1From George Washington to John Adams, 28 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
The Resolution of the Board for the Reduction of the Public Debt of the 27th of August 1790, which has been submitted to me meets my ideas fully on the subject, and is now enclosed with my approbation. With very great esteem & regard I am Sir, Yr most Obet Hbe St Df , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DLC:GW . Section 2 of the 12 Aug. 1790 “Act making Provision for the Reduction of the...
2From George Washington to John Adams, 27 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
Being very desireous of obtaining such aids and information as will enable me to form a just opinion upon the subject of the enclosed paper, in case the events therein mentioned should take place; I have taken the liberty to submit it to you for your consideration, requesting that you will favor me with an opinion thereon. With very great esteem & regard I am Sir, Your most Obedt Hbe Servt LS...
3David Humphreys to John Adams, 8 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
On Saturday next, the President proposes to go, with Mrs Washington and his family, to view the remains of the the old fortifications near Kingsbridge. He has understood from Mrs Washington that Mrs Adams was desirous of gratifying her curiosity on the same subject. If you should find it convenient to make the ride, with Mrs Adams and your family, he will be happy in the pleasure of all your...
4Enclosure: To John Adams, 27 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
Secret United States [New York] August 27th 1790 Provided the dispute between Great Britain and Spain should come to the decision of Arms, from a variety of circumstances (individually unimportant and inconclusive, but very much the reverse when compared and combined) there is no doubt in my mind, that New Orleans and the Spanish Posts above it on the Mississippi will be among the first...
5From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 9 September 1790 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Clement Biddle, 9 Sept. 1790. On Tuesday, 14 Sept. 1790, Biddle mentioned in a letter to Tobias Lear that he “had a few Lines from the President at Baltimore dated on Thursday.” GW’s letter to Biddle probably covered his 9 Sept. 1790 letter to David & Francis Clark (see Tobias Lear to GW, 26 Sept. 1790, n.7 ).
6Tobias 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).
7Tobias Lear to Clement Biddle, 17 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
I acknowledge the rect of your favor of the 11th Inst.—and will thank you to get & deliver to Mr Lewis, the Presidents Nephew who will have the pleasure to deliver this, a German & English Dictionary for the Presidents German Gardner —and charge the same to the President’s Acct. The President went on Saturday to R. Island —he will return in about 8 days & I think will leave this for Virginia...
8Tobias Lear to Clement Biddle, 3 October 1790 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favored with your letter of the 27th Ultimo and this morning Captain Albertson handed me your favor of the 23d. One hundred and sixty dollars is the lowest Captain Alberson will take for his vessels; and this exclusive of the Cabin, which he says was never comprehended in his conversation with you; and that it is always considered as seperate from the vessel when a vessel is...
9From 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...
10Tobias Lear to Clement Biddle, 11 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
I have to acknowledge your favors of the 24th of June and the 4th & 8th of the present month; the former enclosing the Account of coach hire &c. paid by you—and the latter covering Mr Hare’s bill & rect for Porter sent to Mount Vernon. The President will thank you to inform me if plated waiters, suitable for carrying tea round to company, can be had with you—their sizes & cost—There are some...
11From George Washington to Charles Carter of Ludlow, 14 September 1790 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 2. instant met me on the road to this place. I beg you to be assured of my sensibility and gratitude for your friendly wishes respecting my health, which, since I overcame the severe attack in May last, has been better than I had enjoyed for twelve months preceding—for within that time I experienced more, and severer indispositions than I had felt in 25 years before, all put...
12From George Washington to David & Francis Clark, 17 September 1790 (Washington Papers)
From the best judgment I can form of the repairs and alterations to be made in my old Coach (under the statement & opinions given in your letter of the 13th instt) I feel most inclined to give you the following directions for your procedure that no delay or disappointment may happen. The colour is to be as at present; but to be neatly painted and highly varnished. The Seasons (which are now on...
13From George Washington to David & Francis Clark, 9 September 1790 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to David & Francis Clark, 9 Sept. 1790. On 13 Sept. 1790 David Clark of the firm of David & Francis Clark of Philadelphia wrote to GW and mentioned having received “Your favor of the 9th Instant.” GW probably sent this letter to Clement Biddle in Philadelphia and asked his friend to deliver it to the carriage makers (see Tobias Lear to GW, 26 Sept. 1790, n.7 ).
