Title: To George Washington from Providence Merchants, 27 March 1789
From: Providence Merchants
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Providence [R.I.] 27th March 1789

Your Excellency by the Unanimous Voice of a Free People is now placed at the Head of that Honorable Body to whom the well disposed Citizens of this unhappy State can alone look for Advice or ask for Such Assistance which may extricate us from the fallen Situation into which the mistaken policy of our present Rulers have reduced us.
Our Application at a Time when Affairs of the greatest Magnitude within your own particular Jurisdiction demand Attention may be Judged Hasty & premature And we Should be Silent on this Occasion was there not a Flattering Prospect that your interposition by an Address from Congress or your Excellency to the Freemen of this State to be distributed thro the Several Towns at or previous to their Annual Meeting on the 15th of April next for the Choice of the Governor & Council for One Year, and Represantives for Six Months would have a happy Effect and may we conceive cause a Majority to Let Such Men as would agree to Call a Convention at the Meeting of the General Assembly the first Wednesday in May next & join their Sister States in the Adoption of the New Constitution.

Incompetent as we are to determine what Measures would most effectually obtain this desirable Object, we shall with the greatest chearfulness & Confidence adopt the Advice your Excellency and the Honorable Gentlemen of the Senate & House of Representatives may give, assuring you that it is our Opinion that an Address to the People will be productive of that change in our next Election which every good citizen must Ardently wish and without which Our Rulers may continue their present System with a full confidence that Some Obstacles may be yet thrown in the Way to impede the Operations of the Federal Government.
Our Vessells will be endanger’d abroad, Our property is now insecure at Home, in Fact a detail of our Misfortunes is unecessary when our paper Money now purchased at Twelve for one is Still tender’d for Specie Debts at par; which with the addition of the prohibitory Laws of the Two Neighbouring States will Sufficiently Convey an Idea of our deplorable Situation.
If on the Receipt of this it Should be thought that an address cannot arrive in Time for the Town Meetings on the 15th of April we pray your Benevolent & Friendly Advice pointing the Line which the Federalists of this State Should pursue.
With the Sincerest Wishes that your Interposition at this Crisis of Affairs may restore our State to its pristine Rank in th⟨e mutilated⟩ and Consequently to Honor & prosperity⟨.⟩
We remain with every Sentiment of Respect and Unfeigned Regard Your Excellency’s most Obedient & most Humble Servts
P.S. If your Excellency or Congress Shou’d form an Address please to Order one Directed to Govr Collins and a Duplicate to Govr Bowen least the former may not reach this part of the State in Time for the desir’d purpose, Govr Bowens’s Son will be desir’d to receive & forward them.


Title: To George Washington from Robert Dick, 28 March 1789
From: Dick, Robert
To: Washington, George

Sir
Bladensburgh [Md.] 28th March 1789

Your favour of 21st instant came to my hands Yesterday: and I now comply with your request as far as in my power.
 The report of the Committee of Council at Quebec to Lord Dorchester was sent early in the last Spring by a Gentleman of Glasgow to a friend of mine, as an authentick paper transmitted to the British Ministry. It seems Canada is now divided into two Provences, and the part of it from Lake Ontario inclusive upwards, is denominated the New Provence. The person who sent the report is, with others, concerned in the fur trade from that upper-Country; and they wished to know how far it might be practicable to communicate with that country through Potowmack or Susquehannah rivers, by transporting West India goods by one or other of those rivers.
In order to lay before your Excellency some of the ideas entertained by the commercial people of Britain on the subject, I here transcribe a part of the letter which accompanied the report. Although it was not communicated to me as any secret, farther than schemes or plans of trade, in their first formation, and desired to be concealed, yet I would wish it understood to be in confidence. I communicated to my friend in writing, my

opinion of the impracticability of the plan, on account of the duties that I thought would probably be laid on the importation of W. India goods into the United States; which I conceived would be much greater than any laid by the British Government in Canada; and I believe the matter is droped.
“As to the track through Susquehannah there would appear some favourable circumstances, particularly the Seat of Government for Pennsylvania being now removed to Harrisburg on this river, the navigation of which though naturally not good is however improved, and its upper branches open a convenient and direct passage towards Oswego through a country that seems to be all the way peopled and cultivated. Possibly a first trade might be made most easily here, though in time the best course will probably be from Fort Cumberland on Potowmack, towards Lake Erie, the waters of which embrace nearly the whole of upper Canada, now denominated the New Provence. It is to be observed that the general design proposed is like to be favoured equally by the inhabitants of the New Provence and those of the American States. The latter would become the general carriers for the whole Consumpt. of Canada; the former besides a conveniency in receiving their own supplies, might also profit by furnishing those of lower Canada. The lower Canadians would no doubt wish to continue as formerly, to carry all supplies to the upper country; but liberal principles in commerce are in vogue, and Government must be sensible that they can never expect to hold the New Provence unless the people are contented with their condition, which they can never be if not left free to provide for themselves on the best terms. It is imagined much of the reasoning in the inclosed report may be used with adventage in behalf of the New Provence; as for instance, if the restrictions on W. India produce be hardship on lower Canada, they must be allowed much more so on the New provence, and especially if it be true, as it seems to be, that such produce can not come through St Lawrence to them, but much to their prejudice—and farther if a free intercourse towards Vermont be of importance by conciliating good will in that quarter, may it not be of still greater higher consequence to encourage a free intercourse with the people behind Alleganey, who are much more numerous, and appear no less disposed than the Vermontese to act for themselves independent of Congress?

Kentucky and other States inland have given proofs of this in their infancy, and as they advance in growth more may well be expected. Kentucky and the greater part of the lands on the Ohio produce Tobacco better than Wheat: What is to hinder a commercial treaty between people there and in the new provence, founded on an exchange of Tobacco for Wheat? Supposing the Tobacco conveyed through the Lakes and St Lawrance (a conveyance surely not impracticable) how flattering and profitable for us to have the carrying trade of all the inland growth, while by a friendly Union with those inland parts we might have a market for the produce of the New Provence; not only with them, but with the Spanish Settlements. You will observe we have by treaty a right to the Navigation of the Mississippi, and though the Spainards may be too many for the inland States alone, yet if once protected by us, the Spainards must find themselves obliged to respect and give them fair terms; and farther the weight of the Union being sufficient to bear down all unnatural & invidious restrictions, the consequence must be that the Spainards must be contented to give out their Dollars and see them circulate for the cultivation of interior America, however unpleasing and unpropitious the prospect may be to them. Thus there would seem in this quarter, the most substantial foundation for a communication of interest and good will.
Things however may not yet be ripe enough for making such considerations enter immediatly into any scheme of business; and all I want is for you to consider and advise as you can, what may appear practicable as to pushing a traffick in W. India produce, through Susquehannah and Potowmack towards the Lakes.”
From this extract, together with the internal evidence of the report itself, I am led to believe it to be authentick; but I have no other evidence of its being so.
The report and the above letter, taken together, may give rise to many serious reflections in the mind of an American, anxious for the welfare of his Country; but to you, Sir, it would be impertinent in me to take up your time in pointing them out. I cannot help however just observing, that the Kentucky settlers would appear not to be the only people, who have an eye to an intercourse with the Spainish settlements, and that intercourse too, to be carried on with a strong arm; and, that our having so

early established a regular Government on the Mushingum, may prove very fortunate, more especially if the coercive powers of Congress, and of that Government are fully established in proper time.
A commercial intercourse between the Eastern States and Nova Scotia and lower Canada, and also between the new western States and upper Canada, might no doubt, be advantagious to all; but it must be by particular stipulations between the two general Governments, and those stipulations strictly adhered to, as far as circumstances can admit. Such an intercourse as is suggested in the above letter, and hinted at in the report, if submitted to, would soon, in my humble opinion, prove greatly injurious to America, or at least might embroil again the two Nations. This consideration, would appear, from many circumstances, to require the utmost attention of Congress to the Western Country; and their embracing every prudent measure for conciliating the affections and attachment of its settlers to the general Union. In this view, it certainly would be for the general good, if the State of Virginia will consent to let Kentucky come into the Union as a seperate State, on liberal, and even on generous terms; and the same observation may apply to the States immediatly connected with Vermont.
I beg you will have the goodness to forgive my presumption in mentioning these things to you, whose judgment on the subject is so far superior; and that you, will believe me to be, with great respect, Sir Your Most Obedt & hum. Servant

Robt Dick


Title: To George Washington from George Gilpin, 28 March 1789
From: Gilpin, George
To: Washington, George

Dear sir.
Alexandria March 28th 1789

The Gentleman who will hand this to you is Mr Joseph Shallcross of Wilmington a perticular freind and acquintance of mine I have taken the liberty to introduce him to you.

