Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 22 June 1788
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

My dear Sir,
Portsmouth [N.H.] 22 June 1788.

I have the pleasure to inform you that the Constitution was yesterday adopted by the Convention of this State after a Session of four days; the number in favor of the adoption was 57—against it 46. The majority, tho’ small, is very respectable, as it is pretty well ascertained that at least ¾ of the property, & a larger proportion of the abilities in the State are friendly to the proposed system. The opposition here (as has generally been the case) was composed of men who were involved in debt; and of consequence would be averse to any government which was likely to abolish their tender Laws and cut off every hope of

accomplishing their favorite plan of introducing a paper currency. The behaviour of the minority (except a few) was however candid & conciliatory; and the event was peculiarly pleasing to every inhabitant of this town & its vicinity.
The Independent Companies of Horse & the Militia will assemble tomorrow to conduct his Excellency President Langdon into town, but whether there will be any procession, as has been exhibited in other places on the occasion, I do not know, but think there will not.
I take the liberty to enclose a copy of the amendments recommended by this Convention; they were drawn up more with a view of softening & conciliating the adoption to some who were moderate in their opposition than from an expectation that they would ever be engrafted in the Constitution.
I hope to be at Mount Vernon some time in the latter part of July or first of Augt—my inclination would lead me there sooner was that alone to be consulted, but there are several matters to be settled relative to my father’s Estate which require my attention, and which will detain me in this part of the Continent a few weeks longer than I expected.
You will be so obliging as to give my best respects to Mrs Washington—and be assured that I am, My dear Sir, With the warmest affection & highest respect, Yr most Obedt & Hble Servant

Tobias Lear

P.S. The Constitution was ratified on Saturday at 1 P.M. I am thus particular as Virginia might have adopted it on the same day, & in that Case the hour must be known to determine which was the ninth State.


Title: From George Washington to James Madison, 23 June 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Madison, James

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon June 23d 1788.

Since my last, acknowledging the first letter you did me the favor to write to me after your arrival in Richmond, I have received your subsequent ones of the 13th & 18th instant; which, tho’ less favourable than the former, are more pleasing than suspence.
I will yet hope that the good sense of this Country, maugre all the arts of opposition, will ultimately decide right on the important question now depending before the Convention.
I hear with real concern of your indisposition. At Fredericksburgh (on a visit to my aged and infirm mother) I understood that you intended to proceed immediately from Richmond to New York, when the Convention shall have arisen. Relaxation must have become indispensably necessary for your health, and for that reason I presume to advise you to take a little respite from business and to express a wish that part of the time might be spent under this roof on your journey thither. Moderate exercise, and books occasionally, with the mind unbent, will be your best restoratives. With much truth I can assure you that no one will be happier in your company than your sincere & affecte Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to David Stuart, 23 June 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Stuart, David

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon June 23d 1788.

Upon the receipt of your favor of the 13th instt I caused enquiry to be made into the foundation for the report which you said was industriously circulated in Richmond, respecting the notice taken of the proposed Constitution by the Assembly of Maryland; and am told that it is a time serving falsehood; as you will be particularly informed by an enclosure from Colo. Fitzgerald.
The hopes & fears of each party are, by this, I presume, realised. Important will be the decision. I wish it may be auspicious of the happiness of this Country.
The mode in which you propose to settle with Mr Hopkins, for my taxes in the County of Green Brier, is perfectly agreeable to me. I have heard nothing yet from Mr Custis (of the Eastern Shore)—nor has Colo. Thos Lewis ever acknowledged the receipt of my Letter to him; tho’ he was particularly requested to do so (that I might know what I had to trust to) and a certain channel pointed out to him by which it could be done.
Mrs Stuart went from this yesterday for Mount Airy; and talked of being back again tomorrow. She & the Children are all well. The Rains have been so frequent and abundant on my

Plantations, that I am, in a manner drowned; this is not the case I am told at Abingdon. and higher up, they rather wanted than were overdone with it when I was in Berkley—In the Neighbourhood of Fredericksburgh (from whence I came this day Se’night) nothing could be more seasonable. The Wheat with me, (& I believe it is the case generally, in a greater or lesser degree) has got the speck (Defective grains) but I have not, as yet, discovered rust among it. Rye is more injured than Wheat by the non-impregnation; and where it is thin, is still more hurt by entanglement and falling. Oats & Flax would have been very fine had not the best of both lodged—What will become of my Corn is not easy, at this moment, to decide; I am working it ancle deep in Water & mud, & can destroy no other plant than the one I am aiming to preserve. I am—Dear Sir Yr Affecte & Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from David Stuart, 23 June 1788 [letter not found]
From: Stuart, David
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from David Stuart, 23 June 1788. On 27 June GW wrote that his “letter of the 23d . . . came duly to hand.”


Title: From George Washington to Mathew Carey, 25 June 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Carey, Mathew

Sir,
Mount Vernon June 25th 1788

Although I believe “the American Museum” published by you, has met with extensive, I may say, with universal approbation from competent Judges; yet, I am sorry to find by your favor of the 19th that in a pecuniary view it has not equalled your expectations.
A discontinuance of the Publication for want of proper support would, in my judgment, be an impeachment on the Understanding of this Country. For I am of opinion that the Work is not only eminently calculated to dissiminate political, agricultural, philosophical & other valuable information; but that it has been uniformly conducted with taste, attention, & propriety. If

to these important objects be superadded the more immediate design, of rescuing public Documts from oblivion: I will venture to pronounce, as my sentiment, that a more useful literary plan has never been undertaken in America, or one more deserving public encouragement. By continuing to prosecute that plan with similar assiduity and discernment, the merit of your Museum must ultimately become as well known in some Countries of Europe as on this Continent; and can scarcely fail of procuring an ample compensation for your trouble & expence.
For my self, I entertain an high idea of the utility of periodical Publications: insomuch that I could heartily desire, copies of the Museum and Magazines, as well as common Gazettes, might be spread through every city, town & village in America—I consider such easy vehicles of knowledge, more happily calculated than any other, to preserve the liberty, stimulate the industry and meliorate the morals of an enlightened and free People. With sincere wishes for the success of your undertaking in particular, and for the prosperity of the Typegraphical art in general I am—Sir Yr Most Obedt & Most Hble ⟨Serv⟩t

⟨Go: Washington⟩


Title: To George Washington from James Madison, 25 June 1788
From: Madison, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Rich[mon]d June 25. [1788]

On the question today for previous amendments, the votes stood 80 ays—88 noes—on the final question the ratification passed 89 ays—79 noes. Subsequent amendments will attend the act; but are yet to be settled. The temper of the minority will be better known tomorrow. The proceedings have been without flaw or pretext for it; and there is no doubt that acquiescence if not cordiality will be manifested by the unsuccessful party. Two of the leaders however betray the effect of the disappointment, so far as it is marked in their countenances. In haste Yours

Js Madison Jr


Title: To George Washington from Richard Peters, 27 June 1788
From: Peters, Richard
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Belmont [Pa.] June 27. 1788

On my Arrival from an annual Tour my Affairs compel me to take over the Susquahanna I have the Honour of your Letter of the 8th inst. The Crops in the western Country as fine as ever I saw them but those within 40 or 50 Miles of Philadelphia execrably bad, owing to the Snows not having covered them in the Winter added to a bad Stile of farming which too commonly prevails. My Grain is among the best I have seen on this Side Susquahanna tho’ inferior to what I have had & indeed it is but a middling Crop. The Winter has injured it exceedingly. Among the best of it are those Parts which grow on the green manured Ground. I mention this as you say you are about making an Experiment in this Way. I am entirely satisfied of its Efficacy having tried it many Years. Be sure to give your Fallow Time enough for the Buckwheat &c. not only to rot but complete its Fermentation which it will do according to Weather in a Period of from 2 to 3 Weeks.
The Mode of cultivating the Disette, I had the Pleasure to communicate to you, does not direct the cutting off the Leaves & I have never followed it tho’ I have seen such a Direction somewhere which may also possibly have fallen into your Hands. The Leaves of the Plant taken from the Seed Bed generally perish on transplanting which at first alarmed me; but a new Vegetation commences from the Heart of the Root & after this I have never found these Plants delicate or troublesome. They are the surest Crop I know. I am yet in Hopes your polled Roots will recover as I know their Hardiness. I am inclined to think the Roots may be raized to a larger Size in the Ground the Seed is dropped in. I believe too this is mentioned by Dr Lettsom as having been

proved by the Experience of a Norfolk Farmer in England who raized them by this Mode to 20 or 25 Pounds. But I never can get my Ground in Order Time enough as our Frosts continue so late. I think your Climate would admit of your practising this Method. I know there are great Disadvantages attendant on transplanting these as well as all tap roots. If the Root gets broken in taking up or if it be doubled in planting it never equals the perfect Roots. You must be careful on this Score in transplanting your Carrots which I believe will do very well, as I have often filled up Vacancies in my Drills by Transplantation from those Parts wherein they stood too thick. You can certainly bring your Ground into better Tilth before the Carrots are transplanted in your Corn Ground than you could by drilling them originally. They must not be disturbed when very young & on this Account I am so frequently pestered with Weeds that I am sick of the Crop. I can raize 3 Rows of Scarcity roots at the same Expence of one of Carrots. Next Year I will either transplant or sow them in Drills in Ridges as I do the Disette. You say you lay yourself out to raize Seed for another Year—Permit me to remind you that the Plants of this Year will not afford you Seed till next Year & unless you have Seed from Plants raized last Year you will have none for next Season. I hope to be able to spare you some.
Notwithstanding my bad Luck with Cabbages I continue to cultivate from one to three Acres annually which at least obliges me to keep my Ground clean & of Consequence meliorated—If you follow the Course you have prescribed for yourself you need not be afraid of sowing Wheat in Clover Lays. It will be so clean that neither mixed Grasses or Weeds will injure your Crop. As to Wheat with us it is pretty near at an End. The Hessian Fly is now within 10 Miles of us & next Year we shall have it lay us all Waste. This seems as great a Curse as the British Army was, if not greater. We could combat their other Hessian Auxiliaries; but this is unconquerable.
The Drill you describe must be better than any I can fix to the Brake. The new one does not please me as well as my first Harrow. I must make the Hoes broader to make it run steadier. I sent the two for you a Month ago to Town & Col. Biddle told me he was waiting for a Conveyance to send them to you. For refreshing Land in good Tilth I know of no Instrument better

than the trowel tined one & yours is much better than mine as I have remedied some Defects in the one I had made from speculation. I will have the Potatoe Cleaner made for you by the Time you will have Occasion to use it.
Altho’ nine States have agreed to our new & most excellent Government I wait with Anxiety to hear of Virginia’s agreeing to adopt it. The Execution of it will be unpleasant if so great a State should withdraw itself from the Confederacy. It will be in vain for us to cultivate our Fields unless better Fences are put round them than our former System of Government afforded. I am with the most sincere & respectful Esteem your obedt Servt

Richard Peters

I have on a small Scale tried your method of planting Corn & potatoes. The Crop is surprizingly promising.


