Title: From George Washington to David Humphreys, 26 December 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Humphreys, David

My dear Humphreys
Mount Vernon Decr 26th 1786

I am much indebted to you for your several favors of the 1st 9th & 16th of November. The last came first. Mr Morse keeping

in Mind the old proverb, was determined not to make more haste than good speed in prosecuting his journey to Georgia—so I got the two first but lately.
For your publication respecting the confinement of Captn Asgill, I am exceedingly obliged to you. The manner of making it was as good as could be devised; and the matter, will prove the injustice, as well as illiberality of the reports which have been circulated on that occasion, and which are fathered on that Officer, as the author.
It is with the deepest, and most heart felt concern, I perceive by some late paragraphs extracted from the Boston Gazettes, that the Insurgents of Massachusetts—far from being satisfied with the redress offered by their General Court—are still acting in open violation of Law & Government; & have obliged the Chief Magistrate in a decided tone, to call upon the militia of the State to support the Constitution. What, gracious God, is man! that there should be such inconsistency & perfidiousness in his conduct? It is but the other day we were shedding our blood to obtain the Constitutions under which we now live—Constitutions of our own choice and framing—and now we are unsheathing the Sword to overturn them! The thing is so unaccountable, that I hardly know how to realize it, or to persuade my self that I am not under the vision of a dream.
My mind previous to the receipt of your letter of the first Ulto had often been agitated by thoughts similar to those you have expressed, respecting an old fird of yours; but heaven forbid that a crisis should arrive when he shall be driven to the necessity of making choice of either of the alternatives therementioned. Let me entreat you, my dear Sir, to keep me advised of the situation of Affairs in your quarter. I can depend upon your Accts. Newspaper paragraphs unsupported by other testimony, are often contradictory & bewildering. At one time these insurgents are represented as a mere Mob—At other times as systematic in all their proceedings. If the first, I would fain hope that like other Mobs, it will, however formidable, be of short duration. If the latter, there surely are men of consequence and abilities behind the Curtain, who move the puppits. The designs of whom may be deep & dangerous. They may be instigated by British Councils—actuated by ambitious motives—or being influenced by dishonest principles, had rather see the Country plunged in civil discord than do what Justice would dictate to an honest mind.

Private and Confidential
I had hardly dispatched my circular letters to the several State Societies of the Cincinnati, when I received Letters from some of the principal members of our Assembly, expressing a wish that they might be permitted to name me as one of the Deputies to the Convention proposed to be held at Philadelphia, the first of May next. I immediately wrote to my particular friend Madison (& similarly to the rest) the answer contained in the extract N0.1—In reply I got No.2—This obliged me to be more explicit & confidential with him, on points which a recurrence to the conversations we have had on this Subject will bring to your mind without my hazarding the recital of them in a letter—Since this interchange, I have received from the Governor the letter N0.4 to whom I returned the answer N0.5. If this business should be further prest (which I hope it will not, as I have no inclination to go) what had I best do? You, as an indifferent person—& one who is much better acquainted with the Sentiments, & views of the Cincinnati than I am (for in this State, where the recommendations of the General meeting have been acceded to, hardly any thing is said about it) as also with the temper of the people, and the state of Politics at large, can determine upon fuller evidence, & better ground than myself—especially as you will know in what light the States to the Eastward consider the Convention & the measures they are pursuing to contravene, or give efficacy to it. On the last occasion, only five States were represented—none East of New York. Why the New England Governments did not appear I am yet to learn; for of all others the distractions & turbulent temper of their people would, I should have thought, have afforded the strongest evidence of the necessity of competent powers somewhere. That the fœderal Government is nearly, if not quite at a stand none will deny: The question then is, can it be propt—or shall it be anihilated? If the former, the proposed Convention is an object of the first magnitude, and should be supported by all the friends of the present Constitution. In the other case, if on a full and dispassionate revision thereof, the continuances shall be adjudged impracticable, or unwise, would it not be better for such a meeting to suggest some other to avoid, if possible, civil discord, or other impending evils. Candour however obliges me to confess that as we could not remain quiet more than three or four years (in time of peace) under the constitutions of our own choice,

which it was believed, in many instances, were formed with deliberation & wisdom, I see little prospect either of our agreeing upon any other, or that we should remain long satisfied under it if we could—Yet I would wish to see any thing and every thing essayed to prevent the effusion of blood, and to avert the humiliating, & contemptible figure we are about to make, in the Annals of Mankind.
If this second attempt to convene the States for the purposes proposed in the report of the partial representation at Annapolis in September last, should also prove abortive it may be considered as an unequivocal proof that the States are not likely to agree in any general measure which is to pervade the Union, & consequently, that there is an end put to Fœderal Government. The States therefore who make this last dying essay to avoid the misfortune of a dissolution would be mortified at the issue: and their deputies would return home chagreened at their ill success & disappointment. This would be a disagreeable predicament for any of them to be in, but more particularly so for a person in my situation. If no further application is made to me, of course I do not attend. If there is, I am under no obligation to do it; but as I have had so many proofs of your friendship—know your abilities to judge—and your opportunities of learning the politicks of the day, on the points I have enumerated, you would oblige me by a full & confidential communication of your sentiments thereon.
Peace & tranquility prevail in this State. The Assembly by a very great Majority, and in very emp[h]atical terms have rejected an application for paper money; and spurned the idea of fixing the value of Military certificates by a scale of depreciation. In some other respects too, the proceedings of the present Session have been marked with Justice, and a strong desire of supporting the fœderal system.
Although I lament the effect, I am pleased at the cause which has deprived us of your aid in the Attack of Christmas Pyes. We had one yesterday on which all the company (and pretty numerous it was) were hardly able to make an impression. Mrs Washington, George & his wife (Mr Lear I had occasion to send into the Western Country) join in affectionate regard for you—& with sentiments of the warmest friendship I am—sincerely Yours

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 26 December 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 26th Decr 1786

Nothing but the pleasing hope of seeing you under this roof in the course of last month, and wch I was disposed to extend even to the present moment, has kept me till this time from acknowleging the receipt of your obliging favor of the 23d of October. Despairing now of that pleasure, I shall thank you for the above letter, and the subsequent one of the 17th instt, which came to hand yesterday evening.
Lamentable as the conduct of the Insurgents of Massachusetts is, I am exceedingly obliged to you for the advices respecting them; & pray you, most ardently, to continue the acct of their proceedings; because I can depend upon them from you without having my mind bewildered with those vague & contradictory reports which are handed to us in Newspapers; and which please one hour, only to make the moments of the next more bitter.
I feel, my dear Genl Knox, infinitely more than I can express to you, for the disorders which have arisen in these states. Good God! who besides a tory could have foreseen, or a Briton predicted them! were these people wiser than others, or did they judge of us from the corruption, and depravity of their own hearts? The latter I am persuaded was the case, and that notwithstanding the boasted virtue of America, we are far gone in every thing ignoble & bad. I do assure you, that even at this moment, when I reflect on the present posture of our affairs, it seems to me to be like the vision of a dream. My mind does not know how to realize it, as a thing in actual existence, so strange—so wonderful does it appear to me! In this, as in most other matter[s], we are too slow. When this spirit first dawned, probably it migh[t] easily have been checked; but it is scarcely

within the reach of human ken, at this moment, to say when—where—or how it will end. There are combustibles in every State, which a spark may set fire to. In this state, a perfect calm prevails at present, and a prompt disposition to support, and give energy to the fœderal system is discovered, if the unlucky stirring of the dispute respecting the navigation of the Mississipi does not become a leaven that will ferment & sour the mind of it.
The resolutions of the pres[en]t session respecting a paper emission, military certificates—&ca—have stamped justice & liberality on the proceedings of the Assembly, & By a late act, it seems very desirous of a General Convention to revise and amend the federal Constitution—apropos, what prevented the Eastern states from attending the September meeting at Annapolis? Of all the states in the Union it should have seemed to me, that a measure of this sort (distracted as they were with internal commotions, and experiencing the want of energy in government) would have been most pleasing to them. What are the prevailing sentiments of the one now proposed to be held at Philadelphia, in May next? & how will it be attended? You are at the fountain of intelligence, and where the wisdom of the Nation, it is to be presumed, has concentered; consequently better able (as I have had abundant experience of your intelligence, confidence, & candour) to solve these questions. The Maryland Assembly has been violently agitated by the question for a paper emission. It has been carried in the House of Delegates, but what has, or will be done with the Bill in the Senate I have not yet heard. The partisans in favor of the measure in the lower House, threaten, it is said, a secession if it is rejected by that Branch of the Legislature—Thus are we advancing.
In regretting, which I have often done with the deepest sorrow, the death of our much lamented frd General Greene, I have accompanied it of late with a quaere; whether he would not have preferred such an exit to the scenes which it is more than probable many of his compatriots may live to bemoan.
In both your letters you intimate, that the men of reflection, principle & property in New England feeling the inefficacy of their present government, are contemplating a change; but you are not explicit with respect to the nature of it. It has been supposed, that, the Constitution of the State of Massachusetts was amongst the most energetic in the Union—may not these disorders

then be ascribed to an endulgent exercise of the powers of Administration? If your laws authorized, and your powers were adequate to the suppression of these tumults, in the first appearance of them, delay & temporizing expedients were, in my opinion improper, these are rarely well applied, & the same causes would produce similar effects in any form of government, if the powers of it are not enforced. I ask this question for information, I know nothing of the facts.
That G.B. will be an unconcerned spectator of the present insurrections (if they continue) is not to be expected. That she is at this moment sowing the Seeds of jealousy & discontent among the various tribes of Indians on our frontier admits of no doubt, in my mind. And that she will improve every opportunity to foment the spirit of turbulence within the bowels of the United States, with a view of distracting our governments, & promoting divisions, is, with me, not less certain. Her first Manœuvres will, no doubt, be covert, and may remain so till the period shall arrive when a decided line of conduct may avail her. Charges of violating the treaty, & other pretexts, will not then be wanting to colour overt acts, tending to effect the grt objects of which she has long been in labour. A Man is now at the head of their American Affairs well calculated to conduct measures of this kind, & more than probably was selected for the purpose. We ought not therefore to sleep nor to slumber—vigilence in the watching, & vigour in acting, is, in my opinion, become indispensably necessary. If the powers are inadequate amend or alter them, but do not let us sink into the lowest state of humiliation & contempt, & become a byword in all the earth—I think with you that the Spring will unfold important & distressing Scenes, unless much wisdom & good management is displayed in the interim. Adieu—be assured no man has a higher esteem & regard for you than I have—none more sincerely Your friend, and More Affectly yr Hble Servt
Go: Washington
P.S. Mrs Washington joins me in every good wish for you & Mrs Knox, and in congratulatory Compts on the late addition to your family. Will you be so obliging as to give the enclosed a safe conveyance—I have recd one or two very obliging letters from Genl Tupper whilst he was in the Western Country and wish to

thank him for them—but know not in what part of Massachusetts he lives.


