should return to Charleston by Land or Water.
I am sorry to find by the Gazettes that you have had but indifferent health since your arrival at Philadelphia. When you return—but when will that be?—I hope you will not forget that this place is very little out of your direct route, and that halting days are essential in long marches. Mrs Washington &ca unite with me in best respects to Mrs Pinckney & yourself—and I am—Dear Sir Your Most Obedt & Affecte Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Foster & May, 7 May 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Foster & May

Gentlemen,
Mount Vernon 7th May 1798

Your letter of the 30th ulto with the A/c annexed, have been received—and I shall confess, with surprise.
It is a very unusual thing for me to be presented with old accounts, and in the present instance it is extraordinary, because Mr Pearce had the command of my money which he himself had deposited in the Bank of Alexandria, and had been directed over & over again, months before he left my Employ, & in the most pointed terms, to pay every farthing which was due from my Estate of his contracting as I should be unwilling to meet demands of this sort after he was gone.
What, under these circumstances, cd have induced him to leave your A/c unpaid, and still more, to refer you to Mr Lear for payment, who had no authority from me to pay or receive money requires explanation from Mr Pearce. To him therefore I have written,

& transmitted your A/c—when the answer is recd you shall again hear from Gentlemen Your Obedt Hble Servant

Go: Washington

P.S. Had you presented this A/c sooner, sooner might the enquiry have been made and the matter have been settled.


Title: From George Washington to William Herbert, 8 May 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Herbert, William

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 8th May 1798

The Notes undermentioned you will please to deposit in the Bank of Alexandria—and when the contents of them are received, to carry the same to the credit of Dear Sir Your Obedt Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Bennett & Watts Co., 12 May 1798 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Bennett & Watts Company

Letter not found: to Bennett & Watts Co., 12 May 1798. Sotheby Parke-Bernet in catalog 4158, item 213, advertises a five-line letter to Bennett & Watts Co. in which GW sent for “half a pound of best Indigo, & a stock lock of middling size and quality.”


Title: To George Washington from Richard Williams, 13 May 1798
From: Williams, Richard
To: Washington, George

Gwennap, near Redruth [Wales], May 13 1798

The inclosed Sheet is most humbly presented to your Excellence, for publication (if counted worthy) in the United States of America. Grace will render it profitable and pleasurable to its believing readers wheresoever circulated—although penn’d by a poor tinner among the moor-stones in Cornwall! assuming the honour of subscribing himself Your Excellency’s most obedient humble servant

Richard Williams


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Peter, 14 May 1798
From: Peter, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
George Town 14th May [1798]

Immediately on getting home I sought out for the Persons I promised you; the Brick & Stone Mason will be happy of such imployment as yours, & his lowest prices are £12 pr Month, ten Shillings a day, twelve Shilling & six pence a thousand for Bricks, & three & nine pence a perch for stone, Maryland Cuy—Mr Warring who is Master to the brick Maker I informed you off, on application ⟨to⟩ him said I Should have him, but he ha⟨s n⟩ot seen him for some time, I made Inquiries after him, & to day have been informed he has ingaged himself to Ranaldo Johnson to make Bricks all this Season, I have been looking out for some other person, but have no prospect to procure one for you.
Tuesday last I called at Mr ⟨Rools⟩ office with your order, but was informed by Colo. Deakins he was at Annapolis, I then shewed him your Order, he told me there were about ten pounds in the Hands of a Mr Perry (a few miles from Town) which he would send for against Mr ⟨Rools⟩, Returned this Morning I waited on Mr ⟨Rools⟩ he told me the money was not yet come in, this Evening ⟨mutilated⟩ected it, the account should be made out ⟨mutilated⟩ Ready for you against Tomorrow, I shall ⟨mutilated⟩ him for the Acct & Money, & Transmit the same by the next Stage. Make my best Regards to Mrs Washington & am with the greatest Esteem Dear sir yours Sincerly

Thomas Peter


Title: From George Washington to Bryan Fairfax, 15 May 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Fairfax, Bryan

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 15th May 1798

Herewith, I send you Letters of introduction to Gentlemen with whom I occasionally correspond, agreeably to my promise.

