31To George Washington from Thomas McKean, 12 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
On my return from the Western Circuit, I found the packet, herewith sent to Your Excellency. The reason of Mr Wilson’s application to me, respecting an affair I never before heard of, I cannot tell, unless he believes, that from a little knowledge I had of his seeming, if not real attachment to the American Revolution, I would interest myself in his behalf, or that humanity would urge me to...
32To George Washington from Moustier, 12 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
Permit me to have the honor of expressing to you my satisfaction at your reestablishment from an illness, which threatened your life. No one is more convinced than I am how precious that life is to your country—The interest which I have vowed to the United Americans is too true not to wish sincerely all that is necessary to establish the public order and justice which are the only solid basis...
33Tobias Lear to Alexander Hamilton, 13 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
New York, 13 July 1790. Encloses warrants for the superintendents of lighthouses requested that day by the Treasury Department. LB , DLC:GW . Lear had probably obtained the president’s signatures only that day on the ten commissions that Hamilton intended to forward to the lighthouse superintendents appointed since March 1790, when Hamiltion had explained to them why receipt of their...
34Roger Alden to Tobias Lear, 14 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
New York, 14 July 1790. In response to Tobias Lear’s request for copies of state acts ceding lighthouses and related property to the federal government, sends a copy (not found) of an exemplified New York act, the only one transmitted to the Department of State since the receipt of those of Connecticut and Pennsylvania, which have already been forwarded to the president. ALS , DNA : RG 59,...
35To George Washington from Burrill Devereux, 15 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
From an Impulse of Duty I feel myself under necessity of Acquain[t]ing your Excellency of the Death of one of your Officers, Mr Harris Collector of the Customs for the District of Marblehead Lynn Commonwth Massachusetts, his Business he left with me, who relinquished every other and confined my Attention to the affairs of his office almost Four Years, the Period of his first Election under the...
36To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 15–22 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
In my second interview with Major Beckwith which was on Thursday the 22d instant I spoke to him nearly as follows. I have made the proper use of what you said to me at our last interview. As to what regards the objects of a general nature mentioned by you, though your authority for the purpose from Lord Dorchester is out of question, and though I presume from his Lordship’s station &...
37To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 15 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
I have formed an opinion, quite satisfactory to myself, that the adjournments of Congress may be by law, as well as by resolution, without touching the constitution. I am now copying fair what I had written yesterday on the subject & will have the honor of laying it before you by ten aclock. the address to the President contains a very full digest of all the arguments urged against the bill on...
38To George Washington from George Cabot, 16 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
The death of Mr Harris having made a vacancy in the Revenue at Marblehead I am informed that Col. Joshua Orne will offer himself as a Candidate for the office. I am so strongly impressed with an idea of the importance it is to the Revenue to have the best men employed in it that I cannot refrain from testifying to you “that Col. Orne is one of the very few men, within my knowledge, who wou’d...
39To George Washington from George Augustine Washington, 16 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 4th Inst. gave me much satisfaction as it contained information of your health being well restored for I had feared from your communication to Doctr Stuart that you were still an invallid not having at that time got rid of the cough and pain in your side, these complaints now being removed, your visit to Virginia will I hope produce a permanent establishment of your health...
40To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 17 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
The bill on the intercourse with foreign nations restrains the President from allowing to Ministers plenipotentiary or to Chargés more than 9000. and 4500. Dollars for their “personal services & other expences.” this definition of the objects for which the allowance is provided, appearing vague, the Secretary of state thought it his duty to confer with the gentlemen heretofore employed as...
41To George Washington from Juan Nepomuceno de Quesada, 17 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
I impart to your Excellency that since the 7th Instant I enjoy the command of this Town & Province, which my royal Master has thought Proper to confer upon me. On which occasion, and flattering myself with the hope that some circumstance perhaps may afford me the honor of being useful, as well to your Excellency as to some of the States, I beg you will be pleased to accept the sincere desire...
42To George Washington from William Loughton Smith, 17 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
New York, 17 July 1790. Recommends Peter Bounetheau and Daniel Stevens as loan commissioner for South Carolina under the funding bill; Edward Trenot, Col. John Mitchell, Daniel Stevens, and Peter Bounetheau as revenue inspectors should the excise bill pass; and captains William Hall and Jacob Milligan as commanders of revenue cutters. AL , DLC:GW . Daniel Stevens (1746–1835), a Charleston,...
43Tobias Lear to Richard Varick, 19 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
In compliance with your request signified in your polite letter, I have the honor to inform you that the President of the United States will have the pleasure to see you tomorrow at 10 O’clock, if that hour should be convenient & agreeable to you. with great Respect I have the honor to be Sir, Your most Obedt Servt ALS , NHi : Richard Varick Papers. Richard Varick (1753–1831) moved from...