Title: From George Washington to Theodorick Bland, 28 December 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Bland, Theodorick

Dr Sir,
Mount Vernon 28th Decr 1786.

I am now about to fulfill my promise with respect to the Drill plough and Timothy seed—both accompany this letter to Norfolk, to the care of Mr Newton. The latter I presume is good, as I had it from a Gentleman (Colo. Levin Powell) on whom I can depend. The former, it is scarcely necessary to inform you, will not work to good effect in Land that is very full either of stumps, stones or large clods; but where the ground is tolerably free from these & in good tilth—& particularly in light land, I am certain you will find it equal to your most sanguine expectation for Indian Corn, wheat, Barley, Pease or any other tolerably round grain that you may wish to sow, or plant in this manner. I have sowed Oats very well with it, which is among the most inconvenient & unfit grains for this machine.
To give you a just idea of the use & management of it, I must observe, that the barrel at present has only one set of holes, & these adapted for the planting of Indian Corn only eight inches apart in the row: but by corking these, the same barrel may receive others of a size fitted for any other grain. To make the holes, observe this rule—begin small & encrease the size ’till they emit the number of grains, or thereabouts, you would chuse to deposit in a place. They should be burnt—done by a gage, (that all may be of a size) and made widest on the out side to prevent the seeds choking them.
You may, in a degree, emit more or less through the same holes, by encreasing or lessening the quantity of seed in the barrel. The less there is in it, the faster it issues. The compressure is encreased by the quantity & the discharge is retarded thereby. The use of the band is to prevent the seeds issuing out of more holes than one at a time. It may be slackened or braced according to the influence the atmosphere has on the leather: the

tighter it is, provided the wheels revolve easily, the better. By decreasing or multiplying the holes in the barrel, you may plant at any distance you please. The circumference of the wheels being six feet or 72 inches, divide the latter by the number of inches you intend your plants shall be asunder, & it gives the number of holes required in the barrel.
The sparse situation of the teeth in the harrow, is designed that the ground may be raked without the harrow being clogged, if the ground should be clody or grassy. The string, when this happens to be the case, will raise & clear it with great ease, & is of service in turning at the ends of rows; at which time the wheels, by means of the handles, are raised off the ground as well as the harrow to prevent the waste of seed. A small bag, containing about a peck of the seed you are sowing, is hung to the nails on the right handle, & with a small tin cup the barrel is replenished with convenience whenever it is necessary without loss of time, or waiting to come up with the seed bag at the end of the row. I had almost forgot to tell you, that if the hole in the leather band (thro’ which the seed is to pass when it comes in contact with the hole in the barrel) should incline to gape, or the lips of it turn out, so as to admit the seed between the band & barrel, it is easily, & must be remedied by rivetting a piece of sheet tin, copper, or brass the width of the band, & about four inches long with a hole through it the size of the one in the leather—I found this effectual. Mrs Washington joins me in presenting the compliments of the season to Mrs Bland & yourself, & with great esteem, I am Dear Sir &c.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to George Digges, 28 December 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Digges, George

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon Decr 28th 1786

Will you permit me, to give you the trouble of enquiring among your friends of the Eastern Shore, now in Annapolis, if I could be furnished with one thousand feet of the best pine plank; precisely 24 feet long (when dressed)—To be without sap, or knots. It is for the floor of my new room.
Many years since, I provided for this, & thought myself secure

of that which was perfectly seasoned. It had been dressed & laid by; but when I was about to make use of it, behold! half of it was stolen, and the other half will match no plank I can now get.
I do not expect to get seasoned plank agreeably to this description; but on whom I might depend for the length & quality, I would wish to know; for if I cannot rely with certainty, I shall immediately write to Norfolk—I would thank you for an answer by the Post. I am—Dear Sir Yr Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Johnson, 28 December 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Johnson, Thomas

Dr Sir,
Mount Vernon 28th Decr 1786.

It gave me pleasure to find by your letter of the 7th that the Petition of the Directors of the Potomac Company had met so ready & favorable a reception in the assembly of Maryland. I am informed that an act similar to the one you sent me has passed the Legislature of this State, but I have received no official advice of it.
Permit me, my good Sir, to ask if there would be a probability of your Assembly’s (if the matter should be laid before it) doing anything to good effect in the case stated in the enclosed letter from Mr Wilson to me. I am one of the Executors, indeed the only surviving one, of Colo. Thomas Colvill; & am exceedingly anxious to have the administration of that Estate closed. I know nothing of the facts mentioned in Mr Wilson’s letter respecting the confiscations, sales, & the motives which led to them, in the instance alluded to, but would be thankful for your opinion & advice thereon.
Mr Brindley promised me by letter in Octor that he would call upon me in his way to So. Carolina, but I have not seen or

heard from him since the date of his letter. We ought undoubtedly to avail ourselves of all the aids we can derive from experimental knowledge in our reach—I concur readily therefore in sentiment with you & Mr Lee, that it would be proper to see what lights Mr Brindley can afford us in conducting the navigation thro’ the little Falls—and the idea of a model for the Locks at the great Falls, I think good for the reasons you offer—the expence will be trifling & the saving may be great.
The lesson you seem fearful of learning will most assuredly be taught us. The strides we have already taken, & are now making, to corruption are inconceivably great; and I shall be exceedingly, but very agreeably disappointed if next Spring does not display scenes which will astonish the world. Nothing, I am certain, but the wisest councils & the most vigorous exertions can avert them. With sentiments of very great esteem & regard I am Dr Sir &c.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Armistead, 29 December 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Armistead, John

Sir,
Mount Vernon 29th Decr 1786.

Many months having elapsed since I informed you in explicit terms of my want of the money which is due to me from the Estate of your deceased Father, without having received any acknowledgement of the letter, I presume it has miscarried. To avoid the like accident, I have taken the liberty of putting this letter under cover to Mr Holmes, at the Bowling-green, who I persuade myself, will do me the favor of seeing that it goes safe to your hands.
It will serve to assure you, Sir, that I was disposed to hope,

considering the long standing & nature of the debt, that you would not have laid me under the necessity of so often reminding you of it, & at length to inform you that however disagreeable it will be to me, I must have recourse to a Court of Justice if the money is not paid me without more delay; for you may believe me when I assure you I am really in want of it. I am &c.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Hull, 29 December 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Hull, William

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 29th Decr 1786.

I informed you in my last, that my own knowledge of the Western Country was rather general than otherwise, but promised to lose no opportunity of collecting every information which I thought might facilitate your intended settlement. Since which time I have had occasion to send Mr Lear out as far as Pittsburg to transact some business for me in that quarter; I directed him to make such enquiries & to gain such information respecting the points touched upon in your letter as would enable me to answer it with more precision than my own knowledge would permit me to do. He has just returned, & I take the earliest opportunity of conveying to you such information as I hope will be satisfactory.
Cattle of every kind may be purchased in the neighbourhood of Pittsburg very reasonably & in any numbers. Iron castings, bar iron &c. may be bought there, & perhaps cheaper than they can be carried out by families that are removing. The prices of the following articles at & near Pittsburgh, will enable you to determine whether it wou’d be best to carry them out or purchase them there.

                   Pennsa Cury

                   Cows
                  £4 d £4:10

                  The Cows are not so large nor so good as those in Nw
                     England.

                   Sheep
                  16/

                   Hogs
                  18/ Cwt

                   Beeves
                  25/ Cwt

                   Corn
                  2/6 d 2/8 pr bushl

                   Wheat
                  3/6 d 4/ Do

                   Flour
                  15/ Cwt

                   Salt
                  20/ & 25/ ⅌ bushl

                   Iron Castings
                  1/ ⅌ lb.

                   Bar iron
                   /8d. do

                   Wrought do
                  2/ do

                   Whiskey
                  3/ ⅌ gallon.

                   Dry goods 40 ⅌ Ct from their cost at
                     Philada.