I also send you a Genealogical account of the family of Fairfax, which was presented to me by the Earl of Buchan through Mr Lear (who carried a letter of introduction from me to his Lordship when he went to England four or five years ago) thinking it might be satisfactory to you as head (of at least one branch) of the family to be possessed of.
Mrs Washington & myself propose (on friday or Saturday next) making a visit to Dr Stuart’s, from whence we shall proceed to the Federal City, and do not expect to return from thence until about Saturday or Sunday week. If you expect not to be embarked before that time, we will call as we return and wish you a pleasant passage; but if your embarkation is likely to take place at an earlier day—we will between this & friday, in a morning’s ride come up for that purpose. Our compliments are presented to Mrs Fairfax &ca and I am, at all times Dear Sir Your sincere friend, and Affecte Humble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Bryan Fairfax, 15 May 1798
From: Fairfax, Bryan
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Mt Eagle May the 15th 1798

I have received the Packet with your kind Letter. This late Instance of your Friendship has increased my Gratitude which has continued more or less for many years.
I return you many thanks and all the acknowledgements I can make, and now on my departure, I may venture to say that I have not ceased almost daily to pray for you for more than twenty years. I have experienced the uncertainty of a maxim laid down by some writers that when a man is laid under obligations which he can never repay that it lessens his Regard for his Benefactor, at least I know that it is not an universal Rule.
I am sorry that I cannot know with any tolerable certainty when the Ship will sail—I have desired Mr Hamilton the owner to ride out this morning as I am not recovered eno. from my last Illness to venture out to day, and I have 9 Hogsheads of Tobo which I wish to dispose of. The last Information I had was that the middle of next week would be extent of the ships Stay—but they never know the time for a Fortnight before.
I write now before your Servant calls lest he should be detained on his Return. To have the Honour of the short visit you propose I cannot expect, yet I should be glad of it & happy to see you and Mrs Washington either before Friday next, or on your Return from the Federal City, which will probably be before the Ship sails—However I will leave the Letter unclosed till your Man calls. Mrs Fairfax & Family join me in best Complts and Regards to you and Mrs Washington & Family, and wishing you every Blessing I remain with much Esteem, Dr Sir Yr obliged & obedt Servt

Bryan Fairfax

My Man Guy is returned without enquiring when the Ship is to sail, & without being able to tell how forward she is in loading tho’ he is going with me.
I beg that you will not put yourself to the smallest inconvenience in respect to it, happy as I am under a Sense of your many Civilities.


Title: From George Washington to Rufus King, 15 May 1798
From: Washington, George
To: King, Rufus

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 15th May 1798

Your favour of the 29th of January, with its enclosure, I have had the honour to receive; and for your kind attention to that concern of mine I feel myself very much obliged; and pray you to accept my thanks for the trouble it has occasioned you.
This letter will be presented to you by my good friend & Neighbour, the Revd Bryan Fairfax; who, although he has not taken the title, is the ligitimate Baron of Cameron, since the death of his relation, the late Robert, Lord Fairfax.
It is a bad state of health, and the advice of Physicians to try the effect of Sea Air, which have induced Mr Fairfax to make a Voyage to England, and me to introduce him to your acquaintance and civilities, as a Gentleman of great worth & merit. Present me, if you please, in respectful terms to Mrs King and be assured always of the sincere esteem and regard of—Dear Sir, Your Most Obedt and very Humble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Coleman Martin, 15 May 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Martin, Thomas Coleman