Title: From George Washington to David Stuart, 27 June 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Stuart, David

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 27th June 1788.

Your letter of the 23d, which came duly to hand; still leaves us in a state of suspence with respect to the final decision on the pendent question—and nothing new having happened in this quarter since my last, the principal design of this letter is to afford a cover for Mrs Stuarts; who, no doubt, will have informed you of her own health and that of the little ones, &ca—I shall only add therefore that with sincere regard I am—Dr Sir Yr Most Obedt & Affe. Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Charles Carter, 28 June 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Carter, Charles

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon June 28th 1788

When Mrs Washington was at the Church in Fredericksburg she perceived the Tomb of her Father the late John Dandridge Esqr. to be much out of sorts and being desirous to have it done up again, will you permit me to request the favour of you to engage a workman to do this, the cost of which I will remit as soon as you shall signify to me that the work is accomplished, and inform me of its amount. I would thank you, My dear Sir—for the ascertainment of this before hand. I have (not inclining to dispute Accounts) felt, in too many instances, the expansion of Tradesmens consciences when no previous agreement has been made ever to put it in their power to charge what they please in future. My best wishes, in which Mrs Washington Joins me, is tendered to Mrs Carter—with much truth I am Dear Sir, Yr most Ob. & Affe. Hbl. Set

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, 28 June 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Pinckney, Charles Cotesworth

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon June 28th 1788

I had the pleasure to receive, a day or two ago, your obliging letter of the 24th of last month, in which you advise me of the ratification of the fœderal Constitution by South Carolina. By

a more rapid water conveyance, that good news had some few days before arrived at Baltimore, so as to have been very opportunely communicated to the Convention of this State, in session at Richmond. It is with great satisfaction, I have it now in my power to inform you that, on the 25th instant, the Delegates of Virginia adopted the Constitution, in toto, by a division of 89 in favour of it to 79 against it: and that, notwithstanding the majority is so small, yet, in consequence of some conciliatory conduct and recommendatory amendments, a happy acquiescence it is said is likely to terminate the business here—in as favorable a manner as could possibly have been expected.
No sooner had the Citizens of Alexandria (who are fœderal to a man) received the intelligence by the Mail last night, than they determined to devote this day to festivity. But their exhiliration was greatly encreased and a much keener zest given to their enjoyment; by the arrival of an Express (two hours before day) with the News that the Convention of New Hampshire had, on the 21st instant, acceded to the new Confœderacy by a majority of 11 voices, that is to say, 57 to 46.
Thus the Citizens of Alexandria, When convened, constituted the first public company in America, which had the pleasure of pouring libation to the prosperity of the ten States that had actually adopted the general government. The day itself is memorable for more reasons than one. It was recollected that this day is the Anneversary of the battles of Sullivan’s Island and monmouth—I have Just returned from assisting at the entertainment; and mention these details, unimportant as they are in themselves, the rather because I think we may rationally indulge the pleasing hope that the Union will now be established upon a durable basis, and that Providence seems still disposed to favour the members of it, with unequalled opportunities for political happiness.
From the local situation as well as the other circumstances of North Carolina, I should be truly astonished if that State should withdraw itself from the Union—On the contrary, I flatter myself with a confident expectation that more salutary counsels will certainly prevail. At present there is more doubt how the question will be immediately disposed of in New York. For it seems to be understood that there is a majority in the Convention opposed to the adoption of the New fœderal System. Yet it is

hardly to be supposed, (or rather in my Judgment it is irrational to suppose) they will reject a government, which, from an unorganised embrio ready to be stiffled with a breath, has now in the maturity of Its birth assumed a confirmed bodily existence. Or, to drop the metaphor, the point in debate has, at least, shifted its ground from policy to expediency. The decision often States cannot be without its operation. Perhaps the wisest way, in this crisis, will be, not to attempt to accept or reject—but to adjourn, untill the people in some parts of the State can consider the magnitude of the question and of the consequences involved in it, more coolly and deliberately. After New York shall have acted, then only one little State will remain—suffice it to say, it is universally believed, that the scales are ready to drop from the eyes and the infatuation to be removed from the heart of Rhode Island. May this be the case, before that inconsiderate People shall have filled up the measure of inequity before it shall be too late! Mrs Washington and all with us desire their best Compliments may be presented to Mrs Pinckney and yourself: wishing that mine may also be made acceptable to you both, I am &c.

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to William West, 28 June 1788
From: Washington, George
To: West, William

Revd Sir,
Mount Vernon June 28th 1788

I was favoured with your letter of the 17th Ult. by your Son, in consequence of which I send the enclosed for Mr Welch, the Surviving Partner of the House of Cary and Co. who used to transact, principally, my business in London, and who is the only Mercantile character in England with whom I have had any intercourse for the last 15 years. Formerly I corrisponded with Messrs Hanbury & Co. who also sold Tobaco for me—but Mr Hanbury I think, is dead. and I have not been at all Sollicitous to renew the old or to form new Connexions in that Kingdom. When you spoke to me formerly, on this subject, I had besides Mr Welch, My old Neighbour and friend Colo. Fairfax in vew to have written to, but he is no more.
If the introductory letter to Mr Welch can be, in the smallest degree servicable to the young Gentleman, I shall feel much pleasure from having afforded it, because I think your determination to give him an opportunity of cultivating and improving his genius for painting is wise and because he will carry with him my best wishes for the accomplishment thereof as well as for a safe and pleasant voyage and a happy return to you. With very great esteem and regard I am &c.

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 29 June 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Lear, Tobias

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon June 29th 1788.

Your letter of the 2d instant came duly to hand, and obliged me by its communications.
On friday last, (by the Stage), advice of the decision of the long and warmly (with temper) contested question, in the Convention of this State, was received. 89 ayes—79 Noes, without previous amendments; and in the course of that night, Colo. Henley, Express from New York on his way to Richmond, arrived in Alexandria with the news of the ratification by the State of New Hampshire. This flood of good news, almost at the same moment, gave, as you will readily conceive, abundant cause for rejoicing in a place, the Inhabitants of which are all fœderal. The Cannon roared, and the Town was illuminated Yesterday, as magnificent a dinner as Mr Wise could provide (to which this family were invited and went), was displayed before the principal Male Inhabitants of the Town; whose Ears were saluted at every quaff with the melody of fœderal Guns. And on Monday, the business it seems is to recommense and finish, with fiddling & Dancing, for the amusement, & benefit of the Ladies.
The final question was taken on the 25th; and some recommendatory, or declaratory rights, it was supposed (by my correspondents in Richmond), would follow the ratification of the Constitution the next, or following day. As these two adoptions make ten affirmatives without a negative, and little or no question is made of North Carolinas treading in the steps of Virginia, it is hardly to be conceived that New York will reject it. Rhode Island, hitherto, has so far baffled all calculation, that he must be a hardy man, indeed, who will undertake to declare what will be the choice of the majority of that State, lest he should be suspected of having participated of their phrensy.
The Accts from Richmond are, that the Minority will acquiesce with a good grace—Mr Henry it seems having declared that, though he cannot be reconciled to the Government in its present form, and will give it every constitutional opposition in his

power; yet, that he will submit to it peaceably; as every good citizen he thinks ought; and by precept and example will endeavour, within the sphere of his action, to inculcate the like principles into others.
You have the best wishes of every one in this family, but of none in a higher degree than those of, Your Affecte friend and Obedient Servt

Go: Washington.

Pray offer my Complimts to Mr Langdon.


Title: From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 29 June 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Lincoln, Benjamin

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon June 29th 1788.