There is no furnace in the Western Country—the nearest to those parts is on the Potomac, sixty miles below Fort Cumberland. Salt may be purchased at Kentucky cheaper than at Pittsburgh, as they have salt Springs in that Country from which they can supply themselves with that article.
You desired my advice respecting the best mode of effecting your plan; but as you did not point out to me the part of the Country where the settlement is intended to be made; I can only give you my opinion as to the best plan of getting over the Alleghany mountains to the western waters.
I should think it would be well (if the settlers intend going out in large bodies) to send some person into that Country to make proper arrangements previous to their going; such as to procure Cattle & provisions, provide boats to go down the river &c. The families could come to Alexandria by water: from thence to Fort Cumberland which is 150 miles there is a good waggon road. From the latter place it would be best to pursue Braddocks road (which is well settled & has good accomodations upon it) to Red Stone 75 miles from Cumberland, where boats are built for the purpose of going down the Ohio, & which is the general rendezvous for people going into the Western Country. These Boats are flat, very large & capable of carrying forty or fifty Tons: they cost from twenty to thirty pounds Pennsylvania currency,

according to their size. They generally stop at Pittsburgh in their way down, to procure any Articles they may have occasion for: or boats may be procured at that place which is 50 miles from Red Stone old Fort, & the people can embark there. I am &c.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to George Weedon, 29 December 1786
From: Washington, George
To: Weedon, George

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 29th Decr 1786.

I have been favored with your official letter of the  ulto in answer to my circular one of the 31st October; but will you permit me, in a private & friendly manner, to ask if my letter or

a copy of it has been sent to the Vice President, General Gates? You would have perceived that that letter was intended to have met him in the double capacity of President of the State Society, & Vice President of the Genl Meeting. In the former case, as he did not attend the State meeting in Richmond, it was unnecessary that he should be furnished with a copy of it; but as Vice President he ought to be made acquainted with my intention of not attending the latter—the reason therefore of this enquiry is, that if it has not been by the State Society; I may do it from hence.
I should be glad to know the names of the Delegates from this State to the general meeting to be held in May next at Philada.
I shall be ready at all times between this and the appointment of my Successor, to sign any Diplomas which may be presented to me; but it will readily occur to you that after this event takes place my powers wou’d cease, & the signature would be invalid. With great esteem &c. I am

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Pierre L’Enfant, 1 January 1787
From: Washington, George
To: L’Enfant, Pierre Charles

Sir,
Mount Vernon 1st Jany 1787.

The Letter which you did me the honor of writing to me the 6th ulto together with the Memorial which accompanied it came safe, after some delay.
Without entering into the merits of the latter, which I could only do as an individual, I shall regret that your zeal for the honor, & your wishes to advance what you conceived to be the interests of the Society of the Cincinnati, should have led you into difficulties which are attended with such embarrassing circumstances, & from which none but the general meeting (to be held at Philda in May next) can afford you relief. It shall be my care to hand the Memorial to that body for consideration.
In the mean time, if my resources were adequate, it would afford

me much pleasure to advance the sum for which you are engaged; but altho’ there is no legal obligation upon me to disclose the state of my own finances, and in prudence it might perhaps be better to avoid it; yet Sir, as a testimony of my disposition to serve you if I had the means, I will assure you that what with the losses I sustained during the war, in having, almost without exception, the monies which were due to me paid in at a depreciated value, (some at less than 6d. in the pound)—my own Debts now to pay at their intrinsic value, with interest thereon—& other circumstances which are unnecessary to enumerate, I find it exceedingly difficult, without the weight of extraneous matters, to make my funds & expenditures accord with each other.
I can only repeat to you the pleasure I should have had, & shall have in seeing you at this seat of my retirement, if circumstances had permitted, or would permit you to visit it—& the assurances of esteem with which, I am &c.

G: Washington

P.S. Not knowing that the picture mentioned in the postscript to your letter had been sent to this Country; I wrote to the Gentn who did me the honor of offering it (as soon as I received his letter) declining the acceptance under conviction that it would not have justice done it in any situation I could place it in my house—Since it is arrived I am at a loss what further to say on the subject, as my letter has long since been dispatched, & if I recollect rightly was addressed to your care. Perhaps it would be best now to await a reply. G: W——n


Title: Mount Vernon Store Book, January 1787
From: Mount Vernon Store Book
To:

Editorial Note
The Mount Vernon store book preserved at Mount Vernon lists “Articles recd into the Store” between 6 Jan. and 14 Nov. 1787, and “Articles del[ivere]d out of the Store” from 1 Jan. to 31 Dec. 1787; it also

contains the “Rum Acct” from 1 Jan. to 9 Oct. 1787. On the first page of the store book is a listing of the “Skins put into the Vatts Apl 12th 1787” at Mount Vernon farms (House, River, Dogue Run, and Muddy Hole): 32 cowhides, 1 bull hide, 9 calfskins, 6 horsehides, and 7 ass skins. Only the January records for the store are printed here. A transcription of the entire Mount Vernon Store Book is in CD-ROM:GW.

[1–31 January 1787]
Articles recd into the Store

                  Jany

                  6
                  3 Barls Clover seed Contg 10 Bushls @ 54/ pr Bushl each Bushl
                     weighing 68½ lb.

                  10
                  6 sides of upper leather from Fairfax

                  12
                  30 Sides Sole leather from Do, 9 Sides upper leather from Do, 16
                     Sides Do from Do & 1 peice

                  19
                  4 Balls shoe thread

                  20
                  4 lb. of Powder @ 2/6 pr lb.

                  23
                  11 Sides upper Leather from Fairfax

                  26
                  Recd the following Harness belonging to the Baggage Waggon, viz.,
                     2 breast plates—2 pr traces—2 short swingle trees—1 long Do—4 Collars—2 pr
                     Hames—2 pole chains—

                  29
                  11 pr leading lines from the old seine line

Articles del[ivere]d out of the Store.

                  Jany

                  1
                  200 10d. & 400 6d. nails to Mathew
                     for the New Room—400 old 8d. nails deld to muddy hole
                     will for makg doors

                  2
                  400 6d. nails to Green for the Bottle rack—A Ditching line to the
                     Ger[ma]n—4 Mattocks & 3 Axes to Sambo to put helves into & to
                     be returned—Returned—1 handsaw file to Mahony—4
                     Mattocks & 3 axes to Frenche’s Plantation

                  4
                  1 pruning chissel & 2 staves to Muddy hole Will
                     (returned)—100 10d. nails to Muddy hole

                  5
                  200 6d.—200 4d. brads to Mathew for the New Room

                  6
                  1 Bag timothy seed sent to Col. Bland by the Norfk Packt

                  8
                  50 30d. nails to Green for a Chaff box

                  9
                  200 10d. to the Mill

                  11
                  1 side sole leather to Shoemakr

                  12
                  4 Charges of Powder & Shott to Fairfax

                  13
                  1 Ball thread to Shoemaker—1 lb. Powder to Davis to blow Rocks
                     with—50 tacks to Mathw for listing the dining room door—50 20d. nails to Smith
                     the Ship Carpenter

                  15
                  1¼ powder to Davis for to blow Rocks

                  16
                  60 30d. nails to the Ship Carpenter—2 pr leading lines of the old
                     Jack line to Frenche’s Qr.—2 pr plow traces to Do—1 Side upper leather to
                     the Shoemaker

                  18
                  ½ bagg white lead to Mathew, to put on the mouldings in the New
                     Room—1 paper Lampblack to Fairfax to blk Calves Skins

                  19
                  25 30d. & 60 8d. nails to Smith Ship Carpenter—½ lb.
                     Powder to Overseer—1 lb. Shott to Davis

                  20
                  1 side sole leather to Shoemaker—20 bundles Twine to Lawce
                     McGinnis for the Seine

                  22d
                  1 lb. powder to Cornelius to blow Rocks—50 30d. nails to Tom
                     Green to secure rafters in removing Richards House

                  23
                  50 20d. nails to Isaac to bond a Cart body—1 Handsaw file to
                  Do

                  27
                  1 Frying pan for Dutch woman—2 pr Traces, 2 pr Hames, to Frenches
                     Quarter—200 10d. nails to Smith Ship Carpenter

                  29
                  1 Pr leadg lines to French’s Qr.—1 Spade to the Dutchman

                  30
                  1 Spade to Breeche (old one)—1 Side sole leather to Shoemr

                  31
                  100 6d. brads to Mathew

1787 Rum Acct Dr

                  Jany

                  1
                  To 70 Gallons in the Store

                  Rum—Cr

                  Weekly Allowances deld out of the Store

                           To the Joiners & Cornelius
                           10½ pints

                           To Shoemr & Taylor
                           3½ Do

                           To Lawson Ditcher
                           3 Do

                           To the German
                           2 Do

                           To Davy
                           2 Do

                           To Morris
                           2 Do

                           To Muddy hole Will
                           2 Do

                           To Isaac
                           2 Do

                           To Philip illegible Apl 11th
                           2 Do

                           To Thos Green    2 pints
                           3⅝ Gallons

                  Jany

                  12
                  The white people have one bottle per day from this date on acct
                     of the Cyder’s being out

                  4
                  Deld Sam 1 bottle for burng the brick kiln

                  6
                  Boatswain 1 pint for the same purpose—2 Bottles for the
                  house

                  7
                  1 quart to Smith the ship Carpenter—1 qt to Sam for burng the
                     Kiln

                  9
                  1 qt To Do for Do—1 qt to Smith S. Carpenter—2 qts to Mill

                  12
                  2 qts to Do—1 Do to House

                  15
                  2 qts to Mill wrights

                  16
                  1 Do to Smith Ship Carpr

                  16
                  1 Do to Do

                  17
                  2 Do to Millwrights

                  18
                  1 pint to a sick woman at French’s Quarter

                  19
                  1 qt to Ship Carpenter—2 qts to the Millwrights

                  20
                  1 Do to Smith Ship Carpenter—1 qt to the House

                  22
                  2 Gallons to Lawson the Ditcher—2 qts to the Millwrights

                  24
                  2 qts to Do

                  25
                  1 qt to Smith Ship Carpenter

                  26
                  2 qts to the Millwrights

                  27
                  1 qt to Smith Ship Carpenter

                  28
                  2 qts to the Ho.