14From George Washington to the Clergy of Newport, Rhode Island, 18 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
The salutations of the Clergy of the Town of Newport on my arrival in the State of Rhode Island are rendered the more acceptable on account of the liberal sentiments and just ideas which they are known to entertain respecting civil and religious liberty. I am inexpressibly happy that by the smiles of divine Providence, my weak but honest endeavors to serve my country have hitherto been crowned...
15From George Washington to the Convention of the Universal Church, 9 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
I thank you cordially for the congratulations which you offer on my appointment to the office I have the honor to hold in the government of the United States. It gives me the most sensible pleasure to find, that, in our nation, however different are the sentiments of citizens on religious doctrines, they generally concur in one thing, for their political professions and practices are almost...
16From George Washington to the Corporation of Rhode Island College, 19 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
The circumstances which have, until this time, prevented you from offering your congratulations on my advancement to the station I hold in the Government of the United States, do not diminish the pleasure I feel in receiving this flattering proof of your affection & esteem. For which I request you will accept my thanks. In repeating thus publicly my sense of the zeal you displayed for the...
17Enclosure: Thomas Townshend to Thomas Dalton, 12 June 1789 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your letter 4th Inst. I am Commanded by his Majesty to inform you you have his liberty to travel through his province of Canada and hold your war Council with his faithfull mohawk Indians and give out your talks as the nature of your Embasy in this his majestys Kingdom directs you—I am further Directed by the British King to Requist you will Honour me with the Result of your...
18Tobias Lear to “John A. Dingwell”, 18 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
The letter which you addressed to General Knox and myself, enclosing one for the President, came to hand this morning; and as the President is not expected to return from Rhode Island in less than 6 or 8 days from this time, we have, so far as is in our power, complied with your wishes, as you will see by the enclosed engagement. I will now add, that Colo. McGillivary and the Indians leave...
19From George Washington to Elizabethtown, Md., Citizens, 20 October 1790 (Washington Papers)
The cordial welcome which you give me to Elizabeth-Town, and the very flattering expressions of regard, contained in your address, claim and receive my grateful and sincere acknowledgements. Estimating, as I do, the affection and esteem of my fellowcitizens, and conscious that my best pretension to their approbation is founded in an earnest endeavor faithfully to discharge the duties which...
20From George Washington to William Temple Franklin, 25 October 1790 (Washington Papers)
I did not receive your letter of the 13th instant until yesterday on my return from an excursion up the Potowmack, which will apologize for the delay of my answer. I am much obliged by your offer to take charge of my letters for Europe—but, having no communication to make at this time, I shall not be able to profit of your politeness. The reason, which you say has been suggested for your...
21From George Washington to the Freemen of Newport, Rhode Island, 18 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
Answer Gentlemen, [Newport, R.I., 18 August 1790 ] I receive with emotions of satisfaction the kind address of the Citizens of New Port on my arrival in this State. Although I am not ignorant how much the worthy Inhabitants of this Town have been injured in their circumstances by their patriotic sufferings and Services, yet I must be allowed to say, that nothing on their part has been wanting...
22From George Washington to Diego de Gardoqui, 1 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive the two letters which you wrote to me on the 21st of December last from Bilboa, giving information of your safe arrival at that place after a passage rendered peculiarly tedious by the weather & your indisposition. As impressions made by bad weather at sea seldom continue long after we get on shore—and your indisposition was almost removed at the time of your...
23From George Washington to Diego de Gardoqui, 10 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
Colonel Humphreys, who, as you know, has been many years in my family, expects in his present tour to Europe to visit Spain. Should it be his good fortune to meet with you in that Kingdom, he will undoubtedly profit of the circumstance by renewing his acquaintance with you. In that case, he will have an opportunity of expressing on my part the sincere & great regard which he knows I entertain...
24From George Washington to the Governor and Council of North Carolina, 26 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
I entreat you to be persuaded that nothing could have been more agreeable to me than the proofs contained in your affectionate address of the friendly sentiments entertained by you for my person as well as for the government which I have been appointed by my Countrymen to administer —And I reciprocate with heartfelt satisfaction your congratulations on the completion of the union of all the...
