Title: From George Washington to John Adams, 25 September 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Adams, John

Sir,
Mount Vernon 25th Septr 1798.

With all the respect which is due to your public station, and with the regard I entertain for your private character, the following representation is presented to your consideration. If in the course of it, any expression should escape me which may appear to be incompatible with either, let the purity of my intentions; the candour of my declarations; and a due respect for my own character, be received as an apology.

The subject on which I am about to address you, is not less delicate in its nature, than it is interesting to my feelings. It is the change which you have directed to be made in the relative rank of the Major Generals, which I had the honor of presenting to you, by the Secretary of War; the appointment of an Adjutant General after the first nomination was rejected; and the prepared state you are in to appoint a third, if the second should decline, without the least intimation of the matter to me.
It would have been unavailing, after the nomination and appointment of me to the Chief command of the Armies of the United States, (without any previous consultation of my sentiments) to have observed to you the delicate situation in which I was placed by that act. It was still less expedient, to have dwelt more than I did, on my sorrow at being drawn from my retirement; where I had fondly hoped to have spent the few remaining years which might be dispensed to me, if not in profound tranquillity, at least without public responsibility. But if you had been pleased, previously to the nomination, to have enquired into the train of my thoughts upon the occasion, I would have told you with the frankness & candour which I hope will ever mark my character, on what terms I would have consented to the nomination; you would then have been enabled to decide whether they were admissible, or not.
This opportunity was not afforded before I was brought to public view. To declare them afterwards, was all I could do; and this I did, in explicit language, to the Secretary of War, when he honoured me with your letter of the 7th of July; shewed me his powers; and presented the Commission. They were, that the General Officers, and General staff of the Army should not be appointed without my concurrence. I extended my stipulations no farther, but offered to give every information, and render every service in my power in selecting good officers for the Regiments.
It would be tedious to go into all the details which led to this determination; but before I conclude my letter, I shall take the liberty of troubling you with some of them. Previously to the doing of which, however, let me declare, and I do declare, in the most unequivocal manner, that I had nothing more in view in making this stipulation, than to insure the most eligable characters for these highly responsible offices; conceiving that my opportunities, both in the Civil & Military administration of the Affairs of this

Country, had enabled me to form as correct an opinion of them as any other could do.
Neither the Secretary of War, nor myself, entertained any doubt, from your letters to me, and Instructions to him, that this was the meaning and object of his Mission. Unwilling, however, to let a matter of such serious importance to myself remain upon uncertain ground, I requested that Gentleman to declare this in his official letter to you (supposing, as was the case, that the one I should have the honor of writing to you, might be laid before the Public, and that to incumber it with stipulations of that sort, would be improper). Nay more, as the acceptance was conditional, & you might, or might not be disposed to accede to the terms, I requested him to take the Commission back, to be annulled, or restored, according to your conception of the propriety, or impropriety of them. His remark upon this occasion was, that it was unnecessary, inasmuch as, if you did not incline to accept my services upon the conditions they were offered, you would be under the necessity of declaring it; whilst, on the other hand, silence must be construed into acquiescence. This consideration, and believing that the latter mode would be most respectful, as the other might imply distrust of your intentions, arrested that measure.
This, Sir, is a true, candid & impartial statement of facts. It was the ground on which I accepted and retained the Commission; and was the authority on which I proceeded to the arrangement that was presented to you by the Secretary of War.
Having no idea that the General Officers for the Provisional army would be nominated at that time they were, I had not even contemplated characters for those appointments.
I will now, respectfully ask, in what manner these stipulations on my part, have been complied with?
In the arrangement made by me, with the Secretary of War, the three Major Generals stood—Hamilton, Pinckney, Knox. and in this order I expected their Commissions would have been dated. This, I conceive, must have been the understanding of the Senate. And certainly was the expectation of all those with whom I have conversed. But you have been pleased to order the last to be first, and the first to be last. Of four Brigadiers for the Provisional army, one I never heard of as a Military character, has been nominated and appointed; and another is so well known to all those who served with him, in the Revolution, as (for the appointment) to have given the greatest disgust, and will be the means of preventing

many valuable Officers of that army from coming forward. One Adjutant General has been, & another is ready to be appointed in case of the non-acceptance of Mr North, not only without any consultation with me, but without the least intimation of the intention; although in the letter I had the honor to write you on the 4th of July in acknowledgment of your favour of the 22d of June preceeding, and still more strongly in one of the same date to the Secretary of War, which (while here) his Clerk was, I know, directed to lay before you, I endeavoured to shew, in a strong point of view, how all important it was that this officer (besides his other qualifications) should be agreeable to the Commander in Chief, and possess his entire confidence. To increase the Powers of the Commander in Chief—or to lessen those of the President of the United States, I pray you to be persuaded, was most foreign from my heart. To secure able Coadjutors in the arduous task I was about to enter upon, was my sole aim. This the public good demanded—and this must have been equally the wish of us both. But to accomplish it, required an intimate knowledge of the componant parts of the characters among us, in the higher grades of the late army. and I hope (without incurring the charge of presumption) I may add, that the opportunities I have had to judge of these, are second to none. It was too interesting to me, who had staked every thing which was dear & valuable upon the issue, to trust more to chance than could be avoided. It could not be supposed that I was insensible to the risk I was about to run—knowing that the chances of losing, was at least equal to those of encreasing, that reputation which the partiality of the world had been pleased to bestow on me. No one then, acquainted with these circumstances; the sacrafices I was about to make; and the impartiality of my conduct in the various walks of life, could suppose that I had any other object in view than to obtain the best aids the country afforded, & my judgment could dictate.
If an Army had been in actual existence, and you had been pleased to offer the command of it to me, my course would have been plain: I should have examined the Constitution of it; looked into its organization; and enquired into the character of its Officers &ca—As the Army was to be raised, & the Officers to be appointed, could it be expected (as I was no Candidate for the Office) that I would be less cautious, or less attentive to secure these advantages?
It was not difficult for me to perceive that if we entered into a Serious

contest with France, that the character of the War would differ materially from the last we were engaged in. In the latter, time, caution, and worrying the enemy until we could be better provided with arms, & other means, and had better disciplined Troops to carry it on, was the plan for us. But if we should be engaged with the former, they ought to be attacked at every step, and, if possible, not suffered to make an establishment in the Country—acquiring thereby strength from the disaffected and the Slaves, whom I have no doubt they will arm—and for that purpose will commence their operations South of the Potomack.
Taking all these circumstances into view, you will not be surprised at my sollicitude to intrench myself as I did; nor is it to be supposed that I made the arrangement of the three Major Generals without an eye to possible consequences. I wished for time, it is true, to have effected it, hoping that an amicable adjustment might have taken place, & offered, at a very short summons, (inconvenient as it would have been) to proceed to Philadelphia for that purpose; but as no subsequent notice was taken thereof, I presumed there were operative reasons against the measure, and did not repeat it.
It is proper too I should add, that, from the information which I received from various quarters, & through different channels, I had no doubt in my mind that the current sentiment among the members of Congress, and particularly among those from New England, was in favor of Colonel Hamilton’s being second in command—and this impression has been since confirmed in the most unequivocal manner by some respectable members of that body, whom I have myself seen & conversed with, on the subject.
But if no regard was intended to be had to the order of my arrangement, why was it not altered before it was submitted to the Senate? This would have placed matters upon Simple ground. It would then have been understood as it is at present, namely—that the Gentlemen would rank in the order they were named: but the change will contravene this, and excite much conversation, & unpleasant consequences.
I cannot lay my hand readily upon the resolves of the old Congress, relative to the settlement of Rank between Officers of the same grade, who had been in service & were disbanded, while a part of the Army remained in existance; but if I have a tolerable recollection of the matter, they are totally irrevelent to the present

case. Those resolves passed, if I am not mistaken, at a time when the proportion of Officers to men was so unequal as to require a reduction of the former: or when the Army was about to undergo a reduction in part, and the officers might be called upon again. But will a case of this sort apply to Officers of an army which has ceased to exist for more than fourteen years? I give it frankly as my opinion (if I have not entirely forgotten the principle on which the Resolves took place) that they will not: and I as frankly declare, that the only motive I had for examining a list of the Officers of that army, was to be reminded of names. If the rule contended for was to obtain, what would be the consequences, & where would the evil end? In all probability resort will be had to the field Officers of the Revolutionary army to fill similar grades in the augmented, and Provisional Corps which are to be raised. What then is to be done with General Dayton, who never ranked higher than Captain? The principle will apply with equal force in that case as in the case of Hamilton and Knox. The injury (if it is one) of putting a junr over the head of a Senr Officer of the last war, is not ameliorated by the nominations or appointments of them on different days. It is the act itself, not the manner of doing it, that affects.
I have dwelt longer on this point than perhaps was necessary, in order to shew, that in my opinion, former rank in the Revolutionary Army ought to have no influence in the present case, farther than may be derived from superior experience, brilliant exploits, or general celebrity of character. And that, as the Armies about to be raised are commencing de novo, the President has the right to make Officers of Citizens, or Soldiers, at his pleasure; and to arrange them in any manner he shall deem most conducive to the public weal.
It is an invidious task, at all times, to draw comparisons; and I shall avoid it as much as possible; but I have no hesitation in declaring, that if the Public is to be deprived of the Services of Coll Hamilton in the Military line, that the Post he was destined to fill will not be easily supplied; and that this is the sentiment of the Public, I think I can venture to pronounce. Although Colo. Hamilton has never acted in the character of a General Officer, yet his opportunities, as the principal & most confidential aid of the Commander in chief, afforded him the means of viewing every thing on a larger scale than those whose attentions were confined