                  29
                  2 qts to the Mill

                  31
                  2 qts to the Mill


Title: From George Washington to Unknown, 1 January 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Unknown

Gentn
Mount Vernon Jany 1st 1787

I have no superfine flour in my Mill, at present; nor do I believe I have any Wheat that will make such as I should incline to brand with that mark. This being the case, I have not yet attempted to make any; consequently have fixed no price. I will consult my Miller, and if he thinks the Wheat will yield better flour than I expect I will inform you of it, and the price; but request you would not, by placing the smallest dependence thereon, forbear to purchase elsewhere if it is to be had. I am Gentn Yr Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 4 January 1787
From: Randolph, Edmund
To: Washington, George

Sir
Richmond Jany 4. 178[7]

Inclosed I return to you the papers which accompanied your favor of the 25th ulto. It did not reach me, until yesterday morning, when I submitted the whole to the assembly. But the approach of the session to an end forbids them to take up new business. The day after tomorrow is fixed for their departure, and much of what is now before them must be left incomplete. I am therefore desired by the speaker of the delegates to send the papers to you; and to assure you, that the assembly are fully sensible of your readiness to embrace every opportunity to improve the manufactures of our country. You know, sir, that the executive cannot give an establishment or even aid to Mr de la Vallée, without the approbation of the legislature.

Altho’ I was compelled by duty to lay before the council your answer to my notification of your appointment to Phila., I was happy to find them concurring with me, in the propriety of intreating you not to decide on a refusal immediately. Perhaps the obstacles, now in view, may be removed, before May; and the nomination of a successor, if necessary at all, will be as effectually made sometime hence, as now. Perhaps too (and indeed I fear the event) every other consideration may seem of little waight, when compared with the crisis, which may then hang over the united states. I hope therefore, that you will excuse me for holding up your letter for the present, and waiting until time shall disclose the result of the commotions now prevailing. I have the honor sir to be with the most perfect exteem and respect yr mo. ob. serv.

Edm: Randolph


Title: To George Washington from George Digges, 5 January 1787
From: Digges, George
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Annapolis Jany 5. 1787

Mr Gilliss Polk (who is now here) & lives at Salisbury in Somerset County will Immediately upon his return home have the plank sawed agreable to your directions & also will forward it by the first Oppertunity—Our Senate have rejected the Money Bill & this day we expect a Message from them given their reasons. We have done little or no Public Business nor doe I believe we shall as there seems to be a Party for breaking up at all events next Week with Compts to Mrs Washington & family am Dear Sir with great Respect Yr Most Ob. Sevt

Geo. Digges

N.B. I did not get yr Letter till after the post left Town & Mr Powell the bearer of this has promised to forward it.


Title: From George Washington to Daniel Carroll, 9 January 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Carroll, Daniel

Sir,
Mount Vernon 9th Jany 1787.

Your letter of the 26th ult. did not reach me till within these 3 days, or it should have received an earlier acknowledgment.
The Land I advertised for Sale in Fayette County containing 1650 acres or there abouts, by the Patents, may, as a tract, be considered as equal to any in that County, or Country; but as it is my wish that the purchaser should examine it, I will say no

more than that there is an appearance of a rich Iron Ore at the door of the mill, which is now much out of repair.
Small tracts of land in the vicinity of this, of the same quality have sold for three pounds & upwards Pens⟨a⟩ Curry an acre—But if one person will take the whole of mine, I would let it go for Forty shillings that money an acre (payable in specie) one four⟨th⟩ down—the other three fourths in annual payments, with interest [fr]om the date of the Bonds; perhaps a [lo]nger time might be allowed. I am Sir your very Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Nicholson, 9 January 1787 [letter not found]
From: Nicholson, John
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from John Nicholson, 9 January. On 23 Jan. GW wrote to Nicholson: “Your letter of the 9th instant. . . came duly to hand.”


Title: From George Washington to Thomas Seddon & Company, 9 January 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Thomas Seddon & Company

Gentn
Mo[un]t Vernon 9th Jany 1787.

I have received your letter of the 10th of Decemr together with the several numbers of the Columbian Magazine. I thank you for your attention to me in sending the several numbers which have been published, & wish you to consider me a subscriber; as I conceive a publication of that kind may be the means of conveying much useful knowledge to the community which might otherwise be lost, and when it is properly conducted, it should, in my opinion be properly encouraged. I am Gentn &c.

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Charles Carter, 10 January 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Carter, Charles

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 10th Jany 1787.

I should have presented you with an earlier acknowledgement of your favor of the 4th ulto, but expecting to meet the Directors of the Potomac Company, I delayed writing ’till it was over, that I might give you the trouble of receiving one letter only, in answer to the several parts of it.
Having laid before the Directors that part of your letter which respects the opinions of Mr Yates & Captn Harris on inland navigations unincumbered with Locks, I am authorised to say that any information on this head from Captain Harris, containing the principles of the substitutes for Locks, by which so considerable a saving as you speak of can be made, would be most thankfully received; & if upon the investigation or practice on them, they shall be found of such œconomy & utility as is mentioned—

the Board would chearfully give a further proof of their sense of the obligation they would feel themselves under for such important advice.
When you shall have received Mr Yates’s observations on the comparison of the Orchard & New river grasses, I shall be obliged to you for a transcript of them; as I am persuaded they have been made with attention, accuracy & judgment. I have never seen, nor do I remember ever to have read or heard of any grass, denominated Egyptian grass. Whence comes it? From the Country of that name? If so, may it not in fact be our Blue grass, not yet perfectly assimilated by the Climate & soil of this meridian?
I am much obliged by the offer of your farm for the accommodation of my lately arrived Jack Ass; (which I think an exceeding fine one) but as he is too young to cover, being only two years old, & females came along with him, the same attendance does for all of them. And besides as they seem (if I was to form an opinion of the two Jacks from present appearances) to be designed for as different purposes as a Courser and Dray, there will be no propriety in separating them hereafter. The one will suit the strong heavy draft, & the other the light & active one for the road.
I pray you to offer my best respects to Mrs Carter, in which Mrs Washington unites. I am Sir, Your Most Obedt hble Servant

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Deakins, 10 January 1787 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Deakins, William Jr.

Letter not found: to William Deakins, Jr., 10 Jan. 1787. Deakins wrote GW on 10 Jan.: “I have your favor of this date.”


Title: To George Washington from William Deakins, Jr., 10 January 1787
From: Deakins, William Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir.
George Town [Md.] 10th Janry 1787

I have your favor of this date. It gives me pain to Inform you I have not yet purchased more than 20 Bushels of Poland Oats

that are in hand. I had Contracted in different Lands for 100 Bushels to be delivered the 1st of this month—but the Farmers from whom I had engaged them, have deceived me, but I have sent out into the Country within these few days past & expect to get you at least 100 Bushels & If possible will make the Quantity 200 Bushels. You may at all Events Calculate to receive at least 100 Bushels by the 15th day of Next month—I am Sir Your Obt Servt

Will. Deakins Junr


Title: To George Washington from William Drayton, 10 January 1787
From: Drayton, William
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Charleston [S.C.] Jany 10. 1787

I should have done myself the Honour of acknowleging sooner the Receipt of your Letter, dated Novr 12th, but that by some unaccountable Delay it did not reach my Hands, ’till a few Days ago.
The Trouble you have had with my Negro Man demands the most grateful Sentiments, & the warmest Thanks from me; altho’ the Event did not answer your kind Intentions on the Occasion.
I beg Leave to offer my most respectful Compliments to Mrs Washington, & to your Nephew and his Lady, & to assure your Excellency, that with the highest Esteem & Regard I am, Sir, your most obedient & obliged humble Servant

Wm Drayton


Title: From George Washington to Bushrod Washington, 10 January 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Bushrod

My Dear Bushrod,
Mount Vernon 10th Jany 1787.

I condole most sincerely with you, my Sister & family, on the death of my Brother. I feel most sensibly for this event; but resignation being our duty, to attempt an expression of my sorrow

on this occasion would be as feebly described, as it would be unavailing when related.
If there are any occasional services which I can render my Sister or any of you, I shall have great pleasure in the execution. If I could discharge the duties of an Executor, I would undertake the trust most chearfully; but in truth I am not in a situation to do this. Already I am so much involved in, & so perplexed with other peoples affairs, that my own are very much unattended to. Happily, there is not the least occasion of my assistance in the administration of your deceased Father’s Estate—Your competency alone is sufficient—for this purpose—when joined by that of my Sister & your brother, the task will be easy. It may be an alleviating circumstance of my brother’s death, that his affairs fall into such good hands, & that each of you have dispositions & capability to do what is proper.
I hope this letter will find my Sister in a better situation than when your’s left her. Every good wish of this family is offered for it, & the sincerest regard for you all. With unfeigned Affection I am &c.

