1To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 21 May 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive your letter of the 16th inst. I sincerely hope that the intelligence which has been communicated to you of a war between France and Spain being inevitable, is not founded in truth. It is my intention to commence my Journey to Philadelphia on Thursday next. I shall stop in George Town one day, and proceed on from thence without further delay, unless my horses...
2George Washington to the Senate, 8 May 1792 [document added in digital edition] (Jefferson Papers)
If the President of the U.S. should conclude a Convention or treaty with the Government of Algiers for the ransom of the thirteen Americans in captivity there, for a sum not exceeding 40,000 dollars, all expences included, will the Senate approve the same? or is there any & what greater or lesser sum, which they would fix on as the limit beyond which they would not approve the ransom? If the...
3George Washington to William Smith, 8 May 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I learn with much satisfaction from your letter of April 28. that you propose to undertake a history of the American revolution, and shall with pleasure procure you any aids I can towards the faithful execution of the work. I will therefore desire the heads of the Executive departments to communicate to you such papers of useful information in their respective offices as they, in their...
4To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 28 April 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
In strict confidence the President of the U.S. sends the enclosed letter for the perusal of the Secretary of State.— No other person has seen, or been made acquainted with the contents.—It is necessary the Secretary should be informed of the circumstances related in the letter.—Tis possible, these politics may have contributed to the change in the Spanish Ministry.—I wish Mr. Short was, or...
5George Washington to the Senate, 10 April 1792 [document added in digital edition] (Jefferson Papers)
If the President should enter into a Provisional convention with the government of Algiers for a sum not exceeding 40,000 dollars, will the Senate advise & consent to it’s ratification, the government of Algiers being made clearly to understand that we are not to be bound by the treaty until it shall be ratified? If this sum appears too high, what lower limit would the Senate approve? If the...
6George Washington to the Senate, 9 April 1792 [document added in digital edition] (Jefferson Papers)
The Committee to report that the President does not think that circumstances will justify, in the present instance, his entering into absolute engagements for the ransom of our captives in Algiers, not callg. for money from the treasury, nor raising it by loan, without previous authority from both branches of the legislature If the President should enter into a Provisional convention with...
7To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, [4 April 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
Am I right in understanding, as the result of the Conversation you had with Mr. White, that it was his opinion Genl. Morgan would serve under Officers superior to him in Rank in the Army about to be raised?-I want to get the appointments closed, but wish to know, previously, whether this was Mr. Whites opinion.-Yours sincerely, RC ( DLC ); addressed: “Mr. Jeffer[son]”; endorsed by TJ as...
8To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 3 April 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The President has examined the enclosed—thinks it exactly conformable to the loan proposed by Mr. Blodget—and approves of it accordingly. Mr. Jefferson will request the Attorney General to draw (with care and caution) a Deed proper for the occasion. RC ( DNA : RG 59, MLR ); addressed: “Mr. Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 3 Apr. 1792 but not recorded in SJL or SJPL . The enclosure has...
9To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, [1 April 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed are sent for Mr. Jeffersons perusal. The letter from Mr. Knox the P—— thinks was (the original) sent to Mr. Jefferson before. RC ( DLC ); addressed: “Mr. Jefferson.” Entry in SJPL reads: “G. W. to Th: J. with a letter of Dec. 27. from Gouvr. Morris.” TJ marked an asterisk before enclosed and indicated the following: “From Gouver. Morris. Paris. Dec. 27. 91.” Morris’ letter...
10To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, [30 March 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed Instrumt. does not accord with my recollection of Mr. Blodgets proposed Loan, and I confess I had much rather see a clear expression of the intention than to meet an explanation of it afterwards by one of the parties, to the contract. The number of Lots to be Mortgaged I do not positively recollect, but sure I am one half were to be North of an East and West line from the...
11To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 25 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The President of the United States has attentively considered the “Project of a Convention with the Spanish Provences” which was submitted to him by the Secretary of State, and informs him that the same meets his approbation.—The President, however, thinks it proper to observe, that in perusing the beforementioned Project some doubts arose in his mind as to the expediency of two points...
12To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, [24 March 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
The Letters from Mr. de Mirbeck and Mr. Vall-travers to the P—— and from the Proprietors of the Federal City to Mr. Walker, he wishes Mr. Jefferson to read and consider, that answers to, or proper notice of them, may result from it. RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received 24 Mch. 1792 and recorded in SJPL where the entry reads: “G. W. to Th: J. with letters of Mirbeck, Valtravers and Walker.”
13To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, [21 March 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
To morrow I shall be engaged all day, but will, in the course of it, fix a time to view the Big bones at Doctr. Wisters. I hope Mr. Blodget does not begin to hesitate concerning the loan?—And I hope the Commissioners, when they are about it, will build a Stone bridge and a compleat one, over Rock Creek—it will be the cheapest in the end.—Yrs. sincerely, RC ( DLC ); addressed: “Mr. Jefferson”;...
14George Washington to Louis XVI, 14 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I receive as a new proof of friendship to the United States, the letter wherein you inform me that you have accepted the Constitution presented to you in the name of your nation, and according to which it is henceforth to be governed. On an event so important to your Kingdom, and so honorable to yourself, accept the offering of my sincere congratulations, and of the Sentiments of the Senate...
15To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 14 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
At the time Mr. Jeffersons letter to the President was put into his hands he was so much engaged as hardly to find time to read it. The general purport of it, however, he well recollects was agreeable to him [bu]t whether the following ideas if they are [not] already substantially expressed, might not with propriety be conveyed, Mr. Jefferson will judge of, and act accordingly. That no farther...