Mr Shallcross has a favor to ask of you there are a great number of candidates for the Navel Office under the New Government for the district of New Castle, this office has been kept at New castle hitherto although almost all the business has been done in Wilmington and the Vessels belong there—the Gentlemen of Wilmington think the office aught to be kept where the greater part of the business is done, Mr Shallcross is I believe well qualified for this office and will present to you a Very respectable recommendation from the Gentlemen of his Neighbour hood, any favor done Mr Shallcross will be an Obligation confer’d on me, and permit me to Say that my best wishes attend you in the great and Ardious business you are about to engage in. I am Sir your most Obedient Hume Servt

George Gilpin


Title: To George Washington from William Hartshorne, 28 March 1789
From: Hartshorne, William
To: Washington, George

General Washington
Strawberry Hill March 28th 1789

As it seems to be the general Opinion of your Friends in this quarter that you will comply with the wishes of our Countrymen and accept of the presidency, I take the liberty of laying before you an extract of a Letter I recd lately from a relation of mine in

Philadelphia, and as it concerns a Numerous people in that City, who suffered much in the propperty, had their persons insulted and were in danger of their lives from the Outrages of a Mob at the last General illumination, I have no doubt you will pay that attention to the Subject which it seems to deserve.
“We are now contemplating the proposed Advantages of fœderal measures; at the same time we are led to anticipate with equal concern, the effect which may probably take Place, when General Washington passes thro’ the City, at which time an illumination is intended; when perhaps some innocent acquaintances may immediately if not eventually fall a victim to the unqualifyed rage of a mob. how Contemptible Government appears doubting their ability to restrain their fury? which a timely exertion woud appease—The Worst of Malefactors have as little dread of the Punishment annexed to the perpetration of their heinous o⟨illegible⟩ as many of us have to expect from the secret and open designs of our Neighbours whom we never Offended at al⟨l⟩ such is our envied situation in the City of Philadelphia—Unhappy City! Thy natives who ought to respect will learn to depricate thee.”
It is scarce necessary to Add that this is from one of the People called Quakers and as I have not heard the designs illuminating in Philadelphia was laid aside, thought it my duty to lay this information before you and at this time (tho’ it may appear premature) least it should be too late to answer any purpose—I can only say this address is intended to do good, which I belive is the best Apology I can make for the freedom of it.
That the Lord of the Universe may take you under his holy Protection and assist you with his Wisdom to Govern this people and in his own time take you to himself is the prayer of Your very respectfull Friend

Wm Hartshorne


Title: To George Washington from Robert Lewis, 28 March 1789
From: Lewis, Robert
To: Washington, George

Dear Uncle,
[Fredericksburg, Va.] March 28th 1789

Your favor of the 26th Instant came duly to hand—the inclosed was dispatched instantly to Mr Fitzhugh—who I expect has answered it before this, as he proposed writing by the stage—Your caution with regard to my getting in readiness I can assure you, I have been guarded against—as I am prepared to accompany my Mother and Mrs Willis on Thursday or Friday next from this to Mount Vernon where I shall remain untill the horses you carry to New York returns for my Aunt—We flatter ourselves with the Idea of finding you at Mount Vernon when we arrive. I am Dr Uncle Yours Affectiony

Robt Lewis


Title: To George Washington from Gustavus Brown Wallace, 28 March 1789
From: Wallace, Gustavus Brown
To: Washington, George

Sir
Fredericksburg [Va.] March 28th 1789

As there will be a change in the naval office department in this State, <under> the new goverment I wish to inform your Excellency, I stand as a Candidate for the port of Rappahannock, hoping if no person more deserving offers to meet with your Excellencies approbation. I have the honor to be Your Excellence’s most obedient And Very Humble Servant

Gustavus Brown Wallace


Title: To George Washington from John Francis Mercer, 29 March 1789 [letter not found]
From: Mercer, John Francis
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from John Francis Mercer, 29 Mar. 1789. On 5 April GW wrote to Mercer: “The letter with which you was pleased to favor me, dated the 29th Ulto came to hand.”


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Montgomerie, 29 March 1789
From: Montgomerie, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Dumfries [Va.] 29th March 1789

I find Mr Dunlop had not parted from any of the money in his hands—he has however been dispppointed, as yet, in receiving the sum expected from Govr Lee—notwithstanding which there is still a considerable sum of money collected, which is either paid into your hands by this time, or will be with you in a few days—It is however difficult to procure money for bills at this time, and I mentioned to him the facility of passing drafts on Phila., where I have money ready, to the amount of the Baltimore payment you mentioned—you will probably be informed by this time of the extent of the remittance you desire to make to Baltimore, which you will be pleased to communicate to Mr James Dunlop of George Town on application, who will in every respect endeavour to facilitate that or any other payments in whatever quarter you desire—I have reason to believe from Mr Dunlops correspondence that in a few Months the amount of the whole Bond may be discharged—It will give me pleasure that a speedy period should be put to transactions you seem so desirous should be terminated—I have the honor to be with great regard Dear Sir Your most Obt Servt

Thos Montgomerie


Title: From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 30 March 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Biddle, Clement

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 30th March 1789

I have received your letter of the 23d Inst. and am in hopes that the Buckwheat will arrive in season.
I will thank you to send me, by the first post after this reaches you, fourteen yards of Livery lace agreeably to the enclosed pattern; and let it be directed to me, or, in my absence, to Major George Augne Washington at this place. With great regard, I am, Dear Sir, Yr most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 30 March 1789
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

My dear Sir
New York 30th March 1789

The chagrin of the members who first arrived still exists, one senator and two representatives being yet wanted—The latter will arrive certainly in a day or two from Jersey and Pennsylvania, but unless Mr Reed from Delaware shall come on, the senate may be deficient during the whole of the present week.
The tardiness of the members is more unfortunate at this season than at any other—The spring impost amounting by computation to 300 000 Dollars will be lost to the General Government by its not meeting at the time appointed. I am with perfect attachment your

H. Knox


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Green, 31 March 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Green, Thomas

Mount Vernon 31st March 1789

I am about to leave my home whether for a length of time, is more than I can tell at present. But be this as it may I expect the agreement to which we have subscribed, will be as strictly complied with on your part as it shall be punctually fulfilled on mine to enable you to do this, you would do well to keep two things always in remembrance—First that all Bargains are intended, for the Mutual benefit of and are equally binding on both the Parties, and are either binding in all their parts or are of no use at all—If then a man receives [pay] for his labour and he withholds that labour or if he trifles away that time for which he is paid, it is a robbery—and a robbery of the worst kind because it is not only a fraud but a dishonourable, unmanly and a deceitful fraud—but it is unnecessary to dwell on this because there is no Man so ignorant of the common obligations of Justice, as not to know it—altho’ there are hundreds who do not scruple to practice it at the same time that they would think

hard, on the other hand if they were to be deprived of their money. The other matter which—I advise you to keep always in remembrance is the good name which common policy as well as common honesty, makes it necessary for every workman who wishes to pass thro’ life with reputation and to secure employment—Having said thus much by way of exhortation I shall inform you in the most serious and positive terms that I have left strict orders with the Major my Nephew, who is vested with full powers to transact all my business, that if he should find you unfaithful to your engagements—either from the love of liquor from a disposition to be running about—or from proneness to idle when at your work—to discard you immediately and to remove your family from their present abode. The sure means to avoid this evil is—first to refrain from drink which is the source of all evil—and the ruin of half the workmen in this Country—and next to avoid bad Company which is the bane of good morals œconomy and industry you have every inducement to do this—Reputation—the care and support of a growing family—and society which this family affords within your own doors whch may not be the case with some of the idle (to say nothing worse of them) characters who may lead you into temptation—Were you to look back, and had the means, either from recollection, or accounts to ascertain the cost of the liquor you have expended it would astonish you—In the manner this expence is generally incurred that is by getting a little now—a little then the impropriety of it is not seen in as much as it passes away without much thought. But view it in the aggregate you will be convinced at once whether any man who depends upon the labour of his hands not only for his own support but have that of an encreasing family can afford such a proportion of his wages to that article. But the expence is not the worst consequence that attends it for it naturally leads a man into the company of those who encourage dissipation and idleness by which he is led to by degrees to the perpetration of acts which may terminate in his Ruin—but supposing this not to happen a disordered frame—and a body debilitated, renders him unfit (even if his mind was disposed to discharge the duties of his station with honor to himself or fidility to his employer) from the execution of it. an aching head and trimbling limbs which are the inevitable

effects of drinking disincline the hands from work hence begins sloth and that Lestessness which end in idleness—but which are no reasons for withholding that labour for which money is paid.
I have no other inducement for giving you this advice (in this my hour of hurry) but your own good—for the wages and priviledges which you have I well know would obtain for me the best workmen in this Country which the charges of such a family as yours but as it has been a custom with me through life to give a preference to those who have long lived with [me] and my wish to see them do well I have taken the trouble of writing You this letter. if you have gratitude, or a mind capable of reflection, it will make such an impression on it as may be serviceable to you thro life—if not, I have my labour for my pains.
Whilst the Negro Carpenters work at the same spot where you are, they will be subject to your inspection and orders—and at other times if it should be found necessary to put them under yr care it will be expected that you see that they do their duty. I am &ca

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Lewis, 31 March 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, Thomas

Sir
Mount Vernon 31st March 1789

The bearer of this, Mr Caleb Stone, is desireous of settling on some of my lands on the Kanawa, and will probably carry several others out with him to settle thereon; As I would wish to

hold out such terms to settlers as will induce them to set down upon my lands (provided the terms are not very unreasonable for the Landlord) I will thank you to let him view the land; and if he should incline to fix there, and will bring a number of others to do the like I would willingly give them such encouragement as may induce them to go out. With great esteem I am &c.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Battaile Muse, 31 March 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Muse, Battaile

Sir,
Mount Vernon 31st March 1789

I have received your letters of the 17th & 21st Insts. the latter containing a Draft on Mr Josiah Watson for one hundred pounds, which he informs me shall be paid agreeably to the sight mentioned.
I have no objection to the Gentlemen who are proposed to settle the line between Mr Scott and myself; and I think with you that the sooner it is done the better. When it is completed I would wish you to lease my vacant Lots in Fauquier on the best terms you can; if a term less than 21 years will not enable you to rent them to advantage you may do it for that time. I shall leave some blank leases with my Nephew George Augustine Washington, who will be empowered to transact my business during my absence from home, and to whom you will, from time to time, remit the rents which you may collect on my account.
The best (and I conceive sufficient) information I can give you respecting the line between the Belvoir Estate and my Land (without having recourse to papers which are put up & which I have not time now to examine) is, that the Road leading from my Mill to Colchester divides us on the hill—and descending the hill Towards my Mill, to a large Gully near the Spring—from thence in a straight line down to the Creek to a tree standing on the Creek, which was the original corner of the tract of Land, called the Chapel land.1 am, Sir, Yr most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to George Augustine Washington, 31 March 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, George Augustine