G: Washington

P.S. Mr Lear is returned from the Western Country. In consequence of my request to Majr Freeman, to advance Mr Smith’s fees for the Suit depending on accot of your Lands in Fayette Coty, he has sent me the enclosed, which I forward that you may know how that matter stands. G: W——n


Title: To George Washington from Lafayette, 13 January 1787
From: Lafayette, Marie-Joseph-Paul-Yves-Roch-Gilbert du Motier, marquis de
To: Washington, George

My dear General
Paris January the 13th 1787

It is I Hope Easier for You to Conceive than for me to Express the Painful Sensations I feel, when the long Waited for Opportunity of Hearing from You, Happens at last to Arrive without one line of Yours. the Regularity of Packets is now Reestablished, and they will Return to the Havre the Nearest Port to Paris. This will be entrusted to Colonel franks, who is Coming from a Successfull Negociation at Morocco Where Mr Barcklay and Himself Behaved Very Well. I wish our affairs Had taken the Same turn in Algiers, and think the Best Way to Crush those Rascals should Be a Confederation Betwen the Powers at War with them Each Giving a Certain sum, which Would Be Employed By one Man, or Council of Men, in the fitting out, and Constantly Keeping in Cruize a Naval Squadron Adapted to the purpose. the affairs of Holland are not Settled. the State Holder is Stuborn. Some Patriots Carry their Views Very far. prussia wants to keep up the Splendor, if not the Power of A Brother in law—and france, who of all things is Averse to War, Wants to Conciliate, and throws Cold Water on them all. it Seems that the King of Prussia Has not obtained the Wisdom of His Uncle along with His throne. they Say He will go into frivolities. What Great Britain and the United States will do Respecting the forts I do not know, But know Very Well what I wish America to do,

and what part I would like to Act in the Business. the Empress of Russia is Going to Krimée, and Had Been pleased to invite me there. But I Have Been suddenly detained By an Event Which for a long time Had not taken place in france. the King Has Convocated for the End of the Month, an Assembly of Notables, Composed of principal Men in each order of the Kingdom, not Holding offices at Court, it Will Consist of Hundred and forty Members, ArchBishops, Bishops, Nobles, presidents of the Several parliaments, Mayors of towns. Your only Acquaintances in the Assembly are Count d’estaing, duke de laval, and Your Humble Servant, who Are three Among the six and thirty of the order of Noblesse. the King’s letter Announces an Examination of the finances to Be adjusted, of the Means to alleviate the taxes of the people, and of Many abuses to Be Redressed. You easely Conceive that there is at Bottom a desire to Make Monney Some How or other, in order to put the Receipt on a level With the Expenses, Which in this Country is Become Enormous on Account of the Sums Squandered on Courtiers and Superfluities. But there Was no Way more patriotic, more Candid, more Noble to Effect those purposes. The King and M. de Calonne His Minister deserve Great Credit for that. and I Hope a tribute of Gratitude and Good Will shall Reward this popular Measure. my Earnest Wish, and fond Hope is that our Meeting will produce popular Assemblies in the provinces, the destruction of Many Schlakles of the trade, and a change in the fate of the protestants, Events Which I will promote By my friends as well as my feeble endeavours with all my Heart. I Had Been on the first lists. on the last one I was not, But Before I Could Enquire Which Was the Motive of Exclusion, the Matter Had Been Set to Rights. I will Give You an account of the Assembly, not only Because What Concerns me Cannot Be Stranger to My dear General, But also Because Every thing is interesting which influences the Happiness of 26 millions of People.
You Have Heard of a Certain Beniousky who Wanted to have a legion in our Army and who Has Since Gone to Madagascar on An Expedition in which some Baltimore Merchants, whom I Had Warned Against it, were interested. Beniousky Has pillaged the french Settlement at Madagascar—a few Men were sent to attak Him from the isle of france, and He Was Killed. I am Going to Versailles, and Will Request the Minister to Send Home

what Citizens of America may Happen to be there, as I Understand there is one Among the prisoners with the Badge of the Cincinnati. Beniousky’s whole forces were Under forty White men.
I Have already wrote to You that the Hams are Arrived in the Best order, and paid my best thanks to Mrs Washington. But I Repeat it in this letter as, from the scarcity of Yours, I Hope Many are lost in the Way. This present Has Been Most Agreable in the family, and it is difficult to Express How wellcomed is a Mount Vernon produce at Such a distance.
There is an Italico American of Your Acquaintance Mr Mazzei Who seems to me a Man very well fitted to Be a Chargé des affaire in italy. à propos of chargé des Affaires, Mr dumas Complains that great deal of Monney is due to Him By Congress, and I think it ought to be paid as soon as possible—as to Mr Mazzey I Have told you, and I think writen my opinion of Him, and it Seems to me that Congress Would Make a good choice.
the late disturbances in the Eastern States Have Given me Great deal of Concern and Uneasiness. Not That I doubt of the disposition of the People to put things to Rights When The Evil is demonstrated to them. But in the Meanwhile they Hurt their Consequence in Europe to a degree which is Very distressing, and what glory they Have Gained By the Revolution, they are in danger of loosing By little and little, at least for a period of time Most Afflicting to their friends. I Hope Congress will not take Such a part in the Business as would destroy the Growing ideas of fœderal measures.
Adieu, My dear General, My Most Affectionate Respects Wait on Mrs Washington, Remember me to the Young family, to George and His lady, to Mrs Stuart dr Stuart, doctor Craig, Coll Humphrey, Harrison, fitzjarald all our friends whom You Happen to meet. Remember me most Respectfully to Your Mother, and the Rest of the family. Mde de lafayette, George Your God Son, My daughters, Beg their Most Respects to You and Mrs Washington. God Bless You, My Beloved General, think often of Your Absent and Most devoted friend, Who With all the Sentiments of Unbounded Gratitude, profound Veneration, and filial love Has the Honour to Be for Ever, My dear General Your Most affectionate, and I Know Your Most Beloved friend

lafayette

Should Some thing turn out that may make it proper for American soldiers to join their Standarts—there is one, Colonel Smith Who Will Be Very fond to Go With me, and I With Him.


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 13 January 1787
From: Spotswood, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Nottingham January 13th 1787

I had not lost Sight of the Memorandom given me last fall by Majr Washington, and was about writeing to you when I recd his Favr of decr 30—86.
The crop before last, I unfortunately had some black oat on my Farm, which Caused a mixture among my white Crop, and in order to get them again pure; I picked a few bushles over, and sowed them in a Corner of my Farm, by which means I have a small Stack of pure Seed, out of this I will Spare some—You no doubt will think them Fine, but I do assure you they are trash to what they were last Year, Occasioned by there being Sewn in very rich ground, which with the quantity of rain run them up into Straw—I have also procured you two bushles of very Fine Poland Oat, Just in From England, this with what I send you of my kind, will, I hope, put you in seed the next Year—what I

shewed you for barley, my old Farmer Says, is what they Call bear in Scotland, but is Esteemed a Valluable Grain—This also got much injured by the wet weather—but the crop was good, Yielding at the rate of 24½ bus. to the acre—one bushle of this shall be sent—I know not what is Called the bunch pea, Nor what you can allude to, unless it is the white English Field Pea—part of what I have, shall be sent with a pint of the Bunch Homony bean—This last, I am told, is far mor[e] Valluable, than the runing kind—the Crop much greater—and by Growing in a bunch, thach[e]s the Roots of the Corn, and does not injure the Fodder.
Agreable to Your request, in the Majors letter, I have Purchased for you, 150 bushles of Oats of Mr Young, who rents Colo. Balls place Called Travellers rest—From which place, they will be delivered, the price is 2s. 6d. pr bus.—and More may be had shd you want—it wd be well to give about a Weeks notice to me that they may be in readiness.
Betsy joins me in our most afft. Compts to you Mrs Washington—Not Forgeting the Majr & his lady. I am dr Sr with grt regard yrs Mt Sinerly

Alexr Spotswood

The Majrs letter never came to hand, until the 11 January this present Month.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 14 January 1787
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

New York 14 January 1787.

I thank you my dear Sir for your Kind favor of the 26th ultimo, which I received on the 7th instant.
On the dispersion of the insurgents at Worcester, which was dictated more by the inclemency of the weather, and the consideration of having effected their object, than by any apprehensions of coercion from Government, many people were of opinion that the disorders were at an end, and that government

would resume its tone. They did not reflect that the court which was the great object of the insurgent’s assembly, was adjourned—and that having no further business at that time, they went to their respective homes—But as soon as any object presented, they again reassembled, in suffi[ci]ent numbers to effect it. This was the case at Springfield in the County of Hampshire, the inferior Court of which, was to have met, on the last tuesday of December, but were prevented from doing any business by a party of about 300 armed men.
The Government of Massachusetts are now convinced that all lenient measures instead of correcting, rather enflame the disorders—The executive, therefore, have determined on coercion, and they will soon try this remedy, under the direction of our friend Lincoln—I beleive with you, had this measure been tried in the first instance, the rebellion would not have arisen to its present heigth. But it can scarcly be imagined, that it should now fail, if the arrangement should be well taken on the part of government—If it is not administered now, it may be too late in the Spring or Summer ensuing.
You ask what prevented the eastern states from attending the September meeting at Annapolis?
It is difficult to give a precise answer to this question—perhaps torpidity in New Hampshire, Faction, and heats about their paper money in Rhode Island, & Jealousy in Connecticut—Massachussetts had chosen delegates to attend, who did not decline untill very late, and the finding other persons to supply their places, was attended with delay, so that the convention had broken up, by the time the new chosen delegates reached Philadelphia.
With respect to the convention proposed to meet in May, there are different sentiments—some suppose it an irregular assembly, unauthorized by the Confederation, which points out the mode by which any alterations shall be made. Others suppose, that the proposed convention would be totally inadequate to our situation, unless it Should make an appeal to the people of every State, and a request, to call state conventions of the people, for the sole purpose of choosing delegates to represent them in a general convention of all the United States, to consider, revise, amend, or change the federal system in such a manner, as to them should seem meet, and to publish the same