to Divisions or Brigades; who knew nothing of the correspondences of the Commander in Chief, or of the various orders to, or transactions with, the General Staff of the Army. These advantages, and his having served with usefulness in the Old Congress; in the General Convention; and having filled one of the most important departments of Government with acknowledged abilities and integrity, has placed him on high ground; and made him a conspicuous character in the United States, and even in Europe. To these, as a matter of no small consideration may be added, that as a lucrative practice in the line of his Profession is his most certain dependence, the inducement to relinquish it, must, in some degree, be commensurate. By some he is considered as an ambitious man, and therefore a dangerous one. That he is ambitious I shall readily grant, but it is of that laudable kind which prompts a man to excel in whatever he takes in hand. He is enterprising, quick in his perceptions, and his judgment intuitively great: qualities essential to a great military character, and therefore I repeat, that his loss will be irrepairable.
With respect to General Knox, I can say with truth, there is no man in the United States with whom I have been in habits of greater intimacy; no one whom I have loved more sincerely; nor any for whom I have had a greater friendship. But, esteem, love & friendship, can have no influence on my mind when I conceive that the subjugation of our Government and Independence, are the objects aimed at by the enemies of our Peace; and when, possibly, our all is at stake.
In the first moments of leisure, after the Secretary of War had left this place I wrote a friendly letter to Genl Knox, stating my firm belief that if the French should invade this country, with a view to conquest, or to the division of it, that their operations would commence to the Southward, and endeavoured to shew him, in that case, how all important it was to engage General Pinckney, his numerous family, friends & influential acquaintance, heartily in the cause. Sending him, at the same time, a copy of the arrangement, which I supposed to be final; and in a subsequent letter, I gave him my opinion fully with respect to the relative situation of himself & Colo. Hamilton; not expecting, I confess, the difficulties which have occurred.
I will say but little, relatively to the appointment of the Brigadiers before alluded to; but I must not conceal, that after what had

passed, and my understanding of the compact, that my feelings were not a little wounded by the appointment of any, much more such characters, with out my knowledge.
In giving these details, I have far exceeded the limits of a letter, but hope to be excused for the prolixity of it. My object has been, to give you a clear and distinct view of my understanding of the terms on which I received the Commission with which you were pleased to honor me.
Lengthy as this letter is, there is another subject, not less interesting to the Commander in Chief of the Armies (be him whom he may) than it is important to the United States, which I beg leave to bring respectfully to your view. We are now, near the end of September, and not a man recruited, nor a Battalion Officer appointed, that has come to my knowledge. The consequence is, that the spirit and enthusiasm which prevailed a month or two ago, and would have produced the best men in a short time, is evaporating fast, and a month or two hence, may induce but few, and those perhaps of the worst sort, to Inlist. Instead therefore of having the augmented force in a state of preparation, and under a course of discipline, it is now to be raised; and possibly may not be in existence when the Enemy is in the field: we shall then have to meet veteran Troops, inured to conquest, with Militia, or raw recruits; the consequence of which is not difficult to conceive, or to foretell.
I have addressed you, Sir, with openness & candour—and I hope with respect; requesting to be informed whether your determination to reverse the order of the three Major Generals is final—and whether you mean to appoint another Adjutant General without my concurrence. With the greatest respect & consideration I have the honor to be Sir, Your Most Obedient and Most Humble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Marmaduke Leigh, 25 September 1798
From: Leigh, Marmaduke
To: Washington, George

Sir
Alexandria Sept. 25th 1798

I am told you wish to dispose of your Lands on the ohio river in the State of Virginia, I would willingly become a purchaser of a tract of your Land, particularly that tract below the Little Kenhawa river.
Should the price and terms of payment suit me, As I am acquainted with the quality of your Lands on the ohio river, If you will Let me know your price and the terms of payment I will Let you know if it will Suit me to become a purchaser. I have the honour to be Sir your most obedient Servant

Marmaduke Leigh


Title: To George Washington from the District of Columbia Commissioners, 27 September 1798
From: Commissioners for the District of Columbia
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Washington, 27th September 1798

We do ourselves the pleasure of enclosing you the number of square feet contained in your two purchases made of the public and Mr Carroll. We received Mr Carroll’s answer in writing, on the monday after you left the City, giving his full consent to confirm the Sale of the Lot on the terms proposed, and promising to execute the proper conveyance in the course of the present Week. It may be well to forward a Check to cover the purchase made of him, as his receipt will be requisite to the validity of the Deed⟨.⟩ We enclose a copy of the entry of your purchase made of us.

Mr Blagdin has not yet brought forward his Estimates, but will probably do so in a day or two. If his terms are thought just and reasonable, we will have a proper Contract drawn and forwarded to you for your signature. We have the honor to be, with sentiments of perfect regard and respect, Sir, Yr Mo. Obt Servts

Gusts Scott
William Thornton
Alexr White


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Spotswood, 27 September 1798
From: Spotswood, Alexander
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Fredericksburg Septr 27 1798

Mr Peter favoured me with his Company at Newpost last Tuseday evening; and delivered me your letter of the 24th; with one Inclosed from Mr Anderson to garret; an overseer now in the employ of Mr Fontaine Maury. which letter I forwarded the next day, and this morning had an interview with Garret—he would not determine whether to receive your offer or not until he returned home and Consulted his wife—and in the evening, he Says he will return to town & write Mr Anderson—but observed, that should he agree to take your business; you must be at the expence of moving him up—(the distance will be about 60 miles, 120 going and comeing).
This man having no connections in these parts, and having the character of a good overseer—he engaged with me in presence of his present employer—but in a few days he declared of[f]—in Short his coming to you will depend on his wife—and shd She put in her Negative, it is doubtful whether he will write Anderson.
Therefore to keep you from a State of incertitude—I thought it best to write you the Above for fear garret should fail giving Anderson an Answer. Present me Respectfully to Mrs Washington, Miss custis & I am dr Sir Yr Obt Affect. Hble St

A. Spotswood


Title: From George Washington to William Washington, 27 September 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, William

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 27 Sep. 1798

Late this afternoon Major Simons presented me with your letter of the 22d of July; and anxious to proceed on his journey, proposes to continue it in the morning early: this allows me but little time to say any thing, when I wished to have said a great deal to you.
I have never yet heard whether you have accepted, or declined, your late appointment. The crisis is important, and if the French persevere in their inequitious and nefarious plans; the friends to the Government & Constitution of this Country however desirous they may be of retirement, will be obliged to come forward, and it is better to do it in the first instance, under advantages, than in the hour of necessity, when there is no alternative. This consideration, accompanying my wishes, induce me to hope that I shall see you as a Coadjuter in the Field.
It is to me, a matter of sore regret that the Recruiting service has not commenced, and more astonishing yet, that the Regimental Officers for the Augmented Corps are not appointed.
It has been said (but on what authority I am unable to inform you) that the twelve Regiments, under the Act for augmenting the force of the United States, will be proportioned among them; whereof Virginia, the two Carolinas, Georgia, Tennessee & Kentucky, will be called upon for four; & perhaps the additional Troops of Cavalry. If this plan should be adopted, I presume each of these states will be called upon for a certain part. I do not mean that the authority of the State will be required to furnish them—but that, so many Men will be recruited in each, & furnish Officers in proportion thereto.
To you, I need not remark how all important it is, to get well known & well tried Officers in the several grades—or if that cannot be accomplished—to obtain Gentlemen (not from favor or affection, but from real fitness of character⟨)⟩ to come forward. On a presumption that the aforementioned plan may be adopted, & that no further, or unnecessary delay may take place, let me entreat you, to give me the names of such Gentlemen as you think would fill, with honor & dignity, the several grades of Regimental Officers, in South Carolina—and as far as you are acquainted with them, of North Carolina & Georgia also—annexing the Rank to

the name, and in the order (of each grade) you conceive they are entitled to preference—that is to say—supposing four Captains only should be the proportion of South Carolina, and you give eight, number them one, two & so on. the same of the field Officers & Subalterns. And let me hear from you as soon as possible, by Post.
I write, as you will readily perceive, in much haste; but if I am understood, it is sufficient. I pray you to present me in respectful terms to Mrs Washington, and be assured of the friendship and affectionate regard of Dear Sir—Your Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to the District of Columbia Commissioners, 28 September 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Commissioners for the District of Columbia

Gentlemen,
Mount Vernon 28th Sepr 1798

Your favour of yesterday’s date is received. and enclosed are checks on the Bank of Alexandria for $428.40 amount of payment for the lot had of Mr D. Carroll, which you will please to deliver when the Conveyance is received; and $178.57 being the third of $535.70 to be paid for lot No. 16 in square 634 purchased from you.
I feel very much obliged by the trouble you have taken in this business; and you will add considerably to the obligation, by examining Mr Blagdins estimate accurately, to prevent any imposition upon me: your knowledge of prices, and perfect acquaintance in matters of this kind, will enable you to form a correct judgment of the componant parts, as well as the aggregate amount of the proposed buildings, whereas my unacquaintedness in the present

price of materials—Work men’s wages—&ca—&ca might subject me (if the Undertaker was so disposed) to great imposition. I am willing to pay the full value—according to the Plan, and will sign any agreement you shall approve; relying infinitely more on your judgment in this business, than on any skill I have in it.
There is a matter I often intended to mention to the Commissioners of the City, but have always forgot to do it, when I was at their Board. Eventually it may be interesting to me, and I shall therefore do it now, as it has again occurred.
When I purchased lots No. 5, 12, 13, and 14, in square 667 (at public sale), it was declared at the time, and I have the Surveyors sketch (without any signature however) shewing it, that they were (that is No. 12, 13, & 14) water lots. There is a street between them and the Eastern branch; and if any, not more than a slipe of the bank between the Street and the water. On the strength of this declaration I purchased, & paid pretty smartly for the lots; but in the evidence (received from the former Commissioners) of this purchase, nothing therein contained gives assurance of this fact—and hereafter it may become a disputable point, very much to my injury.
I have troubled you with this statement, accompanied with the Surveyors sketch (to be returned) that you may be enabled to point out the measures necessary to be taken, for my surety, in this case. Indeed, it appears to me that my title to all the lots I have purchased from the Public is incomplete; having no more than certificates thereof; when, on my part the conditions have been fully complied with. With very great esteem and regard I am—Gentlemen Your Most Obedt & very Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Henry Lee, Jr., 28 September 1798
From: Lee, Henry Jr.
To: Washington, George

dear General
G[eorge] town 28th Sepr [1798]