25Enclosure: Thomas Dalton to William Wyndham Grenville, 8 June 1789 (Washington Papers)
(Copy) No. 2 Northumberland Court Sir Strand 8th June 1789 be pleased to permit me to inform you I am the bearer of the talks of the Kings Chiefs and head warriors of the Creek nation of British Indians in america. the talks I alude to are now in the possision of Evan Napior Esqr., who was pleased to inform me I was to have the honour of an answer in the Course of three or four days, the time...
26From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 8 November 1790 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letters of the 26th ult: & 1st Instt —The objection stated by you to the appointment of Mr Spence being conclusive, I now enclose a letter from Mr Wingate to me recommendatory of another Candidate, with my answer occasioned by the previous appointment of Mr Woodbury Langdon—but should that Gentleman finally determine not to accept, and you learn, on enquiry, that Colo....
27From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 27 September 1790 (Washington Papers)
Mr John Cogdell having resigned his appointment as Collector of the port of George town in south Carolina, I have to request that you will make enquiry respecting a proper person to succeed him. Mr Corbin Braxton having also resigned his appointment as Surveyor of the ports of Richmond and Manchester—Colonel Heth informs me that he has nominated Mr Z. Rowland to do the duties of the Office...
28From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 26 October 1790 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 8th inst: I received yesterday on my return from an excursion up the Potowmack. I acquainted you on the 15th instant that I had appointed Mr Woodbury Langdon Commissioner of Loans for the State of New Hampshire; but as it is probable from his brothers letter to you, that he will decline the appointment, I have now to inform you that I have no objection to Mr Keith Spence the...
29From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 4 November 1790 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 28th ultimo—The measures which you have taken to forward the building and equipment of the revenue Cutters, and to procure information respecting proper characters to be appointed inferior Officers, meet my approbation. You will please to inform Captain Law of his appointment, and furnish him with instructions similar to those you have given to the other...
30From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 6 October 1790 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 29th ulto. The papers concerning Capt. Lyde, put into your hands by the Vice President, which you say were enclosed to me, have not been transmitted—but from the recommendations in favor of Captain Williams, I think him entitled to a preference. Not being possessed of any commissions, I have to request (unless your farther enquiry should point to more proper...
31From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 20 September 1790 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your letter of the 10th instt relative to the establishment of the boats or Cutters for the protection of the revenue, I have to observe, That, if there appears to exist a necessity for equipping the whole number therein mentioned, the arrangement for building and stationing them, seems judicious, and is to me perfectly satisfactory. It is my wish that your Enquiries, respecting...
32From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 13 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
The session of Congress having closed, and it being my intention to go to Virginia as soon as the public business will permit, and wishing to have my mind as free from public cares during my absence from the seat of government, as circumstances will allow; I am desirous of having such matters as may, by Law, or otherwise, require the Agency or sanction of the President of the United States,...
33From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 10 November 1790 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Alexander Hamilton, 10 Nov. 1790. On 11 Nov. 1790 GW wrote to Hamilton: “Since writing to you yesterday I have received your letter of the 6th inst:.”
34From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 28 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
Having thought fit to commit to you the charge of borrowing on behalf of the United States a sum or sums not exceeding in the whole Fourteen Millions of Dollars pursuant to the several Acts, the one entitled, “An Act making provision for the Debt of the United States”, the other entitled, “An Act making provision for the reduction of the Public Debt.” I do hereby make known to you, that in the...
35Tobias 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...
36From George Washington to John Hancock, 28 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of July 20. came safely to hand, together with the Memorial of Monsieur de Latombe of the 7th of June and the Resolve of the legislature of Massachusetts of the 24th of the same month. on considering the nature of the difficulties which have occurred in the execution of the Consular convention, they appeared to be such as could not be removed but by a legislative act. when these...
37From George Washington to Benjamin Harrison, Jr., 21 November 1790 (Washington Papers)
If you can serve me by having the deed from Muse to me fully recorded, it will be an acceptable act —The deed is in the Clerk’s Office, and will shew what is necessary to be done—and who are the witnesses. If it cannot be accomplished without running me to the expence of subpoenas, I must and will incur that expence. Enclosed I send you all the Patents which are in my possession, and which...