for general observance, without any reference to the parts or states for acceptance or confirmation—were this mode practicable it would certainly be the most summary, and if the choice of delegates was judicious, in proportion to its importance, it might be the most eligible—There are others who are of opinion that Congress ought to take up the defects of the present system, point them out to the respective Legislatures, and recommend certain alterations.
The recommendations of Congress are attended with so little effect, that any alterations by that means seem to be a hopeless business—Indeed every expedient which can be proposed, conditioned on a reference back to the Legislatures, or state conventions seems to be of the same nature.
Some gentlemen are apprehensive that a convention of the nature proposed to meet in May next, might devise some expedients to brace up, the present defective confederation so as just to keep us together, while it would prevent, those exertions for a national character, which is esential to our happiness—that in this point of veiw, it might be attended with the bad effect, of assisting us to creep on in our present miserable condition, without a hope of a generous constitution, that should at once sheild us from the effects of faction, and despotism.
You will see by this sketch my dear sir how various are the opinions of men—and how difficult it will be to bring them to concur in any effective government—I am persuaded, if you were determined to attend the convention, and it should be generally known, it would induce the eastern states to send delegates to it I should therefore be much obliged for information of your decision on this subject—At the same time the principles of the purest and most respectful friendship, induce me to say, that however strongly I wish for measures which would lead to national happiness and glory, yet I do not wish you to be concerned in any political operations, of which, there are such various opinions. There may indeed, arise some solemn occasion, in which you may conceive it to be your duty again to exert your utmost talents for to promote the happiness of your Country. But this occasion might be of an unequivocal nature in which the enlightned and virtuous citizens should generally concur.
Notwithstanding the contra[r]y opinions respecting the proposed convention, were I to presume to give my own judgement,

it would be in favor of the convention, and I sincerely hope that it may be generally attended—I do not flatter myself that the public mind is so sufficiently informed and harmonized, as that an effective government would be adopted by the convention, and proposed to the United States, or that if this were practicable, that the people of the several states, are sufficiently prepared to receive it—But it seems to be highly important that some object should be held forth to the people, as a remedy for the disorders of the body politic—were this done by so respectable a set of men as could be sent to the convention, even if it were not so perfect in the first instance, as it might be afterwards, yet it would be a stage in the business, and mens minds would be exercised on the subject, and appreciated towards a good Constitution—were strong events to arise between this and the time of meeting, enforcing the necessity of a vigorous government, it would be a preparation which might be embraced by the convention to propose at once an efficient system.
Although it may be confessed that a convention originating from the respective Legislatures instead of the people themselves, is not the regular mode pointed out by the confederation, yet as our system in the opinion of men of reflection, is so very defective, it may reasonably be doubted, whether the constitutional mode of amendment, would be adequate to our critical situation—if on an examination this should be found to be the case, the proposed convention may be the best expedient that could be devised—unrestrained by forms, it would be able to consider every proposition fully, and decide agreably to the sentiments of the majority—But in a body constituted as congress is, a single Member frequently may frustrate, the Opinions of 17/18 ths of the united States assembled by representation in that body—There are a variety of other reasons which in my mind have the influence to induce a preference for the convention—but the different opinions respecting it, will probably prevent a general attendance.
In my former letters I mentioned that men of reflection and principle were tired of the imbecillities of the present government—but I did not point out any substitute. It would be prudent to form the plan of a new house, before We pull down the old one—The subject has not been sufficiently discused, as yet in publick, to decide precisely, on the form of the edifice. It is

out of all question, that the foundation, must be of republican principles; but so modified and wrought together, that whatever shall be erected thereon, should be durable, & efficient—I speak entirely of the federal government, or what would be better one government instead of an association of governments—Were it possible to effect, a general government of this kind it might be constituted of an assembly, or lower house, chosen for one two or three years a senate chosen for five six or seven years, and the executive under the title of Governor Generl chosen by the assembly and Senate, for the term of seven years, but liable to an impeachment of the lower house, and triable by the senate—a judicial to be appointed by the Governor General during good behaviour, but impeachable by the lower house and triable by the Senate. The laws passed by the general governmt to be obeyed by the local governments, and if necessary to be enforced by a body of armed men to be kept for the purposes which should be designated—All national objects, to be designed and executed by the general government, without any reference to the local governments. This rude sketch is considered as the government of the least possible powers, to preserve the confederated government—To attempt to establish less, will be to hazard the existence of republicanism, and to subject us, either to a division of the European powers, or to a despotism arising from highhanded commotions.
I have thus my dear sir obeyed what seemed to be your desire, and given you, the ideas which have presented themselves from reflection, and the opinion of others—May heaven direct us to the best means for the dignity, and happiness of the United States.
I hinted in the former part of this letter that the executive, of Massahusetts were determined on coercion under the auspices of Genl Lincoln. He will begin his operations on the 20th instant, with a body of 4000 men, including six companies of artille[r]y with field peices—They will be drafted from the militia for a certain time—If the insurgents decline meeting him in force at Worcester the 23d instant, to which time the court of commonpleas is adjourned, he will proceed to Hampshire County & Berkshire, at which places the Courts will also sit—If the insurgents decline meetg him at those places, he will detach parties to bring him in the most culpable in order for a trial by Law.

The process of this business will be interesting, and its issue important, both of which I shall do myself the pleasure of informing you.
Mrs Knox thanks Mrs Washington and you, with great sincerity for your kind wishes, and prays that you both may enjoy every happiness to which I say amen. I am my dear Sir with the most respectful & unalterable affection Your very humble Sevt

H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from Horatio Gates, 19 January 1787
From: Gates, Horatio
To: Washington, George

Sir
Travellors-Rest 19th January, 1787:—

By the last Alexandria Post I had the Honour to receive Your Excellency’s Letter of the 8th of November, Inclosing your Circular Letter of the 31st of October. I am truly Sorry Your Excellency

Declines the Presidency of The Cincinnati, as I conceive your continuing at the Head of the Society, indispensibly necessary to the Support of The Order. The very high consideration and Respect, in which the whole Continent agree to place Your Excellency, is absolutely requisite, to defeat the ungenerous Designs of the Enemies of the Order from prevailing against it. I am happy to find, that in this Critical Hour, The Legislature have thought proper to call upon Your Excellency, to Step forth to Rescue Us from Anarchy, by placing you at the Head of that Committee, which is to meet the 2d of May, in Philadelphia; this is so Important a Station; & the Crisis which calls for it so alarming; that I will not believe Your Excellencys Patriotism, & High Regard for Civil Liberty, will permit you to Decline it; you will there Sir, be upon the Spot, where the Representatives of the Cincinnati so Ardently desire to see there President. I think with Your Excellency, that the Malevolence, & Illiberal Jealousy, which attacked The Order in great measure done away, and good Men are ashamed it ever was countenanced. Unconnected, & Unsupported, I cannot think of being, even for a day, placed at the Head of The Institution—For unless your Excellency continues there The Dignity of The Order will be Diminished—Heaven Grant that may not be a prelude to the Greatest Misfortune that eer befall a Free People. With the Sincerest Sentiments of the Highest Consideration, & Respect, I have the Honour to be Sir Your most Obedient Humble Servant,

Horatio Gates


Title: To George Washington from Battaile Muse, 20 January 1787
From: Muse, Battaile
To: Washington, George

Honourable Sir
Jany 20th 1787

your Favour dated the 3d of Instant Came To hand Two days ago, I have not received One shilling of money From the Tenants Since I was down, altho I have been Very pushing and have distressed Mr Grantom for the Last years rent and arrears in order To bring Him to a Sence of his duty, as He is Very able To Pay So Very Lo a rent on Such Rich Land. I wish to Indulge the People untill march, if they will not Pay then, I shall distress them the first week in april, unless they give me Proof that they will Pay Soon after—I expect To be down in april when you Shall be Fully informed respecting Every matter, and as often before as Circumstances will admitt of. I Shall Set out in about three of Four days To Visit the Tenants in Fauquier Cty—In order To Spurr them on I shall go To Every Tenament To Examine their Conduct I have heard Frequently From them, that I am not To Expect more than £20 this Trip & that uncertain—there are Two Lotts on Cattins run Goose creek—and Two on the upper Tract unrented, I Fear I must Lower the rents or Suffer the Tenaments To go To ruin; I will do the best I can with them.
With Regard to Tompson—Rector & Kennady I have not yet determind in What manner I shall Proseed against them—I am of opinion there is but Little or no hopes of doing any thing with them.
Enclosed is and order on Mr Wales, I have written To Him on the Subject—but I wish you To Notify Him in order that He may be Punctual Should He Fail I Expect I Shall be able To raise that Sum by that Time & I have wrote To Mr Wales that in Case He Should not be able To raise the money To inform me that I may Endeavour To Accomplish it. Money is hearder To Collect than I Ever Knew it—I wish To hear From you about the First of next Month. I am Sir your Obedient Humble Servant.

Battaile Muse

N.B. I have belonging To Colo. Fairfax about 180 lb. of Butter 50 or 60 lbs. is Fresh—if you are in want Please To inform me, my price is 1s. ⅌ lb. for the whole I beleave it’s good & reather than Sell it for a less price I would chews To make use of it on

this Estate It was all made by my House Servt if you require it Please To Inform me by the First Opportunity. I am Sir your Most Obedient. B.M.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 21 January 1787
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

New York 21st January 1787.