I have at length got to this place & will do myself the pleasure to call at Mt Vernon on my return home.
In the mean time I shd be happy to hear whether you accede to my proposition when last with you of taking good property for the whole debt due to you.
I have houses & lots in the fœderal city: well situated & which to close our business I would part with even at this present dull period, altho the time is fast approaching when property like mine must be in great demand.
Judge Wilsons death places my debt in a worse situation than it was, & it was my faith in that debt that induced me to purchase yr lands.
I make upwards of a thousand b[arre]ls of corn annually in Westm[orelan]d, & would annually supply you with 500 bbls at a fair price should corn suit you. With great respect & affection I have the honor to be yr ob. svt

Henry Lee


Title: From George Washington to Zechariah Lewis, 28 September 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Lewis, Zechariah

Sir,
Mount Vernon 28th Sepr 1798

The best apology I can make, for suffering your letter of the 11th of July to remain so long unacknowledged, is to offer a plain & simple detail of facts.
Soon after it came to hand, I requested a Gentleman of my

acquaintance in Alexandria, to obtain for me the route & distance from that place to the Natural Bridge. This though promised, from causes unnecessary to enumerate, was not accomplished before I was siezed with a fever, which reduced me low, and left me in such a debilitated state, as to render writing both irksome & improper.
After this, I had to apply through another channel for the information you required & enclosed is the result.
I thank you for sending me Doctr Dwights Sermons, to whom I pray you to present the complimts of—Yr Most Obedt & Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Henry Lee, Jr., 29 September 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Lee, Henry Jr.

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 29th Sepr 1798

Your letter of yesterday’s date from George Town is received.
You know perfectly well what my inducements were to part with the property you purchased of me, but rather than have any difficulty, or unpleasant disputes respecting the payments, agreeable to contract, I would take productive property in the Federal City—in Alexandria—or almost anywhere—or any thing productive, or unproductive, at what it would fetch in the market—provided the title is indisputable—but protest decidedly against receiving any where their is the smallest pretensions of others.
As to the present being an unfavourable time to dispose of property in the City, or elsewhere, permit me to observe that it is a question of very equivocal solution. The rise or fall depends upon events, which, under present circumstances, few among us are able to penetrate or foretell the issue. But all this is matter of opinion or speculation, and but little to the purpose.
Point out, if you please, the precise property; the precise situation of it; and, if absolutely free from any incumbrance or disputes. This will enable me to determine, at once, if there be a probability of accomodating matters in the way you propose. It is necessary I should inform you, that I have tried every expedient in my power, to obtain payment of Jesse Simms note, but, as yet, without effect; and that, by looking to my letter of the 8th of Sepr last year, you will perceive that credit was only to be given when paid.
With respect to Corn, I have partly contracted with my Nephew, Colo. Wm Washington of Westmoreland, for an annual supply of 500 Barls.
I hope nothing will occasion your leaving these parts without my

seeing you. I want much to do it on account of some military concerns, and the sooner it can be made to suit your convenience the more agreeable it would be to me. But for the daily expectation I have been in of this pleasure, I should long since have written to you on this subject. With great esteem & regard I remain Dr Sir Yr obedt & affece Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 30 September 1798
From: Hamilton, Alexander
To: Washington, George

My dear Sir
New York September 30. 1798

Your obliging favour of the 24th instant has duly come to hand. I see in it a new proof of sentiments towards me which are truly gratifying. But permit me to add my request to the suggestions of your own prudence, that no personal considerations for me may induce more on your part than on mature reflection you may think due to public motives—It is extremely foreign to my wish to create to you the least embarrassment, especially in times like the present when it is more than ever necessary that the interest of the whole should be paramountly consulted.
I shall strictly comply with the recommendation in the close of your letter; remaining always your very respectful & Affect. Servt

A. Hamilton


Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 30 September 1798
From: Washington, George
To: McHenry, James

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 30th Sep. 1798

I have lately received information, which, in my opinion, merits attention. It is that the brawlers against Governmental measures in some of the most discontented parts of this state, have, all of a sudden, become silent; and, it is added, are very desirous of obtaining Commissions in the Army, about to be raised.
This information did not fail to leave an impression upon my mind at the time I received it; but it has acquired strength from a publication I have lately seen in one of the Maryland Gazettes (between the Author of which and my informant, there could have been no interchange of sentiments) to the same effect.
The motives ascribed to them are, that in such a situation they would endeavour to divide, & contaminate the Army, by artful & Seditious discourses; and perhaps at a critical moment, bring on confusion. What weight to give these conjectures you can judge of, as well as I. But, as there will be characters enough of an opposite description, who are ready to receive appointments, circumspection is necessary; for my opinion of the first are, that you could as soon scrub the blackamore white, as to change the principles of a profest Democrat; and that he will leave nothing unattempted to overturn the Government of this Country.
Finding the resentment of the People at the conduct of France too strong to be resisted, they have, in appearance, adopted their sentiments; and pretend that, notwithstanding the misconduct of Government have brought it upon us, yet, if an Invasion should take place, it will be found that they will be among the first to defend it. This is their story at all Elections, and Election meetings, and told in many instances with effect.
Whether there be little, much, or nothing in the information, I shall not take upon me to decide; but it appeared to me to be of sufficient moment to appraise you thereof. With esteem & regd I am—Dear Sir Your Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Landon Carter, 1 October 1798
From: Carter, Landon
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
Cleve 1 October 1798

Health is a grand object with man; but it becomes all important when the preservation of it in any one person comprehends all the relations of a People; when like a focus the views of all direct to a single point: Permit me therefore to lay before you some leading principles; some conclusions; and some consequent practice, for the security of health.
I believe it is a fact generally admitted, that all the works of nature are sustained by principles which, beyond a certain point, become destructive—or tecknically speaking, “all things contain within them the seeds of their own dissolution.” In pursuance of a conviction of this truth, I sought for that principle in Man: “Dust thou art, and unto [dust] thou shall return” are solemn words pronounced in that last office performed by his weeping friends.
A great modern Philosopher in his nomenclator has arranged five Elements as the constituents of all the variety in nature. one of these I trace to the characterising the matter of Earth—the same is found, by experiment, to form the basis of oils—I therefore suppose it to be the fundamental principle of the animal Œconomy. This principle is also found to be the basis of fixed air, and that compound is denominated an asscid[.] I trace many diseases to an asscid for thier sourze when it is detained in the stomach & is taken up in too great quantities into the system. I conclude then that, by arresting that superabundance while yet in the stomach & before it is taken up I arrest incipient diseases & give it into the hands of the scavenger to be swept thro the bowels properly corrected; so as to be without acrimony to embarrass the way.
To practice upon this rule I compound togeather twenty four of Creme Tarter and Ten of Salt of Tarter and rub them well up in a marble morter. the former is a mild asscid that will resign the alkali to the more sharp asscid on the Stomach—it serves to reconcile the taste of that nauceous Salt, & to Sheath its accridity—and when seperated it serves, itself to blunt acrimony. Out of a quantity in that proportion, I mix into cold water a rising teaspoon full to about an half pint tumbler for a draught—This will give the water, when it is stired up a faint milky cast—if it tastes saltish, it is a sign the powder bears too great a proportion to the water—if it tastes

soapy the Crem. Tart. has been sophisticated, and consequently has not contained the intended quantity of that salt to effect the entire neutralisation of the Alkali—The sophistication also renders it disagreable to the taste, when even by an addition that neutralisation is effected; whereas the mixture if genuine, is nearly as tasteless as water—If powered Crem. Tart., when rubbed between the hands and cast off, does not leave a white dust behind it is genuine, not else.
When I have a bad taste in my mouth—an head ache—a tenseness across the stomach just below—an unusual thirst, or a dry burning heat in my Palms—I consider either of them a summons to take a draught of the mixture; & it fails not more or less to remove those uneasy sensations—These tho they are often, in a healthy subject, removed by natural causes, are the beginning of Disease, when some hiden impediment obviates the benevolent exertion: a recurrence to this mixture will not fail to help nature to overcome the impediment, & thereby wave the threatened malady: they go off chiefly by assorient discharges from the bowels—this is the end of them, when my Powder effects relief: If it is taken even in perfect health, like a wholesome water, it is harmless as is the native beverage itself it has no operation of its own, & only acts at all by the agency of the morbid matter which it corrects; while sheathing its acrimony it moves it along in an healthful discharge.
I have used it with unlimited Success with children, and with Adults I have removed in an incipient State Diarhæas Colds & Coughs (nothing breaks a common Cold better) accute pains, in different parts, caused by wind are surely relieved if taken in time.
One case I will take the liberty to exhibit, of a kind which I presume you lately lay ill of I was at a friends house where the lady was ill of an obstinate bilious fever—She was attended by two eminent Physicians—they applied the most forcible cathartics, but the malady gained ground—She burned with thirst, & had no relish for any thing but ice—I pressed my ideas, but was disregarded by one & only not contradicted by the other, Gent. in attendance. I had at the Same time, a Daughter in the house, 6 or 7 years of age; who had a tertian ague—both the Gent. practiced, & made a large use of jesuits Bark; but no change was effected—I requested the politest of the two practitioners to add three grains of the alkaline Salt to each dose of Bark—he expressed a doubt, that it

