1To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 10 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
Philadelphia, 10 Nov. 1791. After examining the enclosed papers relating to the land purchase of John Cleves Symmes on the Great Miami River, he thinks it proper to lay them before Congress, to demonstrate not only the foundation of Symmes’s larger claim but also the “expediency of providing some speedy and regular mode of deciding this and other questions of a like nature which might arise...
2To George Washington from Thomas Maxwell, 17 January 1792 (Washington Papers)
I am in great Straits to know what is Becom’d of a Brother of mine that came to America And Settled their before the Commotion of the war I was inform’d that he was an Officer in the American Service under your Honours Command His Name is William Maxwell, I have bean Inform’d by one Thos Hodgon that he died in new Providence and left a Daughter the rest of the Famley was all Dead and she has a...
3To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 6 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
Mr Chew having confirmed the character received by you, of Mr Barratt, I have written to Mr Vining requesting him to ascertain whether the appointment will be acceptable to him. Mr Houston of Georgia declines the offer made to him, on the score of want of a familiar acquaintance with figures, and its being inconsistent with the State of his affairs, to translate himself wholly to the seat of...
4From George Washington to William Jackson, 26 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
At the sametime that I acknowledge the receipt of your letter, notifying me of your intention to enter upon a professional pursuit —and, during the ensuing term propose yourself for admittance as a practitioner of law in the Supreme Court of the State of Pennsylvania—I beg you to be persuaded that my best wishes will accompany you in that, or in any other walk into which your interest or...
5To George Washington from Samuel Gath, 13 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
Give me leave to offer you ray sentiments, or oppinion, what wou’d be the most reasonable, and prudent method to settle a lasting Covenant, or treaty of peace, with the Indians in the westren County—From what little I have read in my youth, I remember great crueltys practised by the Spanard Commanders in Maxico and Perew, and something has been practised Similer, in this here country called...
6To George Washington from Henry Knox, 18 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
I propose to send a duplicate of McGillivrays letter to Seagrove, and conform his instructions thereto. I submit you a motions of Colo. Guns. The division to day was 15 for inserting the additional regiments to 13 against it. Colo. Burr, voted for it under some restrictions. The bill is recommitted to Mr Elsworth Mr Read[,] Hawkins, Mr Burr, and Mr Gun. The object of the amendment is not...
7From George Washington to James Madison, 13 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
At as early an hour this evening as you can make it convenient, I should be glad to see you. yrs sincerely & affecly Sparks transcript , MH . The only year of GW’s presidency in which 13 Dec. fell on a Tuesday was 1791.
8To George Washington from James Mercer, 20 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
The Necessity of the Case will I hope be a sufficient appollogy for my addressing your Excellency on the following Subject. You Sir may recollect that Ld Dunmore in Novr 1774 purchased of you & Colo. Tayloe Trustees for the Creditors of George Mercer, under a decretal order of the General Court, certain Slaves to the value of 436£ Va. Currency on twelve months Credit—for which (circumstanced...
9Enclosure: Report, 17 January 1792 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of War, having in obedience to the orders of the President of the United States, received the communication of the Cherokee Chiefs, at present in Philadelphia respectfully Reports—That the communications and opinions of the said Cherokees, are contained in the papers hereunto annexed, as translated by James Carey, interpreter, and confirmed by George Miller, a young Indian who...
10Conversation with Ralph Izard, Pierce Butler, and Aaron Burr, 24 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
Mr Izard, Mr Butler and Mr Burr, three members of the Senate, waited upon the President at six o’clock in the evening of this day, in order to request his opinion upon the etiquette which might be proper to be established between the Senators of the United States and foreign Ministers in respect to visiting each other—viz.—whether it would be proper for the Senators to pay the first visit to...
11From George Washington to Robert Bowyer, 8 January 1792 (Washington Papers)
I have lately received your letter, giving me information of the death of the Right Honble the Countess Dowager of Huntingdon, and accompanied with an engraving of that Lady, from a painting of yours. Although I had not the satisfaction of knowing the late Countess personally, yet having been honored with her correspondence, and learning from others the amiable and benevolent character which...
12Conversations with Pierce Butler, Ralph Izard, and Aaron Burr, 26 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
On the morning of this day the President requested Mr Butler (who had to pass by his house) to give him a call on his way to the Senate Chamber; and in this interview the President informed Mr Butler, that after the best consideration which time and circumstances had allowed him to bestow on the subject of etiquette, which had been submitted to him on the 24 instant, he thought it most...