I beg you will accept my thanks for the communications handed to me in your letter of the 3d instant. And my congratulations on the encreasing good dispositions of the Citizens of your State—of which the late Elections are strongly indicative.
No one can rejoice more than I do at every step taken by the People of this great Country to preserve the Union—establish good order & government—and to render the Nation happy at home & respected abroad. No Country upon Earth ever had it more in its power to attain these blessings than United America. Wonderously strange then, & much to be regretted indeed would it be, were we to neglect the means, and to stray from the road to which the finger of Providence has so manifestly pointed. I cannot believe it will ever come to pass! The great Author of all good has not conducted us so far on the Road to happiness and glory to withdraw from us, in the hour of need, his beneficent support. By folly & misconduct (proceeding from

a variety of causes) we may now & then get bewildered; but I hope, and trust, that their is good sense and virtue enough left to bring us back into the right way before we shall be entirely lost.
Before this letter can have reached you, you will have heard of the Ratification of the proposed Constitution by this State, without previous amendments. The final question was taken the 25th—Ayes 89—Noes 79; but something recommendatory, or declaratory of the rights of the People, it is said, will follow; so as not to affect the preceeding decision. This account, and the news of the adoption by New-Hampshire, arrived in Alexandria nearly about the sametime on Friday evening; and, as you may easily conceive, gave cause for great rejoicing among the Inhabitants, who have not, I believe, an antifederalist among them.
Our Accts from Richmond are, that the debates (through all the different stages of the business, though long and animated) were conducted with great dignity & temper—that the final decision exhibited an awful and solemn scene—and that, there is reason to expect a perfect acquiescence thereto by the minority. not only from the good sense & conduct of that body during the Session, but from the declaration of Mr Henry the great leader of the opposition to the effect, that though he cannot be reconciled to the Constitution in its present form, and shall give it every constitutional opposition in his power, yet that he will submit to it peaceably, as he thinks every good Citizen ought to do when it is in exercise; and that he will, both by precept & example, endeavor to inculcate this doctrine.
But little doubt is now entertained, here, of the ratification of the proposed Constitution by the State of North Carolina—and however great the opposition to it may be in that of New York, the leaders thereof will, I should conceive, consider the consequences of rejection well, before it is given. With respect to Rhode Island, the power that governs there, has so far baffled all calculation on this subject that no man will hazard an opinion on their proceedings lest he should be suspected of participating in its phrensy. You have every good wish of this family—and the sincere regard of your Affecte friend & Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Vioménil, 30 June 1788
From: Vioménil, Antoine-Charles du Houx, baron de
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Nantz [France] 30h June 1788.

The Count de Brienne has been so good as to send me the Diploma of the Society of the Cincinnati which your Excely had the goodness to address to him. This title will be very dear to me & I shall always regard it as a distinguished honor—I beg your Excellency to be convinced of this; and to receive my best thanks for this mark of your kindness. I likewise desire permission, upon this occasion, to felicitate you upon the new Glory which you have acquired in contributing by precept & example to strengthen the bonds which unite the individual Compatriots—and at the same time give dignity & respectability to the United States of No. America. I have the honor to be, with as much admiration as attachment & respect Yr Excellency’s Most Hble & most Obedt Servt

Vioménil


Title: To George Washington from John Jay, June 1788
From: Jay, John
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
[June, 1788]

Your obliging Letter of the 8 Inst. found me at this Place—I thank you for the interesting Circumstances mentioned in it. The Complection of our Convention is such as was expected. They have hitherto proceeded with Temper & moderation, but there is no Reason to think that either Party has made much Impression on the other. The Leaders in opposition seem to have more extensive views than their Adherents, and untill the latter percieve that circumstance, they will probably continue combined. The greater Number are I believe averse to a vote of Rejection—some would be content with recommendatory

amendments—others wish for explanatory ones to settle Constructions which they think doubtful—others would not be satisfied with less than absolute and previous amendments; and I am mistaken if there be not a few who prefer a Separation from the union to any national Government whatever. They suggest Hints of the Importance of this State, of its capacity to command Terms, of the policy of its taking its own Time, and fixing its own Price & they intimate that an adjournment may be expedient, and that it might be best to see the operation of the new Governmt before they recieve it—the people however are gradually coming right notwithstanding the singular Pains taken to prevent it. The accession of new Hampshire does good—and that of Virginia would do more. With the greatest Respect & Esteem I am Dear Sir your affte & obt Servt

John Jay


Title: To George Washington from Arthur Young, 1 July 1788
From: Young, Arthur
To: Washington, George

Sir
Bradfield Hall [England] July 1.1788

I recd the honour of Your Excellency’s Letter of Nov. 1 some weeks past but I have been so engaged in opposing the progress of our Wool Bill through both Houses of Parliament, that it was utterly impossible for me to make the necessary enquiries for answering it.
I am very glad to hear the things I sent arrived tolerably safe but I am not surprized at the sainfoine coming up but thinly; for it is a very delicate seed with us, & will bear no careless treatment, nor age, & every thing runs no small hazard on ship board. I beg that you will not let any idea in your labourers of the weight of those ploughs frighten them; it is mere ignorance; in all probability the addition of an hundred wt in the body of one of their own light ploughs would make it go lighter to the horses. There are at least 200 of those ploughs constantly working here, & never drawn with more than two moderate horses.
I have taken every means of ascertaining the merit of Winlaws

threshing machine, but the accounts I have recd are too vague to be satisfactory; I have too many doubts about it to put you to the expence of purchase and freight; & the more especially as there is another invented in Scotland more simple, less liable to be out of order, & more effective; the price is £40 timber included; of this the accounts I have received are much more clear, & decisive so that I have little doubt of its merit, & would if my farm was large enough have one myself wch I would not of Winlaw’s, unless better convinced of its merit. Should you be inclined to have this new one, & you give me an order I will take care and procure it for you.
I know not how sufficiently to express my gratitude for the condescending manner in wch you have so satisfactorily replied to the enquiries I presumed to trouble you with. The course you mention of 1. maiz 2 Wheat. 3 Weeds for 18 Mo.—wth a very little alteration might be converted into a very good one. Wheat in the South of France succeeds extremely well after maiz kept clean the only alteration wanted is to sow grass seeds with the wheat, leave them 1, 2, or 3 yrs according to the sorts, & then the land would be prepared very richly for maiz again, or any thing else: I have seen no country in wch the improvement of it might not be made to flow from an alteration only in the rotation of cropping.
The prices of all your products are flattering prospects your country may speedily improve with them; but there is no proportion between 12/ the common price of a sheep & £3 for a cow; I suppose sheep are kept with more difficulty not pasturing equally well in woods, yet great flocks in France are fed on the leaves of trees. In case I have the honour of a further communication fro. you, I should take it as a particular favour if you would send me a small lock of the Wool which sells in common at 1s/ ⅌ lb. We are making in England some very important and successful experiments on propagating the Spanish breed of sheep that yield the finest wool. The King, Lord Sheffield, Sir Joseph Banks & myself have of them, & there is every reason to beleive the race will be secured; the wool does not degenerate.
I trouble you with three more Volumes of the Annals and beg leave to repeat that your Excellency’s Commands will at all times be a pleasure to Sir Your much obliged & faithful Servt

Arth: Young

Might I take the liberty to insert some extracts fro. yr correspondence with yr name in the Annals? I would not presume to think of any such thing without yr express permission.


Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 3 July 1788
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

Sir
Richmond July 3d 1788

Capt. Stephen Gregory the bearer of these lines being called by business to Dumfries, cannot think of returning from thence without gratifying his earnest desire of paying his respects to Genl Washington, a gratification which he is very ambitious to obtain on proper terms, but which his modesty forbad him to seek without an introduction. Excuse me therefore my Good Sir for presenting to you, a Gentleman that has Served with Reputation as a Lieutenant in our late Infant Navy under Capt. Barry & others and who since the Peace has Commanded a Ship of mine & so Conducted himself as to induce me to give favourable testimony to his merit. With great respect I have the honor to be Dear Sir Your most obliged & obedient humble servt

Robt Morris


Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 4–8 July 1788
From: Jay, John
To: Washington, George

Poughkeepsie [N.Y.] 4[–8] July 1788

I congratulate you my dear Sir! on the adoption of the constitution by Virginia. That Event has disappointed the Expectations of opposition here, which nevertheless continues pertinacious. The unanimity of the southern District, and their apparent Determination to continue under the wings of the union, operates powerfully on the minds of the opposite Party. The constitution constantly gains advocates among the People, and its Enemies in the Convention seem to be much embarrassed.

8 July 1788

We have gone thro’ the Constitution in a Committee of the whole—we finished yesterday Morning—The amendments proposed are numerous—how we are to consider them, is yet a Question, wh. a Day or two more must answer. a Bill of Rights has been offered with a view as they say of having it incorporated in the Ratification—The Ground of Rejection therefore seems to be entirely deserted—we understand that a committee will this Day be appointed to arrange the amendments—we learn from albany that an affray happened there on the 4 Inst: between the two parties, in which near thirty were wounded, some few very dangerously.
From what I have just heard the Party begins to divide in their opinions—some insist on previous conditional amendments—a greater number will be satisfied with subsequent conditional amendments, or in other words they are for ratifying the Constitution on Condition that certain amendments take place within a given Time—these circumstances afford Room for Hope. with

the greatest Respect & Esteem I am Dr Sir your affte & hble Servt

John Jay


Title: To George Washington from Mathew Carey, 5 July 1788 [letter not found]
From: Carey, Mathew
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Mathew Carey, 5 July 1788. On 21 July GW wrote Carey: “I have been favoured with your letter of the 5th instt.”


Title: To George Washington from Nathaniel Gorham, 5 July 1788
From: Gorham, Nathaniel
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boston July 5th 1788

It is with the most sincere pleasure that I congratulate you on the adoption of the Constitution by Virginia—This great event affords the most sincere and heart-felt pleasure to all ranks of People here—The importance of that State is fully understood and our anxiety was in proportion—the business I now look upon to be compleat & that every thing will go on harmoniously & with good will—The temper of the People in this State is truly Federal—the late elections have fully evinced this—The Legislature and Executive being fill’d with federalists—I have a very general knowledge of characters throughout this State and can confidently assert that there has never been since the revolution so peaceable and quiet a temper pervading the State as at the present moment—Industry & frugallity is allso very prevalent & increasing—I please myself Sir with the idea of soon seing you at the head of the American Government—and in the mean time remain very respectfully your most Obedient & Hume Servt

Nathaniel Gorham


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Newton, Jr., 7 July 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Newton, Thomas Jr.