Mount Vernon 31st Mar. 1789

Having given very full & ample details of the intended crops—and my ideas of the modes of managing them at the several Plantations, little, if these are observed, need be added on this subject. But as the profit of every Farm is greater, or less in proportion to the quantity of manure which is made thereon, or can be obtained; and by keeping the fields in good condition. These two important requisites ought never to be lost sight of. To effect the first—besides the ordinary means of Farm yards—Cowpens—Sheep folds—Stables—&ca it would be of essential use if a certain proportion of the force of each Plantation could be appropriated in the Summer or early part of Autumn to the purpose of getting up mud to be ameliorated by the frosts of Winter for the spring crops wch are to follow, and to accomplish the latter the Gullies in these fields (previous to their being sown with Grain & Grass-seeds[,] ought, invariably to be filled up. By so doing and a small sprinkling of manure thereon they will acquire a green-sward, and strength of soil sufficient to preserve them; and these are the only means I know of by which exhausted Land can be recovered, and our Estates rescued from destruction.
Although a precise number of Tobacco Hills is, by my general directions, allotted to each Plantation yet my real intention is, that no more ground shall be appropriated to this Crop than what is either naturally very good (for which purpose small spots may be chosen) or which can be made strong by manure of some kind or another for my object is to labour for profit, and therefore to substitute quality instead of quantity there being (except in the article of manuring) no difference between attending a good Plant and an indifferent one—but in any event let the precise number of hills be ascertained that an estimate may be formed of their yield to the thousand.

Being thoroughly convinced, from experience, that embezzlement & waste of Crops (to say nothing of various accidents to which they are liable by delays) are encreased proportionately to the time they are suffered to remain on hand—my wish is, as soon as circumstances will permit after the Grain is harvested—that it may be got out of the Straw (especially at the Plantations where there are no Barns) and either disposed of in proper deposits, or sold if the price is tolerable (after, if it is wheat, it has been converted into flour). When this work is set about as the sole, or as a serious business it will be executed properly. But when a little is done now, and a little then, there is more waste, even if there should be no embezzlement than can well be conceived.
There is one or two other matters which I beg may be invariably attended to. The first is, to begin Harvest as soon as the grain can be cut with Safety; and the next, to get it in the ground in due season. Wheat should be sown by the last of August—at any rate by the 10th of Septr—and other fall Grain as soon after as possible. Spring grain & Grass Seeds should be sewn as soon as the ground can possibly (with propriety) be prepared for their reception.
For such essential purposes as may absolutely require the aid of the Ditchers they may be taken from that work. At all other times they must proceed in the manner which has been directed formerly. A⟨nd⟩ in making the New Road from the Ferry to the Mill—and from the Tumbling Dam across the Neck till it communicates with the Alexandria Road, as has been pointed out on the spot. The Ditch from the Ferry to the Mill along this Road may be a common four feet one—But from the Mill to the Tumbling dam and thence across to the head of the old field by Muddy hole farm must be five feet wide at top—but no deeper than the four feet one & the same width at bottom as the latter.
After the Carpenters have given security to the old Barn in the Neck, they must proceed to the completion of the New one at the Ferry, according to the Plan & the explanations which have been given. Gunner & Tom Davis should get Bricks made for this purpose; and if John Knowles could be spared (his work, not only with respect to time, but quantity & quality to be amply returned) to examine the bilged walls, & the security of

them; but to level & lay the foundations of the other work when the Bricks are ready it would be rendering me an essential service and as the work might be returned in time & proper season would be no detriment to your building.
When the Brick work is executed at the Ferry Barn, Gunner & Davis must repair to D[ogue] Run & make Bricks there; at the place & in the manner which has been directed that I may have no sammon bricks in that building.
Oyster shells should be bought wherever they are offered for Sale—if good & reasonable.
Such monies as you may receive for Flour—Barley—Fish—as also for other things wch can be spared & sold—As also for Rents—the use of the Jacks &ca—And for Back debts which may be tried though little is expected from the justice of those who have been long endulged—May be applied to the payment of workmens Wages as they arise, Fairfax—and the Taxes—and likewise to the payment of any just debts which I may be owing (in small sums) & have not been able to discharge previous to my leaving the State—The residue may await further orders.
As I shall want shingles—Plank—Nails—Rum for Harvest—Scantling—& such like things which would cost me money at another time, Fish may be bartered for them. The Scantling (if any is taken) must be such as will suit for the Barn now about, or that at Dogue run, without waste and of good quality.
I find it is indispensably necessary for two reasons, to save my own clover & Timothy seed—first, because it is the only certain means of having it good & in due season—and secondly because I find it is a heavy article to purchase.
Save all the honey locust seed you can of that which belongs to me—if more could be obtained the better. and in the fall plant them on the Ditches where they are to remain about 6 Inches apart one Seed from another.
The Seeds which are on the case in my Study ought without loss of time to be sown & planted in my Botanical garden—& proper memos kept of the time & places.
You will use your best endeavors to obtain the means for support of G. & L. Washington, who I expect will board (till something further can be decided on) with Doctr Craik; who must

be requested to see that they are decently, and properly provided with Cloths from Mr Porter’s Store, who will give them a credit on my becoming answerable to him for the payment. And as I know of no resourse that Harriott has for Supplies but from me; Fanny will, from time to time as occasion may requ⟨ire⟩ have such things got for her, on my account as she shall judge necessary. Mrs Washington will I expect, leave her tolerably well provided with common articles for the present.
My Memorandum books, which will be left in my study, will inform you of the times and places when, & where, different kinds of Wheat, Grass Seeds &ca were sown—Let particular attention be paid to the quality, & quantity of each sort, that a proper judgmt of them may be formed. To do this great care must be taken to prevent mixture of the several sorts as they are so contiguous to each other.
The general superintendence of my Affairs is all I require of you, for it is neither my desire nor wish that you should become a drudge to it—or, that you should refrain from any amusements, or visitings which may be agreeable either to Fanny or yourself to make or receive. If Fairfax, the Farmer & Thomas Green, on each of whom I have endeavoured to impress a proper sense of their duty will act their part with propriety & fidelity nothing more will be necessary for you to do than would comport with amusement & that exercise which is condusive to health. Nor is it my wish that you should live in too parsimonious and niggardly a manner. Frugality & œconomy are undoubtedly commendable and all that is required. Happily for this Country, these virtues prevail more & more every day, among all classes of Citizens—I have heard of and I have seen with pleasure, a remarkable change in the mode of living from what it was a year or two ago—and nothing but the event, which I dreaded would take place soon, has prevented my following the example. Indeed necessity (if this had not happened) would have forced me into the measure as my means are not adequate to the expence at which I have lived since my retirement to what is called private life. Sincerely wishing you health & happiness—I am ever your warm friend and Affectionate Uncle

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Peachey, March 1789
From: Peachey, William
To: Washington, George

Gentlemen
Richmond County [Va.] March 1789

I have served the Publeck in some or other Capacity ever since I was twenty years old, now forty years, without any Emolument except a Bounty of Land, as a field-Officer, under the Proclamation of the King of Great Britain in the Year 1763; during the late Revolution I never quitted an active part as far as my Health and Abilities did admit, nor untill after the new Constitution of America was ratified by the State of Virginia; through all which time I never held a post of Profitt or did I sollicit one. But having now two Sons whom I wou’d wish, by giving them liberal Education, to make usefull Citizens of the united States, and the Expences thereof exceeding my Finances, I am induced to sollicit your Honorable Body for the Appointment of Collector of Import duties on Rappahanock River. Altho advanced in Years, I may venture to say that my Powers are still equal to the Business. Shoud I be indulged with the Appointment, it may answer the good purpose afore mentioned and will oblige a faithful Citizen. I am, Gentlemen, with the most profound Respect your most obedt Servt

Willm PeacheyVirginia, Richmond Co.Rappahanock River


Title: From George Washington to Robert Dick, 1 April 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Dick, Robert

Sir,
Mount Vernon, April 1st 1789.

In acknowledging the receipt of your obliging favor of the 28 ult. I pray you to be assured that no improper use shall be made of the important disclosure it contains, and of the sense I have of the confidence reposed in me by the communication.
Your sentiments with respect to the policy which ought to be observed towards the Settlers of the Western Country appear to be exceeding just; and, as the subject merits it, so I have little doubt of its obtaining the serious attention of the new Government. With great esteem, I am Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant.

G. Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Hartshorne, 1 April 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Hartshorne, William

Sir,
Mount Vernon April 1st 1789.