44From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 20 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
The first request of this letter is that you would burn it as soon as you have read it and keep the contents to yourself; at least for the present. Some months ago farms lately in the tenure of Mr Abel James were advertised for sale by you and Mr Henry Drinker —These farms I have seen; but not, it is to be acknowledged with the eyes of a Purchaser—The ⟨one⟩ near Frankfort you inform the public...
45To George Washington from Battaile Muse, 20 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
Virginia Berkeley County } Honorable Sir July 20th 1790 As nothing extraordinary happened Since I saw you last I did not think it necessary To trouble you with a Letter. k[n]owing the fatigue You had to go through I thought it Improper to be troublesome. The suit against Robin Scott is not yet determined about the Land on Gooscreek. The Gentlemen who were appointed Could never be got togather....
46To George Washington from the Commissioners for Settling Accounts, 21 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
The time limited by the Ordinance of Congress of the 7th May 1787 for settling the accounts between the United States and individual States having expired. We conceive it to be our duty to give this information, that such disposition may be made of the accounts and vouchers of the several States as you shall be pleased to direct. With profound respect We are Sir yr most Obt Servts LS , DNA :...
47To George Washington from William Godwin, 21 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
That Your Excellencys Petitioner served in the American War upwards of Six Years. and was honorably dischargd by Your Excellency on the Eighth day of June 1783. & That from a variety of Losses and a severe Sickness for upwards of Seven Months. he hath been greatly reduced and is now Confined in Prison for the value of a Boat which was lost during his Illness. hath a Wife and two small Children...
48To George Washington from Thomas McCabe, 21 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
your Homble deportment makes me hope, that you will forguive the Intrusion of An Irish tradesman, on your Importent minnets; from A general wish for the happyness of all Societys, but pertickulerly those whose Actions make them stand foremost in this Circle—I am indusced to inform you of An Invention which I have within this few days perfected by An English Artist whome I indusced to come to...
49Tobias Lear to Clement Biddle, 22 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
New York, 22 July 1790. Encloses a draft on the Bank of North America for $200 to be credited to GW’s account. ALS , PHi : Washington-Biddle Correspondence; ADfS , ViMtvL ; LB , DLC:GW . Biddle acknowledged receipt of the bank check on 26 July 1790 ( PHi : Clement Biddle Letter Book).
50Indenture with Jedediah Sanger, 22 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
[New York?] 22 July 1790. GW and George Clinton lease for one year 234 acres on the south side of the Mohawk River in White’s Town, Montgomery County, N.Y., to Jedediah Sanger of that place, for £118.10, as witnessed by Tobias Lear and DeWitt Clinton. DS (partially printed), NUtHi , notarized by DeWitt Clinton before James McHughes, master of chancery, on 30 Jan. 1792, and recorded by Herkimer...
51To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 22 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
Th. Jefferson has the honor to inclose to the President the extract he desired from his letter of May 4. 1787. He finds by a note, which he does not know however where he got, that the city of Mexico is about 200. miles from the sea. AL , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DLC:GW . Ever since Alexander Hamilton’s July conversations with Major Beckwith about the Anglo-Spanish war crisis,...
52To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 23 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
I was honourd with your Excellencys Letter of—— inst. which I immediately burnt on reading and should have answer’d it by yesterdays post but had not Obtained so full Information on the subject as I wished. Mr Abel James having met with misfortunes in Trade, assigned his Estate at Frankford to Mr Frederick Pigou of London, for whom Mr Drinker was agent for a Consideration of £8500 Currency—I...
53To George Washington from J. Huiberts, 23 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
When Mr DeClercq (at whose house the Duke of Brunswyk kept his quarters, during the time that his Prussian Majestys troops, under his commands, insulted this, in former times, free country) shew’d me the map, upon which all the operations of the Prussian Army are marked, I thought your Excellency should not be displeased by having a copy, nor think it too forward in me, when I offered Mr...
54John Fenno to Tobias Lear, 24 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
[New York] 24 July 1790. Sends two bound volumes of the Gazette of the United States after a delay of two months because of problems at the bindery and notes that one volume is a complimentary copy for GW’s library and the other is to replace issues earlier loaned by Lear. ALS , DLC:GW . John Fenno established the semiweekly Gazette of the United States in April 1789 at the seat of the new...
55To George Washington from David Harris, 24 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
It is extremely painful to me, to trouble your Excellency, with a Second application for Office, after the unfortunate fate of my first; Conscious that my disappointment, did not proceed from an Opinion of my incapacity a demerit; I am encouraged once more to present myself for employment. I cannot Consider myself destitute of a Claim on my Country for an Office, having served in the Army at...