Sir,
Mount Vernon July 7th 1788

I am in want of a quantity of good eighteen Inch shingles and am informed that they will come better & cheaper from Norfolk than from the Eastern shore. Be so good, therefore, as to advise me by the first Post after you shall have received this letter if I can be supplied with 100,000 from the former. In what time—and at what price; delivered at my landing distinguishing between what is called bald, and green Cyprus. As my work will soon call for these Shingles I repeat my wish for early advice on this subject—That there may be a clear understanding—the length, breadth, and thickness under which the Shingles shall not be should be specified—among them I shall want about 3000 of Twenty one Inches long. I am Sir, Yr Most Obedt Hble Sert

Go. Washington

P.S. It runs through my mind, that I have heard of Shingles being had from No. Carolina on good terms.


Title: To George Washington from John Sullivan, 7 July 1788
From: Sullivan, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Durham [N.H.] July 7th 1788

I am directed by the society of the Cincinnati in New Hampshire to convey their congratulations to your Excellency, and to the society in general, on the ratification of the new Constitution, by a sufficient number of States, not only to establish it as a national form of Government, but thereby to fix upon a permanent basis, those liberties, for which, under the direction

and order of your Excellency, they have so cheerfully contended.
They now view with inexpressible pleasure the arrival of that happy period, when by the establishment of a truly republican, energetic and efficient National Government, they and their posterity may enjoy those blessings, which as freemen, they esteem an ample reward for all the toils and dangers, which they experienced in the course of a long and perilous war. I have the honor to be with the most exalted sentiments of esteem and respect, your Excellency’s most obedient Servant

Jno. SullivanBy order of the society


Title: To George Washington from Ebenezer Hazard, 14 July 1788
From: Hazard, Ebenezer
To: Washington, George

Sir,
New York July 14th 1788

Some short Time since Col. Morgan, of Princeton, left with me a Parcel for your Excellency, with a Request that I would forward it at any Time when we happened to have a small Mail; I have now the Honor to transmit it, with Assurances of

the warmest Attachment of Your Excellency’s most obedient humble Servant

Ebenr Hazard


Title: To George Washington from Jedidiah Morse, 14 July 1788
From: Morse, Jedidiah
To: Washington, George

Sir
New York July 14th 1788

Colo. Humphreys intimated to me, when he was in Connecticut, that I might use the freedom to forward Letters to him, under cover to your Excellency. This, Sir, is my apology, for giving you the trouble of delivering the enclosed to the Colo. whh I beg you to excuse. I am with the highest respect & esteem Your Excellency’s most Obdt & most humble Servt

Jedidiah Morse


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Newton, 14 July 1788 [letter not found]
From: Newton, Thomas Jr.
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Thomas Newton, Jr., 14 July 1788. On 1 Aug. GW wrote Newton: “Your letters of the 14th & 19 Ulto came duly to hand.”


Title: To George Washington from Peterson & Taylor, 14 July 1788
From: Peterson & Taylor
To: Washington, George

Sir
Alexandria July the 14th 1788

We Sent your Account by Major Washington Some time past, agreable to the Measurement you furnished, and have never herd from you Since, wheather it was in any wise not to your Satisfaction—and necessaty compells us to call on you for the ballance—which is agreable to contract, we are exceedingly distressed for Money, which renderes it intirely out of our power

to avoid calling on you at this Time—We are Sir Your Most Obediant humb. Sevts

Peterson & Taylor


Title: To George Washington from Noah Webster, 14 July 1788
From: Webster, Noah
To: Washington, George

Sir.
New York July 14th 1788

Having engaged to write, for Mr Morse’s Geography, a sketch of the History of the late war, I take the liberty of making an enquiry respecting a fact which I am told is commonly misrepresented, & which perhaps no person but the commander in chief of the late armies in America can set right. An opinion, Sir, is very general, that the junction of the French fleet & the American armies at York Town was the result of a preconcerted plan between Yourself & the Count de Grasse; & that the preparations made at the time for attacking New York were merely a feint. But the late Quater Master General has assured me that a Combined attack was intended to be made upon New York, & that the arrival of the French fleet in the Bay of Chesapeake was unexpected, & changed the plan of operations. A true state of the facts is all I have to request of your Excellency—& I fear that this request may be improper & indelicate. But in writing

history, it is of infinite consequence to know the springs of action as well as the events; and a wish to discover & communicate truth, is my sole motive for writing.
Be pleased, Sir, to accept this as an apology for giving trouble to a Gentleman, who must be oppressed by a multitude of attentions of more Consequence & be assured that with perfect respect for yourself & family, I am Sir, your Excellency’s most obliged & most humble Servant

Noah Webster


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Holden Parsons, 15 July 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Parsons, Samuel Holden

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon July 15th 1788

By some unusual delay in the Post office, I did not receive your kind letter of the 21st of April untill the 30th of June; or I should have sooner done myself the pleasure of acknowledging the receipt and of returning my best thanks for your friendly sentiments and wishes. I beg you will be persuaded of the satisfaction I take in hearing from my old military friends and of the interest I feel in their future prosperity. you will then do me the Justice to believe that my ardent desires attend the success & happiness of an establishment, in which the fortunes of so many of that worthy description of Citizens are comprehended.
You will doubtless have heard, before you can receive this letter, that the proposed general Government has been accepted by the Conventions of ten States. The prospect br[i]ghtens apace, and I flatter myself, the interior Settlements will find their interest concur with their inclination in maintaining an intimate connection with the Atlantic States.
It is with sincer pleasure I can infor[m] you, that the navigation of the Potowmac, so interesting in its consequence to the welfare of your Establishment as well as to the emolument of this Country, is in a fair way of being opened in as short a time and in as beneficial a manner as could have been expected. In

order to meet the Directors of the Potowmac Company on business, I have lately been obliged to make a visit to the Great falls, the Seneca and the Shenandoah; and, therefore, give you this information from my own knowledge. Indeed, I may venture to conjecture, from the enormous quantity of labour already established by the Legislatures of Virginia and Maryland to obtain the Subscription Money, that, instead of ten years which the Company is allowed for opening the navigation, it will be made passable in little more than half the time. I do not mean, however, but that it will take a considerably longer period (perhaps the ten years) to meliorate and improve the works in the best manner.
As I thought this intelligence might be agreeable to you[r] brother Settlers, I have been the more confident and precise in expressing it according to my observation and Judgment. With sentiments of esteem I am &c.

Go. Washington


Title: From George Washington to Gustavus Scott, 15 July 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Scott, Gustavus

Sir,
Mount Vernon July 15th 1788

I am much obliged to you for the two curiousities you were pleased to transmit, as well as for your distinct and ingenious account of them. The facts have been so clearly stated by you, as I believe, to render a farther elucidation or confirmation unnec[e]ssary.
It is greatly to be regretted, that we have not in America some general Museum or Cabinet for receiving all the rare Phenomena and unusual productions of nature, which might be collected in this Country: especially as natural History affords, perhaps, a more ample field for investigation here, than in any other part of the world. It is, however, laudible under all disadvantages for men of leisure and abilities to devote some part of their attention to so rational and curious a study.
In the mean time, as I shall take a particular pleasure in letting the Marquis de la Fayette know to whose care he may consider

himself indebted for those articles, so I shall ever be happy in demonstrating. With great esteem and regard I am, Sir, Yrs &c.

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from James Gibbon, 16 July 1788
From: Gibbon, James
To: Washington, George

Sir
Petersburgh Virginia July 16th 1788

Having once wrote you on the subject of my claim, I am unwilling to repeat it, as applications similar to mine, from their frequency must become troublesome.
Altho Sir, my case has, by Congress, been referr’d to Mr Pierce he yet in a late letter to me signifies the necessity of referring to yr records with respect to my brevett, the resignation of wh. appears to be consider’d of course with a regimentall comsn I held under wh. I had not acted for two years previous to the revolt of our line—my motive for it was no other, than by holding it I depriv’d the Junior officers of a Grade without the least consequence to myself, added to a rappid decline of my health which compell’d me going to the West Indies, which I did by the advice of D. Rush whose certificate to that purpose Mr Pierce is possess’d of.
The Head Quarters of the army being at the time I was to sail at Newburgh and the Oppy flattering, did not admitt an application for the sanction nor did I know Sir, that of Congress was proper or necessary for in either instance my situation wou’d have justified it. Yr taking the trouble to say how my brevett stands or is consider’d on yr records is all I wish, as it will be the ultimatum by wh. Mr Pierce will be govern’d, the matter being totally referr’d to him.
From a wish only to do myself justice have I again troubled

you, which I trust will plead my Excuse. With respect I am Sir yr Mo. Obt

J. Gibbon

My regimentall Comsn is indors’d at New Burgh—My brevett is not.


Title: To George Washington from Francis Adrian Van der Kemp, 16 July 1788
From: Van der Kemp, Francis Adrian
To: Washington, George

Sir!
New-york 16. Jul. 88.