Sir,
Mount Vernon 15th May 1798

In the course of last Autumn, I wrote to you relatively to a thrashing Machine, of which you were the Inventor; and you were obliging enough to give me some account of it; adding that you had not fully satisfied yourself how far Manual labour or the labour of horses, could be applied to advantage. Since which, indistinct, & contradictory accounts have been received of the result of your experiments.
Under this uncertainty, and an earnest wish that you might succeed to the full extent of your expectation and hope, and that you may obtain in the Patent right, ample compensation for your ingenuity, I give you the trouble of receiving this second letter from me—requiring to be informed from yourself whether the Machine can be worked advantageously by Men, or horses (for I have no water that could be applied to it)—and in both, or either mode,

what quantity of Wheat might, on a medium, be expected from the work of a day? And, if you are, yourself, perfectly satisfied of the simplicity, and utility of the Machine, as an implement on a farm, that you would inform me (if you have obtained a Patent, or digested any mode of dissiminating Instructions) in what manner I could obtain them; and of the previous steps to be taken (by a bill of scantling, & the provision of other materials) to facilitate the work; as I should like to have one erected by Harvest; and am willing (if on trial the plan has succeeded) to conform, in all respects to your terms, or to be governed by your directions or advice; or to be at the expence of paying a skilful workman—whom you might send hither—for putting such materials together as you might previously order to be provided. To hear from you soon would much oblige Sir—Your Obedt Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Sinclair, 15 May 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Sinclair, John

Sir,
Mount Vernon 15th May 1798

The motive which I assigned in my letter of the 6th of Novr (a copy of which, with others, is herewith enclosed) for transmitting you a duplicate of a long, private letter of the 11th Decembr 1796, having encreased from my not having yet received an acknowledgment of it; and having undoubted information that the Vessel by which the duplicate was sent has been taken by a Frh Privateer, the masters of whom pay little respect to private letters; or any thing else indeed which they lay their hands on; has induced me (for the reasons assigned in the aforesaid letter of the 6th of November) to forward a triplicate thereof. And as few of our Vessels escape their search, I send copies, as mentioned above, of all letters I have had the honor of writing to you since that epoch, by my neighbour and friend, the Reverend Bryan Fairfax—who, though he has not taken the title, is the legitimate Baron of Cameron, and father of Ferdinando Fairfax, to whom, as you are informed in my letter of the 11th of December, the Estate of Belvoir now

belongs by devise from his Uncle, the Honble George William Fairfax deceased.
A long continuance of bad health and a desire to try the effect of Sea Air are the principal—perhaps only—motives which have induced my neighbour to undertake a Voyage to England. He possesses as good a heart and as pure intentions as any man living—as such, I have no scruple in recommending him to your acquaintance and civilities. With very great esteem & regard, I have the honor to be Sir Your Most Obedt and obliged Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Strickland, 15 May 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Strickland, William

Sir
Mount Vernon 15th May 1798

Your favour of the 26th of Novr last, introductory of Mr Miles Smith, I have had the pleasure to receive; but not that of seeing the Gentleman himself. I have, however, expressed in a letter to him, the gratification this would afford me, if business or inclination should induce him to visit the State of Virginia.
The chief object of giving you the trouble of receiving this Address, at this time, is to introduce to your civilities my good friend & neighbour, the Revd Bryan Fairfax; who is, though he has not taken the title, Baron of Cameron since the death of the late Lord, Robert Fairfax.

Bad health, & the recommendation of Sea Air, have induced this Gentleman to make a Voyage to England, whether he will travel in it, or not, depends, I presume, upon the state of the former. but if he should visit Yorkshire, I can, from a long and intimate acquaintance with him, say that he would be found worthy of your attentions. With very great esteem & regard, I am Sir Your most Obedt and Very Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Sarah Cary Fairfax, 16 May 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Fairfax, Sarah Cary

My dear Madam,
Mount Vernon 16th May 1798.