As it seems that it will be my unavoidable lot to be again brought into publick life, however contrary to my inclinations, I must prepare myself to meet with many occurrences which will be painful and embarrassing; but I can truly say that few events would distress me more than the realizing of the apprehensions of so respectable a body of my fellow Citizens as the Quakers of Philadelphia; as mentioned in your letter of the 28th Ulto.
If I must go on to New-York, and my wishes & inclinations were consulted on the occasion, they would lead me to proceed in as quiet & peaceable a manner as possible. But, situated as I am at present, and knowing nothing of the intentions of the people respecting my passing through the several towns, more than what the publick papers inform me of—and these may be conjecture—I do not see how I can, with any degree of propriety or delicacy, interfere, at this moment, to prevent the ill effects which are feared from an illumination of the City of Philadelphia. Could any way be pointed out to me by which I might ward off the evil dreaded by the Quakers, I would, with peculiar pleasure, take every proper step to prevent it; for altho’ I have no agency in these matters, yet nothing would be

more painful to me than to be the innocent cause of distress or injury to any individual of my Country.
I must beg you to accept of my best thanks and warmest acknowledgments for your kind wishes for my happiness—and believe me to be—with very great esteem & regard Sir, Yr most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 1 April 1789
From: Washington, George
To: McHenry, James

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon April 1st 1789

With a heart duly impressed with a sense of the kind invitation you have been pleased to give me to your House I receivd your favor of the 29th ult., and pray you to accept my thanks for this farther testimony of your polite attention to me; but at the same time I offer you this tribute of my gratitude, I must beg your excuse for not complying with the request. For, however pleasing it might be to me, on any other occasion, to render this proof of my regard for you, I cannot consistently with my ideas of propriety (under the existing circumstances) consent to give so much trouble to a private family. The party that may possibly attend me—the crowd that always gather on novel occasions—and the compliment of visiting (which some may incline to pay a new character) all contribute to render a public house the fittest place for scenes of bustle & trouble.
Mrs Washington joins me in compliments & best wishes, and with sentiments of very great esteem & regard I remain Dear Sir Yr most Obedient and Affecte Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Milnor, 1 April 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Milnor, William

Sir,
Mount Vernon Apl 1st 1789

I have been duly favored with yr Letter of the 26th Ult.—and had before seen a letter from you to Mr Lund Washington on the same subject. In answer to them both I can say no more to you at present than what I have already invariably said to many—very many others—that if it should be my lot to administer the Government, I am resolved to enter upon my office totally free from every engagement whatsoever—and that in all appointments to Offices as far as my agency in the matter is required—one only rule shall guide me, and that is to consult the

fitness of characters and the public good: for however strong my friendships or however great my inclination towards individual may be, they will never make me swerve knowingly from this rule. I do not say this as any discouragement to your application—on the contrary it would give me great pleasure to see you placed in a situation agreeable to your wishes and merits—As a step towards it (your conduct, & walk of life having for many years been unknown to me) I would advise you to obtain the most ample testimony of your sobriety Industry &ca from the well known & respectable characters of your City this would be a proper ground for recommendation to any Office to be built on. I am &ca

G.W.


Title: To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 2 April 1789
From: Biddle, Clement
To: Washington, George

[Philadelphia] April 2d 1789

By Capt. Earle of the Sloop Union who is sailed for Alexandria I shipped the Articles noted at foot and directed them to the Care of Messrs Porter & Ingraham, the Captn has the Certificate of their being american Manufactured, there was no Spanish to be had & I sent a Barrel refined at our Sugar Houses which is the nearest of that quality—I could get only sixty three & ½ Bushels of the Buckwheat in time & agreed for the freight at 8d. ⅌ Bushels Pennsa Cury. I had Engaged the 250 Bushels but several days Rain prevented its Coming in but I hope to have it all in time for Capt. Ellwood who is here & Sails next week for Alexandria. The Letter for Thomas Smith Esqr. was sent on immediately by the western Post.
I have spoke for the Hatt of Mr Parish who promises it shall be done—he has the measure. I am &c.

Clement Biddle


Title: To George Washington from John Dandridge, 2 April 1789
From: Dandridge, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
New Kent [Va.] April 2d 1789

I received your letter of the 26th Ultmo, yesterday, with the inclosures—I assure you, that I am sensible of the indulgence you have continually afforded to my Father’s Estate and of your present offer to extend it: But so sensible, also, am I, of the great difficulty in raising cash at present, and so anxious am I to adjust the claims against the Estate, that I shall take the price

fixed on by Colo. Lewis as the value of my land in Gloucester, and shall hold myself ready to make a conveyance agreeable to your directions.
I purchased the land with a view of securing a bad Debt to the Estate, at the price of eight hundred and fifty pounds, about twelve months since—At that time it was thought a low price, and land of the same quality, near it, has since been sold on credit for three pounds the acre: However, rather than sell on credit and be at the expence and risk of collection, I think myself justifiable in conveying it to you on the terms of your Letter.
Harry Innes esqr. of Kentuckey, who contracted with my Father for a moiety of his Land in that country, promised to make me some considerable payments this Spring, thro’ the hands of Genl Wilkinson, who has gone down to the Spanish Settlements with Tobacco: Whatever I shall receive on that account will be reserved for your use, to be applied to discharge your demands against Mr Custis’s Estate, and my Fathers’.
You will be so good as to present my duty to my Aunt & my Love to my Sister & cousins. I am, Sir, with sincere respect your obliged, obt Sert

J. Dandridge


Title: To George Washington from William Heath, 2 April 1789
From: Heath, William
To: Washington, George

Sir
Roxbury [Mass.] April 2nd 1789

After receiving the congratulations of Public Bodies, and public Officers, permit an individual from the private walks of life to approa[c]h your Excellency, and from an heart warmed with esteem affection, and gratitude present his sincere congratulations on your advancment to the first seat of Government in the United States of America, no one more highly participates of the mark of the publick confidence again placed in your Excellency nor can any one more ardently wish you those smiles of Heaven, which shall enable you by a wise and able administration of the Government committed to you, fully to answer

the most sanguine expectations of your fellow countrymen, and again yield the satisfaction of your own mind, that your endeavours for the public good are crowned with desired success.
If in the course of your Excellencys administration of the Government of the United States, you should at any time think proper to honor me with any commands civil, or military, within the compass of my small abilities, I shall be happy if by any exertions in my power, I can in the least aid your administration, or merit your approbation.
Wishing you confirmed health, wise and able counsellors, an agreable and prosperous administration I have the honor to be with every Sentiment of respect Your Excellency’s most Obedient Servant

W. Heath

P.S. Major Henry Sewall who was one of my aids de camp has for some time resided at New York your Excellency will probably recollect him—for abilities as a pen man, a man of strict integrity, and attention to business, I can bear full testimony; I beleive he wishes to devote himself to the Service of the publick, if any place within his sphere should be vacant at any time unless a candidate more eligible should present to fill it, permit me to recommend Major Sewall to your Excellencys notice confident that you will not be disapointed in him—General Knox has knowledge of Major Sewall and of his abilities. I am as before

W.H.


Title: To George Washington from Jacob Broom, 3 April 1789
From: Broom, Jacob
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Wilmington [Del.] April 3rd 1789.

I congratulate you upon the success of that inestimable Constitution, which I had the honor to witness your weighty and influential support and approbation of; and it is with singular pleasure I stand informed, that you have the unanimous suffrages of the Electors, to fill the Chair of first President.
I take the liberty to solicit Your Excellency for an appointment as Collector or receiver of duties and imposts; this being the only Commercial Town within the State, I conceive it extremely probable, Your Excellency will consider it as the proper place for the residence of such an Officer.
Your Excellency may be assured, I could have procured a very general recommendation in my favor; but as I had the honor to be one of the Deputies to the Fœderal Convention, and am, at present a Member of Assembly (a seat which I have filled for several years) I flatter myself Your Excellency will be pleased to consider those situations, as marks of the confidence of my Fellow Citizens, as well as favorable and sufficient testimonials of my Character and Capacity; and which added to your own knowledge of me, will give me a place in your esteem as worthy of such a trust.

The Merchants concerned in the Shipping Business, have desired me to transmit to Your Excellency the enclosed Memorial; which I flatter myself will give additional weight to my application.
If I should be so happy, in the opinion of Your Excellency, as to merit the appointment, the Honor done me shall be held in the most grateful remembrance. I have the honor to be, Sir, with the greatest respect and esteem, Your Excellencys most Obedient, and most Humble Servant

Jaco: Broom


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Harrison, 3 April 1789
From: Harrison, Benjamin
To: Washington, George

My dear Sir
Berkley Apr. 3d 1789

Your favor of the 9th ulto did not reach me till yesterday, the postmaster having by mistake, sent it to the Williamsburg office.
The sentiments you express, and the motives you assign, for taking on you the administration of the American government, I am sure proceed from the heart; and indeed they are such as I knew could alone govern you. If we could always be in such hands, my fears would vanish; but alass, that is not to be expected. My feeble aid, for the short time fate will continue me here, shall most assuredly be given, to render your situation comfortable, and prosperous. It has ever been my line of conduct, to combat every system of government, that my judgment disapproved, with firmness, and decency; but being over ruled, to acquiesce, and indeavour by a prompt obedience to the laws, to carry the opinions of others, into execution.
I can very readily conceive that too much of your time would have been taken up, by pointedly answering your numerous correspondents; and therefore very readily excuse, the trifling neglect of me; from a certainty that it could not proceed from a suspicion, of my entertaining the public, with any of your confidential communciations, either verbal, or by letter. We formerly had a long, and very interesting correspondence, every paragraph of which has been long since buried in oblivion; nor has the public eye ever had a glance at a single sentence of them. That you have been ill treated in that way I know, but you must look nearer home for the authors.
When I took the liberty to communicate to you, my desire of becoming a place man, I had not the most distant idea of extorting a promise of assistance; but only thought it necessary to inform you of my wishes, that your attention might in some degree be turn’d to me. If Colo. Parker, to whom the place was properly given, had continued in it; you would have found me

amongst the last men in the world, that would have attempted to displace him; but the present case is widely different. On his being chosen a member of congress, he unexpectedly resign’d his commission, about ten days before the new government was to take place, which there was no kind of necessity for his doing; and Lindsay was appointed before his resignation was known to a hundredth part of the country. The executive council, was at that time composed of six members only, five of which were present; three of them were in his favor, and the other two with the absent member against him; this being a true state of facts, I did not conceive the application improper; more espcially when I was of opinion, that if the establishment of him had been left to the assembly, that it was next to impossible that he could have got himself confirm’d. The idea of being a place man under any government is disagreable.


Title: To George Washington from Jesse Higgins, 3 April 1789
From: Higgins, Jesse
To: Washington, George

[Newcastle] Delaware State April 3d 1789.