might not purge; that I undertook to be answerable for, and then he reluctantly consented: The result was that it did operate—She only took three portions, and from that time the disorder no more returned. This no doubt influenced him to make the experiment in the Lady’s case; for when upon mixing a saline draught for her, his fellow doctor would have him weigh the alkaline salt, he carelessly said “he could guess”—He gave such a predominence to the salt, as to ocassion much grimace and loud complaints of the nauseous dose—The immediate effects were that the Patient wished for small beer, & had a relish for the beverage. The texture of the viscuous coat, which before had lined her stomack, so as to prevent the approach of the medicines to act was now broken—amendment commenced and the patient recovered.
I directed my ideas to the case of an aged person of eighty years and upwards who had had three large inveterate ulcers in the groin and neighbourhood which the doctors had practised upon for ten or twelve years; and at last declared incurable when I took him in hand, his urine had a passage through one of the ulcers & he had a tumor as large as his fist rising on the outside of his thigh just opposite—The tumor soon sunk and his water took its natural course, & now five or six months every ulcer is perfectly healed—In such inveterate cases an astonishing debility takes place; owing to the sudden check to an old habit—That I guarded against with watchful attention—using Laudanum occasionally & jesuits Bark—for a few days only tho’.
I had a pain in the outside of my left foot, just under the ancle, so as to make me limp—retrospect brought to mind a very free use of pepper for several days past—I had, tho, in the night of each Day taken a draught of my mixture, so that I wondered at the pain—Reflection put me upon using it early after dinner; but still confident of its efficascy, I resolved not to abate the use of the Pepper and the rather substitute the red kind—The pain wore away very soon, and left the whole sole of that foot and the other in which there had been no pain, so tender that I could scarce hobble along.
I will fatigue you with no more cases but after laying before you a comparative view will bring this long letter to a conclusion.
If a diarrhea is seen to digest into an healthy state of the bowels—If a cold is broken and its effects bounded—If the ague, resisting the usual evacuation followed by the bark yet yields to

this—If a Bilious fever, bidding defiance to eminent Practice, is brought into subjection to it by this—If long standing inveterate ulcers, like a once running stream with its source now directed into another channel are seen to dry away—If incipient gout is seen to cease for want of accumulation to its cause—If all this is seen to be effected by one and the same mean It cannot be a whimsical idea that the source of all must be the same; varying in the effect as the formation or the habit is various in the subjects—If an Alkali is seen to be that mean, an assid is doubtless the cause If the matter of Earth is the basis both of an assid and an


Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 1 October 1798
From: Washington, George
To: McHenry, James

Private
My dear Sir,Mount Vernon 1st Octr 1798
Your confidential letter of the 19th ulto did not reach Alexandria until the 28th. I thank you for the statement, and lengthy details which it contains. The President may have reasons which will justify the inexecution of the law, for augmenting the force of the United States. With my lights, I can discover none: but, if the force is required at all, I can see very serious evils resulting from the non-appointmt of the Battalion Officers, and consequent delay in the Recruiting Service; for reasons mentioned in a former letter, and unnecessary to repeat in this.
That Mr Wolcott (on whom there may be more calls than he has funds conveniently to answer) is disposed to replenish the Magazines at the expence of the Recruiting Service, I do not much wonder; but if he was more experienced in the real difference, not only in point of Service but in point of expence also, between Militia or Raw Rec[rui]ts & discipd Troops, he would feel more for the Officer who was to conduct them and for the resources of the treasury too than he appears to do at present; for I think it is mathematically demonstrable, that ten thousand Militia (to say nothing of the incompetency of them) drawn out for short terms of Service, coming at different times, though required at one time, returning pointedly at the expiration of their term; Consumption

of Provisions; waste of the Military Stores; destruction of Camp equipage of every species; and loss of Arms, will cost the public more then fifteen, I believe I might venture to say 20,000 well tutored, & permanent Troops. When Militia are called upon, you have two sets to pay, & supply at the sametime, one set are raising & marching, to supply the place of the other set, who will be going; and both sets of such uncertain dependence, as to baffle all calculation on their strength.
If the Treasury is unable to accomplish both objects, completely, let the Magazines be less stored, & the recruiting service progress. Soldiers are not made in a day, but the munitions of War may be contracted for in an hour: and I believe the Enemy will think the raising & training an army, a more serious operation than the replenishing of Magazines—which, at all times, ought to be well stored.
Has Mr Wolcott described the length of the Musket & Bayonet? the Caliber of the first, & shape of the latter? I again repeat, that they ought to be such as to place us on equal ground with the enemy we are to cope with. I am speaking of those he has, and is about to contract for. and I am of opinion a number of rifles ought also to be provided. They might be used to great advantage by skilful hands in a country covered with wood.
You request me to express a strong sentiment to Mr Pickering respecting clothing for the Army. What has the Secretary of State to do with the cloathing of the Army?
Your letter of the 25th of August to the Superintendant of Military Stores, has produced no effect, as yet; for no return of them is come to my hands.
As no mode is yet adopted by the President, by which the Battalion Officers are to be appointed, and as I think I stand upon very precarious ground, in my relation to him, I am not over zealous in taking unauthorised steps, when those that I thought were authorised, are not likely to meet with much respect. It will naturally occur to you that to obtain information of proper characters for Officers in the two Carolinas, Georgia, Kentucky & Tennessee, I must have recourse to others. If then the President should resolve upon a mode different from the one you have suggested, I shall be committed, & stand in an awkward predicament. I will however use some preliminary measures to accomplish yr wishes & am sincerely & affectly Yours

Go: Washington

P.S. You have not furnished me with the letter written by you to the President from hence according to my request and your promise; nor with a copy of the Instructn recd from him.


Title: From George Washington to James McHenry, 1 October 1798
From: Washington, George
To: McHenry, James

Private and quite confidentialMy dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 1st Oct. 1798

You will be at no loss to perceive, from my private letter to you of the 16th ulto, extracts from which you sent to the President of the United States; and from my representation to him, dated the 25th following, the rough draught of wch was enclosed in my last, what my determination is, if he perseveres in his Resolution to change the order of the Major Generals, and to disregard the conditions on which I accepted the Commission of Lieutt Genl of the Armies &ca.
Let me then request you, with the frankness & candour of a friend, to give me your opinion fully, & freely of the measure; to ask if you think I could, with propriety, & due respect for my own character, retain the Commission under such violation, of the terms, on which I accepted it; and what you conceive will be the consequences of my resignation thereof.
If Colo. Pickering, & the Gentlemen who act with you, are minutely acquainted with all the circumstances of the case, it would be satisfactory to me, to know their opinions also, with respect to my eventual resignation; but not as a matter required by me, but as questions propounded by yourself entirely, & absolutely.
Be so good as to let me know the ground on which you, & Colo. Pickering are certain, the President is mistaken in his conjectures that the New England States would be disgusted if Hamilton Preceeds Knox, in Rank, and add, if you please whether Pickering’s prediliction in favor of the former proceeds from pure conviction of the utility of the measure, or from some personal dislike to the latter. I have some suspicion that he is not a friend to Knox, but cannot suppose that this would have any influence in the case.

I should like to have seen a copy of Mr Wolcott’s letter to the President, but as it was not sent, I presume there was some reason for withholding, and do not repeat the request.
I wish to hear from you on the subject of this letter as soon as possible. Burn it, as soon as it is perused, as I will do your answer, that neither the one, nor the other, may appear hereafter. With much truth I am your sincere and Affecte friend

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to James Ross, 1 October 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Ross, James

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 1st Oct. 1798

You will perceive by the enclosed letters, left open for your perusal, the delinquency of Colo. Shreve, and my determination to

enforce payment of the Instalment of his judgment Bond, the 1st of June last.
Whether, as the Bond was deposited in the Bank of Pennsylvania for collection, it rests with me to draw it from thence for the purpose of putting it in Suit—or for them to order it—your better judgment & knowledge of the practice will decide—and you will act accordingly.
My object is to enforce paymt as soon as the usual course of things will admit—1st because I am in real want of the money—and 2d because I believe there is no other certain dependence to obtain it—for Shreve, from first to last has done little else but trifle, both with himself and me. With very sincere esteem and regard I am—Dear Sir Your Most Obedt and Obliged Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from the District of Columbia Commissioners, 3 October 1798
From: Commissioners for the District of Columbia
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Washington 3d October 1798

We had the honor of your favor of the 28 th ulto enclosing two Checks on the Bank of Alexandria; the one for D. Carroll for $428 40/100 the other for the Commissioners $178 57/100, and have directed the proper conveyances to be prepared for your purchases of the public; the deed from Mr Carroll was executed this day. Mr Blagdin delivered in his estimate yesterday amounting to $12,982 29/100. To determine on the merits of this estimate will require some investigation & information from sundry mechanics which will take some time. No time shall be lost in making

every necessary enquiry, and as soon as possible the result shall be forwarded.
Upon examining the sales book no doubt is left of your being clearly entitled to the water Lots agreeably to the plan received from you. We are, with sentiments of the highest respect Yr most Obt Servts

Gusts Scott
William Thornton
Alexr White


Title: From George Washington to William Augustine Washington, 3 October 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, William Augustine

My dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 3d Octr 1798

Your letter of the 27th of July has remained unacknowledged ’till now, that I embrace the opportunity afforded by General Lee’s return, to do it.
To a person not in the habit of sending regularly to the Post Office, nearest to them, it is almost useless to write by the Mail; and with very few exceptions, addressing letters by private hands, is almost as bad; very few people paying much attention to them; which, with the shifting of hands, rubbing in the Pocket, and sometimes idle curiosity to know the contents, are great lets to a safe conveyance, in that way.
With respect to the proposed contract for Corn, as my primary object is to be certain of getting it, I will agree to divide the freight from your landing to mine (at this place) equally with you; although it would make the Corn come all that higher to me; as neither land, or water transportation, would be more to my Mill (where it will be chiefly wanted) than it would be to the Warehouses, or Wharves in Alexandria. March being a windy month; often cold & disagreeable; about the middle of April would be better, and I would agree to receive it at that time. If with these alterations, from the proposals contained in my letter of the 26th of June last, you incline to enter into a contract upon the terms therein mentioned, for five hundred Barrels of Corn, annually, I am ready to close the contract; to be binding for, and during our lives.
Your answer to this point would be agreeable, as Genl Lee is

desirous of entering into a contract with me for the same quantity of Corn (500 Barls); and, on a/c of the payments, it would be very convenient for me to make it; but from the uncertainty of its fulfilment, on his part, I feel no disposition to enter into one with him.
I thank you for the old document⟨s⟩ you sent me, respecting the family of our Ancestors. but I am possessed of Papers which prove beyond a doubt, that of the two brothers who Emigrated to this Country in the year 1657, during the troubles of that day, that John Washington, from whom we are descended, was the eldest. The Pedigree from him, I have, and I believe very correct; but the descendents from Lawrence, in a regular course, I have not been able to trace. All those of our name, in and about Chotanck, are from the latter. John, was the Grandfather of my father and uncle, and Great grand father to Warner and me. He left two Sons, Lawrence & John; the former, who was the Eldest, was the father of my father, uncle, & aunt Willis. Mrs Hayward must have been a daughter of the first Lawrence, & thence became the cousen of the second Lawrence, & John. We all unite in best wishes for you & family—and I am your sincere and Affectionate Uncle

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to the District of Columbia Commissioners, 4 October 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Commissioners for the District of Columbia

Gentlemen
Mount Vernon 4th Oct. 1798.

I had the honor to receive your letter of the 3d instt, last Night.
Mr Blagdens estimate of the cost of the houses I had proposed to build, far exceeds any aggregate Sum I had contemplated; or

think I could command; unless more punctuality was to be found in the fulfilment of Contracts than is, I believe, experienced by any one. Eight, or at most $10,000, was the extent of my calculation. The house Mr Law is about to build (not much if any less than my two) is undertaken for less than $6,000 as he informed me. This information, and the report that Materials & workmens wages were low—disposed me to build houses of better appearance than is necessary perhaps for the primary object which induced the measure.
But I will suspend any final decision until I see Mr Blagdens estimate in detail, with your observations thereupon; and what part of the work I can execute with my own Tradesmen, thereby reducing the advances. I shall only add, that with a high sense of the trouble you have had in this business, and with very great esteem & regard I am Gentlemen Your Most Obedt and obliged Hble Servant

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to William Herbert, 4 October 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Herbert, William

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 4th Oct. 1798.

A day or two ago, I received the enclosed letter—Will you be so good as to enable me to answer it.
Observing to you, not long since, that the want of money prevented my doing something (I have forgot now what) you said, if I understood you rightly, that I might be accomodated at the Bank of Alexandria.
I think it not unlikely that in the course of next spring, or summer, if I undertake a measure which is in contemplation, that I shall have occasion for a larger Sum than I see a prospect of receiving from what is due to me. Let me ask then (if I was not mistaken in what you said) what sum you think I could obtain? On what terms? for what time? and what security wd be required? I am Dear Sir Yr Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Landon Carter, 5 October 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Carter, Landon

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 5th Oct. 1798.

Your favour of the 1st instt has been received, and if it had been convenient, I should have been glad of your company as you travelled to Annapolis. As you propose however to send in your Servant, and I am generally on horse back between breakfast & dinner, that he may not be delayed, or disappointed, you will receive, enclosed, one letter for the Govr of Maryland (an old acquaintance of mine)—and another for Mr McDowall President of the College. Which, I hope may answer your purposes. They will be left, under this cover, for whomsoever you may send, in case I should be out.
I thank you for the trouble you have taken in delivering your thoughts on the means of preserving health. Having, through life, been blessed with a competent share of it, without using preventatives against sickness, and as little medicine as possible when sick; I can have no inducement now to change my practice. Against the effect of time, and age, no remedy has ever yet been discovered; and like the rest of my fellow mortals, I must (if life is prolonged) submit, & be reconciled, to a gradual decline. With esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Your Most Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington

Please to put wafers in the letters before delivery.


Title: To George Washington from Henry Lee, 5 October 1798
From: Lee, Henry
To: Washington, George

dear sir
Washington. ocr 5th [1798]

Mr Custis presented me with yr letr last night.
Be assured I shall offer you no property not clear in title unless

I may be imposed on, to prevent which am I here daily engaged in exploring the truth.
I have a tract of land near gunston recd from W. Steptoe at valuation for money lent to him some years past. this I propose to offer among other property all of which will be submitted to you soon: about monday next.
No consideration can induce me to pass Mt Vernon & I shall be most happy in contributing at any time & in any way my endeavors to facilitate your execution of the arduous dutys which at this menacing period, yr love of country has compelled you to undertake, & for which all good men feel towards You encreased respect veneration & gratitude. I remain dear General ever yr affec: frend & ob. st

Henry Lee


Title: From George Washington to William Augustine Washington, 5 October 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, William Augustine

My dear Sir
Mount Vernon 5th Octr 1798

The enclosed letter was written, as you will perceive, to go by General Lee; who I know is at George Town, and promised to call here on his way down. But as his ways are not like the ways of other men, and Jerry has called here on his return from Corbin Washington’s, I embrace his, as the most speedy & certain conveyance of the two.
All those who have lots in the Federal City, contiguous to the Capitol, are much pressed by the Friends of the permanent Government thereat, to build thereon, for the accomodation of the members; as a certain mean of bringing Congress there at the period designated in the Law.
I have been induced to buy a lot in the vicinity of the Capitol for this purpose, although I had, before, as many in the City as I wanted. I mention this circumstance for your consideration, as it is of importance to insure the fixture of Congress there. I am always & sincerely Yr Affecte Uncle

Go: Washington


Title: Address from the Virginia Militia, 6 October 1798
From: Virginia Militia
To: Washington, George

Bedford County, State of Virginia [6 October 1798]

At a full meeting of the Officers of the 10th & 91st Regiments of the Virginia Militia, convened at Bedford Court-House on 6th day of October 1798 for the purpose of being trained &c. it was unanimously agreed that Colo. Thomas Leftwich, Colo. John Trigg, Majr David Saunders, Majr Thomas Hubbard, Majr Samuel Handcock, Majr William Burton, Capt. Joel Leftwich & Capt. Isaac Okey be appointed a Committee to prepare an address to our beloved fellow Citizen George Washington on his acceptance of the late appointment of Lieutenant General & Commander in Chief of the American forces, & expressive of the high sense

they entertain, of his abilities to discharge the duties of that important office.
The Committee having convened it was agreed that Thomas Leftwich be appointed Chairman & William Leftwich Junr Secretary, & having prepared the following address which was unanimously agreed to, It was Ordered that a Copy thereof be forthwith transmitted to his Excellency George Washington.
To George Washington Lieutenant General & Commander in Chief of the American forces
Sir
The Officers of the 10th & 91st Regiments of the Virginia Militia, recognise with heartfelt pleasure your acceptance of the Commission of Lieutenant General & Commander in Chief of the american forces & while we deprecate the cause which has disturbed your Calm repose we behold with wonder, the unparellelled example, of a person who had retired from power when in full & legitimate possession of it! (which shews at once in a confirmed view the superiority of your virtues) thus Coming forward & giving additional proof, & energy to that firm & vigilent zeal for the public liberty & happiness, those exemplary virtues & ⟨exacted⟩ talents which have given unrivalled lustre & utility to the whole tenor of your life! A number of us having been eye witnesses to that heroism which has so conspicuously marked your Conduct in leading the american Armies thro the bloody contest of the late revolutionary war! we should be unfaithful to the duties of Our Station as Officers, & regardless of the Conviction of Our minds, if we did not declare the warm emotions of respect & gratitude, which services precious as yours have been, excite in every breast; we trust therefore, that your acceptance of the Commission above mentioned, will operate to strengthen sentiments favorable to the union & Safety of these states, to banish local prejudices & Suspicions, cherish love & concord, check the destructive contests of party spirit, & finally to unite in One Common Cause all its Citizens in maintaining its liberty and independence, the foundations of which have been so auspiciously laid under your Control! & in defending of which, be assured Sir that Our best exertions shall never be witheld.
To this permit us to add our fervent supplications to Heaven, that you may long live to enjoy those blessings whch you have been so instrumental in procuring to your Country, and in that repose

which you have always sacrificed in obedience to the will of the nation. Sign’d, by Order of the Committee

Thomas Leftwich Chm.
William Leftwich Jr Secry


Title: To George Washington from Rawleigh Colston, 6 October 1798
From: Colston, Rawleigh
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Winchester Oct. 6th 1798

Inclosed you have a letter I lately received from Mr Thomas Marshall junr of Kentucky, who wrote me at the same time, that there was some small balance due from you to his father Col. Marshall, which he wished to be paid into my hands: If you will be

pleased to inform me the amount, I will when agreeable to you, draw for it in favour of my Correspondent in Alexandria⟨.⟩ With my best wishes, for a long continuance of your health I am, with the highest respect, Sir, your mo. Obt St

Rawleigh Colston


Title: From George Washington to Andrew E. Belknap, 8 October 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Belknap, Andrew E.