The answer from your Exellency to my Letters of the 15th May, with the flattering invitation to Mount-Vernon have induce me to visit Virginy, before I Settled my in the country. My ardent wishes will be Satisfied. I desired to know that man, to whom America so much was in detted for her Liberty, and, if the expences of the voyage, joined to the troubles of it, had it not forbidden, I Should have chosen my eldest Son, to be the

partner of my pleasures and feelings—although a child, he merited the favour. May I be So happy to know, if General Washington will be at home—a Letter—a Single line adressed to John Ross Esq. in Front Street between Walnut Street & the Drawbridge at Philadelphia wil be forwarded to me—Friday next I intend to go to New-wark—or Elisabeth-town—to visit Gov. Livingston—Saturday or Sunday I hope to be at Philadelphia, and wished to depart from this city the 23 or 24 of this instant to Baltimore, and So farther to Mount Vernon. I am, with Sentiments of the highest respect Sir! Your Excellency’s Most obedient Servant

Fr. Ad. vdKemp


Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 17 July 1788
From: Jay, John
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Poughkeepsie [N.Y.] 17 July 1788

Since my arrival here I have written you two or three hasty letters—being constantly involved in Business or Company from wh. it would not be here very practicable or perhaps prudent to retreat, I have been able to write but very little—The Convention this moment adjourned and I am writing in their Chamber—a Question being about to be put on the mode of adoption which you have seen, we moved that the House adjourn for a month or two—It was yesterday carried against us—the former Question was again pressed with Earnestness—at that Period Mr M. Smith seconded by Mr Platt (both of whom dislike the Constitution, and are classed with its opposers) proposed the mode of adoption, of which the above is a Copy—their own party were not pleased and the House adjourned. this morning it was expected that the Question to postpone the former plan, and proceed to the Consideration of the latter, would be put. The House went into a Committee of the whole

according to the order of the Day—A long Silence ensued—the Party seemed embarrassed—fearful to divide among themselves, and yet many of them very averse to the new Plan. the Committee rose, and the House adjourned, with very little opposition—It is difficult to conjecture what may be done out of Doors to Day. I am inclined to think that the new plan will expel the other, and I wish it may, not because I approve of it, but because I prefer it as being less exceptionable than the other. with the greatest Respect & Esteem I am Dr Sir your affte & hble Servt

John Jay


Title: From George Washington to John Jay, 18 July 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Jay, John

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon July 18th 1788.

A few days ago, I had the pleasure to receive a letter of yours from Poughkeepsie—since which I have not obtained any authentic advices of the proceedings of your Convention. The clue you gave me, to penetrate into the principles & wishes of the four classes of men among you who are opposed to the Constitution, has opened a wide field for reflection & conjecture. The

accession of ten States must operate forcibly with all the opposition, except that class which is comprehended in your last description. Before this time you will probably have come to some decision. While we are awaiting the result with the greatest anxiety our Printers are not so fortunate as to obtain any Papers from the Eastward. Mine, which have generally been more regular, have, however, frequently been interrupted for sometime past.
It is extremely to be lamented that a new arrangement in the Post Office, unfavorable to the circulation of intelligence, should have taken place at the instant when the momentous question of a general government was to come before the People. I have seen no good apology, not even in Mr Hazards publication, for deviating from the old custom of permitting Printers to exchange their Papers by the Mail. That practice was a great public convenience & gratification. If the priviledge was not from convention an original right, it had from prescription strong pretensions for continuance; especially at so interesting a period. The interruption in that mode of conveyance, has not only given great concern to the friends of the Constitution, who wished the public to be possessed of every thing that might be printed on both sides of the question: but it has afforded its enemies very plausible pretext for dealing out their scandals, & exciting jealousies by inducing a belief that the suppression of intelligence at that critical juncture, was a wicked trick of policy, contrived by an Aristocratic Junto. Now, if the Postmaster General (with whose character I am unacquainted & therefore would not be understood to form an unfavorable opinion of his motives) has any candid advisers who conceive that he merits the public employment they ought to counsel him to wipe away the aspersion he has incautiously brought upon a good cause—if he is unworthy of the Office he holds, it would be well that the ground of a complaint, apparently so general, should be enquired into, and, if founded, redressed through the medium of a better appointment. It is a matter, in my judgment, of primary importance that the public mind should be releived from inquietude on this subject. I know it is said that the irregularity or defect has happened accidentally, in consequence of the contract for transporting the Mail on horseback, instead of having it carried in the Stages—but I must confess, I could never account, upon any

satisfactory principles, for the inveterate enmity with which the Post Master General is asserted to be actuated against that valuable institution. It has often been understood by wise politicians and enlightened patriots that giving a facility to the means of travelling for Strangers and of intercourse for Citizens, was an object of Legislative concern & a circumstance highly beneficial to any Country. In England, I am told, they consider the Mail Coaches as a great modern improvement in their Postoffice regulations. I trust we are not too old, or too proud to profit by the experience of others. In this article the materials are amply within our reach. I am taught to imagine that the horses, the vehicles, and the accomodations in America (with very little encouragement) might in a short period become as good as the same articles are to be found in any Country of Europe—and, at the sametime, I am sorry to learn that the line of Stages is at present interrupted in some parts of New England and totally discontinued at the Southward.
I mention these suggestions only as my particular thoughts on an Establishment, which I had conceived to be of great importance—Your proximity to the person in question & connection with the characters in power, will enable you to decide better than I can on the validity of the allegations; and, in that case, to weigh the expediency of dropping such hints as may serve to give satisfaction to the Public—With sentiments of the highest consideration & regard—I am Dear Sir, Your Most Obedt & Affecte Hble Servt

Go: Washington

P.S. Since writing this letter, I have been favoured with the one which you begun on the 4th and finished on the 8th instant from Poughkeepsie and thank you for the information contained therein. A little time will, I hope, bring the agreeable account of the ratification by your State unfettered with previous amendments. Yrs &c.

 Go: W——n


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Nelson, 19 July 1788 [letter not found]
From: Nelson, Thomas Jr.
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Thomas Nelson, Jr., 19 July 1788. On 3 Aug. GW wrote Nelson: “Your letter of the 19th Ulto came duly to hand.”


Title: From George Washington to John Langdon, 20 July 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Langdon, John

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon July 20th 1788.

I had the satisfaction to receive regularly your favor of the 21st Ulto announcing the adoption of the Fœderal government by the Convention of New Hampshire. You will already have been informed, through the ordinary channels of communication, that the same event took effect in this State a few days afterwards. And I am happy to say, that, so far as I have been able to learn, a spirit of harmony and acquiescence obtained among the large & respectable minority in as great a degree as could possibly have been expected.
If we may calculate upon rectitude in the views & prudence in the conduct of the leading characters throughout the States, accompanied by industry & honesty in the mass of the people, we may assuredly anticipate a new æra; and, perhaps, we shall not deceive ourselves by expecting a more happy one than hath before appeared on this checquered scene of existence. But we ought not to be too sanguine or to expect that we shall be entirely exempted from the ills which fall to the lot of humanity.
With congratulations to your Excellency on your elevation to the Chief Magistracy of your State, and with sentiments of consideration & respect, I remain Sir—Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Hble Ser⟨vt⟩

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Jr., 20 July 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Trumbull, Jonathan Jr.

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon July 20th 1788.

I have received your favor of the 20th of June and thank you heartily for the confidential information contained in it. The character given of a certain great Personage, who is remarkable for neither forgetting or forgiving, I believe to be just. What effect the addition of such an extraordinary weight of power & influence as the arrangement of the East India affairs gives to one branch of the British governmt cannot be certainly foretold: but one thing is certain, that is to say, it will always be wise for America to be prepared for events. Nor can I refrain from indulging the expectation that the time is not very distant, when it shall be more in the power of the United States than it hath hitherto been, to be forearmed as well as forewarned against the evil contingencies of European politics.
You will have perceived from the Public papers, that I was not erroneous in my calculation that the Constitution would be accepted by the Convention of this State. The majority, it is true, was small; & the minority respectable in many points of view. But the greater part of the minority here, as in most other States, have conducted themselves with great prudence & political moderation; insomuch that we may anticipate a pretty general and harmonious acquiescence. We shall impatiently wait the result from New York & North Carolina. The other State which has not yet acted is nearly out of the question. As the infamy of the conduct of Rhode Island outgoes all precedent, so the influence of her Counsels can be of no prejudice. There is no State or description of Men but would blush to be involved in a connection with the Paper-money Junto of that Anarchy. God grant that the honest men may acquire an ascendency before irrevocable ruin shall confound the innocent with the guilty.
I am happy to hear from General Lincoln & others that affairs are taking a good turn in Massachusetts. But the triumph of

salutary & liberal measures over those of an opposite tendency seems to be as complete in Connecticut as in any State & affords a particular subject for congratulation. Your friend Colo. Humphreys informs me, from the wonderful revolution of sentiment in favor of fœderal measures, and the marvellous change for the better in the elections of your State, that he Shall begin to suspect that miracles have not ceased. Indeed, for myself, since so much liberality has been displayed in the construction & adoption of the proposed general Government, I am almost disposed to be of the same opinion. Or at least we may, with a kind of grateful & pious exultation, trace the finger of Providence through those dark & misterious events, which first induced the States to appoint a general Convention & then led them one after another (by such steps as were best calculated to effect the object) into an adoption of the system recommended by that general Convention—thereby, in all human probability, laying a lasting foundation for tranquility & happiness; when we had but too much reason to fear that confusion and misery were coming rapidly upon us.
That the same good Providence may still continue to protect us & prevent us from dashing the cup of National felicity just as it has been lifted to our lips, is the earnest prayer of My dear Sir Your faithful friend & Affectionate Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Mathew Carey, 21 July 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Carey, Mathew

Sir,
Mount Vernon July 21st 1788.

