GEORGE WASHINGTON
BICENTENNIAL EDITION
THE WRITINGS OF
GEORGE WASHINGTON
(The Commission expired December 31, 1934)
President of the United States
Chairman
Vice President of the United States
Speaker of the House of Representatives
United States Senate
Simeon D. Fess , * Vice Chairman Ohio
[Note:Deceased. ]
Arthur Capper Kansas
Virginia
Millard E. Tydings Maryland
House of Representatives
Willis C. Hawley Oregon
John Q. Tilson Connecticut
Joseph W. Byrns * Tennessee
[Note:Deceased. ]
Virginia
Presidential Commissioners
Mrs. Anthony Wayne Cook Pennsylvania
Mrs. John Dickinson Sherman * Colorado
[Note:Deceased. ]
Michigan
New York
[Note:Deceased. ]
Virginia
Oregon
Albert Bushnell Hart Massachusetts
Joseph Scott California
Executive Committee
The Senate and House Commissioners
Mrs. Anthony Wayne Cook
Joseph Scott
Historian
Prof. Albert Bushnell Hart
Director
Representative Sol Bloom
Executive Secretary
William Tyler Page
Dr. J. Franklin Jameson , Chairman *
[Note:Deceased. ]
Chair of American History and Chief of Manuscripts Division
Library of Congress
Professor Randolph G. Adams
Librarian William L. Clements Library
University of Michigan
President J. A. C. Chandler *
[Note:Deceased. ]
William and Mary College
President Tyler Dennett
Williams College
Dr. Charles Moore
Chairman United States Commission of Fine Arts
George W. Ochs-Oakes, Esq . *
[Note:Deceased. ]
Editor New York Times
Brigadier General John M. Palmer
United States Army, Retired
Dr. Victor H. Paltsits
Chief of American History Division
and Chief of Manuscripts Department
New York Public Library
1790
Page
To Governor Beverley Randolph, January 22
Speeding a letter to Mr. Jefferson. 1
To Ebenezer Tucker, January 24
Sale of Washington County, Pa., land. 1
To President Joseph Willard, January 24
Hospitals for sick and disabled seamen. 2
To Chief Justice Thomas McKean, January 24
His recommendation for an appointment. 3
To the Senate and the House of Representatives, January 25
Maryland's proposed amendment to the Constitution. 3
To the Senate and the House of Representatives, January 28
Rhode Island's convention to ratify the Constitution. 4
To Governor Beverley Randolph, January 29
The Cape Henry lighthouse. 4
To the Attorney General, February 6
Requesting an opinion. 5
To Clement Biddle, February 7
Bolting cloth. 6
To William Craik, February 8
Dispute with Stromat. 7
To the Senate, February 9
The Eastern Boundary dispute with Great Britain. 7
To Clement Biddle, February 10
A pea-green carpet. 8
To the Attorney General, February 11
Cannot sanction his proposed measures -- Congress must pass an act extending the judicial power to North Carolina. 9
To William Paca, February 13
His new commission as United States Judge for the Maryland district. 10
To James Iredell, February 13
His appointment to the Supreme Bench. 10
To Clement Biddle, February 14
The President's birthday -- February 11 11
To the Senate, February 18
The Eastern Boundary. 12
To James Madison, February 20
Jefferson's acceptance. 12
To Samuel Powel, February 21
The Philadelphia Society for the Promotion of Agriculture. 13
To Governor John Hancock, February 22
The Eastern Boundary. 13
To Elijah Hunter, February 25
His services in the Revolution. 14
To Gouverneur Morris, March 1
Plateaux and lamps. 15
To Warner Lewis, March 5
Delay in writing -- Land in Gloucester County. 16
To Clement Biddle, March 5
Carpet -- Buckwheat. 18
To Goddard & Angell, March 6
Advertisement. 18
To Charles Carter, March 8
Fredericksburg lots. 19
To the Secretary of War, March 8
Creek Indian affairs. 20
Passport, March 11
For Alexander McGillivray and Creek chiefs. 20
To President Thomas Mifflin, March 15
Indian depredations on the western frontier. 21
To Governor Beverley Randolph, March 20
Piamingo's ammunition. 22
To Baron Poellnitz, March 23
Establishment of a Government farm. 23
To David Stuart, March 23
Agreement with Robert Alexander -- Mr. Custis -- Analysis of the matter. 24
To Stephen Stewart, March 25
Medal from Congress for his son. 27
To Anthony Wayne, March 25
Medal from Congress for the assault on Stony Point. 27
To David Stuart, March 28
Jealousies poisoning the minds of the Southern people -- Different sectional interests have always existed -- Local divisions in States and counties -- Spirit of accommodation should prevail -- Benefit of united action -- Will separation occasion harmony? -- Scurrility of the gazettes -- Discrimination to public creditors -- Assumption of State debts -- Quakers' memorial. 28
To the Secretary of the Treasury, March 31
Authorizing a loan. 31
To the Chief Justice and Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States, April 3
Importance of the judiciary -- Will be glad to receive information from time to time. 31
To the King of France, April 6
Recall of Mr. Jefferson. 32
To the Secretary of War, April 7
Troops sent to Georgia. 32
To Daniel Grant, April 8
Obtaining a cook. 33
To Paul Zantzinger and Adam Reigart, April 10
Purchase of mares. 34
To David Stuart, April 11
Consent to the Alexander agreement. 35
To Anthony Whiting, April 14
His services as overseer -- Arrangements. 36
To Gouverneur Morris, April 15
Plateaux. 38
To Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, April 26
Introductory letters to his nephew. 38
To the Marquis de la Luzerne, April 29
An interchange of felicitations -- Prosperous situation of the country -- Not indifferent to the welfare of the French nation -- Rumors of European wars -- Conditions of advancement. 39
To Richard Harrison, May 23
Consulship at Cadiz. 41
To the Senate, May 31
Nomination of Mr. De Poiry. 42
To Henry Hill, June 3
Dr. Franklin's cane. 43
To Clement Biddle, June 3
Arrival of the cook. 43
To the Marquis de Lafayette, June 3
Wishes for his success -- The situation in France -- A good temper prevails in the Union -- Elements of prosperity everywhere visible -- Extension of commerce -- Personals. 44
To Marquise de Lafayette, June 3
Brevet commission for M. Poirey. 46
To Governor Arthur Fenner, June 4