Sir,
Mount Vernon 8th Oct. 1798.

Your letter of the 20th Ult. came duly to hand. William Herbert Esqr. of Alexandria will receive, distribute, & collect the money agreeably to the subscription I sent you; but it will be necessary to accompany the Books with the original Paper, or a copy thereof for his information with respect to the subscribers; & Instructions.
You will please to recollect that I am in possession already of the first volume of the American Biography written by your deceased & worthy father, and I will just add that, if to my name is annexed more than one Copy, it was done with a view to encourage the work in continuation; more therefore would be useless to me. And if the surplus could be disposed of where they are, it would be more agreeable to me. but do as you please in this respect. I am—Sir Your Very Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Samuel Hodgdon, 8 October 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Hodgdon, Samuel

Sir,
Mount Vernon 8th Octr 1798

The Paper mentioned in your letter of the 23d of August I have recd. I wish there had been more of the Patent copying sort, as what you have sent will soon be expended; and I may find it difficult to obtain a supply here. Of the letter Paper, I shall find no want in the stores of Alexandria. If you had accompanied the Paper with Wax and Wafers, they would have been convenient & acceptable. With esteem I am—Sir Your Obedt Hble Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from John Adams, 9 October 1798
From: Adams, John
To: Washington, George

Sir
Quincy [Mass.] October 9th 1798

I received, yesterday the Letter you did me the Honor to write me on the 25th of September.
You request to be informed, whether my determination to reverse the order of the three Major Generals, is final. and whether I mean to appoint another Adjutant General without your Concurrence. I presume, that before this Day you have received Information, from the Secretary at War, that I some time ago Signed the three Commissions and dated them on the Same day, in hopes Similar to yours that an amicable Adjustment or Acquiescence

might take place among the Gentlemen themselves. But, if these hopes should be disappointed, and Controversies should arise, they will of course be submitted to you as Commander in Chief, and if after all any one should be so obstinate as to appeal to me from the Judgment of the Commander in Chief, I was determined to confirm that Judgment. Because, whatever Construction may be put upon the Resolutions of the ancient Congress which have been applied to this Case, and whether they are at all applicable to it or not, there is no doubt to be made, that by the present Constitution of the United States, the President has Authority to determine the Rank of officers.
I have been for some time prepared in my own Mind to nominate Mr Dayton to be Adjutant General, in Case of the Refusal of Mr North. Several others have occurred and been Suggested to me, but none who in point of science or Litterature, political and military Merit or Energy of Character, appear to be equal to him. I have no exclusive attachment to him or any other. If you have any other in contemplation, I pray you to mention him to the Secretary at War who may fill up his Commission immediately, in Case Mr North declines.
I hope your own Health and that [of] Mrs Washington are perfect. Mine is very indifferent and Mrs Adams’s extreamly low—confined to the Bed of Sickness for two Months her Destiny is Still very precarious, and mine in consequence of it. With great Respect I have the Honor to be, Sir your most obedient and most humble servant

John Adams


Title: To George Washington from Samuel Knox, 10 October 1798
From: Knox, Samuel
To: Washington, George

Sir
Fredericktown [Md.] 10th of Octr 1798

Being About to publish, by subscription an Essay on the best Method of Introducing an Uniform System of Education adapted to the United States, I Beg leave to solicit the favour of your permission to prefix to it an Introductory address to you.
Though I own this Request is dictated by a share of vanity in presuming to be ambitious of so high a recommendatory sanction to my Essay; yet I truly declare that, what has chiefly prompted me thereto arises from a desire to express, on a Subject of that Nature, How much I Consider the Cause of Education indebted to your patronage through the whole of your publick Character.
The Essay I am about to publish, obtain’d the premium offer’d by the Philosophical Society of Philadelphia, on that subject, together with one written by a Mr Smith of that place. The Society passed a Resolution to publish them; but were disappointed by the Printer who had Undertaken that Business.
On being inform’d of this by their Secretary, And that the publication would be, on this Account, long retarded, by the advice of some friends I was induc’d to publish it, by subscription, in this State—from the view of it’s, probably, having some effect in turning the attention of our State-Legislature to that Subject. From this view I have Received the Manuscript from the Secretary of the Phil[adelph]ia Philosophical Society; And shall proceed to publish [as] soon as I Can ascertain whether I am to Have the Honour of dedicating or addressing it to you.
Two or three weeks since I was at Alexandria, designing to have personally waited on you; And if necessary to have given you some view of the Essay—Doctor Steuart near that place who has long

known me, promised doing me the favour of introducing me to you; But learning that the State of your Health, at that time, forbade any such trouble, I flatter’d myself that this mode of application might be equally as proper—especially, as I have had the pleasure of seeing it announc’d to the Publick that your Health is again perfectly restor’d.
I Have Spent more than twenty years of my Life in the Education of youth. A considerable part of that time I Resided at Bladensburgh in this State—and remember having once had the Honour of being Introduc’d to you by Coll Fitzgerald of Alexandria—at a publick Examination of the youth in that Academy. Since that time I Study’d four years at one of the most celebrated Universities in Britain—and recd a Master of Art’s Degree, from the view of being Useful to Myself; this Country in particular; and Society in general—in the line of my profession as a Teacher of Youth—and a Minister of the Gospel. On my return to this Country I was offer’d the Charge of the Alexandria-Academy by it’s Visitors or Trustees with a Salary of 200 pounds Currency per Annum. But having a family to Support, I did not Consider their terms sufficiently liberal; or promising me a sufficient Compensation for the preparatory expence I Had been at in qualifying Myself for the Business.
I take the Liberty of Mentioning these circumstances merely from the view of informing you that in presuming to Solicit the Sanction of your Name to my Publication; and in venturing to lay My thoughts before an enlighten’d Publick on so important a Subject, It has not been without long experience in, as well as mature attention to the most improved Methods of publick Education.
Joining in the general tribute of sincere Congratulation; and thanks to Divine Providence for the restoration of your Health, I am, Sir, your Most devoted Obedt Hble Servt

Saml Knox


Title: Memorandum of Agreement with James Welch, 11 October 1798
From: Washington, George
To:

[11 October 1798]

Mr James Welch having signified to me, that he has it is in his power to dispose of part of a tract of Ninety Nine thousand nine hundred and ninety five acres of land lying on Elk River in the County of Randolph, conveyed to me in Trust, and proposing to subject other Lands of equal or greater value in lieu thereof, in like trust, and intimating further that it will be an accomodation to him, and a benefit to me in his payments to make the exchange.
I do therefore hereby certifie, that upon the ascertainment of this fact, that is, that the substituted property is of equal value, & free from all disputes & incumbrances, I am willing to receive it in lieu of such part of the aforementioned tract of 99,995 Acrs. as he shall dispose of, and that I will release my claim accordingly, to the same, upon receiving a proper conveyance of the substituted property—Given under my hand this 11th day of Octr 1798.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 13 October 1798
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Trenton [N.J.] Oct. 13 1798

I seize the first conveyance to inform you that General Pinckney is out of France. He embarked with his family, about the middle of August, in the ship Hope, Capt. Hendrick Hendrickson, for New-York, where we may daily expect to hear of his arrival. The letter giving me this information is from a Monsieur Hory, dated at Bourdeaux the 27th of August; it came to hand last evening from Chester (Pennsylvania) where it arrived in the ship Franklin.
Mr Fenwick inclosed me a letter from Mr Skipwith, dated at Paris the 21st of August, in which Skipwith says—“I have received

to-day an official copy of the arret of the Directory taking off the embargo laid on our vessels. This arret is not yet published, but I hope it will be soon, in every part of France, and of course put to execution.” Fenwick writes on the 28th of August from Bordeaux, saying “This arret has not yet officially reached this port, but is hourly expected: tho’ some apprehensions are entertained that if the late accounts from Philadelphia, by the flag vessel the Liberty, that sailed about the 18th of July, and arrived here a few days past, should reach Paris before the execution of the arret raising the embargo, it may be delayed.” But I have a private letter from a reputable merchant at Bordeaux, dated the 27th of August, which says—“The news brought by the Liberty has made no great sensation.”
I have a Paris paper dated the 24th of August, in which is a paragraph from Philadelphia dated July 24th. This paragraph mentions the acts of Congress for suspending all intercourse between the U. States & the French Dominions—for taking French cruizers on our coast & retaking their prizes—for a provisional army—for a direct tax on lands—and for expelling foreigners.
In the same paper I find a paragraph of which the following is a translation.
“Paris August 23 1798. The Wife of la-Fayette has been some days in Paris. As she went away in virtue of regular passports, and the express permission of the Government, she comes back to restore order in her estates, impaired during her long detention in the Dungeons of the Emperor.”
The private letter above mentioned says—“The French Government wishes to keep peace with America. But a war with the emperor seems to be inevitable.” The correspondence between Talleyrand and Mr Gerry discovers a solicitude on the part of the former to avoid a rupture: the French Government, doubtless, is not yet ready to attack us.
The Boston papers are beginning to puff Mr Gerry: but take into view the whole series, of his conduct in France, and he must, in the eyes of every man of sense, sink into contempt.
You will probably have seen my letter of the 29th ult. to P[eter] Johnston, returning the address to the President from the Freeholders of Prince Edward County; in that letter I disclosed a fact communicated to me by General Marshall, which I was glad to authenticate by my signature (for published anonymously it would

have been denied by some, and doubted by others) and in which you will see an evidence of Talleyrand’s unblushing impudence, and of Gerry’s timidity & meanness in consenting to give up the names of X & Y when they have dined with him at Talleyrands table, & after dinner renewed their money propositions! But there is another fact which I take from his own letter to me dated in Nantasket Road the 1st instant, detailing his correspondence with Talleyrand. When Talleyrand sent him his letter of June 1 asking the names of the persons designated by X Y & Z. Gerry desired to know of the bearer why application was again made to him for the names of the intriguers, when they could be otherwise ascertained. The Bearer answered, that he believed, by the exertions of the Bureau & of the officers of the police of the city, the names were discovered; and he mentioned them to Mr Gerry: but he added, that matters were become serious; that the Directory expected something from him, in confirmation of this discovery; and that this was the use which would be made of his letters. Yet Gerry thinks to shield himself from the charge of violating the faith of the Envoys pledged to X & Y “that in no event should their names be made public”—by “guarding against the publication on his authority!” Pitiful subterfuge! added to unexampled meanness, in stooping to comply, in any form, with the insulting demand! I have the honour to be, with great respect, sir, your most obt servant,