Five and twenty years, nearly, have passed away since I have considered myself as the permanent resident of this place; or have been in a situation to endulge myself in familiar intercourse with my friends, by letter or otherwise.
During this period, so many important events have occurred, and such changes in men and things have taken place, as the compass of a letter would give you but an inadequate idea of. None of which events, however, nor all of them together, have been able to eradicate from my mind, the recollection of those happy moments—the happiest of my life—which I have enjoyed in your company.
Worn out in a manner by the toils of my past labour, I am again seated under my Vine & Fig tree, and wish I could add that there are none to make us affraid; but those whom we have been accustomed to call our good friends and allies, are endeavouring if not to make us affraid, yet to despoil us of our property; and are provoking us to Acts of Self-defence, which may lead to War. What will be the result of such measures, time, that faithful expositor of all things, must disclose. My wish is, to spend the remainder of my days (which cannot be many) in rural amusements—free from those cares which public responsibility is never exempt.
Before the War, & even while it existed, altho’ I was eight years from home at one stretch, (except the en passant visits made to it on my March to and from the Siege of Yorktown) I made considerable additions to my dwelling house, & alterations in my Offices, & Gardens; but the dilapidati⟨on⟩ occasioned by time, & those negleets

which are co-extensive with the absence of Proprietors, have occupied as much of my time, within the last twelve months in repairing them, as at any former period in the same space. And it is matter of sore regret, when I cast my eyes towards Belvoir, which I often do, to reflect ⟨that⟩ the former Inhabitants of it, with whom we lived in such harmony & friendship, no longer reside there; and that the ruins can only be viewed as the memento of former pleasures; and permit me to add, that I have wondered often (your nearest relatives being in this Country), that you should not prefer spending the evening of your life among them rather than close the sublunary Scene in a foreign Country—numerous as your acquaintances may be, and sincere, the friendships you may have formed.
A Century hence, if this Country keep united (and it is surely its policy and Interest to do so) will produce a City—though not as large as London—yet of a magnitude inferior to few others in Europe, on the Banks of the Potomack; where one is now establishing for the permanent Seat of the Government of the United States (between Alexandria & Georgetown, on the Maryland side of the River). A situation not excelled for commanding prospect, good water, salubrious air, and safe harbour by any in the world; & where elegant buildings are erecting & in forwardness, for the reception of Congress in the year 1800.
Alexandria, within the last seven years, (since the establishment of the General Government) has increased in buildings, in population, in the improvement of its Streets by well executed pavements, and in the extension of its Wharves, in a manner, of which you can have very little idea. This shew of prosperity, you will readily ⟨conceive is owing to its commerce. The extension of that Trade is occasioned in a great degree by opening of the Inland navigation of Potomack River now cleared to Fort Cumberland upwards of 200 miles and by a similar attempt to accomplish the like up the Shannandoah 150 miles more. in a word if this Country can stear clear of European Politics, stand firm on its bottom & be wise and temperate in its government, it bids fair to be one of the greatest & happiest nations in the world.
Knowing that Mrs Washington is about to give an account of the changes wch have happened in the neighbourhood, & in our own family I shall not trouble you with a repetition of them⟩; ⟨illegible⟩ received accurate information ⟨illegible⟩ from particular

friends, from ⟨illegible⟩ and having only one ⟨illegible⟩ miles ⟨illegible⟩ I have not been as far as Occoquan these seven years; ⟨illegible⟩ from hoping it. Be that as it may, ⟨illegible⟩ and under all circumstances, I shall ⟨illegible⟩ be ⟨illegible

Go: Washington⟩


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Peter, 16 May 1798
From: Peter, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
George Town 16th May 1798

I called on Colo. Deakins agreeable to his request; Mr Perry could not pay the sum that ⟨mutilated⟩ in his hands, but expects shortly to do it, & ⟨as soon⟩ as he does, Colo. Deakins will Furnish you with a Statement—The inclosed Hundred & Thirty two Dollars is on A/c of Mrs Prissilla Beall, as is that in the Hands of Mr Perry.
A White Man called on me this Morng hearing that I wanted to Engage a Brick Maker, he will work for you at Seven Shillings pr M Make, Set, & burn, (& found)—These he says are his lowest terms.
I had Yesterday arrived from my Farm the Rare Ripe Corn I promised you; it and some things I was to have sent to Mrs Washington by the Carriage are now ready—We are all well, Patty sends her Love to you & Mrs Washn my best respects & I am Dear Sir with much Esteem yours