Rhode Island's ratification of the Constitution. 47
To Mercy Otis Warren, June 4
Accepts her dedication. 48
To David Stuart, June 15
Discontent in Virginia -- Criticism of Congress -- Some ill-advised proceedings -- Assumption of the State debts -- His reception days and the ceremony followed. 49
To Daniel Owen, June 19
Rhode Island's ratification. 55
To the Secretary of State, June 19
Letters sent for his perusal. 56
To Samuel Powel, June 20
Dedication of Bartram's Travels. 56
To Clement Biddle, June 20
The President's account -- Blue and white china. 57
To James Wood, June 20
A caveat -- Price of a land patent. 58
To John Cannon, June 25
Draft on Mr. Scott -- Rents. 59
To George Clendinen, June 25
Settlement of his Kanawha and Ohio lands. 60
To Thomas Lewis, June 25
Management of his lands. 62
To Judge David Sewall, June 28
No palliating circumstance in the case of Thomas Bird. 62
To the Earl of Buchan, June 30
Dr. Anderson's publication. 63
To Charles William Frederick Dumas, June 30
Acknowledging a box -- Poems of the Society of Leyden. 64
To Duchesne, De Barth, Thiebaud, and Their Associates in the Scioto Settlement, June 30
Their address -- Welcome to America. 64
To Diego de Gardoqui, July 1
His return to Spain. 65
To Comte de Ségur, July 1
Thanks for congratulations -- Rhode Island's accession to the Constitution. 66
To Governor Charles Pinckney, July 5
Address of the South Carolina convention -- Creek Indians. 67
To Gouverneur Morris, July 7
His intercourse with the British Government -- Plateaux from France. 68
To the Secretary of State, July 15
Bill fixing the permanent seat of government. 69
To Clement Biddle, July 18
A silver waiter -- China and muslin. 70
To Clement Biddle, July 20
Inquires about certain farms in Pennsylvania offered for sale -- His intentions and needs. 71
To Clement Biddle, July 25
Blue and white china. 73
To the Senate, August 4
Treaty with the Creeks -- A secret article. 74
To the Senate, August 6
Nominating Henry Knox to conclude the treaty with the Creeks. 75
To the Senate, August 7
Submission of the Creek treaty. 76
To Clement Biddle, August 8
Time of starting to Mount Vernon. 77
To James Wood, August 8
Mullens's claim to Hampshire land -- Major Parker's resignation. 78
To Clement Biddle, August 9
Mrs. Bland's request. 79
To Thomas Paine, August 10
Key of the Bastile -- The new government. 80
To Comte D'Estaing, August 10
His plan. 81
To Diego de Gardoqui, August 10
Introducing Colonel Humphreys -- Gardoqui's new honor. 81
To Comte de Rochambeau, August 10
An anecdote of hot soup -- Reports of happenings in France. 82
To Marquis de La Luzerne, August 10
Debt pending and the seat of Government -- Colonel Humphreys. 84
To the Marquis de Lafayette, August 11
The key of the Bastile -- Lafayette's difficult position -- What has been done by Congress -- Strict neutrality in European broils, the true policy of the United States -- Navigation of the Mississippi -- War between England and Spain. 85
To the Senate, August 11
Treaties with the Creeks and Cherokees -- Judgment requested. 88
To the Attorney General, August 12
Permission to visit Philadelphia -- Probable proclamation on encroachments on Indian lands. 90
To the Secretary of War, August 13
Matters to be submitted to him before his departure for Mount Vernon. 91
Proclamation, August 14
Treaty with the Creeks. 92
To Gouverneur Morris, August 14
Account with Wakelin Welch & Son. 92
To Governor Beverley Randolph, August 24
Commissioners for settling accounts between the United States and the States -- The Virginia accounts. 94
To Martha Dangerfield Bland, August 25
Claim for a boat captured by Colonel Bland. 96
To Governor Charles Pinckney, August 26
Peace treaty with the Creek Indians. 98
Proclamation, August 26
Warning against infractions of the Hopewell treaty with the Choctaw and Chickasaw Indians. 99
To Clement Biddle, August 26
Dictionary -- Quarters in Philadelphia -- Itinerary. 99
To the Attorney General, August 26
Detention in Philadelphia. 101
Queries to the Heads of the Departments, August 27
Answer to be made if British request permission to march to the Mississippi. 102
To the Secretary of State, August 27
Navigation of the Big Beaver. 103
To Eliphalet Fitch, August 28
Slave trade pamphlets. 103
To the Vice President, August 28
Resolution of the board for the reduction of the Public Board. 104
To Governor John Hancock, August 28
Memorial of Latombe and difficulties in execution of the consular convention with France. 104
To Noah Webster, August 28
Thanks for volumes -- Agricultural observations. 105
Instructions to the Secretary of The Treasury, August 28
Reduction of the public debt. 106
To Captain Thomas Randall, August 30
Return of the presidential barge. 107
To Tobias Lear, August 30
Authority to expend from the contingent fund of the United States. 108
To Reverend John Rodgers, August 30
Contribution for imprisoned debtors. 109
To Tobias Lear, September 5
Capacity of Robert Morris's house -- Rooms, etc. -- Harness -- Servants -- Mr. Hyde -- Bow windows. 110
To Robert Morris, September 9
His house -- Servants hall. 113
To Charles Carter, September 14
Health -- Difficulty in borrowing money. 114
To David & Francis Clark, September 17
Repairs to his coach. 115
To Tobias Lear, September 17
Broken ornaments -- Mr. Morris's house -- Mr. Hyde. 116
To the Secretary of the Treasury, September 18
Loans in Holland. 118
To the Secretary of the Treasury, September 20
Establishment of revenue cutters -- Commanders. 118
To Tobias Lear, September 20
Mr. Morris's and other houses in Philadelphia -- Servants -- Mr. Hyde and his wife -- Dinners -- Packing of ornaments -- Mr. Macomb's rent -- Dingwell. 120
To the Secretary of War, September 20
Governor Telfair's proclamation -- Outrage committed against the Seneca Indians. 124
To the Secretary of the Treasury, September 27
Resignations -- Recommendations. 125
To Tobias Lear, September 27
Morris's house -- The pagoda -- Mr. Macomb -- Luster -- Franklin stoves and the old chariot. 125