38From George Washington to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island, 18 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
While I receive, with much satisfaction, your Address replete with expressions of affection and esteem; I rejoice in the opportunity of assuring you, that I shall always retain a grateful remembrance of the cordial welcome I experienced in my visit to Newport, from all classes of Citizens. The reflection on the days of difficulty and danger which are past is rendered the more sweet, from a...
39From George Washington to James Henry, 20 November 1790 (Washington Papers)
I availed myself a few days ago of the presence of Mr B. Basset to reacknowledge before him and Dr Stuart the original conveyance from me to the deceased Mr Custis of the land which you are possessed of by purchase from him in King and Queen County —This reacknowledgement in the opinion of professional men is all that is necessary to give validity to the deed, and all that is proper for me to...
40From George Washington to William Heth, 18 November 1790 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to William Heth, c.18 Nov. 1790. In an 18 Nov. 1790 letter to James Wood, GW enclosed “a request that Colonel Heth, as Collector, would furnish you with the means for securing the land.” GW left the letter open for Wood’s perusal. GW probably realized that William Heth, as federal collector for the port of Bermuda Hundred and as treasurer of the Virginia State Society of the...
41Tobias 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...
42From George Washington to the Inhabitants of Providence, Rhode Island, 19 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
The Congratulations which you offer me, upon my arrival in this place, are received with no small degree of pleasure. For your attentions, and endeavours to render the town agreeable to me, and for your expressions of satisfaction at my election to the Presidency of the United States, I return you my warmest thanks. My sensibility is highly excited by your ardent declarations of attachment to...
43From George Washington to James Innes, 28 September 1790 (Washington Papers)
Your letter dated the 17 of August did not come to my hands until Sunday last, or it should have received an earlier acknowledgement. For an answer to it I beg leave to refer you to Colonel Warner Lewis (of Gloucester) who, having taken much trouble to ascertain the properties and value of the land, (you wish to know the price of) and asking on what terms it would be disposed of, was sometime...
44From George Washington to John Jay, 27 August 1790 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to John Jay, 27 Aug. 1790. On 28 Aug. 1790 Jay wrote to GW about “the Case which I had Yesterday the Honor of recieving from you.” See also GW to John Adams, 27 Aug. 1790 (second letter), n.2 .
45From George Washington to John Jay, 19 November 1790 (Washington Papers)
(Private) My dear Sir, Mount Vernon Novr 19th 1790 The day is near, when Congress is to commence its third Session; and on Monday next—nothing intervening to prevent it—I shall set out to meet them at their new residence. If any thing in the Judiciary line—if any thing of a more general nature, proper for me to communicate to that body at the opening of the Session, has occurred to you, you...
46From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 27 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is the report (I mentioned to you on our Passage to Rhode-Island) of the Officer who was directed to explore the Navigation of Big Beaver &ca —When you have read, & taken such extracts from it as you may be inclined to do, please to return to the papers to me, as they will have a place with some other Papers I mean to take with me to Virginia. The short and rough Extracts also...
47From 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...
48From George Washington to Henry Knox, 13 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
The Session of Congress having closed, and it being my intention to go to Virginia as soon as the public business will permit; and wishing, during my absence from the Seat of Government, to have my mind as free from public cares as circumstances will allow; I am desireous of having such matters as may, by Law or otherwise, require the agency or sanction of the President of the United States,...
49From George Washington to Henry Knox, 27 August 1790 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Henry Knox, 27 Aug. 1790. On 29 Aug. 1790 Knox wrote to GW , “In answer to your secret communication of the 27th instant, and the questions stated therein.” See GW to John Adams, 27 Aug. 1790 (second letter), n.2 .
50From George Washington to Henry Knox, 2 November 1790 (Washington Papers)
(Private) My dear Sir, Mount Vernon Novr 2d 1790 I am a little surprised that we have not heard (so long after the time appointed for the Rendezvous) of the issue, the progress, or the commencement of the Expedition against the Wabash Indians under the conduct of Brigr Genl Harmer. This, in my opinion, is an Undertaking of a serious nature. I am not a little anxious to know the result of it, &...