I have been favoured with your letter of the 5th instt, and shall be happy if mine, to which you allude, may have any operation in favour of your literary undertaking.
If I had more leizure, I should most willingly give you any such communications (that might be within my reach) as would serve to keep up the reputation of your Museum. At present, occupied as I am with my Agriculture & corrispondencies, I can promise little. Perhaps some Gentlemen connected with me may make some selections from my repositories: and I beg you will be persuaded that I can have no reluctance to permit any

thing to be communicated that might tend to establish truth, extend knowledge, excite virtue & promote happiness among mankind. With best wishes for your success I am—Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Hanson, 21 July 1788
From: Hanson, Samuel (of Samuel)
To: Washington, George

Sir
Alexandria July 21st 1788

I take the liberty of addressing a few lines to you as to a Trustee of the Alexandria Academy.
In consequence of an Advertisement by Mr McWhir, I have applied to him for the place of Assistant-Teacher. at the time of my application, I conceived that the Young Gentleman who has hitherto acted in that Capacity, had given in his resignation. He has, however, lately expressed an inclination to be continued. By the rule of the Academy, Mr McWhir has the appointment, provided 3 of the Visitors concur in, or rather, ratify it. But, being under some difficulty with respect to superseding this young Man, who has acquitted himself very well, he requests a meeting of the Trustees, that the Board may recommend the Candidate they may think preferable. I do not claim any Superiority over my Competitor with regard to any of the qualifications required for this employment, except the Knowledge of Arithmetic, of which he is professedly ignorant. It is true that the teaching of that useful branch is not, at present, connected with the Latin-School. In consequence of this defect, it has been hitherto entirely omitted in that School. Perhaps the Trustees may think proper to pass a rule annexing this branch to the others. The price of tuition is sufficient, it would seem, to justify Such an addition of duty. If the Board should be of Opinion that such an Alteration of the original plan will encrease the general utility of the Institution, I conclude that they will not reject it, merely because it would have the effect of excluding one Candidate, and of securing the appointment of the other. The meeting

is fixed for Wednesday, 10 O’Clock. If it would not be too inconvenient, I would beg the favour of your attendance. A full meeting would remove all grounds of Complaint against Mr McWhir, in case Mr Parsons should be rejected, and, at the same time, give me, as I conceive, the best chance of obtaining an Employment, the profits of which, however trifling, are an object to one in my Situation. With due respect, I rema⟨in⟩ Sir Your most obedt & most humble Sert

S. Hanson of Saml


Title: To George Washington from James Madison, 21 July 1788
From: Madison, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
N. York July 21. 1788.

I have deferred writing since my arrival here in the hourly hope of being enabled to communicate the final news from Poughkepsie. By a letter from Hamilton dated the day before yesterday I find that it is equally uncertain when the business will be closed, and what will be its definitive form. The inclosed gazettes state the form which the depending proposition bears. It is not a little strange that the Antifederal party should be reduced to such an expedient, and yet be able to keep their members together in the opposition. Nor is it less strange that the other party, as appears to be the case, should hesitate in deciding that the expedient as effectually keeps the State for the present out of the New Union as the most unqualified rejection could do. The intelligent Citizens here see clearly that this would be its operation and are agitated by the double motives of fœderalism, and a zeal to give this City a fair chance for the first meeting of the new Government.
Congress have deliberated in part on the arrangements for putting the new Machine into operation, but have concluded on nothing but the times for chusing electors &c. Those who wish

to make N. York the place of meeting studiously promote delay. Others who are not swayed by this consideration do not urge despatch. They think it would be well to let as many States as possible have an opportunity of deciding on the Constitution: and what is of more consequence, they wish to give opportunities where they can take place for as many elections of State Legislatures as can precede a reasonable time for making the appointments and arrangements referred to them. If there be too great an interval between the acts of Congress on this Subject and the next election or next meeting of a State Legislature, it may afford a pretext for an intermediate summoning of the existing members, who are every where less federal than their successors hereafter to be elected will probably be. This is particularly the case in Maryland, where the antifederal temper of the Executive would render an intermediate and extraordinary meeting of the Assembly of that State the more likely to be called. On my way thro’ Maryland I found such an event to be much feared by the friends and wished by the adversaries of the Constitution. We have no late news from Europe. Nor any thing from N. Carolina. With every sentiment of esteem & attachment I remain Dr Sir Your Obedt & Affete servt

Js Madison Jr


Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 23 July 1788
From: Jay, John
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Poughkeepsie [N.Y.] 23 July 1788

I wrote to you a few Days ago and inclosed a copy of certain Propositions, or mode of adoption—great objections to it being urged it was withdrawn for the present —The Convention proceeded to Day in debating on the Plan of conditional amendment. some of the anti Party moved for striking out the words on Condition and substituting the words in full confidence—it was carried 31 to 29 in the Committee—so that if nothing new should occur this State will adopt unconditionally—the Party however mean to rally their forces and endeavour to regain that Ground—It was but this Instant that I heard of a Person going to town—He waits—I can only that I am Dr Sir with the greatest Respect & Esteem your affec. & hble Servt

John Jay


Title: To George Washington from Henry Lee, Jr., 24 July 1788
From: Lee, Henry Jr.
To: Washington, George

My dear Genl
Norfolk [Conn.] July 24th [17]88.

The misery of my situation in consequence of the continued ill health of Mrs Lee, has prevented me the gratification of congratulatin you on the auspicious prospect which the adoption of the new constitution presents to our country.
Indeed I am now so inadequate from my temper of mind to execute a task so agreable, & on which I wish to say much, that I should have posponed the satisfaction, till I was more equal to a full expression of my feelings & opinions, had not my desire to introduce to your acquaintance Mr Livingston an officer in our late navy, my countryman & friend prevailed over other considerations.
It is needless for me to explain public characters to you, as your discerning eye has viewed them in the day of trial, with

certainty and with justice—I will say nothing therefore on this score relative to Mr L., & content myself with recomending him to you as a gentleman of honor & worth—He is about to engage in a commercial scheme & is desirous of being made known to Mr Gardoqui, conceiving it probable such an acquaintance might eventually be advantageous to his designs.
With this view he takes the liberty of asking a letter from you, which solicitation I beg leave to advocate as far as your opinion of my judgement may warrant you to consider me.
You will beleive me sir; when I assure you that no man feels more sensibly than I do, the delicacy of requesting civilitys of this nature, & that no motives of personal esteem could influence me to risk the introduction of any gentleman, of whose honor & merit, I was not thoroughly convicted—I am now on my way to N. York & Rhode island, in either of which places, should you have any commands, you will render me very happy by putting it in my power to manifest the unceasing respect & attachment which I unalterably possess for you. I have the honor to be dear Genl your most obt h. ser.

Henry Lee


Title: From George Washington to David Stuart, 24 July 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Stuart, David

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon July 24th 1788.

From Mr Lund Washington’s I received your letter of the 20th instant, enclosing Mr Hopkins’s Accts, receipts &ca—Enclosed you have a receipt for the amount of your statement; specifying

the several articles which constitute the aggregate sum of £567.10.5. I am Yr Affecte & Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Pleasants, Jr., 25 July 1788
From: Pleasants, Thomas Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Raleigh 25th July 1788

I duly received your obliging answer to the enquiry respecting Mr Dydsburys Claim under Van braam of Land on the Kanhawa—and the obligation will be increased, if you will enable me to extend my enquiry into that part of the County, by Mentioning some person of Character, to whom I may apply for a particular description of its situation and Value.
When Mr Madison left this State he put into my hands some queries to answer, and desired me to send the answers open, under Cover to you, which I now have the honour of doing. I am, With sentiments of great respect & Esteem Yr Mo. ob. Hbble st

Thomas Pleasants jr


Title: To George Washington from John Polson, Jr., 25 July 1788
From: Polson, John Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
London 25 July 1788

I did myself the honor of writing you the 2d September 1783 and took the liberty of puting under your Cover a letter for my old friend and Attorney the late Mr Alexr Craig of Williamsburg: a freedom I would not have taken if I knew how to direct to him if living, and was then uncertain whether he was dead or alive. I am sorry if you were offended at it, which I have reason to fear was the Case as I never received any Answer from

you, tho’ I earnestly requested it, particularly as Mr Craig was dead, and I had no one to inform me, what was done with the 6000 acres of Land granted me as heir to my Brother Willm Polson who was killed with Genl Braddock. The want of information on this point may have been very prejudical to my Interest: for if my land is still at my disposal and not Confiscated by any Law of the State of Virginia, It may have been encroached upon and destroyed; if it was Confiscated by any Law of the State, I fear I have lost the chance I might have had of applying to the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament for a Compensation. I remain yet in this State of uncertainty, for tho’ Mr Jefferson the Minister from the united States to the Court of France, wrote to General Stephen (who is one of my Partners in the Kanhawa Tract) in the Summer 1785, and to some other Gentleman in Virginia to know what was done with my land, he had not received any answer to his letters in April 1786 when I had the pleasure of seeing him here. The Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament to examine into the losses and Services of American Loyalist are to finish their duty, it is said, about the latter end of this year. And if I am unfortunate enough to have had my lands Confiscated because I was in the Service of Great Britain, where I had been for twenty years before, but had not been within any of the States since novr 1772, I cannot claim a Compensation unless I can prove that my Property was Confiscated and Sold, and the time is now so short that I can hardly expect to have these Vouchers transmitted to me from the State of Virginia before the Commissioners ⟨mutilated⟩ close their accounts: besides that I do not know who to apply to to obtain the Necessary information. I therefore once more take the liberty to address you as a Gentleman to whom I have been under great obligations, and to request the favor, that you will inform me whether my lands were Confiscated and Sold, and if they were so, to put me in the way to have the Account Sales properly certified, & sent home to me to this place under Cover to Messrs John & George Whitehead, Bankers in Basinghall street, and any Expence that will attend the geting the proper Vouchers from the different offices will be chearfully paid by Mr Samuel Milford Master of the Ship Friendship now bound for York River in your State. And if my Land has not been forfeited, I will esteem it a very great favour that you will recommend some

fit person to be my Attorney to whom I will sent a Power. It is with the utmost regret that I trouble you on this Subject, but I hope you will excuse it from the necessity I am under, of producing proofs incase my lands were forfeited, otherwise I lose my land, and the money I advanced for them, which is something considerable including Interest to this time. But I have such a high Opinion of the Justice of your State, that I hope the lands are left at my own disposal.
Though its the General Opinion that our Commissioners will finish their business before next Jany, If the Vouchers can be sent home as early as that, I shall be glad to have them, in case my lands were Confiscated, any time before the Month of June but my best Chance is to have them soon. I write to General Steph⟨en⟩ on this subject, but I have been told that he lives so far back in the Cou⟨ntry⟩ that it will be long before I can hear from him.
I must again beg your pardon for the Liberty I ha⟨ve⟩ taken with you, and I am with great regard & Esteem Your most obedt and most humble Servt

Jno. Pols⟨on⟩


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Hanson, 26 July 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Hanson, Samuel (of Samuel)

Sir,
Mount Vernon July 26th 1788

The letter which you was pleased to write to me on the 21st instant did not get to my hands in time to attend the meeting of the Trustees of Alexandria Academy. It is not always that I send to the Post Office on Post days. But on Monday last I directed a white man who lives with me, and who said he had a business at Court to call for my letters in the evening. That, however which was infinitely more agreeable, and equally injurious to himself allowed him no time to think of Post office or letters and accordingly he came home, without the latter.
The want of Arethmetical and Mathematical instruction at this Academy is in my Judgment, a very great defect in the Institution.