To James Innes, September 28
Col. Warner Lewis will inform as to the lands. 127
To the Secretary of the Treasury, October 3
Thanks for his observations. 127
To the Attorney General, October 3
Arrest and punishment of murderers of Indians. 128
To Tobias Lear, October 3
Spain and the navigation of the Mississippi -- Philadelphia schools -- George Washington Parke Custis -- Servants -- Bust of Necker and prints. 128
To the Secretary of the Treasury, October 6
Captains of revenue cutters. 130
To Richard Taylor, October 8
His appointment to a revenue cutter. 131
To the Secretary of the Treasury, October 10
Beckwith's hint and its motive -- Message to Congress. 131
To Tobias Lear, October 10
Arrangements in leaving New York approved -- Macomb -- Carpets -- Harriet Washington -- Schools for her and his nephews George and Lawrence -- Mr. Morris's house. 132
To William Temple Franklin, October 25
His departure from America. 134
To the Secretary of the Treasury, October 26
Commissioner of Loans for New Hampshire. 135
To Tobias Lear, October 27
Furniture at Philadelphia -- Bow windows -- Details -- Rent terms should be fixed -- Servants -- Wines. 135
To James Dunlop, October 29
Money due the Colvill estate -- A demand from one of the legatees. 137
To Gabriel P. Van Horne, October 29
Coach and horses for the President. 138
To Tobias Lear, October 31
Furniture and house -- Coach and horses -- Colonel Van Horne -- Coach decoration -- Mrs. Brodeau's school -- Tradesmen. 139
To Eléonor François Élie, Comte de Moustier, November 1
Madame De Brehan's engravings -- Health -- Congress. 141
To the Secretary of War, November 2
Harmar's expedition against the Wabash Indians. 143
To the Secretary of the Treasury, November 4
Revenue cutters. 143
To the Secretary of War, November 4
Governor St. Clair's communication of the object of an expedition. 144
To Mercy Otis Warren, November 4
Thanks for her book. 144
To James Tilghman, November 6
Miss Anderson's claim against the Colvill estate. 145
To William Constable, November 7
Thanks for forwarding articles. 146
To Tobias Lear, November 7
College for George Washington Parke Custis -- Articles from Gouverneur Morris -- Coolers -- Pagoda -- Accommodations for servants. 146
To James Dunlop, November 8
Miss Anderson's legacy. 149
To the Secretary of the Treasury, November 8
New Hampshire appointments -- Revenue cutter captains. 150
To the Secretary of the Treasury, November 11
William Skinner. 151
To Tobias Lear, November 14
The President's house -- What rent should be paid -- Alterations to be made. 152
To James Wood, November 18
The survey in Hampshire County -- Patenting of land on the northwest side of the Ohio. 154
To the Chief Justice, November 19
Message to Congress -- Journey to Philadelphia. 155
To the Secretary of War, November 19
Failure of Indian expedition under Brigadier General Harmar -- Information to be given to Congress. 156
To Doctor Benjamin Waterhouse, November 19
His discourse. 157
To James Henry, November 20
The Custis land in King and Queen County. 157
To Benjamin Harrison, November 21
The deed from Muse -- Fry's patent. 158
To Tobias Lear, November 23
Bad roads and a poor coachman. 159
To Governor George Clinton, December 1
Harmar's defeat -- Causes -- Captain Brant. 160
To the Secretary of the Treasury, December 1
The Holland loan and the message to Congress. 161
To George Steptoe Washington, December 5
Cost of his education -- Advice as to his conduct. 162
To William Stephens Smith, December 7
Leave of absence. 164
Second Annual Address to Congress, December 8 164
To James Madison, December 10
Answers to the addresses of Congress. 169
To the Secretary of State, December 11
Gouverneur Morris's instructions -- A private letter to Morris. 169
To David Stuart, December 12
Return of a slave -- Rents near Alexandria -- Mrs. French's land. 170
To Edward Rutledge, December 15
Introducing Col. John Trumbull. 172
To Gouverneur Morris, December 17
Washington's sentiments on intentions of the British Cabinet -- A commercial treaty -- The Welch balance -- Public affairs. 172
To Burges Ball, December 19
Exchange of lands -- Washington County land -- Ohio and Kanawha lands. 174
To Charles Carter, December 19
His application. 176
To George Steptoe Washington, December 19
Lawrence to come to college with him. 177
To Battaile Muse, December 27
Aid to be given to Mrs. Haynie. 178
To Elizabeth Haynie, December 27
Her distress -- Instructions given to Mr. Muse -- Other measures taken. 178
To the Cornplanter, Half Town, and Great Tree, Chiefs and Counselors of the Seneca Nation of Indians, December 29
Speech. 179
To the Chiefs and Warriors of the Chickasaw Nation, December 30
Speech. 184
To the Hebrew Congregations of Philadelphia, New York, Charleston, and Richmond, December
Reply to their address. 185
Estimate of the Cost of Mrs. French's Land and Negroes on Dogue Creek, Compared With the Produce by Which It Will Be Seen What the Tenant Is to Expect 186
1791
To the Secretary of State, January 2
Boundaries of the District of Columbia. 189
To Governor Arthur St. Clair, January 2
Certain executive regulations of the Northwest Territory are improper -- Need of circumspection. 190
To the Secretary of State, January 4
Wishes to see him -- Boundaries of the District of Columbia. 191
To William Washington, January 8
Projected visit to the southern States. 192
To Governor Beverley Randolph, January 13
Establishment of a woolen manufactory in Virginia. 193
To the Secretary of War, January 14
Speeches of Cornplanter and other Seneca chiefs -- Lands. 194
To Edward Rutledge, January 16
His friendly letter -- Projected southern tour -- His invitation. 195
To the Senate, January 19
France's representation on the tonnage acts of 1789 and 1790. 197
To the Cornplanter, Half Town, and the Great Tree, Chiefs of the Seneca Nation, January 19
Speech. 197
To Timothy Pickering, January 20
Introducing husbandry among the Indians -- Strongly in favor of it -- The superintendency of the Northern Indians. 199