13To George Washington from Charles Pinckney, 8 January 1792 (Washington Papers)
My absence from Charleston has prevented my acknowledging sooner your favour of the 8th inclosing Mr Jefferson’s opinion on the subject of a proposed application from the Executive of this State for the redelivery of certain fugitives charged by the Grand Jury of this District with having forged the Indents assumed by the Union. The Constitution having very properly delegated the management of...
14To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 1 February 1792 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Edmund Randolph, 1 Feb. 1792. In a letter of 2 Feb. to Randolph, Tobias Lear mentioned “the Atty Genls note of last evening” to the president. Tobias Lear informed Edmund Randolph: “the President thinks it proper that the Atty Genl should proceed in Cottrell’s case in the manner mentioned in the Atty Genls note of last evening as the result of the conference between him...
15From George Washington to Daniel Carroll of Duddington, 28 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 21st came to my hands on thursday afternoon. By the Post of next morning I was unable to answer it; and this is the first opportunity that has offered since by wch it cd be done. It would have been better, & given me more satisfaction, if you had made your Appeal to the Commissioners; to whom all matters respecting the Federal district and City are now committed; but as you...
16To George Washington from Thomas Johnson, 3 February 1792 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
from Thomas Johnson, 3 Feb. 1792. GW refers in his letter to the Commissioners for the District of Columbia of 6 Mar. to “Mr Johnson’s letter of the 3d of february.” Johnson’s letter apparently included a draft, which has not been found, of an advertisement for designs for the Capitol. Thomas Jefferson advised the commissioners on 6 Mar.: “You will doubtless also consider it necessary to...
17From George Washington to John Kean, 10 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
The weighty consideration which you mention as having determined you to accept the appointment of Cashier to the Bank of the U. States and the disinterested manner in which you have offered to continue your services to the Government, as far as may be compatible with the duties of your new station, conspire to induce my approbation of your conduct. As it is stated that so considerable a...
18From George Washington to the United States Senate, 18 January 1792 (Washington Papers)
I lay before you the communications of a deputation from the Cherokee Nation of Indians now in this City. And I request your advice, whether an additional Article shall be made to the Cherokee treaty, to the following effect—to wit. That the sum to be paid annually by the United States to the Cherokee nation of Indians, in consideration of the relinquishment of lands, as stated in the treaty...
19To George Washington from Anonymous, 20 January 1792 (Washington Papers)
Your knowledge of the world makes it hardly necessary for me to remind you how difficult it is to dislodge a cunning bad man when he has once got possession of the heart of a great & good one. The strongest evidence of this fact is derived from the history of Princes. Be not offended at my mentioning Tiberius. There is no similitude between your characters. He, a brutal Tyrant. You possessed,...
20To George Washington from Charles Pinckney, 6 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you lately on the subject of the unfortunate situation of St Domingo & the application they made to me with my answer, which with the inclosures I hope you have recieved —The object of this Line is merely to introduce to your acquaintance Mr Barnwell one of our newly elected members of the house of Representatives & who I think will do much credit to his appointment —He will deliver...
21From George Washington to Henry Knox, 26 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
(Private) Dear Sir, Philadelphia Decr 26th 1791 The enclosed is a private letter from Colo. Nicholas (an influential character in Kentucky) to the Attorney General. He put it into my hands to read; I, without having asked his permission, send it to you for the same purpose, of course the communication is confidential. My reason for sending it to you is, to shew you the uniform sentiment of...
22From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 10 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 30th September enclosing a Contract entered into by the Collector of Wilmington in North Carolina with James McStephens & Henry Toomer for the stakage of the shoals of Cape Fear river, I have duly received. As I approve of the Contract, I have transmitted the same with my approbation to the Collector of Wilmington. I wrote to you from the head of Elk, informing you of my...
23Henry Knox to Tobias Lear, 13 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
Philadelphia, 13 Dec. 1791. “Mr Kirkland seems desirous that the President . . . should peruse his plan relatively to the Oneida indians, and I therefore send it accordingly.” LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . The enclosed plan of the Rev. Samuel Kirkland, missionary to the Oneida Indians since 1766, probably was his “Plan of Education for the Indians, Particularly of the Five Nations,” which he...
24From George Washington to James Madison, 19 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
If Mr Madison could make it convenient to spare half an hour from other matters, G. W. would be glad to see him at 11 oclock to day. AL (photocopy), NjP : Armstrong Photostats; AL , sold by Christie, Manson & Woods, International, Inc, 1993. No evidence has been found confirming the subject of this meeting.