To find boys who have been Six or seven years at the Classics entirely unacquainted with those parts of literature which are to fit them for the ordenary purposes of life—incapable of writing legibly; and altogether ignorant in accts does not in the smallest degree, comport with my ideas of useful and assential education. Of this, I have already informed Mr McWher; and shall feel myself under the necessity of withdrawing my Nephews from the Academy unless some change in this respect takes place, and that in a short time. With esteem and regard I am, Sir Yr most Obedt Hble Sert

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Tudor, 26 July 1788
From: Tudor, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boston 26 July 1788

The strong Attachment which I know you have always felt, & in a Variety of Instances demonstrated, for the State of Massachusetts, induces me to send you, what is here considered, an interesting Pamphlet; which, with great Impartiality, states the rise, causes, & happy Termination of the late most alarming Insurrections in the Commonwealth. The Author is a young Lawyer, & Clerk to our lower House of Assembly. He had the best Sources of Information, & his little History carries the Marks of Intelligence & Candour in every Page of it.
A suppressed Rebellion always adds Energy to the Government. And perhaps the late one in our State was a fortunate Event. It is true, that it cost some Lives, & added Eighty thousand pounds to our public Debt. But it’s intire Extinction has confirmed the Constitution, given Security & Stability to Property, & most thoroughly tamed many turbulent Spirits in all Parts of the State. To universal Discontent, the most violent party Animosity, & a very alarming Decline of Industry & Manufactures, have succeeded Content, Quiet & productive Labour.
The Exports of our State exceeded the Imports, last Year, by two hundred & thirty thousand Pounds and upwards. And we have now rose to be the third exporting State in the Confederacy.

The Town of Boston alone, that Year, exported twelve hundred & thirteen thousand Pounds. And it has been considered, in another Point of View, as being still more beneficial, from aiding the Erection of the great federal Fabric, which was so boldly conceived in the general Convention at Philadelphia, & which now, it is beyond a Doubt, will be ratified by the People.
But it is not, I confess, so much with a Design of furnishing you, my dear Sir, with the complete Information contained in the Pamphlet, that I have taken the Liberty of transmitting it, as it is from a Desire of evidencing that Respect & Gratitude which I must ever personally feel for you. The early and particular Favours I experienced from you at a critical Period of my Life, & which continued during the Time I was in the Army, will never be forgot untill I shall cease to consider You as the Saviour of our Country. That you may very long live to enjoy the honest Fame, which was so arduously & nobly acquired, & which you so fully possess by the Consent of all Mankind is the fervent Wish of, Dear Sir, Your most affectionate hble Servant

Wm Tudor

Pray present my most respectfull Compliments to Mrs Washington.


Title: To George Washington from Chartier de Lotbinière, 27 July 1788
From: Chartier de Lotbinière, Michel, marquis de
To: Washington, George

My General
New York 27 July 1788.

At length the State of New York, of which I had always the greatest doubt, as being the seat of British Corruption, has adopted the new Constitution like the others; whereupon I have

the honour to make my most particular compliments—And from the extreme attention I have paid in pursuing the persons employed even through their most intricate windings & from the different movements I have made for almost three months to make their sinister designs prove abortive & evaporate in smoke, Your Excellency may judge whether it is not sincere & whether my individual joy at such an event does not approach almost to that which you experience yourself.
It is happy for your States that they have pushed things with so much eagerness & inflexibility, seeing that from hence no person can doubt of the imminent danger of a certain communication, which, before, might have been regarded by many as indifferent: & of which they will all at present be decided to demand of you the total suppression, when as I hope most firmly, they shall have placed you at the head of their new government; then nothing will be more easy for your Excellency, with that entire confidence you possess from every part without the least exception, with that wisdom & consummate experience for which I have known you, than to fix for ever the constant happiness of those who live now & who shall live hereafter in these States. I have the honor to be, with all the attachment which you have recognised in me & with infinite respect, My Genl Your very humble & most Obedt Servant

Le Marq. de Chartier De Lotbiniere


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 27 July 1788
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Baltimore 27 July 1788.

It is whispered here that some leading characters among you have by no means dropped their resentment to the new constitution, but have determined on some secret plan to suspend the proper organization of the government or to defeat it altogether. This is so serious and alarming a circumstance that it is necessary to be apprised of its truth, and extent that we may be on our guard against attempts of the antifederals to get into our assembly, as in all probability the next legislature will meet before the time for commencing proceedings by the new Congress. Here every means is made use of to do away all distincting between federal and antifederal and I suspect with no very friendly design to the federal cause. If such a plan has been hatched I think you must have heard of it. I shall therefore be much obliged to you to give me a hint of it as soon as possible. With great respect and sincere attatchment I am Dr General Yours

James McHenry


Title: To George Washington from James Madison, 27 July 1788 [letter not found]
From: Madison, James
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from James Madison, 27 July 1788. On 3 Aug. GW wrote Madison: “Your favors of the 21st & 27th of last month came duly to hand.”


Title: From George Washington to Robert Hanson Harrison, 28 July 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Harrison, Robert Hanson

Mount Vernon [28 July 1788]

The bearer hereof—the Honble Judge Harrison of Maryland—is hereby authorized to take possession of Houses and lotts in the Town of Bath in the County of Berkeley, and to have the Free and uninterupted use of them during his stay at that place who ever may have them in care or occupation is requested

to surrender them accordingly. Given under my hand this 28th day of July 1788

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Robert Townsend Hooe, 28 July 1788
From: Hooe, Robert Townsend
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir,
Alexandria July 28th 1788.

I have been for some time past endeavoring to state the claims and Collect the Debts due to Mr Bennetts Estate & as I find among others they claim a Sum due from the Estate of Mr Thomas Colville late of this County, I have applied to Mr Thomas West for an Acct of the disposition of the Monies arising from the Sale of the Maryland Tract, also the Legacy left by Mr Colville to Mr Bennett, and had hopes he could satisfie me upon looking into his Fathers Papers but he refers me to Your Excellency saying that such Papers as he had of his Fathers relating thereto are in your Possession, & that he thinks Bonds of the Purchasers of the Maryland Tract were lodged with you. If this be the case I shall be extremely obliged if Your Excellency will let me know whether they are to be Assign’d or if you intend to order the Money to be Collected & paid. I have the Honor to be, Sir, Your Excellency’s most Obt Servt

R. Td Hooe


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 28 July 1788
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

My dear Sir
New York 28 July 1788

It is with the most sincere satisfaction that I congratulate you on the unconditiona⟨l⟩ adoption of the constitution by the Convention of this state. The particulars of this important event are contained in this days paper herein enclosed.
Messrs Jay Hamilton and the rest of the federalists have derived great honor from their temperate and wise conduct during the tedious debates on this subject—nor ought those Gentlemen who were opposed to the constitution in the first instance, but afterwards voted for its adoption be deprived of their due share of praise for their candor and wisdom in assuming different conduct when it became apparent that a perseverance in opposition would most probably terminate in Civil War, for such and nothing short of it were the prospects.
We have now thank Heaven eleven states which have adopted the system—Conduct and wisdom almost superior to the lot of humanity will be required in the first outset of the New Constitution.
Congress will soon publish an ordinance for the necessary elections and organization—The times of election and period of organization will not be difficult to be determind But the place where they shall assemble will be warmly contested[.] The two places generally thought on are Philadelphia and New York—at present it is difficult to say in favor of which it will be determined—a few days will more explain the matter.
I shall set out in a few days for the Province of main to be absent six weeks or two months On my return I shall do myself the pleasure of addressing you—I have hitherto refrained from acknowledg the receipt of yr Kind favor of the 17th of June, as

the affairs in this Convention were so gloomily circumstanced but it is now dissipated—Governor Clinton has most perseveringly opposed the constitution, and from being in the majority during Almost the whole time he has found himself so much deserted as to be in the minority A precise history of his conduct is difficult to be written and must be left to time to explain.
Mrs Knox and her little family are well. She unites with me in presenting our affectionate respect to you and Mr⟨s⟩ Washington. I am my dear Sir Your sincere friend & humble Servant

H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 30 July 1788
From: Biddle, Clement
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Philad[elphia] July 30. 1788

I was favourd with yours of 20th and by the same post sent a ps. of velvet Ribbon to pattern 15 yards for 9/6—which I sent because it cost less in a store than 12 yds would do in a retale Shop.
Capt. Ellwood is arrived but I have not seen him yet (as I shall do) about the wheel of the Plough and by him I shall ship the Articles orderd & then forward the Account Current—Altho’ we had plentiful libations of Porter at the procession it has not raised the price and the quality is such that it is in high repute and has superceded the use of English porter.
The herrings & shad are yet on hand but I hope will sell soon—I shall send the Letter to Genl Parsons by first Conveyance.
I was a little indisposed or should have answerd your Letter sooner.
I beg leave to refer you to the papers now put up for an account of the adoption of the Constitution unconditionaly by New York. I am with great respect Your Excellencys Obed. & very hume Serv.