56To George Washington from Rufus Putnam, 24 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
I left Muskingum the 2d instant: Nothing new in that quarter Sence Mr Morgan came on, except, that a number of Horses have been Stolen & one man Killed at Bellevill (a Virginia Settlement about three miles below the great Hockhocking) which appears to be a Misschief altogather unprovoked. Also about the 20th of last month a woman was taken neer the mouth of Buffaloe Creek, and was afterward...
57To George Washington from Elbridge Gerry, 26 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
I received a letter from Samuel Russell Gerry Esqr. to the Secretary of the Treasury requesting to be nominated to the President of the United States for the office of collector for the Port of Marblehead. his application was made in this mode as he writes me, because not being informed on the subject he was doubtful whether candidates from a principle of attention & respect, with which in his...
58To George Washington from William Heron, 26 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
Notwithstanding that I have not the Honour of being personally acquainted with you, and that a stranger attempting to introduce himself labours under peculiar embarrassments yet, having the most perfect reliance on your Candour, I venture to address the following Lines to you. I arriv’d here last night from Reading in the State of Connecticut (where I belong) on an Eriand which gives me pain...
59Tobias Lear to Captain Hollis, 26 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
New York, 26 July 1790. Requests delivery to the bearer, Francis Parman, of the three mares that GW sent on 1 June to be put to John Jay’s horse in Bedford Town, Westchester County, N.Y., and asks that an account of the cost for their care and arrangements for its payment also be transmitted through Parman. LB , DLC:GW . The name Hollis does not appear in the Federal Census of 1790 for Bedford...
60From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 26 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
The President of the United States transmits to the Secretary of State, to report thereon, a memorial of Monsr deletombe, Consul of France, to the Legislature of Massachusetts, respecting certain parts of the Consular Convention agreed upon by and between his most Christian Majesty and the President of the United States—together with a Resolution of that Legislature upon said memorial; and a...
61To George Washington from Ebenezer Brush, 28 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
New York, 28 July 1790. Suggests that an American consul be appointed in the Dutch colonies of Surinam and Demerara and represents that he would be a worthy candidate because of his past residence and continuing economic interest there. ALS , DLC:GW . New York City merchant Ebenezer Brush (1763–1814) was a native of Huntington, New York. GW nominated him on 2 Aug. 1790 as consul “for the port...
62To George Washington from William Nichols, 28 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
If any apology be necessary for the liberty which I now take in addressing you, I can only say, that, considering you as the common father of your country, I beleive there is no person belonging to it whose happiness you would not wish to promote. I am besides an old Soldier, who have at least had the merit, or rather the honour Shall I call it, of performing some long marches & exposing my...
63To George Washington from Noah Webster, 28 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
My sole apology for troubling your Excellency with any communication foreign to the immediate duties of your high & important station is its estimated consequence to the prosperity of the country over which you preside. The doctrin I purpose to maintain in this Letter, if true, is of more importance than perhaps any modern discovery whatever; and if it is of such consequence, your Excellency...
64To George Washington from William Barton, 29 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
Mr Wm Barton presents his most dutiful and respectful Compliments to the President of the United States, with the inclosed Letter from Professor Barton. Mr W.B. will do himself the Honor of waiting on the President, To-morrow at 10 o’clock to receive his Commands, which Mr B. will be proud to convey to his Brother. AL , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters. William Barton (1754–1817), eldest son...
65To George Washington from Jacques Michel Guillaume Bénière, 29 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
We have learned that Franklin, the man of all nations, is no more —having enlightened them all, and in every species of knowledge, they ought to share in a loss, which is common to them all. The august Legislators of our nation have hastened to set the example; but the assembly of representatives of the Commons of the Capital believed it their duty to add to this universal mourning a new...
66To George Washington from Samuel Osgood, 29 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
I have examined the Documents in the General Post Office with Respect to the Arrival of the Mail at Richmond, & find but two Instances of Failure since the first of April last, to the first of July Instant, in delivering the Mail that goes South from this Place, to Richmond; excepting that it sometimes arrives half an Hour, & sometimes an Hour, after the Time fixed for its Arrival. On the 19th...
67To George Washington from George Hazard Peckham, 29 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
Necessity which is the Mother of invention emboldens me to write to so great a Man as your Excellency, To undertake to tell you of the great things you have done and are doing for your Country, at a time when I am about asking a favour wou’d be insincere; Therefore shall confine my Self to what concerns the happiness of my Family, Yet not without as good wishes for the prosperity & happiness...