I wrote you my dear Sir last week and then mentioned to you the operations against the insurgents were to commence the 19th or 20th since then I have received in confidence the enclosed orders of the governor. You will be able having this for the explanation to judge more clearly of the progress of the business. You will please to retain these papers in your hands for although, no object will be frustrated by a publication in Virginia yet my friend who communicated them would not like to have it known that he did so.
I have no clear information of the determination of the insurgents whether they will meet general Lincoln or not—Some verbal information of a gentleman who came through the Country from Boston informs that the insurgents are in high spirits, and declare, that they wish for nothing more than to meet the governmental forces in the field. The great danger to the government appears to me to consist in the circumstance of the insurgents eluding General Lincolns troops, who are drafted for thirty days. The insurgents will know this and if they act accordingly and wait untill the Militia are disbanded, the exertions of government will be rendered abortive. But if they can be brought to face General Lincolns whole force I am persuaded they will be ruined.
After a period of upward of two months when Congress should have met agreably to the confederation, a sufficient number

of members from seven states met one day last week. But not agreeing in the choice of a President they adjourned from day to day. It is expected they will be organized in the course of the present week so far as to proceed to business, that is such business as can be done by seven states. It is probable however that nine states will be represented in two or three weeks. I am my dear Sir with respectful compliments to Mrs Washington Your respectfully Affectionate

H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from John Canon, 22 January 1787 [letter not found]
From: Canon (Cannon), John
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from John Canon, 22 Jan. 1787. On 13 April GW wrote Canon: “I have recd your letter of 22d of Jany.”


Title: From George Washington to David Humphreys, 23 January 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Humphreys, David

My dear Humphreys
Mount Vernon 23d Jan. 1787.

Since I have heard of the robbery of the Mail at New Ark, on the 4th instt, I have been under great apprehension that a long & confidential letter which I wrote to you on the 26th Ulto was in it—My only hope is, a strange one you will say, that the inattention to, and practice of bringing back, instead of exchanging Mails, which frequently happens, and did actually happen about that time may have been the means of its preservation—without this interposition it most assuredly would have been in that mail—To relieve me from this state of disagreeable suspence, I pray you to write me by the first Post after you receive this letter.
All here join me in offering every good wish for you—and with sentiments of the greatest friendship & regard I am—Yr most Affecte Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to John Nicholson, 23 January 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Nicholson, John

Sir,
Mount Vernon 23d Jany 1787.

Your letter of the 9th instant, together with a statement of the Finances of the State of Pennsylvania, came duly to hand. You will accept of my best thanks for your attention & politeness in transmitting to me the above Statement.
The prosperity of any part of the Union gives me a singular pleasure, & I cannot but express the satisfaction I feel at the happy situation of your Finances. I am Sir Your Most Obedt hble Servant

G: Washington


Title: From George Washington to George Gilpin, 24 January 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Gilpin, George

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon Jany 24th 1787.

As (if I understood you rightly the other day at Lomax’s) you are high Sheriff of this County, I shall be obliged to you for the Public accts against me for Taxes, Levies, &ca, that I may make provision, without delay, for payment.
Can you tell me whether the writ against Edward Williams (given to you at the above time & place) has been served?
Mr Brindley & his Son-in-law called here about ten days ago on their way to South Carolina, but appeared so anxious to get

on that I did not press the former to attend to the Service pointed at in Mr Johnson’s letter. I am—Dear Sir Yr obedt

Go: Washington

P.S. If you have not the acct ready please to lodge it at the Post Office where I commonly send twice or thrice a week.


Title: To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, Jr., 24 January 1787
From: Lincoln, Benjamin Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Boston Jany 24 1787

I have the honour to enclose your Excellency the receipt for the bill on Mr Gray from the Agent of Dr Gordon. His detention of it needs an apology but I can only plead in excuse that I was absent from this place the greater part of the last month & had no opportunity of calling for it untill a few weeks since when the present public commotions and the preparations to oppose them really occasioned my forgetting the business.
Your Excellency I hope will excuse me if I should take the liberty of communicating to you a sketch of our present political situation. The General Court at their last Sessions requested the Governor to make use of every necessary and constitutional exertion for suppressing every insurrection & outrage against the Government & pledged themselves to refund the expence. The Governour finding that all the measures which the Legislature had adopted to remove burthens and give relief were Spurned at and that the insurgents were encreasing in inveteracy and in numbers orders were issued about three weeks since to detach a body of militia consisting of 4000 rank & file to take the field under the command of General Lincoln & to remain in service a month from Yesterday. That Gentleman is now at Worcester with 2000. General Shepherd is at the magazine at Springfield with 1000 & General Warner in the neighbourhood of Worcester

with another thousand. The object this force is to embrace is to support the Judicial Courts in the Counties of Worcester Hampshire & Berkshire—aid the civil magistrate—repel all insurgents against the government and to apprehend all disturbers of the public peace. The Insurgents are assembling Four hundred at West Springfield under the command of Luke Day—A larger body at Pelham under the command of Shaize. It seems the general sentiments that about 2000 will take the field. But from the disposition of the Governments troops they probably will not collect into one body. Two of General Shepherds men without arms falling in with a party of Insurgents have been dangerously wounded. Every thing wears the appearance of hostility. It is a happy circumstance that men of principle & property are taking their stands on the side of government and seem universally determined at all hazards to put an end to the present insurrections The General Court will meet the next week and if the western counties continue obstinate a rebellion will probably be declared & martial law put in force Should this take place insurrection I think will soon hide her head: God grant that the period may be speedy or the goodly fabric of freedom will soon be pulled down & thrown into ruins. I must once more beg your Excellency to excuse this freedom I have taken with you in writing this lengthy letter. Knowing that your Excellency must be exceedingly anxious I could not refrain from doing myself the honour of making every communication within my knowledge. I have the honour to be with the highest respect Your Excellency’s humble servant

Benj. Lincoln Junr


Title: To George Washington from Mandrillon, 24 January 1787
From: Mandrillon, Joseph
To: Washington, George

Sir,
[Amsterdam, 24 January 1787]

The 24th of last October I had the honor of sending to your Excellency a memorial containing my submission to the resolution of the approaching General Meeting of the Cincinnati. I am

impressed with the most sanguine hopes, that, as it is under the Auspices of your Excellency that the proposition will be made, I shall be admitted. The Marquis de la Fayette wrote to me that I could not have a more powerful advocate than you, Sir, as you are the President. Be that as it may, if the Statutes of the Society absolutely oppose my election as an honorary member, I beg your Excellency to be persuaded that I shall have no less zeal & desire to inform myself of the interest of the 13 united States, & no less assiduous, on that account, to publish the triumph, the Glory & the examples of wisdom which America offers to Europe.
Your Excellency knows that a writer is always unsatisfied when he wants information respecting any subject upon which he wishes to treat. This, without doubt, will plead a pardon for the request which I make of an exact list of the Members of the Society, and all which relates to its constitution & Laws. I have already many interesting objects, but they will not suffice, and I only wait for this suppliment to compleat a new work which I am about to publish.
Europe is actually engaged in errecting new monuments of Glory, in justice, to you, by adorning your happy Country with the Statue of your Excellency: permit me to give you a Copy of an interesting letter inserted lately in the Parisian Journal; I am employed in answering it, to pay publickly to your Excellency a new tribute of my respect & admiration.
When the subject is well understood, I will venture to say that no one is more capable of writing a good inscription than I am; but the subject here requires superior talents, & I, unfortunatly possess but too much Zeal, receive therefore, Sir, this peice of verse & this inscription, with candour & indulgence.
I would remind your Excellency that I have the image of my Hero continually impressed upon me, & that I should be happy to have it in my power to be interesting to him for a moment. I have the Honor to be, with the most perfect admiration of your Excellency, Sir Yr very Hble & Obedt Servt

Jh de Mandrillon

fellow of the Academies of Science at Holland, Bresse & Philadelphia


Title: From George Washington to Battaile Muse, 24 January 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Muse, Battaile

Sir,
Mount Vernon 24th Jan: 1787

It would seem by your letter of the 3d instt that you had not received my last; in which I desired that whatever money you had, or could command of mine, might be sent to me; or an order drawn on some responsible person in Alexandria; as I was much in want of it. This request I now repeat, as I have, since that time been disappointed of other sums wch I thought myself sure of receiving. & shall be a good deal distressed if I can receive none from you till the late periods mentioned in your letter. I am Sir yr Very Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from William Deakins, Jr., 25 January 1787
From: Deakins, William Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir.
George Town [Md.] Janry 25th 1787

Your favor of the 13th Current did not come to hand till the day before Yesterday, I fear I shall fail in geting you the Poland Oat—some have been Offered, but they were so much degenerated that they Appeared no better than the Common Oat, & the price 25 ⅌ Ct higher I have procured 200 Bushels of the Common Oat of the best Quality & well Cleaned & You may send for them or any part you Want, on Tuesday Next—& Very possible by that time I may get in some Poland Oats, as I have sent one of my Young Men into the Country & If they are to be had he will get them, tho most of our Farmers who have growed them, think them a Very uncertain Crop, & now give the preference to the Country Oat. there are two or three Craft here & I expect I can get them to take down the Oats at 4d. ⅌ Bushel If you want 200 Bushels or Upwards and I can now send You any Quantity you want the price 3/ for the Comn & 3/9 for the Poland this Currency.
Mr Benjamin Reader who goes to Mrs Slauters tomorrow promises to sent his Boy to your House with this, otherwise I

would have sent a Servant on purpose fearing my letter would be Neglected or omitted to be forwarded by the Post master—I am with the Most perfect Respect Sir Your Obt Servt

Will. Deakins Jur


Title: To George Washington from Robert Townsend Hooe, 25 January 1787
From: Hooe, Robert Townsend
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir,
Alexandria Jany 25th, 1787.

I some time last Year mention’d to Major Washington a small Acct which Mr Harrison wrote me he had paid to Mr Carmichael for expences of your Jack Asses in Spain, and as the Major afterwards informed me Mr Carmichael had not given you any Acct of such Payment I wrote to Mr Harrison for the particulars which I now have the Honor to enclose, the Amt is 71¼ Dollars equal to £21.7.6 Va Currency. I am Dr Sir, Yr Excellency’s most Obt servt

R. Td Hooe


Title: From George Washington to Henry Knox, 25 January 1787 [letter not found]
From: Washington, George
To: Knox, Henry

Letter not found: to Henry Knox, 25 Jan. 1787. On 8 Feb. Knox wrote GW: “I have received your favor of the 25 Jany.”