Commission Appointing Commissioners for the Permanent Seat of Government, January 22 200
To the Senate and the House of Representatives, January 24
Survey of the permanent seat of government. 201
Proclamation, January 24
Boundaries of the District of Columbia. 202
To William Deakins, Junior, and Benjamin Stoddert, January 24
Proclamation of the boundaries of the District of Columbia. 204
To the President of the National Assembly of France, January 27
Friendship. 205
To the Secretary of State, February 1
Mr. Ellicott's instructions. 206
To William Deakins, Junior, and Benjamin Stoddert, February 3
Location of the Federal territory -- Suggested lines to be run -- Desires them to negotiate as if for themselves -- A clear purchase preferable. 207
To Thomas Beall, February 3
Payments to Andrew Ellicott. 209
To Angelica Schuyler Church, February 6
Her letter. 209
To John Armstrong, February 6
Friendship -- Rules governing appointments. 210
To Thomas Marshall, February 6
Kentuckians' disposition toward the United States -- Wishes information. 211
To Battaile Muse, February 6
Mr. Windsor's surrender of his lease. 212
To the Senate and the House of Representatives, February 9
Admission of Vermont to the Union. 212
To the Secretary of State, February 9
Messages to the two Houses of Congress. 213
To Catherine Macaulay Graham, February 10
Her treatise on education and interest in the welfare of the United States. 213
To the Senate and the House of Representatives, February 14
Disposition of Great Britain to commercial arrangements. 214
To the Senate, February 14
Gouverneur Morris's mission to London -- Results. 214
To the Secretary of the Treasury, February 16
Calls for an opinion on the constitutionality of the act to incorporate the Bank of the United States. 215
To John Greenwood, February 16
Dental matters. 216
To John Hoomes, February 17
Lease of Royal Gift. 217
To William Deakins, Junior, and Benjamin Stoddert, February 17
Purchase of District lands -- Hamburg lots -- Private agent. 218
To the Senate, February 18
Settlement of matters with Spain -- Colonel Humphreys's mission -- Minister to the Court of Lisbon. 219
To George Clendinen, February 21
His agency. 221
To the Queen of Portugal, February 21
Appointments of Mr. Freire and Colonel Humphreys. 222
To the Senate, February 22
Ransom of Algerian captives. 223
To the Secretary of the Treasury, February 23
Return to Congress of the bill to incorporate the subscribers to the Bank of the United States. 224
To Reverend William Gordon, February 25
Correspondence -- Sends money for Gordon's history. 224
To William Deakins, Junior, and Benjamin Stoddert, February 28
Mr. Burnes's land. 225
To Ebenezer Hazard, February 28
Subscription to his collection of State papers. 225
To Mary Briston, February
Her son's confiscated estate. 226
To William Deakins, Junior, and Benjamin Stoddert, March 2
Major L'Enfant's survey -- Negotiations with Mr. Burnes. 226
To the Senate, March 4
Convening to receive Vermont nominations. 228
To the Secretary of State, March 6
Conveyances of land in the District of Columbia. 228
Southern Tour Itinerary, March 10 229
To the Secretary of State, March 10
The wording of a letter to Mr. Carmichael. 232
To Daniel Carroll, March 11
Journey to Georgetown. 232
To the Secretary of the Treasury, March 15
Division of the country into districts for collecting duties on distilled spirits -- Salaries, etc. -- Appointees. 233
To the Secretary of the Treasury, March 15
Authorizing a loan. 240
To David Humphreys, March 16
Despondent accounts of public affairs -- European opinions of America -- Paine and Rumsey -- What Congress has accomplished -- Affairs in Europe -- Indian hostilities -- His southern tour. 241
To the Secretary of State, March 16
Closure of the Burnes matter -- Opinions of L'Enfant. 244
To William Deakins, Junior, and Benjamin Stoddert, March 17
Site for the public buildings -- Hamburg. 244
To William Deakins, Junior, and Benjamin Stoddert, March 17
Cession of Hamburg lots -- Mr. Burnes. 245
To Daniel Carroll, March 17
Arrival at Georgetown. 245
To the Chief Justice, March 17
Opinion of the Attorney General. 246
To Martha Dangerfield Bland, March 18
Willingness to serve her -- Opinion of the Attorney General. 246
To the Secretary of State, March 19
Authority to press a settlement with Spain. 247
To Marquis de Lafayette, March 19
Correspondence -- Prosperous outlook in America -- Hopes the National Assembly will not protract its session -- The best confirmation of its decrees will be by the people. 247
To the Secretary of the Treasury, March 19
Order for a payment. 249
Proclamation, March 19
Against the associates of James O'Fallon. 250
To Tobias Lear, March 27
Steward and housekeeper -- Hyde and others -- The garden. 250
To Tobias Lear, March 28
Letters to be filed -- Colonel Cannon -- Harness pad. 252
To Governor Charles Pinckney, March 29
The southern tour -- Declines his invitation. 253
Proclamation, March 30
Boundaries of the District of Columbia. 254
To George Clendinen, March 31
Land sale to Mr. de Barth. 255
To the Secretary of State, March 31
Has reconciled differences between Georgetown and Carrollsburg -- Terms with the proprietors. 256
To Hannah Fairfax Washington, April 1
Her letters -- Mr. Norton's appointment. 258
To the Secretary of War, April 1
Frontier measures taken -- Murdered Indians -- Maryland and Virginia battalions. 259
To the Secretary of State, April 1
Barclay's commission -- Frontier troubles -- Land speculations -- The southern tour. 260
To William Deakins, Junior, and Benjamin Stoddert, April 1
Federal city land -- Disposal of lots. 262
To the Commissioners of the District of Columbia, April 3
Agreement with the proprietors -- Form of conveyance -- Sale of lots. 263
To William Tilghman, April 3
Proceedings of Colvill's executors against Sidney George. 264
To Battaile Muse, April 3
Mr. Hickman's loss. 265
To Tobias Lear, April 3