68To George Washington from Winthrop Sargent, 29 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
Mr Joseph St Marie a Citizen of Vincennes of good Character, has made Representation to me of a Seizure upon his Property by an Officer of his Catholic Majesty, and within what is understood to be the Territory of the united States—Which I beg Leave to Lay before your Excellency —with very great Respect I have the Honour to be your Excellency’s most Humble & devoted Servant ALS , DNA : RG 59,...
69Enclosure: Joseph St. Marie to Winthrop Sargent, 22 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
Joseph St Marie of St Vincennes in the County of Knox in the said Territory, begs Leave to acquaint your Honor that on the 23d Day of August 1788 he took the Liberty of addressing a Letter to John Francis Hamtramck Esquire Major in the first United States Regiment, and Commandant at Post Vincennes, of which the following is a Copy, “Sir In pursuance to the antient usage and Custom of this...
70To George Washington from William Jackson, 31 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
The subject of this address affects me too sensibly, in different relations, to admit of a personal explanation of my feelings—delicacy, duty, and the most respectful veneration towards you, Sir—propriety, personal wishes, involving the dearest affections of my heart, as it respects myself, all conspire, on this occasion, to agitate me in a manner, which precludes the possibility of explaining...
71To George Washington from Henry Latimer, 31 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
Newport, Del., 31 July 1790. Great fatigues on his slender constitution necessitating relinquishment of his current lucrative business, offers himself as an applicant for the office of loans commissioner for the state of Delaware if the Funding Bill passes Congress and refers to United States senators Richard Bassett and George Read for recommendations. ALS , DLC:GW . Dr. Henry Latimer...
72To George Washington from Winthrop Sargent, 31 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
The Absence of the Governor having made it my Duty to carry into Effect as far as possible the Resolution of Congress of the 29th of August 1788 respecting the Inhabitants of Post Vincennes—I beg Leave to report, not only my Proceedings under that Resolution but, some Circumstances which, in my Opinion, ought at this Time to be communicated as very materially concerning the Interests of the...
73To George Washington from George Augustine Washington, 31 July–20 August 1790 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from George Augustine Washington, c.31 July–20 Aug. 1790. In a letter to GW of 20 Aug. 1790 , George Augustine Washington wrote, “my Letter subsequent to the 30th Ulto would give you information of the safe arrival of Will and the order in which the things were rcd sent in the same Vessel.”
74To George Washington from William Moultrie, July 1790 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit to you a Resolve of this States Society of the Cincinnati enter’d into the 8th instant, expressing the Society’s disapprobation of the conduct of the Secretary General in not sending forward in proper time the notice required by the letter from the Chairman of their standing Committee & addressd to him dated the 2nd March 1790. The conduct of the Secretary General...
75To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 1 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
I am informed by the Friends of Mr Adam Gilchrist of his Application to your Excellency for the Appointment of Commissioner of Loans for the State of South Carolina and Conceive it my Duty to bear testimony to you of his long & faithful Services in my Department during the late War. This Gentleman was a Lieutenant in Colo. Hartleys Regiment and on the reduction of that Regiment accepted of an...
76To George Washington from Winthrop Sargent, 1 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
By the Conveyance for my Official Communications I beg Leave to represent, that the Act of the United States which authorizes & directs the Secretary of their Western Territory to discharge (at certain Times) the Duties of the Governour has involved me in additional Expenses, Which they have not as yet been pleased to provide for, And which my private Finances do not capacitate me to defray. It...
77To George Washington from James Ewing, 2 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
Having for several Years served the United States as Commissioner of the Continental Loan Office in the State of New Jersey, I took the Liberty some time since of soliciting your favorable recollection of me when that Office should be re-established, at the same time inclosing Copies of Testimonials which I had been favored with respecting my conduct in that service; since which I have seen...
78To George Washington from Alexander Contee Hanson, 2 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
Mr Joseph Clark of this city, being desirous of an employment as architect surveyor or master-builder of the public works, which, he supposes, are about to be erected for the general government, has requested me to recommend him, so far as, in my opinion, his merits will justify. Mr Clark, as I have been informed, was regularly bred to his profession in England; but on that circumstance I lay...
79To George Washington from Joseph Hardy, 2 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
I observe by the Act for Funding the Public Debt, which has lately passed the Legislature, that a Commissioner is to be appointed in each of the States, to carry that System into effect. Having for several years past enjoyed the priviledges, and been considered as a Citizen of this State; and having from a long experience in the Treasury Department, obtained an extensive knowledge of the...
80To George Washington from John Neilson, 2 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
New Brunswick [N. J.], 2 Aug. 1790. Conceiving New Brunswick to be “conveniently situated for the People of New Jersey,” submits his name as a candidate for the office of commissioner of loans for that state. “If I have presumed too much on your knowledge of my Character, and by not procuring the recommendation of my fellow Citizens on this occasion, have left it too much to that issue, you...