Mount Vernon, November 12, 1786.

    Dr. Sir: On a supposition that you are now at Annapolis, the Petition of the Directors of the Potomac Company, is enclosed to your care. A Duplicate has been forwarded to the Assembly of this State. The fate of it I have not heard, but entertain no doubt of its favorable reception, as there are many auspicious proofs of liberality and justice already exhibited in the proceedings of it this Session.

    I hope the same spirit will mark the proceedings of yours. The want of energy in the federal government; the pulling of one State, and parts of States against another; And the Commotion among the Eastern people, have sunk our national character much below par; and have brought our politics and credit to the brink of a precipice. A step or two more must plunge us unto inextricable ruin. Liberality, justice and unanimity in those States, wch. do not appear to have drank so deep of the cup of folly, may yet retrieve our affairs; but no time is to be lost in essaying the reparation of them.

    I have written to no gentlemen in your Assembly respecting the Potomac business but yourself, the justice of the case and your management of it, will ensure success. With great regard and respect, I am, etc. ⁵⁵

[Note:From the "Letter Book" copy in the Washington Papers. ]