25To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 14 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
Th: Jefferson has the honour to submit to the President a letter from Mr de Viar, with the answer he has prepared to it, and a letter in consequence for Colo. Humphreys. AL , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DLC:GW . The enclosures were the Spanish chargé José Ignacio de Viar’s letter to Thomas Jefferson of 12 Dec. and Jefferson’s reply of 13 Dec., as well as Jefferson’s letter to...
26From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 22 February 1792 (Washington 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...
27From George Washington to the United States Senate, 11 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
I nominate the following persons to fill the offices annexed to their names respectively—namely— Nathaniel Rogers, to be Marshal of the New-Hampshire District; vice John Parker, deceased. Alexander Moore, to be Surveyor of the Port of West Point, in Virginia; vice John Spotswood Moore, who has resigned his appointmt. Charles Brown, to be Collector of the Port of George Town, in South Carolina;...
28From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 26 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
I lay before you copies of the following Acts, which have been transmitted to me during the recess of Congress viz. An Act passed by the Legislature of New Hampshire, for ceding to the United States, the Fort and Light House belonging to said State. An Act of the Legislature of Pennsylvania, ratifying on behalf of said State, the first article of Amendment to the Constitution of the United...
29From George Washington to Anthony Whitting, 8 January 1792 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Anthony Whitting, 8 Jan. 1792. GW wrote Bushrod Washington on 8 Jan. 1792 : “Mr Whiting . . . is directed in a letter of this date, to wait upon Colo. Little.” Whitting himself alluded to the missing letter in his letters to GW of 15 and 22 January.
30From George Washington to Pierre L’Enfant, 28 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 21st instant came duly to hand, as did one of the same date from Mr Carroll of Duddington on the same subject. A Copy of my answer to the latter is enclosed, by which you will perceive I have proposed an accomodation. As a similar case cannot happen again (Mr Carrolls house having been begun before the Federal District was fixed upon) no precedent will be established by...
31To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 4 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to enclose to the President of the United States a Contract between the Superintendant of the establishments on Delaware river, & Thomas Conaroe the elder for repairing the public Piers adjacent to Reeding Island in the said river. This contract was transmitted at a moment when the absence of the President rendered the submission of it...
32Henry Knox to Tobias Lear, 30 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
I transmit, enclosed, a letter intended for General St Clair, which is submitted for the approbation of the President of the United States; and I will call upon the President, to morrow, after he has returned from riding, about half after twelve, to receive his commands thereon, and upon another subject. I am, Dear Sir, Yours sincerely LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . The enclosed draft has not...
33John Stagg, Jr., to Tobias Lear, 18 January 1792 (Washington Papers)
War Department, Philadelphia, 18 Jan. 1792. Transmits the enclosed letter from the governor of Virginia to the secretary of war, dated 5 Jan. 1792, in order for it to be submitted to the president of the United States. ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . The enclosure has not been found, but Henry Knox acknowledged its original receipt in a later letter to Gov. Henry Lee. Lee’s letter to the...
34To George Washington from the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 21 January 1792 (Washington Papers)
After seeing things settled here as we thought the 10th of this Month, we left this place the Eleventh, we were again summoned by express and brought together last Tuesday. for Mr Roberdeau had the day after we left George Town collected hands, resumed digging of the Foundation of the Capitol—The severity of the season has prevented our visiting the spot more than once: when Mr Roberdeau...
35From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 7 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 30th Ulto came duly to hand, with the enclosures. I have had Samples of the Alexandria Blankets sent me—the quality of them is not good; inferior to those I had from Watson—& far, very far indeed, inferior to those which I used to import myself. The prices, length & breadth of three kinds, are enclosed. Messrs Sitgreaves, give no length to their Blankets—and if Colo. Biddle...
36From George Washington to the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 27 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
When I proposed the alternatives contained in my letter of the 28th Ulto to Mr Carroll of Duddington it was done on the ground of accomodation; & under full persuation that, as the house of that Gentleman had been begun before the land was ceded, and had progressed between that and the ultimate decision on the lines of the Street which embraces part of it, no doubt would arise with respect to...
37From George Washington to Henry Knox, 10 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 1st inst: I have duly recd—likewise one of the 4th, covering a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury together with some communications from Lt Colo. Beckwith. I herewith transmit you an Address & Memorial of the Officers, Civil & Military, of the District of Miro, which was sent to me by Govr Blount—I wish you to take the same into your consideration, & make a Report...