Payment for lands sold -- Indian troubles. 266
To the Secretary of State, April 4
Indians receiving supplies from Canada -- Lord Dorchester to be informed. 267
To William Darke, April 4
Acceptance of a regiment -- Darke to appoint gentlemen for officers. 268
To Pierre Charles L'Enfant, April 4
Plans submitted for his inspection -- Jefferson's sketch -- Lands to be comprehended. 270
To the Secretaries of the Departments of State, Treasury, and War, April 4
Directions for communicating matters of importance arising during his absence -- His tour outlined. 272
To the Secretary of the Treasury, April 4
Efforts to avert an Indian war -- New York's negotiation with the Six Nations. 273
To Edward Carrington, April 4
Virginia inspectors. 274
To Tobias Lear, April 6
His journey -- Steward and housekeeper. 275
To the Secretary of War, April 7
Colonel Darke to appoint officers to the Virginia battalion. 275
To William Darke, April 7
Appointments to the Virginia battalion -- Bounty -- General directions. 276
To George Augustine Washington, April 8
Work on the greenhouse -- Sowing timothy, etc. 279
To the Commissioners of the District of Columbia, April 13
Application to the Governor of Virginia -- Land titles -- Order on Governor Randolph for money. 279
To the Secretary of State, April 13
The influence of Morris's mission on Spanish negotiations -- Copies of his letters should be communicated to Carmichael. 281
To Governor Beverley Randolph, April 14
Frontier defense arrangements -- Money for the District of Columbia. 282
To William Tatham, April 14
Subscription to his map. 283
To Edmund Pendleton, April 14
Mr. Norton's appointment. 283
To Tobias Lear, April 21
Progress of his journey. 284
To the Secretary of the Treasury, May 7
Approves the Amsterdam loan negotiations. 285
To the Commissioners of the District of Columbia, May 7
Pain at the difficulties that have arisen -- Boundary dispute with Young, Peter, et al . -- Misunderstanding. 286
To James Seagrove, May 20
Negotiation with Governor Quesada submitted to his care -- Fugitive slaves in Florida. 288
To Charles Cotesworth Pinckney and Edward Rutledge, May 24
Resignation of John Rutledge creates a vacancy on the Supreme bench -- The place offered to one of them -- Why the offer was not made before. 290
To Tobias Lear, June 12
Arrival at Mount Vernon -- The mail. 291
To the Secretary of the Treasury, June 13
Wolcott's appointment -- Delays of letters -- His tour was uninterrupted. 292
To the Secretary of State, June 15
Duplicates of letters -- Date of reaching Philadelphia. 295
To Tobias Lear, June 15
Signing of commissions -- Successor to Hopkinson -- Other appointments -- Servants. 296
To Robert Morris, June 16
Appointment of Mr. Wolcott. 298
To the Secretary of State, June 17
Mr. Short's Amsterdam negotiation. 298
To the Secretary of War, June 19
Inquiry into General Harmar's conduct. 299
To Tobias Lear, June 19
Reemployment of Mrs. Read -- Wine from Charleston -- Approval of Lear's arrangements -- Servants -- Blankets, turnips, and seed -- Business at Georgetown -- Conduct of Paris -- Servants from Germany. 299
To James Mercer, June 21
Niel McCoull's letter. 303
To Tobias Lear, June 26
Forwards letters -- Journey from Georgetown. 304
To John Chestnut, June 26
Drill plow -- Indigo seed. 305
Memorandum of Carpentry Work to Be Done, June 307
To the Inhabitants of Frederick, July 1
Reply to their address. 309
To Thomas Smith, July 8
Thanks. 310
To the Secretary of State, July 12
Mr. Pearce. 310
To William Stephens Smith, July 13
His information as to the disposition of the British Cabinet. 311
To Jeremiah Wadsworth, July 13
Sale of the Spanish jackass. 311
To Thomas Johnson, July 14
His appointment to the Supreme Court. 313
To Judge Ædanus Burke, July 19
Colonel Waters's claim under Dinwiddie's proclamation. 314
To Richard Champion, July 19
Thanks for his observations on the commercial interests of the country. 314
To Hannah Gordon, July 19
Recovery of her lands. 315
To Catherine Macaulay Graham, July 19
Her pamphlet on the French Revolution -- Why his letter is short. 316
To Reverend William Gordon, July 19
Correspondence -- Encloses the third of a set of exchange. 317
To David Humphreys, July 20
Spain's backwardness -- His southern tour -- Impressions gained of the country through which he passed -- Difficulties over the excise -- Public credit is high -- Indian hostilities and their causes -- The seat of government -- The situation in Europe. 317
To Robert Rutherford, July 20
Thanks for his observations on the western frontiers. 321
To Comtesse de Rochambeau, July 20
Baron Closen and the Cincinnati. 322
To the Commissioners of the District of Columbia, July 24
Wharves between Hamburg and Rock Creek. 323
To Robert Peter, July 24
His wharf proposition. 323
To Marquis de Lafayette, July 28
Lafayette's situation -- Paris tumults -- French decrees on tobacco and oil unfavorably received in America -- His southern tour -- Contrast in the situations of Europe and the United States. 324
To Gouverneur Morris, July 28
Plateaux received -- Effect of the European commotions upon America -- Danger of forming connections with any European powers -- The situation in the Southern States -- Public credit -- The success of the bank subscriptions -- The census returns. 326
To the Secretary of State, July 28
Forwards letters. 330
To the Secretary of the Treasury, July 29
Removal of restrictions laid upon Mr. Short in the loan negotiations. 330
To the Secretary of State, July 30
Approves the letter to Mr. Short. 331
To Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, July 31
Sums due on Clifton's land. 331
To Thomas Johnson, August 7
Exemption from circuit duty -- Probable discontinuance of these tours. 332
To Thomas Johnson, August 8
Sends a letter for the information of the District Commissioners. 333
To William Moultrie, August 9
Friendship -- His health and visit to South Carolina. 333
To William Darke, August 9
Discontent of officers with General Butler. 334
To Benjamin Lincoln, August 14