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 25 January 1787
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

New York 25, Jany 1787

I wrote you my dear Sir on the 21st instant and then enclosed you the General orders of Governor Bowdoin—By the post last

evening I have received information from Genl Sheppard, that he took post at the Magazine of the United States at Springfield on the 18th. That the insurgents were collecting in his neighbouhood, and he expected to be attacked by them as the public Stores seemed to be their object—and from a variety of other information I am of opinion that his conjecture will be found to be true, and that they will attack him.
Genl Lincoln’s force was collecting at Weston about 14 miles from Boston on the 19th & he was to be at Worcester on the 23d—The insurgents boast that they will have 5000 strong, but they probably overate their strength in this instance—Should they defeat or disgrace the governmental troops it is probable they then may muster the above number and more—Matters are critically disposed—By the post, which will arrive on the 27th, or by an express sooner, we shall be more fully informed of events which I shall communicate to you by the post on the 29th—In the mean time with respects to Mrs Washington I am my dear Sir Your respectfully affectionate

H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from Jaques Campion, 26 January 1787 [letter not found]
From: Campion, Jaques
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Jaques Campion, 26 Jan. 1787. On 24 Feb. GW wrote Campion: “Your letter of the 26th of Jany came duly to hand.”


Title: To George Washington from John Price Posey, 27 January 1787
From: Posey, John Price
To: Washington, George

Worthy & Most respectfull Sir.
New Kent27th Januy 1787

This will Acknowledge the receipt of your Letter Dated 12th Inst.—the Contents of which Woud have been hurtfull to the Feelings of allmost any Man that Cou’d not have Justified his Conduct but I am happy in this Instance & doubt not I can Satisfie

you that I have not Acte’d with that unjustice to you as you So pointedly have Charg’d me with.
The Answer of Mr Hill to you be not a Little Supriseing to me informing that he had Years agoe Settled the Management of you[r] Estate & the Accounts with me had Allso charg’d me with other Moneys pd by Newton of Norfolk &c. I Shall sir assert Nothing but what I Shall support & Conceale Nothing that may now Support the State of the Management of your Business in 1779 Transacted by Jams Hill & Devenport—prior to that date I had nothing to do with Hill.
I do Assert that I never Settled an Accot with Mr Jams Hill on your Accot (neither did I ever Settle any Accot with him on Acct of the late Mr Custis.) the inclosd state of the Money receivd On your Accot Will fully explain—from the hands of Jams Hill only £130 in July 79. the other Money receivd as the Accot Explains—As for Money from Mr Newton I never receivd a Shilling on your accot or did I know that Newton paid Hill—Mr Hill Soon after He had receivd your letter Chargeing him with Neglect, & unjustice, He made application to me I gave him as a Justification for my Conduct in receivg the Money as a copy of your Letter Stated—Hill than Compaird his Accot & never mentioned that He had made a Settlement with me & the Accot of Cash Agreed—as Allso the Date—Majr D. Ragsdale applyd to Colo. Bassett on Accot Mr Hill (Lately) in Conversation the Colo, informed him I had paid him On your Accot the Certificate of 100⟨0⟩ As Stated—Your Letter of 1779 Desirg my Assistance to Colo. Bassett in bringing a Close of your Business in the hads of Jams Hill was What Authoris’d me to receive the Money as ⅌ Stated, (in that Letter,) a Copy of which Hill promisd to in close you & the Originals Majr Ragsdale has got otherwise I woud inclose it you—You Directed me to be governd intitely by Colo. Bassett He directed me to fund the Money & deliver him the Certificate, untill now I had not the least doubt but Colo. Bassett had given you a full State of the Business—It was not my Business to Close a Final Settlement with Hill Haveing no directions so to do—The Books of Mr Custis’s Estate He deliverd me but I never made a Settlement With him on Accot of that Gentleman—Mr Hill Certainly had given you a Very unperfect Accot & done me much wrong.
I am just return from the Mountains & am this Eve[n]ing informd

that Mr Washington is on his return up—therefor have hurried this Letter & Wish much I coud have Waited on Mr Washington to Mr Hill’s for I will not Suffer Mr Hill or any other man to injure my reputation & More particular to you sir that I ever Wishd to please & the Most ungratefull (that has receivd the favors I have done from you) Cou’d not have thought of Deceiveing.
I Shall be ready when Call’d on to support More fully (by my Vouchers) the Justice of my Conduct & will attend you in Fairfax when you may please to Call on me—in hart I am Sir With every sentiment of respect, Yrs

John P. Posey


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 29 January 1787
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

My dear Sir
New York 29 January 1787.

By an express received by me Yesterday affairs at Springfield were most critically circumstanced. At 4 oClock last Thursday afternoon Genl Sheppard and the insurgents were drawn up in battle array and Shepperd expecting to be momently attacked. Capt. Cushing an officer in the troops now raising was dispatched as an express to Hartford for asistance to Shepperd says that he was confident an action commenced in half an hour after his departure. Sheppard had 1200 rank and file, well armed, and 4 peices of Cannon—Shays had the same number on the ground, and six hundred within half an hours march, part of which were in motion.
Genl Lincoln, who had a large force of 3000 and upwards was probably on the march from Worcester, to join Shepperd, he probably marched from Worcester on Wednesday, but I am apprehensive not in time to save Shepperd—Not having received any subsequent intelligence to the one received yesterday induces rather an unfavorable opinion of the issue, or that no action happened. The post will regularly set out from hence for the four days ensuing. I will inform you of any thing I may receive. I am Dear Sir Your respectfully affectionate humble Servant

H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 30 January 1787
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

New York 30 January 1787

I wrote you my dear Sir by the post of yesterday and stated the high probability of an action between Genl Shepperd, on the part of government, and the insurgents at Springfield on Thursday the 25th instant, but since then I have received no further information. This is a cruel suspense and difficult to account for, but on the principle of the expected action being avoided by some circumstances not known, perhaps by the arrival of Lincoln or some of his force.

I have omitted writing this letter untill the last moment of the mail, in hopes of being able to give you further information. Even if I should receive nothing by the arrival of the post tomorrow I will write you a line. With most respectful compliments to Mrs Washington I am my dear Sir your respectfull affectionate

H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Stone, 30 January 1787
From: Stone, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Dr Sir
Annapolis 30 Jan. 1787.

The Senate and House of Delegates of Maryland having differed upon the Subject of issuing Paper Money on Loan and the latter having appealed to the People I take the Liberty of inclosing You the Papers of each house and if not disagreable I shall be much obliged by a communication of your Sentiments upon a Subject which is likely to create great & perhaps dangerous divisions in this State. and am with perfect Esteem Sir yr most Obt Sert

T. Stone


Title: To George Washington from William Deakins, Jr., 31 January 1787
From: Deakins, William Jr.
To: Washington, George

Sir
Geo[rge] Town [Md.] Janry 31. 1787

Altho I have made the most Anxious enquiry for Poland Oats could not till to day get a Single Bushel, have now sent 7 Bushels by your Boat & I am promisd 30 Bushels more by the end of the Week but such is the want of punctuality amongst Men, that I cannot promise with Certainty that this man will comply with

his promise. When I last Wrote You that 200 Bushels would be ready by Monday last, I had then engaged the Quantity from two of our Most respectable Farmers to be delivered on Saturday last & I at the time Informed them I had appointed that day for You to send for them & that they must not disappoint me but altho I was so pointed they have not yet brought them in, & they live too distant to detain Your Boat till they can be sent for—have therefore engaged of Mr Notley Young (now in town) about 100 Bushels of his Oats which he says are Very good & your Boat will receive them at his Landing, I was promised Early in the Fall a Quantity of Poland Oats in two hands but in them I was also deceived—I am with the greatest Respect—Sir Your Obt Servt

Will. Deakins Jur


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 31 January 1787
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

New York, 31 January 1787

No distinct accounts have arrived but by the post this evening we shall expect some particulars, which I will communicate tomorrow. Thus much is certain that no action has happened. I am my dear Sir Respectfully Your humble Servt

H. Knox


Title: To George Washington from Henry Knox, 1 February 1787
From: Knox, Henry
To: Washington, George

My dear Sir
New York 1 February 1787

Notwithstanding my expectations of receiving particular accounts of the operations against the insurgents in Massachusetts yet I am disapointed by those people who are in some degree obliged by their official connection with me to communicate with me. The two enclosed letters will convey to you the most distinct ideas of the situation of affairs up to the 28th ultimo. I shall continue to keep you informed of the progress of this affair. I am dear Sir Your affectionate Humble Servant

H. Knox


Title: From George Washington to John Francis Mercer, 1 February 1787
From: Washington, George
To: Mercer, John Francis

Sir,
Mount Vernon Febuary 1st 1787

I am perfectly satisfied with your determination respecting the Negroes—The money will be infinitely more agreeable to me than property of that sort. I  will too, if I should want any of those people, procure them on more advantageous terms than I offered.
I beg that the Certificates may be no longer delayed—I have already sunk one hundred pounds specie by consenting to take them at 4 for 1—at the moment I did this, as appeared by the Richmond Gazette which came to my hands a day or two afterwards the price of them was 4½ and five Now Doctr Stuart tells me the latter is with difficulty obtained—I wish therefore to do some thing with these before my loss becomes greater.
The money sent by Mr Diggs came safe. I am Sir your most Obed. Humble Servant

G. Washington