The humble and respectful Application of Jesse Higgins of the Town and County of Newcastle in the State aforesaid, seteth forth.
That your Applicant resigned a considerably valuable employ, to accept the appointment of the Legislature of said State, to the Office of Collector of the Revenue in said County, from the prospect of its affording constant employ and at least a competency for himself & Family—that by the change of Governments, the Revenue is expected to change from the direction of the State Legislatures to the Legislature of the United States, and from direct Tax’s, to duties collected under the title of Impost & Excise. Therefore your Applicant anxious to avoid

being put in a worse situation from the change of Governments and that he may not be deprived of an employment upon which he had depended, but that he may be continued in the same capacity, doth humbly pray for the honorable appointment of Collector of the Revenue of the United States within the Delaware State arising from the Impost and Excise upon Goods &Ca—that not only the conscious discharge of duty hath flattered your Applicant that he merits a continuation, but he hath also obtained the Recommendations of the first official and private Charaters in the State, among whom are the President, sundry of the Legislature, the Treasurer &Ca and is provided with (as he apprehends) sufficient and unexceptionable Securities for the due and faithful execution and discharge of said Commission, the attainment of which shall ever be remembered and acknowledged with unfeigned Gratitude, by your humble Applicant

Jesse Higgins


Title: To George Washington from Rochambeau, 3 April 1789
From: Rochambeau, Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de
To: Washington, George

Calais [France] april the 3th 1789.

The king of England, my Dear general, has recovered his health, and the humour which Was in his head has retaken its ordinary Course—he has retaken his fonctions and works with all his ministers and gives his audiences—the marquis of La Luzerne our ambassador which has Seen him half an hour, did write me that he had found him perfectly well and not even lean’d as he was told—M. Pitt and his ministry, more firm than ever, Enjoys of his triumph and of his good Conduct—the party of the opposition is throwed down, and has no other resource than to wait for a new reign—I believe that the End of this will be peaceable, the fear of a return in that crisis and the situation of our affairs in france Seems to require it—all the North and the East is in fire and I believe it will be made yet a campaign against the turks in spite of the mediation of the Spain.
all the elections for the general States of our kingdom make with very much order and harmony excepted in the provinces of Provence and Bretany where every thing dos with much warmth between the two privileged orders and the third State—yet I hope very much of this general states to restore our finances and to consolidate a good constitution.
We are retained in our commands to maintain good order—every thing dos well in mine in Picardy and Boulonnais, the artois has not yet begun and has more troubles between the orders.
Let me hear of you, my dear general, I hope you have now taken up the Place that all your contrymen were to intrust to you.
my Respects to madame Washington—I have the honour to

be with the most inviolable attachment, My Dear general Your most obedient and very humble servant

le Cte de Rochambeau


Title: To George Washington from Daniel Brodhead, 4 April 1789
From: Brodhead, Daniel
To: Washington, George

Dear General
Philadelphia April 4th 1789.

I most sincerely congratulate you upon your election to the most dignified station in the nation, and I pray God to continue your services to your Country for many years.
As you will soon be involved in a multiplicity of Business, I take the liberty to beg the favor of such Testimonial of my Services in the late army, as you may think me entitled to. I have with reluctance made this application, but as circumstance may render it necessary, trust I shall be excused. With most respectfull Compliments to your Lady I have the Honor to be with the most perfect attachment & respect Dear General your most Obedt Servt

Daniel Brodhead


Title: From George Washington to James Mercer, 4 April 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Mercer, James

Sir,
Mount Vernon 4th April 1789

I have received your letter of the 25th Ulto and likewise one from your Brother Colo. J.F. Mercer of the 29th As nothing can be more disagreeable to me than to put the securities which I have against the Estate of your deceased father John Mercer Esqr. in suit, I have provided he shall fulfill the terms of payment, which he has proposed himself—Namely £200 by the 20th of May—half the remainder by the first of March 1790—and the residue in twelve months from that date. But I must still beg of you my good Sir to use your influence to urge a

pointed performance of this proposal—for to be candid, I must confess that I do not rely implicitly upon these promises—having been repeatedly disappointed after The most unequivocal assurances from that quarter; and I have moreover, good reason to believe that monies have been applied to other purposes which should, agreeably to promises, have been soley appropriated to the discharge of this debt; I am therefore determined, if there should be any failure in either of the payments mentioned above, to put the securities in suit without delay.
The deed which you mention to have delivered to Major Washington was by him it seems put into the Clerk’s Office—but why it has not been sent to me (as I lately requested the Clerk to send all my deeds in his Office) I dont know.
I will thank you to get the deed for the Land bought of your brothers Estate from the Clerk of the General Court, which you was so obliging as to offer to do—and to send it to my Nephew Major George A. Washington (who will transact my business in my absence). With very great esteem & regard I am Sir Yrs &c.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Francis Mercer, 5 April 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Mercer, John Francis

Sir,
Mount Vernon 5th April 1789

The letter with which you was pleased to favor me, dated the 29th Ulto came to hand. For proof of my unwillingness to put the securities I have for the debt due to me for your fathers estate, in suit, I need only appeal to the length of time the money has been due—to the frank and friendly manner in whh I have, from time to time, exposed my want of it; and to the returns which have been made me. What passed between us in Philadelphia on this subject will not, I am persuaded, have escaped your recollection; for I was then assured, in unequivocal terms, that as soon as you returned to Annapolis I might expect to receive £200 cash which you had by you, or could command in a few hours, as part of a large Sum. Instead of which I need not remind you of the small part of this sum which was paid in the month of March following; and that no further notice was taken of the matter till now.
Having seen, you say, the letter which I wrote to your Brother, it is unnecessary for me to add ought to it, to prove the urgency of my present wants. Notwithstanding, to give one more, and the last proof of my disinclination to put the securities in suit, I will suspend the matter upon the payments which are proposed in your letter of the above date, and which you say I may absolutely rely on—Namely—£200 by the 20th of May, or, as I mean to be pointed, say the first of June next—half the remainder by the first of March 1790—and the residue in twelve Months from that date. This being your own proposal, proceeding from resources, you add, entirely within yourself; and on which

I may punctually and faithfully rely—I accede to them; with this assurance, that if there is a failure in either of the payments, I shall not consider myself as bound by this consent. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Elias Boudinot, 6 April 1789
From: Boudinot, Elias
To: Washington, George

My dear Sir
New York April 6th 1789

I do most sincerely & affectionately congratulate my Country, on the unanimous election of your Excellency to the Presidency of the united States.
The importance of this transaction, is so great in my estimation that I consider it, under Providence, as the key-Stone to our political Fabrick. It is from this Consideration alone, that I can rejoyce with you Sir, as a private Friend, on your elevation to this dignified but difficult Office; by which you must again leave, all the sweets of domestic Felicity, which to yourself individually considered, cannot be repaid by all the honors of the world—I feel your delicate Situation—You have no choice in this great Business—Providence & your Country call, and there is no place for a refusal—The Sacrifice is required & the Offering must be made.
My design in troubling you with this Letter, is to assure your Excellency of my sincere respect & good Wishes, with the Share I take in the universal Joy on this Occasion; as well as to remind you Sir of the immense importance of your speedy arrival at the head of the government of the united States—From the shameful delay of some of the Members of Congress, in convening on the day appointed, we are likely to loose the benefit of the Duties on the spring importations—This on a rough Calculation, will amount to twenty, if not thirty Thousand Pounds—The

embarressments which will naturally flow from this Source, need not to be mentioned—I hope that a Bill for raising an immediate temporary Revenue, will be ready against your Excellency’s arrival: every day is big with important Consequences.
If you should make Elizabeth Town a Stage for a Night, I hope Sir, you will not forget that we have Beds and Hearts open for your reception—If your Stage should be at New Ark, my Brother begs the honor of receiving you at his House—I shall try hard to meet your Excellency at Elizabeth Town, if I can obtain leave of Absence.
Mrs Boudinot joins me in partaking deeply & sincerely in Mrs Washingtons feelings on this very important Event, and beg most particularly to be remembered to her. I have the honor to be with every Sentiment of Esteem & Friendship Your Excellency’s Most Obedt & most Hble Servt

Elias Boudinot


Title: To George Washington from Levinus Clarkson, 6 April 1789
From: Clarkson, Levinus
To: Washington, George

Sr
New Brunswick St. New Jersey 6th Aprill 1789

Should your Excey find by a mature investigation of the subscriber character, during the late War, & Life past to merrit an office under the United States, for wc. information I refer your Excy to Govr Livingston Honr Wm Paterson, Ralph Izard, Pierce Butler, Robt Morris, Jno. Jay, Doctor Samuel Johnson, & Chancelor Livingston & other⟨s.⟩ It will afford relief to a numirous family who have suffered considerably by the late glorious revilution—That it may meet wth your Exceys Approbation is the sincear wish off—Your Exy Most Obediant & Hume Sert

Levs Clarkson


Title: From George Washington to James Dunlop, 6 April 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Dunlop, James

Sir,
Mount Vernon 6th April 1789

Your letter of the 3d has been duly received—The Bond of Messrs Montgomerie, Willson, Stewart &ca is in the possession of Mr Keith of Alexandria, along with other papers belonging to the Estate of the decd Colo. Colvil—and the £600 which you propose to pay, towards the discharge of it, may go into the hands of Colo. Robert T. Hoe (The attorney of Lord Tankerville

and his brother Mr Bennett, to the last of whom a considerable debt is due).
For whatever Sterling Sum Colo. Hoe shall pass his rect, the bond will be credited, further than this I dare not go; because as the Bond is for Sterling it can hardly be expected that I should convert the payments into currency at the par of Exchange, if that part should be below the selling price of Bills; or that I can pay as I receive unless there is some Law of this State that will authorize such an act—of which I have had no opportunity, since the receipt of your letter, to make enquiry.
If after the above sum of £600, & a further sum of one hundred pounds sterling, is paid to Colo. Hoe in the manner above mentioned, more money should come into your hands on the above Acct and advice thereof is given to me, I will, if it should suit at the time, receive a draft on Philadelphia or New York—as proposed. I am Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Bryan Fairfax, 6 April 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Fairfax, Bryan

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 6th April 1789

Sometime ago Mr Muse informed me by letter—that he expected an order for the delivery to him of the Papers belonging to the Estate in my possession—I answered they were subject to, and ready for that order whenever presented but as a friend

I would advise him to let them remain in your hands and draw out such only as he might want. To this he seems perfectly agreeable and I mention the matter before I leave home, that if you incline to take charge of them they will be delivered by my Nephew Majr George A. Washington at any time you may call for them.
Old as the date of the enclosed letter is, it has been but lately received. It is my sincere wish that this tedeous and irksome business could be brought to a close; but less then ever will it be in my power now, to afford any aid towards the accomplishment of it. Mrs Bomford must therefore turn her attention to some others as an Attorney, for the purpose of receiving her money, if it ever should be recovered—With best wishes for Mrs Fairfax and your family, and with sentiments of sincere regard and friendship. I am Dr Sir, Yr Most Obedt & Affect. Sert

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Langdon, 6 April 1789
From: Langdon, John
To: Washington, George

Sir,
New York, 6th April, 1789.