Asks him to discover if Generals Cobb or Brooks will accept the marshalship of Massachusetts. 335
To Anthony Whiting, August 14
Weekly reports from Mount Vernon -- Corn -- Grass seeds -- Dogue Run overseer -- Greenhouse -- Shoes for Negroes -- Wheat crop. 336
To Arthur Young, August 15
Acknowledges Annals and plants -- Taxes in England -- The agricultural situation of America -- His queries. 339
To -- Perkins, August 18
Price of the young jack -- The Knight of Malta. 341
To William Tilghman, August 18
Settlement of the Colvill estate. 342
To James Keith, August 19
The Colvill estate and Sidney George. 342
To the Secretary of State, August 21
Colonel Anderson's threshing machine. 343
To David Stuart, August 25
Inquiries as to the state of agriculture in America -- Queries. 344
To Samuel Vaughan, August 25
Mr. Rumsey's inventions -- Prosperous train of public affairs. 345
To Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, August 28
Chancery deed of the Clifton purchase. 346
To Oliver Evans, August 29
Work on the mill at Mount Vernon. 347
To the Postmaster General, August 29
Leave of absence -- Mail contracts. 348
To the Secretary of State, August 29
Carrollsburg and Hamburg -- Papers. 349
To Anthony Whiting, August 29
Bolting chest -- Building the house at Dogue Run -- Overseer -- Wheat treading at the Ferry -- Meats. 350
To the Secretary of State, August 29
Federal city matters -- Sale of lots -- Bridge -- Wooden houses, etc. -- Engraved plan of the town. 351
Ratification of the Dutch Loan, September 1 353
To the Chief Justice, September 4
Visit to Mount Vernon -- Asks for ideas for his message to Congress. 354
To Oliver Evans, September 4
Work on the Mount Vernon mill -- Evans's presence. 354
To Charles Armand-Tuffin, September 5
Monsieur de Cambourg's visit -- Interest in France's affairs. 355
To Diego de Gardoqui, September 5
His good wishes. 356
To Eléonor François Élie, Comte de Moustier, September 5
Condition of France and America. 356
To Sir Edward Newenham, September 5
His interest in the United States -- Maple sugar. 357
To John Cannon, September 7
Delay of his promised statement -- Hopes to receive it soon. 358
To Comte D'Estaing, September 7
Monsieur de Ternant. 359
To the Secretary of War, September 8
Condolences. 360
To Marquis de La Luzerne, September 10
Friendship -- Troubles of the French nation -- The United States. 361
To Marquis de Lafayette, September 10
In suspense as to conditions in France -- M. Ternant's appointment -- Ill health of George Augustine Washington. 362
To Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, September 11
Journey to Mount Vernon -- Payment on Clifton's bond -- Meeting in Baltimore. 364
To Anthony Wayne, September 12
Mr. Sheuber's services in the Revolution. 365
To Gouverneur Morris, September 12
Proposal to finance the debt due to France -- Reasons for not accepting the proposition. 366
To Governor George Clinton, September 14
Extraordinary action about to be taken by the British -- Moderation and forbearance necessary -- Extremities should be the result of a deliberate plan -- An agent is sent to examine into the matter. 369
To James Seagrove, September 14
Indians and Negroes -- Glad to receive his information. 370
To the Secretary of the Treasury, September 16
Successor to Doctor Latimer. 371
To Samuel Powel, September 20
Pennsylvania's erection of a house for the President. 372
To Miers Fisher, September 20
Rent for Mr. Morris's house. 374
To the Secretary of the Treasury, September 24
Approval of the action on the request of the French Minister. 374
To the Secretary of War, September 24
Supplies to be furnished the French Minister. 375
To Jean Baptiste Ternant, September 24
Money, arms, and ammunition to be furnished -- Negro insurrection -- Hispaniola. 375
To Tobias Lear, September 26
Building a house for the President in Philadelphia -- Declaration to Mr. Fisher -- Purchase of blankets. 376
To the Secretary of the Treasury, October 2
Land purchases from Judge Symmes in the Northwest Territory. 378
To John Dandridge, October 2
Property right in Negroes. 378
To the Secretary of War, October 2
Acknowledging letters -- Papers respecting the western expedition. 379
To Jean Baptiste Ternant, October 2
Insurrection in Hispaniola. 380
To Tobias Lear, October 2
Blankets -- Confusion over the President's house -- Engraving of the Federal city. 380
To Hugh O'Connor, October 3
Land sales -- Prices. 382
To Tobias Lear, October 7
Alexandria blankets -- Journal of journey to Fort Le Boeuf -- Message to Congress. 383
To the Secretary of War, October 10
Address and memorial from the officers of the Miro District. 385
To the Attorney General, October 10
The laws relating to Indians -- Must be cured of defects if peace is to be secured -- Encroachments of the Tennessee Company. 386
To Tobias Lear, October 14
Intentions of the French Minister -- Date of meeting of Congress -- Preparation of message -- Mystery of the engraving of the Federal city. 387
To the Secretary of the Treasury, October 14
Date of meeting of Congress -- Preparation of message -- Encouraging the growth of cotton and hemp -- Establishment of arsenals. 388
To the Secretary of War, October 14
Date of meeting of Congress -- Preparation of message. 390
To Battaile Muse, October 15
Transfer of his agency to Robert Lewis. 390
To Robert Lewis, October 15
Conduct of his land business -- Details to be obtained from Muse -- Rights of the landlord to be enforced -- Delayed rents -- Transfers not warranted by the leases -- Compliance with terms of the leases. 391
To the Commissioners of the District of Columbia, October 17
Sale of lots. 394
To the Secretary of the Treasury, October 17
Progress toward Philadelphia -- Suggestions of Jefferson and Madison. 394
To David Stuart, October 18
Requests news of the sales of lots. 395
To James Madison, October 21
Forwards information. 395
Third Annual Address to Congress, October 25 396
To the Senate, October 26