Timothy Pickering


Title: Enclosure: Troop Quotas, 15 October 1798
From: Washington, George
To: McHenry, James

Mount Vernon 15th Octr 1798

By the Act “To augment the Army of the United States, & for other purposes.” Twelve Regiments of Infantry, and six Troops of Light Dragoons, are to be added to the present force—By the Establishment of them, the first will consist of 7680 Rank & File, and the 2d of 354. If four Regiments of the former, and all the latter, are to be raised in the States South of the Potomack, the quota of each State, agreeably to the Population, to the present Representation, and to a medium between the two, will be as follow.

viz.

    Population
    Representn
    Medium

States
Infantry
Cavalry
Total
Infantry
Cavalry
Total
Infantry
Cavalry
Total

Virginia
1296
180
1476
1216
167
1383
1256
174
1430

No. Carolina
500
69
569
640
88
728
570
79
649

So. Carolina
432
60
492
384
55
439
408
57
465

Georgia
143
20
163
128
17
145
135
18
253

Kentucky
127
16
143
128
16
144
128
16
144

Tennessee
62
8
70
64
8
72
63
8
71

The remoteness of Kentucky and Tennessee from the Seaboard, where it is presumed the theatre of War will be; is opposed to the raising of Dragoons in either of those States. And to avoid broken Companies of Infantry, or Troops of Dragoons in any other State, the following plan of arrangement of both Officers & Privates, conformably to the preceeding calculation & principle (as nearly as the case will admit) is suggested for consideration.

Infantry

States
Lieut.ColosCommand.
Majors
Capt-ains
Lieu-tents
Ensigns
Ser-geants
Musick
Rank&File

Virginia
2
4
20
20
20
30
40
1200

No. Carolina
1
2
9
9
9
36
18
576

So. Carolina
1
1
6
6
6
24
12
384

Georgia
—
1
2
2
2
8
4
128

Kentucky
—
—
2
2
2
8
4
128

Tennessee
—
—
 1
 1
 1
 4
 2
  64

4
8
40
40
40
160
80
2560

Dragoons

States
Lieut.ColosCommandts
Majors
Capt-ains
Lieu-tents
Ensigns
Ser-geants
Musick
Rank&File

[Virginia]
—
1
3
6
3
12
3
177

[No. Carolina]
—
—
2
4
2
8
2
118

[So. Carolina]
—
—
1
2
1
4
1
59

[Georgia]
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

[Kentucky]
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—

[Tennessee]
—
—
—
—
—
—
 —
 —

—
1
6
12
6
24
6
354

The appointment of Adjutants, Quarter Masters, Paymasters, Surgeons and Surgeons Mates; Sergeant Majors, Quarter Master Sergeants, and Senior Musicians, does not press; and of necessity must be postponed where Regiments are composed of Troops from different States until they are abt to unite.
The Corporals, Saddlers, and Farriers are included in the above Rank and file.
The Lieutenant Colonel Commandant is not assigned to any State; because it is not known from whence the most eligable character can be obtained. Another Major of Dragoons is also wanting.
If Major Talmadge would accept the command of this Corps, I know of none who is preferable. A Captn Watts of this State—an Officer of celebrity in the Revolutionary War, is very highly recommended by General Lee. as is a Captn Armstrong (now of Georgia) by the same, but what the conduct of these Gentlemen have been latterly, and what their politics now are he knows not. Perhaps the oldest Captain of Dragoons, now in Service, or both of them, may be Meritorious Officers; and entitled to consideration.

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 15 October 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Pickering, Timothy

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 15th Octr 1798

The information contained in your letter of the 3d instant was highly grateful to me. Such communications are not only satisfactory to me, but are really useful; for while I hold myself in readiness to obey the call of my Country, it is expedient that I should have more authentic information than News Paper inconsistencies, of the approaching, or receding storm; that I may regulate my private concerns accordingly. So far then as you can give this, with propriety, would be received with thankfulness; and if under the seal of confidence, will be locked up in my own breast.
It is pleasing to hear, that we had so few ships in France when the Directory thereof were pleased to lay an Embargo thereon. I wish, on many accounts, that General Pinckney was as safely landed in his own Country as I hear Mr Gerry is, after his terrible fright. I hope, so soon as he is relieved from the Panic with which he was struck, and wch must have continued whilst he remained on the watry element, he will come forward in stronger language than his last letter to Mr Talleyrand contains, and with such explanations as his own character requires, & his Country has a right to demd.
We have nothing new in this quarter; an excessive drought, which still prevails, has been hurtful to our crops; and presses sorely upon the winter grain & grass seeds which have been sown this autumn. Maryland, instead of acquiring strength in her Federal representation, by the last Election, has lost ground. What will be the result of the Elections in this state (in March next) is more I believe than any one can foretell at present. No stone is left unturned that can affect the federal Interest by the Democrats. With great esteem & regard I am—Dr Sir—Yr Obedt Hble Ser.

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 15 October 1798
From: Pickering, Timothy
To: Washington, George

Sir,
Trenton [N.J.] Oct. 15 1798

This morning I saw a New-York paper announcing the arrival of General Pinckney, & that on account of the prevailing fever, he had landed at Paulus Hook: So I expect in two or three days to have the happiness to see him.
The inclosed letter I received yesterday morning, with others by the mail from New-York. I have the honor to be with great respect sir your most obt servt

Timothy Pickering


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 16 October 1798
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

Dear Sir
War Department 16 Octbr 1798

The President of the United States on the 30th of Sepr Ulto inclosed to me commissions for the three Major Generals of the army, signed and dated on the same day.
When I considered the communications which may be expected from this department, at the time of presenting his commission to each of the generals, I found myself embarrassed respecting the course which he meant I should pursue on the occasion. It was my earnest wish to avoid the renewal of a subject, that had already been attended with too many unpleasant circumstances by returning the question upon him for more precise instructions. After therefore considerable deliberation, and as the most respectful course to him, I at last was induced to transmit the commissions to Generals Hamilton & Knox, and to inform them, that I considered the order of nomination and approval by the Senate as determining their relative rank.
I have also, my dear Sir, written to Generals Hamilton & Knox, calling them into service, and soliciting their presence, as soon as possible, and in all events by the 10th of November proximo. I suggested also to the President that it would be desireable I should be authorised to require your attendance, and that his own presence would be important and give facility to all measures relative to this meeting.

My object in convening these officers is to derive from the knowledge they may have of the several characters, who have applied for military appointments, and others disposed to enter into the army, effectual and necessary aid in the selection and application of the most suitable to the different grades, and to prepare in conjunction with them, a list for the Presidents final determination; and also to avail myself of their knowledge and experience in digesting a report to be submitted for his approbation—relative—1st To the measures necessary to be pursued to give efficacy and ensure success to the recruiting service. 2 To the distribution of the military force of the United States. 3d To the most certain, regular and œconomical mode of provisioning the recruits and the troops in the field. 4 The quantity and kind of artillery, military stores and other articles necessary to be procured, in addition to what we already have in our magazines and arsenals, and the proper places for occasional or permanent deposits of the same. With the most sincere respect and esteem I have the honour to be Dr Sir your most hble st

James McHenry


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 16 October 1798
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

(Confidential)
my dear Sir.Trenton [N.J] 16 Octbr 1798
You will see by the inclosed the step I have taken, and the information and aid which I expect to derive from the Major Generals in case it is approved, and also the desire I have to draw you for a short time to Philadelphia. I know not how all this is to end, and feel perfectly tired of the uncertainty in which so many important measures are kept fettered and involved.
I hope you will approve of the exposition I have given of my views, and the propriety of my fortifying or correcting my own opinions by those of the Generals. I have informed Hamilton of

the points upon which I shall look for his assestance that he may come prepared.
I am extremely anxious to know the result of your letter to the President. Yours ever & affectionately

James McHenry


Title: To George Washington from William Thornton, 16 October 1798 [letter not found]
From: Thornton, William
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from William Thornton, 16 Oct. 1798. On 18 Oct. GW wrote Thornton: “I regret, not having received your letter of the 16th until last night.”