I have the honor to transmit to your Excellency the information of your unanimous election to the Office of President of the United States of America. Suffer me, Sir, to indulge the hope, that so auspicious a mark of public confidence will meet your approbation, and be considered as a sure pledge of the affection and support you are to expect from a free and an enlightened people. I am, Sir, with sentiments of respect, Your obedient humble servant.

John Langdon


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Montgomerie, 6 April 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Montgomerie, Thomas

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 6th April 1789

Your favor of the 29th Ulto came duly to hand, since which I have received a letter from Mr Dunlop informing me that he had about £600 Sterling which he was ready to pay on account of the Bond of Messrs Montgomerie, Stewart[,] Wilson &ca but that he had been instructed to do this in Current Money at the par of Exchange. The meaning of which I know not unless there is an act of Assembly authorizing of it (of which, having had little to do in matters of this sort of late years, I profess myself ignorant)—For I conceive if the Exchange was below par this instruction would not have been given and If above it, that it was improper; unless, as I have said before there is an operative law of this State to that effect equally applicable to Debtor and Creditor. As I am only an agent in this business, & shall pay as fast I receive the money it behoves me to act with circumspection; I have, Therefore, requested Mr Dunlop to pay the sum he has in hand to Colo. Hooe, who is the Attorney of Lord Tankerville and his Brother Mr Bennett; to the last of whom there is due from the Estate of Colo. Colvil £900 Sterling independent of interest; informing him, that for whatever Sterling sum Colo. Hooe shall pass his rect, the Bond shall be credited;

for it matters not with me in what manner they settle so I can charge what is receipt for.
In order that there may be a clear understanding of the parties with respect to the payment of interest, on this Bond, I should be glad to know whether it is the determination of the Obligeors to dispute this point, or not: and upon what principle if they do? Between Citizen & Citizen, I am told there is not a single instance in this State, or Maryland that denies it on the contrary, that in the latter some late law has passed exprsly recognizing and directing it: In what then does this case differ from the latter? The Assignees of Mr Semple now the Obligeors in the Bond, are in this case as I conceive his Representatives; was Semple then, in this bargain considered as an alien? or, does others, by becoming paymasters for him, make it a British debt? and even in this supposition, is there any decision in point, by which interest has been stopped? I ask these questions for information, for the principal object of my enquiry is to know, decidedly, the intention of the Obligeors whether they do, or do not mean to allow it. With very great esteem and regard I am—Dear Sir Yr Most Obedt Sert

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Robert Morris, 6 April 1789
From: Morris, Robert
To: Washington, George

Dear sir
New York April 6th 1789

This will be delivered by Mr Charles Thompson, who has the honour to be charged with the Public Dispatches which announce your Election to the first Office in the American Empire—Permit me on this occasion to congratulate your Excellency, not on the appointment to Office, for your honors and happiness were compleat without it, but upon this unequivical

proof of the gratitude of Millions whose sense of your services and virtues is fully manifested by their unanimous Suffrage.
May you, Sir, long continue an instrument in the hands of Providence to dispense happiness to the People who have received Liberty at your hands, and may they ever continue equally sensible of, and grateful for, your Services. You have an arduous task to perform, in which you will have a right to call forth all the assistance which your Friends & the Friends of their Country, can supply—As one of this description I pray you to beleive that every exertion I am capable of will ever be devoted to your aid in the noble attempt to establish an energetic Government for the United States, beleiving as I do that such a Government is absolutely necessary to perpetuate the Liberties, promote the Interests, and secure the happiness of this People. I conclude that the unanimous voice of America is irresistable and that you will soon set out on your journy for this City. Mrs Washington I hope, will accompany you, and as Philadelphia is in the route, Mrs Morris joins me in the request that you will honour us with your company during your stay in that City. And as the journy will be fatiguing, we hope you will make it a resting place of some days, when probably you may think it adviseable to proceed from thence to New York some time before Mrs Washington, in order to get through the first forms of etiquette, and in order to make the necessary arrangements of your Household, in that case Mrs Morris prays that Mrs Washington will gratify her wishes by remaining with us untill all things are ready for her reception here, and she will then have the pleasure to accompany her to New York. Assuring myself of your compliance with these requests, I remain with the highest Respect and sincerest Attachment Dear Sir Your most obedient & obliged hble servant

Robt Morris


Title: To George Washington from William Shippen, Jr., 6 April 1789
From: Shippen, William Jr.
To: Washington, George

Dear & honord Sir
Philadelphia 6. April 1789.

The reason of my taking the liberty to enclose a part of my sons Letter to your Excellency & to give you the trouble of reading it you will see in the extract. The Letter is dated London Feby 2. 1789⟨.⟩ I have not shown the part relative to the treaty of commerce to any one. Mr Shippen will leave Europe in August.
I rejoice with all the citizens of America at your appointment to the first seat in the Empire & am hon’d Sir with the most profound respect & veneration Your obed. & humbe Servt

W. Shippen, Jr


Title: To George Washington from Anthony Wayne, 6 April 1789
From: Wayne, Anthony
To: Washington, George

Sir
Richmond State of Georgia 6th April 1789

Accept of my warmest & sincerest congratulations, upon your appointment to the Presidency of the United States of America! & altho’ it cannot add to the Illustrious Character, you have so justly merited & established through the World, yet it reflects additional honor upon the Western Empire—by a display of her Wisdom—prudence & Gratitude, in the choice she

has made of her greatest soldier—ablest statesman—& truest friend, to preside over her!
The task she has assigned you is ardious—but you are equal to it—the unbounded confidence placed in you, by every class of Citizens (which no other man cou’d expect or hope for) will contribute to render it less difficult—in fact—it is a Crisis that requires a Washington! I am therefore tempted to take the liberty, as an individual, sincerely devoted to you, & to my Country, to pray you to accept of the trust now committed to your charge! & at the same time to offer my ready & best services, shou’d they be at any time wanted, either in the Civil or Military line, in any quarter of America.
have the goodness to pardon this freedom as it flows from the heart of a sincere friend & also permit me to introduce Brigr Genl James Jackson (a representative from the State of Georgia) who I know to be a valuable Citizen—a good Soldier, & an honest man.
I hope to have the honor of paying my respects to you at the seat of Government in the course of the ensuing summer Interim I am with every sentiment of regard & Esteem Your Excellency’s most Obt & very Hume Sert

Anty Wayne


Title: From George Washington to Richard Curson, 7 April 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Curson, Richard

Sir,
Mount Vernon 7th April 1789

I have just received a letter from Mr Shotwell of New York, surviving partner of the House of Embree and Shotwell—informing me that he had shipped a quantity of Clover and Timothy seed to Baltimore for me (no vessel offering for Alexandria) and had directed it to you—As soon as it may arrive I will thank you to have it sent round here in any manner that will be most expeditious, for it is necessary that it should get to hand in a very short time or the season for sowing will be over and an unspeakable disadvantage accrue to me thereby—I have expected it for more than a month past and have delayed my farming business unreasonably for want of it—I should therefore wish to have it immediately, and am willing to allow any reasonable extra expence which may arise from sending it immediately. I am &ca

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Shotwell, 7 April 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Shotwell, William

Sir,
Mount Vernon 7th April 1789

To promise what one does not perform is at all times wrong but in the delay of the Grass-seeds with which you undertook to supply me, I have sustained an irrepairable injury in as much as that my whole system of husbandry is deranged by it. £500 would be no compensation for this disappointment—My spring grain with which these seeds were to be sown, are now almost entirely in the ground and a large part of it up—I have therefore but two alternatives to choose from—viz.—not to sow them this spring, and thereby to have my whole system entirely deranged or by Scattering them over ground which has got hard have little prospect of their vegitating—or to be exposed in that case with little root to injuries from spring or Summer

droughts—or the frosts of Winter—The difference of price between which you were, to furnish these Seeds at and what you say you have now given is no object, though at less than the latter I could with certainty have been supplied from Philadelphia by a Gentleman who has never deceived me—And strange it is that at this late period the seed should go to Baltimore when I have been informed two Vessels have arrived at Alexandria from New York within a few Days. I am Sir your Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Vincent Gray, 8 April 1789
From: Gray, Vincent
To: Washington, George

Honoured Sir,
Dumfries [Va.] 8th April 1789.