The Cherokee, Six Nations, Seneca, and Creek negotiations. 404
To James Madison, October 27
Answer to the address of the House of Representatives. 406
To the Senate and the House of Representatives, October 27
Pennsylvania fugitives from justice -- North Carolina's conveyance of lands for lighthouses. 406
To Harriet Washington, October 30
A hint upon bad excuses -- Advice and counsel. 407
To the Senate and the House of Representatives, October 31
Arrangement for inspection districts. 409
To Charles Vancouver, November 5
A curious plow. 410
To Marquis of Lansdowne, November 7
Lord Wycombe -- The country's recollection of Lansdowne's agency in the dispute with Great Britain. 410
To Alexander Moultrie, November 7
South Carolina Yazoo Company. 411
To Governor Charles Pinckney, November 8
His letters -- Sympathy for St. Domingo. 412
To the Secretary of State, November 9
Major Pinckney's post. 413
To John Kean, November 10
His appointment as cashier of the Bank of the United States. 413
To the Senate and the House of Representatives, November 10
Public lands ceded by North Carolina. 414
To Governor Alexander Martin, November 14
Cession of lands for lighthouses -- Gratification at the condition of North Carolina. 415
To Mary Briston, November 14
Her inquiries. 416
To Reverend Eliphalet Pearson, November 14
Judge Lowell's eulogy of Governor Bowdoin. 416
To Monsieur Jorré, November 15
His application for an appointment. 417
To Doctor James Craik, November 16
Nomination of Richard Harrison as auditor. 418
To David Stuart, November 20
L'Enfant's refusal of the map of the Federal city -- High opinion of the man -- Probable explanation of his conduct -- Ellicott -- Has informed L'Enfant that he is under the Commissioners -- Unaccountable behavior of the engraver -- Sale of lots -- Importance of laying out the city -- Opposition subsiding. 419
To Marquis de Lafayette, November 21
Monsieur Jarré. 424
To William Shotwell, November 21
Purchase of clover seed. 425
To Marquis de Lafayette, November 22
Introducing John Trumbull -- His productions well received -- The King's acceptance of the Constitution. 425
To David Stuart, November 23
Wood covers for brick or stone buildings in the Federal city. 427
To William Shotwell, November 25
Clover and timothy seed. 427
To the Secretary of State, November 25
Meeting of head of the departments. 428
To Daniel Carroll, of Duddington, November 28
His appeal -- Demolition of his house -- Alternatives offered. 429
To Pierre Charles L'Enfant, November 28
Daniel Carroll's house -- Mr Ellicott's brother -- The engraved map of the city. 430
To the Secretary of State, November 30
L'Enfant's reply -- To lose his services would be a serious misfortune; but he must be checked. 432
To the Commissioners of the District of Columbia, December 1
Major L'Enfant's demolition of Mr. Carroll's house. 432
To Daniel Carroll, of Duddington, December 2
Dispute with Major L'Enfant -- Injury to the Federal city from chancery proceedings. 433
To Pierre Charles L'Enfant, December 2
Demolition of Mr. Carroll's house -- Authority of the Commissioners -- Precipitate conduct -- Hope for the future. 434
To Joshua Johnson, December 5
Packet for Arthur Young. 435
To Benjamin Walker, December 5
Packet in care of Joshua Johnson. 435
To Arthur Young, December 5
Answers to his inquiries -- Agriculture in America -- Virginia and the Potomac River -- Taxes -- Prices -- American cultivation. 436
To Governor Henry Lee, December 7
Memorial of Virginians on property carried away by the British. 441
To Governor Henry Lee, December 7
Congratulations on appointment to the governorship. 441
To the Secretary of State, December 9
The tariff -- Meeting of heads of departments. 442
To the Senate and the House of Representatives, December 12
Defeat of Major General St. Clair. 442
To Pierre Charles L'Enfant, December 13
Commissioners have charge of every matter -- Their disposition to support his plans -- Hopes there will be no delay. 442
To the Senate and the House of Representatives, December 13
Plan of the city for the permanent seat of government. 444
To Governor Henry Lee, December 14
St. Clair's defeat. 444
To the Secretary of State, December 14
Major L'Enfant and the Commissioners. 445
To the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, December 18
Dispute between Major L'Enfant and Mr. Carroll -- Curb put upon L'Enfant -- Carroll equally to blame -- Opinion of the matter. 445
To the Secretary of State, December 18
Form of a communication to Congress. 448
To Jean Baptiste Ternant, December 22
Print of the King of France. 448
To the Secretary of State, December 25
Mr. Muter's and Judge Innes's letters on the Indian country. 449
To the Secretary of State, December 25
Troubles with the Federal City. 449
To William Jackson, December 26
His resignation to practice of law -- His public services. 449
To the Secretary of War, December 26
Letter from Colonel Nicholas -- Troops for Kentucky. 450
To the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, December 27
Mr. Carroll's house -- The dispute -- Opinion of the Attorney General -- Notley Young's house. 451
To John Vaughan, December 27
The San Domingo revolt. 453
To the Secretary of State, December 27
Meeting of the heads of the departments. 453
1792
To Mary Butler, January 6
Sympathy for the loss of General Butler. 453
To Brown & Francis, January 7
Their request for letters of recommendation for John Francis. 454
To Bushrod Washington, January 8
Wood stolen from his Four Mile Run tract -- Measures to be taken. 455
To the Senate and the House of Representatives, January 11
Affairs on the western frontiers. 456
To the Senate, January 11
Nomination of William Carmichael and William Short as commissioners to negotiate for the navigation of the Mississippi River. 456
To Joseph Williams, January 14
Sale of jackasses. 457
To the Secretary of State and James Madison, January 14
Letters for the consideration of Jefferson and Madison. 458
To the Secretary of State, January 15