Title: From George Washington to the District of Columbia Commissioners, 17 October 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Commissioners for the District of Columbia

Gentlemen
Mount Vernon 17th Oct. 1798

Your favour of the 15th, enclosing Mr Blagdens statement, relative to my proposed buildings, did not reach my hands until last night.
He has not accompanied this Statement with Specific prices; nor has it altered my opinion of the unreasonableness of the former estimates of some of its parts. But being desirous of closing the matter with Mr Blagden some way, or other, I make him the following offer—viz.—To take the Painting, Glazing and Iron mongery to myself; and allow him besides, Ten thousand five hundred Dollars in full of Commission and every other charge for completing the buildings agreeably to the Specification which he handed to me, and is now in his possession.
If he will agree to this proposal, the contract may be immediately drawn; and he may proceed in all the preparatory measures as soon as he pleases—Money shall be furnished for the purpose. and if it would be convenient & advantageous to him, to have the whole of the Scantling and Plank provided by a Bill of the same, & he would furnish me therewith, I would immediately order it from the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
On the other hand, if he will not agree to it, I must have recourse to some other mode to accomplish my object. The final

answer of Mr Blagden must be received without delay; as the opportunity of providing materials on good terms may be missed. With great esteem and regard I am Gentlemen Your Most Obedt Servt

Go: Washington


Title: To George Washington from Thomas Law, 17 October 1798 [letter not found]
From: Law, Thomas
To: Washington, George

Letter not found: from Thomas Law, 17 Oct. 1798. On 24 Oct. GW wrote Law: “Your letter of the 17th instant was handed to me.”


Title: To George Washington from Richard Bland Lee, 18 October 1798
From: Lee, Richard Bland
To: Washington, George

Sir
Alexandria Octr 18th 1798

Genl Lee having intimated to me that you had informed him that my name stood on a list of candidates, in your possession for

military appointments, it seems incumbent on me to explain to you the manner & motives of my application.
When the prospect of a war with France seemed inevitable and the government judged it expedient to make provisional arrangements to meet such an event I was impressed with the opinion that it was the duty of every citizen, who valued the Liberty, the safety & honor of his country to contribute all means in his power to their defence. Having frequent occasion to introduce by letter to the Secretary of War, men of merit who were desirous of entering into the army, at this alarming period, I took the liberty of mentioning to him my disposition to devote myself to any duties, to which the Government might judge me adequate & might please to call me; at the same time stating to him that I could not boast of much military experience, having only while at College marched on a few short tours; and received a commission about eleven or twelve years ago of (oldest) major in one of the Regiments of the Militia of Loudoun. But subsequent arrangements of the Militia by the State and a call to a seat in the first house of Representatives joined to the prospect of a long peace, diverted me from any further pursuit of a Military nature. A time however of extreme difficulty having arrived, when order, morals, & property were brought into jeopardy I thought, as I still think, that every Citizen ought to contribute to the community an aid proportionate to his abilities and the interest he held in it.
Permit me here to repeat what I stated to the Governt that I did not wish to stand in the way of any person of experience & fitness in other respects, and should feel no chagrin in being passed by for such characters. I beg it also to be understood that I have no great solicitude for an appointment, unless events may render indispensible the raising of the provisional army. What rank may be judged proper it is not my province to state, but will I make no doubt be fixed by a just regard to my age my education and other circumstances well known to the Government.
Permit me to pray your excuse for this letter and to add that I remain with sentiments of highest veneration & esteem, Sir, your most obt Sert

Richard Bland Lee


Title: To George Washington from James McHenry, 18 October 1798
From: McHenry, James
To: Washington, George

privateMy dear General
Trenton [N.J.] 18 Octbr 1798.

The inclosed is copy of a letter from General Pinckney received yesterday morning. I immediately answered it, a copy of which is also inclosed. Yours ever and affectionately

James McHenry


Title: From George Washington to William Thornton, 18 October 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Thornton, William

Dear Sir,
Mount Vernon 18th Oct. 1798

I regret, not having received your letter of the 16th until last night. Had it reached me before I wrote to the Commissioners yesterday morning by Mr Thos Peter, I should have inclined more (although my wish is to have no trouble with the buildings) towards engaging Mr Blagden’s undertaking the Masonry, agreeably to his estimate; doing as much of the wood work myself, as my people are competent to, and employing others to do the remainder of it; the Painting, Plastering &ca; and to the offer that was made to Mr Blagden for compleating the whole; and furnishing every thing as therein expressed (except Painting, Glazing & Iron mongery): and if he boggles at that offer, I must proceed in this manner, to the Execution of the work; and would be glad to have a contract entered into with him accordingly.
If this mode is adopted, I shall expect from Mr Blagden, & without delay, a compleat Bill of Scantling and Plank; enumerating the quantity & quality; and the length, breadth and thickness of both Scantg & Plank, to suit the different parts of the buildings, that I

may take measures for obtaining them in the manner you have suggested. The length, width and thickness of the flooring plank ought to be specified; & whether Sap & knots are to be excluded. In short great particularity & exactness should be observed in making out the Bill, that every thing proper & useful may be had without superfluity or waste. It would be expected of him too, to give the mouldings, & dimensions of such parts of the work as would be prepared by my own people at this place.
It would be quite agreeable to me, that the foundation of the buildings should be laid this Autumn, if the weather will permit. At any rate, I conceive all the foundation Stone & Sand should be carried to the Site. Sure I am, the Carting will be infinitely better before, than after Winter, and workmen I should think easier obtained. The materials must be good whether used in spring or autumn.
The length of your letter, my good Sir, required no apology. It was kind—and I thank you for the details—as I shall do on similar future occasions. For the haste in which this letter is written I ought to ask your forgiveness. Mr Law is waiting—& you know he does not wait patiendy for any thing not even for dinner—If you can get at my meaning, my object will be answered. Complimts to Mrs Thornton from this family—and with very great esteem—I am—Dear Sir Yr obedt & obliged

Go: Washington


Title: From George Washington to Mildred Thornton Washington, 18 October 1798
From: Washington, George
To: Washington, Mildred Thornton

Dear Madam,
Mount Vernon 18th Octr 1798.

Your favour of the 13th instt came duly to hand. The contents gave me great pain, on two accounts; first, to find the situation of

my brothers affairs in so deplorable a State; and next, that it is so little in my power to afford you effectual relief.
My situation, is very little understood by most people. Whatever may be my property, the income of it, is inadequate to my expences: not from any wish or desire I have to live extravagantly, but from unavoidable necessity proceeding from the public walks of life in which I have been, and the acquaintances made thereby, which fill my house continually with company. Were it not for frequent and large sales of Lands which I have made, it would not have been in my power to have supported the expence without running deeply in debt.
I mention these things with no other view than to shew you that, it is not in my power to do for you as much as you might expect. I will, however, provide a thousand dollars in the Bank of Alexandria, to be applied to the removal of the immediate distress with which you expect to be assailed; but the mode of applying it, to render it effectual, must be attended with circumspection and caution otherwise it would be useless to you, and the money absolutely thrown away by me. The most eligable one, as far as my view of circumstances, from your Statement of my brother’s situation extends, is, to suffer an Execution to be levied upon such slaves, and other property, as are absolutely necessary to supply your present wants; and be sold for ready money. These slaves & other things to be bought in on my account, and to remain with you, as my Property. The same things after a fair and open transaction of this kind, will not be liable to future executions; whereas, to apply the money in discharge of Execution, the latter may be levied thereon again ⟨& again⟩ as long as there is a debt owing from the Estate; and no relief, unless I could be continually advancing money (which I am not able to do) to redeem them.
I will be answerable for purchases made in this manner, to the amount of a thousand dollars, but am unable to advance more, and this indeed will be drawn from the use to which it was actually appropriated.
You will observe, I have mentioned the sale to be for ready money: the reason is, you will get more property by that means than if sold on credit; with respect to myself, it can make no difference, as I have no advantage in view, & cannot go beyond the Sum I have mentioned. If Mr Hammond will purchase for you to the above amount, and see that the articles are properly secured

against future executions, I will pay the draughts by a check on the Bank of Alexandria upon that evidence of it, being produced to me.
With respect to the conduct of your Son Samuel I shall say nothing, because I know little concerning it. But if he applied the thousand dollars he had from me, or any part of it, towards the building of a house instead of paying his father’s debts, it was not only imprudent, but a breach of his engagement to me, for it was for the latter purpose only, and expressly that I lent him the money.
I am very sorry to hear of the losses you have sustained in your Negros and Crops, and more so for your own bad health, and the unhappy situation of my brother. At all times, and under all circumstances, it would give me sincere pleasure to render you all the Services & kindnesses in the power of Dear Madam Your Most Affecte

Go: Washington

P.S. As I write in haste you must excuse this scrawl.


Title: To George Washington from Bushrod Washington, 19 October 1798
From: Washington, Bushrod
To: Washington, George

My dear uncle
Richmond October 19th 1798

Upon my return to this place I met with a Commission from the President of the United States appointing me one of the Judges of the supreme Court. This appointment I have accepted, and was induced thereto by the strongest motives.
I was very unwilling to abandon a profession, to which I was much attached, and to the study of which I had devoted the greatest part of my life. A situation which permits me to pursue it, and to improve the knowledge which I have acquired in this science, without endangering my sight (already considerably injured) could not fail to be agreable to me.
Independent of this consideration, I could not upon a small

piece of poor land in Westmoreland have paid debts which I owe, & supported my family.
Knowing the wish you had, that I should be a Candidate for Congress, I have felt much uneasiness lest my acceptance of this appointment should be disagreable to you. The desire of attempting to serve my country in that line had also created in myself an anxiety for success in the election, altho’ I foresaw the extreme inconvenience which would result from it, in my private affairs; I was however willing to make the sacrifice. I trust that this candid statement of my situation will be an apology with you for having relinquished my first intention, and I flatter myself that my services will not be less useful to my Country in the office which I now hold, than they would have been in the legislative counsels.
I am Just preparing to go upon the southern Circuit, & shall if possible leave this place tomorrow.
From the best information which I could collect, there is very little doubt, but that a fœderal man will be sent from our district: whether Genl Lee, or Mr Landon Carter will offer is not certainly ascertained, but I believe it will be the latter.
Mrs W. Joins me in love to my aunt & yourself, and believe me to be most sincerely My dear Uncle Your affect. Nephew

B. Washington