From a report, I have understood, that you wanted in your Family a Steward, or rather wood want one it when you arrivd in New York, I have not had the Honour to be personnally known to you, but being sensible of the high & honourable

office which you are now appointed to, I take the liberty to offer my service, to serve you in that capasity, should you find me worthy & capable of executing that office, I expect you wood want a Character with me, before you would make any engagement which I wood wish, & can get you, I expect one from two Gentlemen which I will mention, will be a full sattisfactory one to you, one of them is General Smallwood of Maryland whom I am a neighbours Son of, & who is a perticular friend to me, & the other is the Honble Wm Grayson of Virga who has been acquainted with me for these six years, & who is the greatest friend to me, that I have in the States, & who I have had the Honour to be trusted with business of his, of the highest importance, should any others be necessary, I can get any one else you please, in this part of the Country, I also can inform you that I had the honour of a commission as Lieutenat in our County & Town Militia conferd on me Last year which commisn I now hold, & I also had ⟨the⟩ honour to be appointed by the Governor & council of this state in a branch of the customs, as Searcher at the port of quantico, on Potomack River, which Commission I now hold, & executes, but as the new plan of Goverment will now be put into execution all our commissions as State officers will be abolished, Tho I have every assurety from my Friends the Honble Wm Grayson & the Honble R.H. Lee of geting an appointment in the customs or Militerry, with the honour of your signature, but as I have a desire to see as much of the world as I can I wood for experiance, perfer that birth in your Family to either, being concious at the same time Should you find me worthy & deserving of perferment you wood not be backward in perfering me, Should, only you not be supplyd yet, I flatter my self that I could fill that office much to your sattisfaction, and by droping a line to me, at the post office in Dumf⟨ries⟩ It shall be duly attended to, and answered emediately, with information of my abilities to entitle me to tha⟨t⟩ office, & at 12 or 15 dayes Notice, I could be ready to attend your call, leaving me only time to go to Richmond, to settle with the Auditer of public Acco⟨ts⟩ & write to & receive an answer from Colo. Grayson, which I expect could be done in twelve days, & should you be Supplyd with a Steward, & have any other office that such a person could fill, I shall be very happy

to Serve you, & begs leave to subscribe my self with due respect, your Very Obt and most Humble Servant

Vincent Gray

N.B. I am a young, & single person.


Title: To George Washington from John Marshall, 8 April 1789 [letter not found]
From: Marshall, John
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from John Marshall, 8 April 1789. On 11 April GW wrote to Marshall: “I have duly received your letter of the 8 Instt.”


Title: To George Washington from Ezekiel Forman, 9 April 1789
From: Forman, Ezekiel
To: Washington, George

Sir
Auburn Pennsylvania 9th April 1789

Altho’ my time during the late War was much employed in the business of it, I have no confidence that your Excellency will recollect me, from my signature, and this is no time to urge upon any subject more than becomes absolutely necessary: for this, and other reasons, I must beg to refer your Excellency to others, for information respecting my character, and such requisites as you may be pleased to inform your self about, in consequence of my present application. Presuming the establishment of a Court of Law, under our Federal Government, must of necessity take effect, and expecting such establishment will require a Sheriff, or some Officer to act in that capacity: my present intention in giving your Excellency the trouble of this letter is, to solicit the favor of being appointed to that Office, under what-ever title or description it may assume. This favor I should have solicited in person, but from an apprehension and fear, that it might for a few moments have called your Excellencies attention from more important matters, which I wish not to interrupt.

If your Excellency will be pleased to keep me in mind, respecting this appointment, it will lay me under very great obligations; and if you shall judge this my request consistant with the public interest, which I am sure will govern all your determinations, upon this, and similar applications, I will hope for your Excellencies favourable decision. I have the Honor to be, with the greatest defference and respect, your Excellency’s most obedient, And most Humble Servant,

Ezekl Forman


Title: From George Washington to Crèvecoeur, 10 April 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Crèvecoeur, Michel-Guillaume St. Jean de

Sir,
Mount Vernon 10th April 1789.

I had the honor to receive, by the last post, your very polite letter; and must beg you to accept of my warmest acknowledgments for the felicitations and good wishes which were contained in it.
A combination of circumstances, and events, seems to have rendered my embarking again on the ocean of publick affairs, inevitable. How opposite this is to my own desires and inclinations,

I need not say; those who know me are, I trust, convinced of it. For the rectitude of my intentions I appeal to the Great Searcher of hearts—and if I know myself, I can declare, that no prospects however flattering—no personal advantage however great—no desire of fame however easily it might be acquired, could induce me to quit the private walks of life at my age and in my situation. But if, by any exertion, or services of mine, my Country can be benefitted, I shall feel more amply compensated for the sacrifices which I make, than I possibly could be by any other means.
I am very happy to find, by the translations which you was so polite, as to send me, that there is so essential a change in the political opinions of the French Nation. Indeed, the American Revolution, or the peculiar light of the age, seems to have opened the eyes of almost every nation in Europe; and a spirit of equal liberty appears fast to be gaining ground everywhere, which must afford peculiar satisfaction to every friend of mankind. I have the Honor to be, with very great esteem, Sir Yr most Obedt & most Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Hopkins, 10 April 1789
From: Hopkins, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Richmond April 10 1789

Having been the Loan Officer of the United States in the State of Virginia since the Year 1780, by appointment of the Legislature—and by subsequent arrangments of Congress, not only continued in that Office, but honored in the Year 1785 with an additional appointment of receiver of Continental Taxes within the State, my Views and habits have been formed on the expectaton of holding the Office so long as it may be necessary to the public Interest to continue it, & so long as my conduct shall entitle me to the approbation of Government.
Should it be deemed proper to continue the Office, either under the present arrangments, or with some modifications, I conceive it incumbent on me to communicate to the President of the United States my wishes on this subject, least my silence

may be construed the effect of an inclination to withdraw from public business.
Trusting entirely to my Conduct as a servant of the United States, which may be fully known from the Honble Board of Treasury, I feel a perfect confidence that no application whatever will come before the president of the United States, supported with little pretentions, than that of a public servant whose discharge of the trust reposed in him he ventures to say has Uniformly received the approbation of those under whom he acted. I have the honor to be Sir with the most profound respect the presidents most obedient & Most humble servant

Jno. Hopkins


Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 10 April 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon April 10th 1789

The cloth & Buttons which accompanied your favor of the 30th Ult., came safe by Colo. Hanson; and really do credit to the Manufactures of this Country. As it requires Six more of the large (engraved) button to trim the Coat in the manner I wish it to be, I would thank you, my good Sir, for procuring that number and retaining them in your hands until my arrival at New York.

Not to contemplate (though it is a serious object) the loss which you say the General Government will sustain in the article of Impost, the stupor, or listlessness with which our public measures seem to be pervaded, is, to me, matter of deep regret. Indeed it has so strange an appearance that I cannot but wonder how men who sollicit public confidence or who are even prevailed upon to accept of it, can reconcil⟨e⟩ such conduct with their own feelings of propriety. The delay is inauspicious to say the best of it—and the world must contemn it. With sentiments of the sincerest friendship, I am Yr affectionate

Go: Washington

P.S. The advices by the Mail of this Evening will, surely, inform us of a Quorum in both Houses of Congress.


Title: From George Washington to John Dandridge, 11 April 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Dandridge, John

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 11th April 1789

I have duly received your letter of the 2d Instt—and in replying to it, again assure you, with great sincerity, that whatever my own wants of money may be if you think more than £800 can (by waiting till times get a little better) be had for your Land in Gloucester County it will be perfectly agreeable to me to let the debt due to me from your fathers Estate remain on its present footing. For I do not wish you to part from the land for one shilling less then you think it is worth—nor that you should put the estate to the least in convenience to raise money for me by any other means. If after making this declaration which you may rely on is sincere—you are still more disposed to part with the land at the price mentioned in Colo. Lewis’s letter than to keep it, or to sell it on credit I can, and shall rely on you to make me a good and secure title to it and for having it recorded in the General Court—The doing of which will exonerate the Estate from so much of the debt due from it to me.
Your Aunt, Sister, and others of the family are all well—and join me in every good wish for you, your Mother &ca with very great regard, I am Dr Sir Your Affecte Hble Sert

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Marshall, 11 April 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Marshall, John

Sir,
Mount Vernon 11th April 1789

I have duly received your letter of the 8 Instt—From a bad memory, I can recollect nothing of the circumstances relating to the payment of the money by Colo. Pendleton more than what is stated in my books. The Acct with the Executors of Mr Armstead was transmitted to you—and I find the entry of the Cash paid by Colo. Pendleton to stand thus on my Cash Acct—1765 May 10th To Cash of Mr Edmd Pendleton on Acct of Armsteads Exectrs protest—£100 Virginia Currency—and the payment made by Mr Montgomerie was on the same acct—I do no[t] know of any act by which I have discharged the Executors and taken Mr Armsteads for my debtor; if any such thing has been done the Executors will certainly be able to shew it.
I have been lately informed that Mrs Armsteads sons are dead and have left their families not in very good circumstances. If this is the case—and the payment of the debt due to me would distress them I must beg that you will not proceed any further in the matter, for however pressing my want of money is at present I had much rather lose the debt than that the widow and fatherless should suffer by my recovering it—You will please to accept of my thanks for your attention to the letter which I wrote to your father. And believe me to be, with very great esteem. Sir yours &c.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Daniel Brodhead, 12 April 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Brodhead, Daniel

Sir,
Mount Vernon, April 12th 1789

Your letter of the 4th instant came duly to hand—It would be an arduous, if not an impracticable, task for me to travel over

the ground of services rendered by all the Officers of the American Army (for no line of determination, when the business was once begun, could be drawn) in order to form certificates that would apply to every character, and do equal justice to merit on the one hand, and to candor on the other, nor indeed would my memory, if it is on this I am to depend, enable me to do it—For these reasons, and because (viewing myself in the character of a private citizen) I have had doubts of the propriety of the measure, few, very few certificates have passed from me since my return to private life—and these wholly, I believe, to Officers who were about to leave the country, and thence might have greater occasion for them than those who remained at home, where their conduct was known, and where their commissions would be sufficient evidence to posterity of the rank they sustained in the accomplishment of the revolution. I am Sir, Your most obedient, humble Servant

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 12 April 1789
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir.
Baltimore 12 April 1789.