Documents respecting the dispute between Major L'Enfant and Mr. Carroll. 459
To the Secretary of War, January 16
Advisability of publishing a statement respecting the Indian war. 459
To Thomas Pinckney, January 16
His acceptance of the appointment to the court of London. 460
To Anthony Whiting, January 16
Filling the ice house. 460
To the Secretary of State, January 16
Breakfast with Colonel Hamilton and the President. 461
To the Commissioners of the District of Columbia, January 17
Approval of their action -- Major L'Enfant. 461
To the Senate, January 18
Additional article to the Cherokee treaty. 462
To the Secretary of State, January 18
Astonished at Major L'Enfant's conduct. 462
To the Secretary of War, January 22
Characters to be nominated as general officers. 463
To the Senate and the House of Representatives, January 23
Letter and resolution from Virginia concerning bounty lands since ceded to the Chickasaw Indians. 463
To James Wilson, January 23
His proposed digest of laws. 464
To Oliver Evans, January 25
Annual wages of a miller -- The Mount Vernon mill. 465
To the Secretary of War, January 26
Resolution of the House of Representatives respecting raising of troops in Pennsylvania. 467
To the Secretary of State, January 28
Revision of a letter to Gouverneur Morris. 467
To Gouverneur Morris, January 28
His appointment to the court of France -- Criticism of his conduct and conversations -- Friendly warning to be more circumspect. 468
To the Attorney General, January 31
Queries as to Mr. Carroll's house. 470
To Henry Dorsey Gough, February 4
Sheep raising in a private and public view -- His own success. 471
To Oliver Evans, February 5
The present miller at Mount Vernon -- Obtaining a new one. 472
To Hercules Mulligan, February 6
Black moleskin breeches. 474
To Alexander Spotswood, February 7
A place for his son under Captain Truxtun. 474
To the Secretary of State, February 7
Has heard nothing from Mr. Johnson. 476
To Otho Holland Williams, February 7
Plants from General Moultrie. 476
To the Senate and the House of Representatives, February 8
An expense incurred. 477
To the Secretary of State, February 9
Mr. Walker -- Sentiments of the people on the dispute with L'Enfant. 477
To William Stephens Smith, February 10
Resignation -- Best wishes. 478
To the Secretary of State, February 11
Conversation with Madison on carrying the affairs of the Federal district into execution. 479
To James Pemberton, February 11
Proposed speech of the Quakers to the Cherokees. 479
To the Secretary of State, February 15
Letter to Major L'Enfant -- L'Enfant's letter -- Would be glad to see Mr. Madison. 480
To James Madison, February 19
Would like to see him. 481
To Governor Charles Pinckney, January 31 -- February 20
Arrival of the Cherokee deputation -- Peculiarly desirable to cultivate friendship with the Indians. 481
To the Secretary of State, February 22
Plan ought to appear as the work of L'Enfant. 482
To Oliver Evans, February 24
Mr. Robinson's wages. 483
To the Secretary of State, February 24
Papers to be considered by the heads of the departments. 484
To the Secretary of War, February 25
Draft of a letter to Captain Brant. 484
To Reuben Slaughter, February 25
His claim to lands on the Kanawha -- Will resist every encroachment -- Origin of his rights. 485
To David Shepherd, February 25
Tomlinson's claim to the Round Bottom. 486
To the Secretary of State, February 26
Jefferson's letter to L'Enfant -- Madison and the attorney General should see it. 486
To the Secretary of State, February 26
Report on the navigation of the Mississippi. 487
To the Secretary of State, February 27
Alteration of the plan by L'Enfant -- Mr. Ellicott. 487
To Pierre Charles L'Enfant, February 28
Discontinuance of his services -- The Commissioners -- Delay in engraving the plan. 488
To James Mercer, February 29
Use of Washington's name in his suit. 490
To the Secretary of War, February 29
Answer to General St. Clair's letters. 490
Errors of Government Towards the Indians, February 491
To the Secretary of State, March 2
Draft of a letter to General St. Clair. 494
To the Secretary of State, March 4
Ellicott's completion of the survey of the Federal city -- Delay of the engraving. 495
To the Senate and the House of Representatives, March 5
Letter from His Most Christian Majesty. 495
To the Senate, March 6
Nomination of a consul to Copenhagen. 496
To Governor George Clinton, March 6
Embarrassment from applications -- Nomination of Mr. Morris to be New York supervisor. 496
To the Commissioners of the District of Columbia, March 6
Mr. Jefferson's letter -- Mr. Johnson's letter -- Finish of the L'Enfant matter -- Engraving of the plan of the city -- Objects of their attention -- Proposed loan. 497
Approval of a Competition, March 6 500
To the Chief Justice, March 6
His family's increase -- Mr. Burr's motion. 500
To the Secretary of State, March 6
Complaints from Mr. Hammond. 501
To the Senate, March 7
Report of the Secretary of State on commercial arrangements with Spain. 501
To the Secretary of State, March 7
Enclosure sent for perusal. 502
To the Secretary of State, March 7
Bringing canal navigation to the city. 502
To David Stuart, March 8
Mr. Johnson's health -- Trouble with L'Enfant -- Advantage will be taken of his dereliction -- Inactivity will keep the Government where it now is -- Has been controlled by one idea from the beginning -- Plan should look beyond the present day -- Plans of the Capitol and President's house -- No aid to be expected from L'Enfant -- Jealousy and distrust cultivated to defeat the accomplishment of the design -- Suggestion for a superintendent -- Ellicott's ability -- Compensation to L'Enfant -- Rumor of a misapplication of money -- Importation of foreign artisans. 503
To the Senate and the House of Representatives, March 9
Statement of account of the bankers in Amsterdam of payments for intercourse with foreign nations. 508
Opinion of the General Officers, March 9 509
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