Thomas Peter


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Pinckney, 16 May 1798
From: Pinckney, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Abbots Town [Pa.]—16 May 1798

I delivered to Mr Horry in Philadelphia the letter inclosed in your favor to me of the 6th May.
The session of Congress has been so tediously spun out that I found it necessary on account of the advanced season, my family concerns & the state of my own health to relinquish farther attendance in the Legislature, for the present. I did not however leave my post ’till some measures material for our protection had been definitively settled, & others in such train as to leave little doubt of their favorable issue.
I sincerely, Sir, congratulate you & every friend to our Country in the change of sentiment effected by recent events on the public mind relating to our foreign connections—I believe this alteration to have been no where so inconsiderable as in Congress; yet even there they have nearly produced unanimity in proceedings which ought not to have been so long procrastinated, & have obtained a Majority for measures of provisional defence which without the late disclosures could not have been attempted with a prospect of success. After all I can not think it dishonorable to the American character to have been reluctant to war, to have cherished the remembrance of past services with uncommon fervor & to have been hurried very far by zeal in favor even of the semblance of republican liberty.
If artful men have availed themselves of these dispositions so far to serve their own purposes as to have almost prostrated our independance & national character, while we deprecate their conduct,

the measure of regret will be more full than that of reproach for a people who have been thus misled: & I have no doubt that this people possessed, of the compleat evidence of their situation will act with propriety.
The same causes which compelled me to quit Philadelphia previous to the adjournment of Congress have induced me to take the western route home. I hope I need not say how much I think this a matter of necessity when it forces me to forego the gratification I had promised myself of passing a day at Mount Vernon: Mrs Pinckney sincerely joins me in this regret, & begs to unite her best wishes & respects with mine to Mrs Washington the young Ladies & yourself & I remain Dear Sir Your much obliged & affectionate Servt

Thomas Pinckney


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Addison, 17 May 1798
From: Addison, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Sir
Washington (Penna) 17 May 1798

Col. Matthew Ritchie who bought your land on Miller’s run in this county died nearly three months ago. His death will perhaps occasion some embarrassment in the next payment due to you. From various circumstances which I need not state the value or demand for lands is much reduced. He bought to sell again. Not one half has been sold for payments at different times and imperfectly made. I shall be in Philadelphia in the end of June or beginning of July next and shall do every thing in my power to have the payment made then which ought to be made on the first of June. How I shall succeed I cannot now say, but no pains shall be wanting then and hereafter to promote punctuality. John Ritchie and I are Executors of Matthew Ritchie.
I take the liberty of sending a pamphlet—and in a separate inclosure a Newspaper—And I am with the greatest respect your most obedt Servt

Alexr Addison


Title: From George Washington to Bryan Fairfax, 18 May 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Fairfax, Bryan

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon, 18th May 1798

Having occasion to write another letter to Sir John Sinclair, I take the liberty of giving you the trouble of it, and Mrs Washington begs the favour of you to put her letter, to her old neighbour and friend Mrs Fairfax into a channel for safe delivery, if you should not see her yourself.
Knowing, from experience, that Masters of Vessels never sail at the time they first appoint, Mrs Washington and I propose to call upon you on our return from the City, in full confidence of seeing you then. If however, contrary to expectation, the Captn of the Vessel you embark on should be more punctual than usual, and we should be disappointed in this, we beg you to receive our ardent wishes for a safe and pleasant passage to England—the perfect restoration of your health—and happy meeting with your family and friends when you return. To these wishes, let me add assurances of the Affectionate regard of Dear Sir Your Obedt Servant

Go: Washington

Our Complimts to Mrs Fairfax and the family.