16To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, [14 March 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
The P—— put Mr. J——n’s suggestions, respecting the Post Office, into the hands of the Postmaster Genl. yesterday and requested him to be here at half past Seven (Genl. Knox being soon after) this Morning.—If Mr. J—— is at leisure the P—— would be glad to see him here at the same time, on that business. RC ( DLC ); addressed: “Mr. Jefferson.” Entry in SJPL reads: “G. W. to Th: J. on the...
17To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, [12 March 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
The P——— would be glad to see Mr. Jefferson immediately, and requests him to bring the Copy of the P———t’s letter to the French King with him. RC ( DLC ); addressed: “Mr. Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 12 Mch. 1792. Entry in SJPL reads: “G. W. to Th: J. desiring to bring the Pr’s letter to the K. of France.”
18To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, [10 March 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
I was informed last Night by Mr. Izard that a Comee. of three, of which he was one, were to be with me on Monday Morning upon the subject of the Algarine business.—The Senate do not know how to get money for the purpose without the Agency of the Rep., and they are affraid to make the Com. I wish you to consider this matter and, if not before, to let me see you by half after 7 Oclock on Monday...
19To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, [8 March 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
I do not recollect whether any notice has been taken in your letter to the Commrs. of Mr. Johnsons suggestion of bringing the Canal navigation to the City. The ascertainment of the practicability ought by all means to be encouraged.—Yours, RC ( DLC ); addressed: “Mr. Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 7 Mch. 1792 and recorded under that date in SJPL . The error in date was probably TJ’s;...
20To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, [7 March 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed, sent for Mr. Jeffersons perusal, corrobates the idea held out in the communication of Mr. H—d. Extract from Kirkland’s letter, dated Kanandaiqua Feb. 25. 1792. ‘The British at Niagara, hold out this idea, that the U.S. will not be able to refund the confiscated tory estates. Therefore a new boundary line must be made betwixt the two powers, and that this line will probably be...
21Enclosure I: Contract with Samuel Blodget, Jr., 6 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
A Declaration to be made by the President That the sales of lots of public property in the town of Washington shall never be extended so far but that there shall remain and be reserved so many of the said lots unsold as shall at the rate of 100. Doll. per lot be sufficient to secure the proportion of this loan not yet reimbursed, of which lots two fifths shall be South of an East and West line...
22Agenda for Commissioners of the Federal District, [ca. 5 March 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
Estimates &ca. are sent to shew the views &ca. of Majr. LEnfant. MS ( DLC : Washington Papers); in the hands of both TJ and Washington, as indicated in notes below; undated, but certainly written after 1 Mch. and on or before 6 Mch. 1792. It is very probable that TJ wrote the first part of the agenda and sent it or left it with Washington on 5 Mch. 1792 (see Washington to TJ, 4 Mch. 1792 ) and...
23To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, [5? March 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
The catalogue of complaints, enclosed, is long.—May not our loss of the Indian trade—the participation of it I mean—and the expence and losses sustain’d by the Indian War be set against Mr. H—list of grievances in behalf of the B—Merchants, as well as, by taking our slaves away depriving us of the means of paying debts. RC ( DLC ); addressed: “Mr. Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 6 Mch....
24To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 4 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed came by the Post yesterday.—I send it for your perusal. Have you had any conversation with Mr. Ellicot respecting the completion of the Survey, and lots of the Federal City?—If so, what was the result?—He ought, [if] he undertakes it, to proceed to that place immediately, so as to be there at the proposed meeting of the Commissionrs. The Engravers say eight weeks is the shortest...
25To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 2 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Be so good as to examine the enclosed draught of a letter to Genl. St. Clair, and make such alterations (with a pencil) as you shall judge proper; as letter and answer will, it is presumed, be handed to the public.—The bearer will wait to bring it back to me. RC ( DLC ); addressed: “Mr. Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 2 Mch. 1792 and recorded in SJPL . Enclosure not found, but see...
26To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, [ca. 28 February 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
Would it be advisable to let L’Enfont alter the Plan if he will do it in a certn. given time—and provided also we retain the means if any thing unfair is intended that we may not suff[er.] Ought any thing to be said in my letter to him respecting payment for his past Services.— Should Mr. Ellicot be again asked in strong and explicit terms if the Plan exhibited by him is conformable to the...
27To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 26 [February] 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I have perused the enclosed answer to your letter, to Majr. L’Enfont.—Both are returned.—A final decision thereupon must be had.—I wish it to be taken upon the best ground, and with the best advice.—Send it, I pray you, to Mr. Madison who is better acquainted with the whole of this matter than any other.—I wish also that the Attorney General may see, and become acquainted with the...
28To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 26 February 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The P—— returns the enclosed Report to Mr. J——. Boundary and the Navigation of the Missisipi are clearly defined—The propositions respecting Commerce he presumes is equally so, but having little knowledge of this subject he trusts to the guards provided by Mr. J——. The P—— has put one or two queries in the Margin of the Report merely for consideration. RC ( DLC ); addressed: “Mr. Jefferson”;...
29To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, [24 February 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
The President desires Mr. Jefferson will give the enclosed Papers an attentive perusal, and return them to him as soon as he has done it; that Colo. Hamilton may have an opportunity of doing it also.—At 10 ’oclock tomorrow the P—— will speak with the heads of departments upon the subject of them, and requests their attendance accordingly. RC ( DLC ); addressed: “Mr. Jeffer[son]”; endorsed by...
30To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, [22 February 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed meets my approbation.—Did Walker accord willingly, or reluctantly? The Plan I think, ought to appear as the Work of L’Enfont.—The one prepared for engraving not doing so, is, I presume, one cause of his dissatisfaction.—If he consents to act upon the conditions proposed, and can point out any radical defects, or others to amend which will be a gratification to him, not improper in...