Clement Biddle


Title: To George Washington from John Beale Bordley, 31 July 1788 [letter not found]
From: Bordley, John Beale
To: Washington, George

 Letter not found: from John Beale Bordley, 31 July 1788. On 17 Aug. GW wrote Bordley: “The letter with which you honord me, dated the 31st ult. . . . came safe to hand.”


Title: To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 31 July 1788
From: Lear, Tobias
To: Washington, George

My dear Sir,
Portsmouth N.H. July 31st 1788.

I received your very obliging favor of the 29th Ulto and feel grateful for the pleasure it gave me by communicating the joy which was felt in your vicinity upon receiving the doubly pleasing intelligence of the accession of New Hampshire & Virginia to the proposed Constitution. Its adoption by the latter State gave peculiar & inexpressible satisfaction to the good people in these parts; for notwithstanding the ratification by New Hampshire was the Key-stone of the fabrick, they still trembled for the consequences if Virginia should reject it—they knew the importance of the Dominion as an acquisition to the Union—they knew its ability, beyond any other State, to support independence—they had the best grounds to beleive that a rejection there would produce similar effects in New York & No. Carolina, and their fears were kept up by concurrent accts from that quarter of the strong & able opposition which it met with in the Convention. These fears were however happily done away by the joyous tidings of its adoption. No. Carolina is now looked upon as certain; and what will be the determination of New York at present they do not seem to regard, for it is not doubted but that they must ultimately acceed to the general Government.
Is it not necessary, my dear Sir, that I should mention the cause of my being detained here so much beyond the time which I had fixed upon for my return to Mt Vernon? I feel that it is; and shall do it in full confidence of obtaining your indulgence if I have protracted the time beyond what you expected.
Previous to the late war with G. Britain my father had dealings with the House of Lane Son & Fraser of London to some considerable amount; and at the time of his death (in Novr 1785) there appeared by his Books to be a Bal[an]ce of £1500 Sterling due to him from that house; at the close of the war when a demand was made of the above Balance they asserted that instead of £1500 being due from them there was more than £1700 due to

them by my father. This difference appeared strange till we had fully discussed the matter, when we found that their demand was originally small but had accumulated by interest, which we had not an idea of adding to our’s, and the Balce in our favor arose from a Ship belonging to my father and insured by them, which Ship, at the commencement of hostilities was taken, on her passage from the West Indies to London, by an American Privateer & the insurance of course became due: this they refuse to pay & still hold up the validity of their demand. We have frequently endeavoured to bring them to a settlement without going into the tedious & expensive process of Courts, but without effect, and we now think it necessary to have the matter closed by some means or other and have therefore entered suit against them; and at the earnest request of my mother I have promised to attend to the business on her behalf and wait the issue of it which will be on the 3d week in Augt. As the determination of this matter, for or against my father’s estate will immediately affect my mother more than any one else and as her welfare, care & happiness are exceeding dear to me I am induced to pay that attention to it in person which if it concerned me alone, I would willingly give up to another.
You will pardon, my dear Sir, the expression of this particular (and to you uninteresting) detail—it should not have been offered had I not thought it necessary to show you that it is not inclination nor a common occurrence that prevents my being at Mount Vernon on or before the time which I intended. Nothing will detain me here a day after the decision of this matter.
I must beg you to present my best respects to Mrs Washington and believe me to be, with sentiments of the highest respect & warm affection Dear Sir Yr most Obedt & Hble Servt

Tobias Lear

P.S. Mr Langdon requests me to present his best respects to you.


Title: From George Washington to Noah Webster, 31 July 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Webster, Noah

Sir,
Mount Vernon July 31st 1788.

I duly received your letter of the 14th instant, and can only answer you briefly, and generally from memory: that a combined operation of the land and naval forces of France in America for the year 1781, was preconcerted the year before: that the point of attack was not absolutely agreed upon, because it would be easy for the Count de Grasse, in good time before his departure from the West Indies, to give notice by Express, at what place he could most conveniently first touch to receive advice, because it could not be foreknown where the enemy would be most susceptible of impression; and because we (having the command of the water with sufficient means of conveyance) could transport

ourselves to any spot with the greatest celerity: that it was determined by me (nearly twelve months before hand) at all hazards to give out & cause it to be believed by the highest military as well as civil Officers that New York was the destined place of attack, for the important purpose of inducing the Eastern & Middle States to make greater exertions in furnishing specific supplies than they otherwise would have done, as well as for the interesting purpose of rendering the enemy less prepared elsewhere: that, by these means and these alone, artillery, Boats, Stores & Provisions were in seasonable preparation to move with the utmost rapidity to any part of the Continent—for the difficulty consisted more in providing, than knowing how to apply the military apparatus: that before the arrival of the Count de Grasse it was the fixed determination to strike the enemy in the most vulnerable quarter so as to ensure success with moral certainty, as our affairs were then in the most ruinous train imaginable: that New York was thought to be beyond our effort & consequently that the only hesitation that remained was between an attack upon the British Army in Virginia or that in Charleston—and finally that (by the intervention of several communications & some incidents which cannot be Detailed in a letter; and wch were altogether unknown to the late Quarter Master General of the Army, who was informed of nothing but what related to the immediate duties of his own department) the hostile Post in Virginia, from being a provisional & strongly expected became the definitive and certain object of the Campaign.
I only add, that it never was in contemplation to attack New York, unless the Garrison should first have been so far degarnished to carry on the Southern operations, as to render our success in the siege of that place as infallible as any future military event can ever be made. For I repeat it, and dwell upon it again & again—some splended advantage (whether upon a larger or smaller scale was almost immaterial) was so essentially necessary to revive the expiring hopes & languid exertions of the Country, at the crisis in question, that I never would have consented to embark in any enterprize, wherein, from the most rational plan & accurate calculations, the favourable issue should not have appeared as clear to my view, as a ray of light. The failure of an attempt agst the Posts of the enemy, could, in

no other possible situation during the war, have been so fatal to our cause.
That much trouble was taken and finesse used to misguide & bewilder Sir Henry Clinton in regard to the real object, by fictitious communications, as well as by making a deceptive provision of Ovens, Forage & Boats in his Neighbourhood, is certain. Nor were less pains taken to deceive our own Army; for I had always conceived, when the imposition did not completely take place at home, it could never sufficienty succeed abroad.
Your desire of obtaining truth is very laudable, I wish I had more leizure to gratify it as I am equally solicitous the undisguised verity should be known. Many circumstances will unavoidably be misconceived & misrepresented. Notwithstanding most of the Papers which may properly be deemed official are preserved yet the knowledge of innumerable things, of a more delicate & secret nature, is confined to the perishable remembrance of some few of the present generation. With esteem I am—Sir Your Most Obedt Hble Servt

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Title: From George Washington to Thomas Newton, Jr., 1 August 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Newton, Thomas Jr.

Sir,
Mount Vernon August 1st 1788

Your letters of the 14th & 19 Ulto came duly to hand, as did the sample of Shingles by Captn Slacum. I did not conceive that under the present dearth of Cash that the price of this article would have been so high as you mentioned.
Capt. Slacum, with whom I have conversed on this subject, thinks as you do, that Juniper Shingles would answer my purpose as well as any other would—and suggested farther, the propriety (their covering being intended for a Barn) of making it of 3 feet shingles instead of 18 Inches which (according to his account) are of sufficient thickness and run from 7 to 10 Inches broad—suppose 8 Inches on an average the price he says is 7 or 8 Dollars pr M—but whether he meant delivered here, or that it was the price at the place of Exportation it did not at the time occur to me to ask him. If the former, & he is right as to the weadth &c. tho’ the original cost of them would amount to about

the same as 18 Inch shingles, yet as I should save in the Articles of Nails, laths &c. they would be preferable.
Under this statement, if you could send me 25,000, the money (except for the freight which I would pay on delivery) to be paid in 3 or 4 Months (which is as soon as I could Raise it from my Wheat or Barley) I should be very glad to have them forwarded to me without delay; & shall depend on your doing the whole on the best terms, for me—pray let me hear from you immediately as the Walls of my building will soon require a roof. If these cannot be had or do not come up to Captn Slacums discription, I must in that case request you to send me 100,000 18 Inch Shingles (if to be had on the above credit) of Juniper, agreeably to your own account of them. I am &ca

Go. Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Pierce, 1 August 1788
From: Pierce, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Savannah August 1st 1788.

 I enclose you a small pamphlet which contains an Oration that I delivered in Savannah on the 4th ultimo. Independant of the common ceremony practised on these occasions I present it to you with the highest sentiments of respect and esteem. With honor I subscribe myself Your obedient servant

Wm Pierce


Title: To George Washington from William Stephens Smith, 1 August 1788 [letter not found]
From: Smith, William Stephens
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from William Stephens Smith, 1 Aug. 1788. GW wrote Smith on 30 Aug.: “I was favoured, a few days ago, with your letter, dated the first day of this Month.”


Title: From George Washington to George Gilpin and John Fitzgerald, 2 August 1788
From: Washington, George
To: Gilpin, George,Fitzgerald, John

Gentn
Mount Vernon Augt 2d 1788

As Monday next is the day on which the Directors, by the Constitution of the Company, are to make their report—and it has generally fallen to the lott of those on the Virginia side of the river to do this; I beg that you would from the minutes to which you are accessable—or from memory, bring forward the occurrences which may be proper to report at the General Meeting, about to be held. If this be delayed untill the day, there may be omissions which might involve censure, at least incur the charge of inattention. I will be in Town by 10 ’Oclock on Monday. The Treasurer should have his accts ready for exhibition—I am with much esteem & regard—Gentn Yr Most Obt Servt

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