I have the honor to inclose you, in conformity with the desire of a committee of citizens of this place a copy of an address intended to be presented to you on your way to Congress. It is a small tribute, but I can assure you it contains nothing which every one here does not feel.
I recd your letter of the 1st instant. I must confess your reasons are of the most considerate kind, but you did not know that my house is very large. You no doubt will be governed by circumstances, and should you stay for eight and forty hours will permit me to dispute the point with Mr Grant.
Mr Charles Thompson slept on this side the Susquehannah last night and is expected here this evening. With the most sincere respect and affection I am Dr Sir Your ob. st

James McHenry

Mr Thomson is arrived and leaves this tomorrow morning.


Title: To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 13 April 1789
From: Biddle, Clement
To: Washington, George

Philada April 13th 1789

Inclosed is Invoice of the Buckwheat shipped by the Sloop Charming Polly Capt. Ellwood who sails to morrow for Alexandria—The Captain has not yet Called for the Bill of Lading but it shall be sent by the Vessel with the Certificate to save Duties.
I informed your Excellency that I had again been disappointed (as I had twice before after positive Engagements) of a part of the Buckwheat but as I had so nearly accomplished the Order and no Opportunity again Offers before you will probably pass through I shall wait til then for your directions and am with great Esteem

Clement Biddle


Title: From George Washington to Archibald Moncrief, 13 April 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Moncrief, Archibald

Sir,
Mount Vernon 13 April 1789

I have in my possession a bill of Exchange f[or] 333 24/72 Dollars drawn upon you by Mr Donald of Richmond in favor of David Stuart Esqr. payable five days after Sight—and will thank

you to have the money ready for me to receive when I pass through Baltimore. I am Sir your Most Obedt Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Hickman, Jr., 14 April 1789
From: Hickman, William Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Alexandria April 14th 1789.

Since I had the Honour of waiting on your Excellency at your House for the purpose of soliciting a contrebution from you towards the erection of a Chapel or House of Worship (for the accomodation of the Methodist Episcopal Church) in this Town: I was flattered to hope we should be able to raise a sufficient sum of Money without calling on you, especially at a time when we are apprehensive you cannot with great convenience spare it: but being disappointed in our expectations (not from any unwillingness we discover in our fellow citizens to promote the undertakeing, but from the scarcity & difficulty of raising money) we are constrained tho’ with the greatest reluctance to make this application: and I am authorised by the above society of people in this place, to assure you that whatever sum you may think proper to bestow for the above purpose will be thankfully received at any period during the ensuing Summer (should it not be perfectly convenient for you to give at present) and that it will ever be remembered by them as an additional mark (to the many already given) of your willingness & Zeal to promote every laudible undertakeing, as well as the Happiness & prosperity of this Town in particular—we have been favoured with the subscription of the names of Colonel Hooe, Josiah Watson, George Gilpin, Richard Arell, & several other of the respectable Citizens for (generally) about from Ten to Twenty Dollars, & I have been promised, assistance whenever the building is begun, from Capt. Conway, Capt. Jno. Harper, Mr John Muir, Doctr Brown Colonel Fitzgerald, & indeed, from every

Gentleman but Two to whom I have apply’d; I should have been happy to have seen you, but as I am Just seting out for Berkeley I presume you will be gone to the northward before my return home: should you be inclined to favour our wishes: you will be pleased to lodge some information for me with some of your friends in Alexandria either in writing, or verbally, that we may Know how to make our Calculations—wishing you an agreeable Journey to the north, and all possible Happiness in every event of life. I am with very Great Respect Sir your Obedient Hbe Servt

Wm Hickman Junr


Title: To George Washington from John Jay, 14 April 1789
From: Jay, John
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
New York 14 Ap. 1789

On my Return last Evening from a Fortnights absence in the country, I was informed that proper arrangements for your immediate accommodation were not yet made. Permit me therefore to take the Liberty of requesting the Favor of You to be with me in the mean Time; and if Mrs Washington should accompany you, we should be still more happy. As the measures which were in contemplation on this Subject, would have given an earlier Invitation the appearance of a mere Compliment, it was omitted. I really think you would experience at least as few Inconveniences with me, as in any other Situation here. Your Reluctance to give Trouble will doubtless suggest objections—apprized of this, we shall be particularly careful to preserve such a Degree of Simplicity in our domestic managemt as will render you easy on that Head—In a word—you shall be recd and entertained exactly in the way which if in your place, I should prefer—vizt with plain and friendly Hospitality—You will soon want a Secretary, and it would be convenient to have him near You—Let me therefore add, that I have a Room very much at his Service, and which may as well be occupied by him as remain as it now is—empty.
I cannot conclude this Letter without thanking You, as an american, for generously complying with the wishes of our Country at this interesting period. personal considerations

strongly recommend Retirement, and none but public and national ones could draw you from it. The People at large seem sensible of this, & do you Justice; & I am glad of it for their Sake as well as yours, for the more Justice they do you, the more good you will be able to do them. With the most perfect Esteem & Regard I am Dr Sir your affte & hble Servt

John Jay


Title: From George Washington to John Langdon, 14 April 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Langdon, John

Sir,
Mount Vernon April 14th 1789.

I had the honor to receive your Official Communication, by the hand of Mr Secretary Thompson, about one o’clock this day. Having concluded to obey the important & flattering call of my Country, and having been impressed with an idea of the expediency of my being with Congress at as early a period as possible; I propose to commence my journey on thursday morning which will be the day after to morrow. I have the honor to be with sentiments of esteem Sir Your most obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: Address to Charles Thomson, 14 April 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Thomson, Charles,United States Senate

[Mount Vernon, 14 April 1789]

Sir, I have been long accustomed to entertain so great a respect for the opinion of my fellow citizens, that the knowledge of their unanimous suffrages having been given in my favour scarcely leaves me the alternative for an Option. Whatever may have been my private feelings and sentiments, I believe I cannot give a greater evidence of my sensibility for the honor they have done me than by accepting the appointment.
I am so much affected by this fresh proof of my country’s esteem and confidence, that silence can best explain my gratitude—While I realize the arduous nature of the task which is conferred on me and feel my inability to perform it, I wish there may not be reason for regreting the choice. All I can promise is only that which can be accomplished by an honest zeal.
Upon considering how long time some of the gentlemen of both houses of Congress have been at New York, how anxiously desirous they must be to proceed to business and how deeply the public mind appears to be impressed with the necessity of doing it immediately I cannot find myself at liberty to delay my Journey—I shall therefore be in readiness to set out the day after to morrow, and shall be happy in the pleasure of your company. For you will permit me to say that it was a peculiar gratification to have received the communication from you.


Title: From George Washington to the Mayor, Corporation, and Citizens of Alexandria, 16 April 1789
From: Washington, George
To: Mayor, Corporation, and Citizens of Alexandria

Gentlemen,
[Alexandria, 16 April 1789]

Although I ought not to conceal, yet I cannot describe, the painful emotions which I felt in being called upon to determine whether I would accept or refuse the Presidency of the United States. The unanimity in the choice, the opinion of my friends, communicated from different parts of Europe, as well as of America, the apparent wish of those, who were not altogether satisfied with the Constitution in its’ present form, and an ardent desire on my own part, to be instrumental in conciliating the good will of my countrymen towards each other have induced an acceptance.
Those who have known me best (and you, my fellow citizens,

are from your situation, in that number) know better than any others my love of retirement is so great, that no earthly consideration, short of a conviction of duty, could have prevailed upon me to depart from my resolution, “never more to take any share in transactions of a public nature”—For, at my age, and in my circumstances, what possible advantages could I propose to myself, from embarking again on the tempestuous and uncertain ocean of public-life?
I do not feel myself under the necessity of making public declarations, in order to convince you, Gentlemen, of my attachment to yourselves, and regard for your interests. The whole tenor of my life has been open to your inspection; and my past actions, rather than my present declarations, must be the pledge of my future conduct.
In the meantime I thank you most sincerely for the expressions of kindness contained in your valedictory address—It is true, just after having bade adieu to my domestic connections, this tender proof of your friendship is but too well calculated still farther to awaken my sensibility, and encrease my regret at parting from the enjoyments of private life.
All that now remains for me is to commit myself and you to the protection of that beneficient Being, who on a former occasion hath happily brought us together, after a long and distressing separation—Perhaps the same gracious Providence will again indulge us with the same heartfelt felicity. But words, my fellow-citizens, fail me: Unutterable sensations must then be left to more expressive silence: while, from an aching heart, I bid you all, my affectionate friends, and kind neighbours, farewell!

G. Washington


Title: To George Washington from Joseph Ward, 16 April 1789
From: Ward, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Boston, April 16th 1789. “At this era, when every moment of your time is precious, I feel reluctance to call one tho’t from public concerns—but the impulse, kindled by the double ardour of affection to my Country, and to her beloved General, is irresistible. When I felt only for my General, I could not consent that his tranquility, and his fame, should again be put to hazard on the boundless ocean of labour, and the wild tempest of politicks—but when I thought only of our Country, my ardour was unbounded for his advancement to guide the nation—Providence, has determined the great question, by an event unparalleled in the world, the voice of a whole Continent—In this Decision, I acquiesce with sensations too pleasurable and strong to be transcribed from the heart.”