38To George Washington from Gouverneur Morris, 27–31 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 12 Sepr last reached me a few Days ago. In the Proposition of S[chweizer] J[eannerett] & Co: I saw the Means of saving Somewhat to the United States without incurring the Odium of a Payment in depreciated Paper but from the Moment a Determination to pay in Value is adopted I heartily and entirely approve of the Rejection of their Offer. Before the Receipt of your Letter, Mr...
39From George Washington to Henry Lee, 14 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
Unfortunate and melancholy as the event is, which has given rise to your communication of the instant, I sincerely thank you for it. Since the receipt of your letter official account of the defeat is come to hand, and is herewith enclosed. As the whole of it went to Congress, it was thought best to expunge no part of that which should be given to the public; otherwise the throwing away of...
40To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 23 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
Treasury Department, Philadelphia, 23 Feb. 1792. Submits a contract made by the superintendent of the New Castle Island lighthouse in New Hampshire with Titus Salter for supplying, keeping, lighting, and superintending the occasional repairs of that building and humbly opines that it is not disadvantageous to the United States, as its terms are the same as those in the last agreement for the...
41To George Washington from Thomas Attwood Digges, 12 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
I hope Your Excellency will forgive my intrusion upon Your more important concerns when my purpose is solely to serve the Infant Manufactures of Our Country, and once more to mention a few words about Mr Wm Pearce the loom & machinery artist whom I inducd to go out to America last spring & took the liberty to introduce to You. He has I find met with the encouragement & patronage which He...
42I: From Thomas Jefferson, 25 January 1792 (Washington Papers)
Th: Jefferson presents his respects to the President of the U.S. and subjoins what he supposes might form a proper introduction to the statement prepared by the Secretary at war. the occasion is so new that however short the letter proposed, he has no doubt it will need correction both as to the matter & manner. Sir As the circumstances which have engaged the U.S. in the present Indian war,...
43From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 27 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have directed the secretary of War to lay before you for your information the reports of Brigadier General Scott, and Lieutenant Colonel Commandant Wilkinson, the officers who commanded the two expeditions against the Wabash indians, in the months of June and August last; together with the instructions by virtue of which the said expeditions were undertaken. When the operations now depending...
44To George Washington from Henry Knox, 9 January 1792 (Washington Papers)
I submit to your consideration, instructions for Capt. Pond. A suitable character by the name of Steedman, presenting I submit the propriety of his joining Pond. I will wait upon you this evening to explain the idea further. I have the honor with perfect respect to be sir Your obedient Servant ALS , DLC:GW . Capt. Peter Pond of Connecticut and William Steedman were Indian traders preparing to...
45To George Washington from Henry Knox, 28 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of War, to whom the President of the United States referred the letter of his Excellency the governor of Virginia of the 20th instant, enclosing a letter of the 6th instant from H. Smith commanding officer of the County of Russell, Stating the defenceless situation of his County. Respectfully reports. The enclosed draft of a letter to the said governor in answer to his letter....
46To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 10 January 1792 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of State having received information that the Merchants and Merchandize of the United States are subject in Copenhagen and other ports of Denmark to considerable extra duties, from which they might probably be relieved by the presence of a Consul there, Reports to the President of the United States: That it would be expedient to name a Consul, to be resident in the port of...
47To George Washington from Harriot Washington, 28 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
I with pleasure sit down, to inform my dear Uncle, that I recieved his kind, an[d] affectionate letter this day fortnight; I was very sensible, of your kindness in giving me such good advice, and shall try to profit, by it as much as I can, I know very well, the obligations I am under, to you and I am very thankful for your care and attention to me. Cousin and the Major are a going down the...
48To George Washington from Gouverneur Morris, 4 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
I wrote to you on the twenty seventh of December but there were many Things which I did not write, and some of them I will now communicate. At the Close of the Session of the first national Assembly a Coalition was brought about between the Jacobins and the quatre vingt neufs. It is proper to explain these Terms. The Jacobins, so called from their Meeting at a Convent or Church of that Name,...
49From George Washington to the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 1 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
I receive with real mortification the account of the demolition of Mr Carrolls house by Major L’Enfant, against his consent, and without authority from yourselves or any other person: for you have done me but justice in ass⟨erting that⟩ he had no such authority from me. My letter of the 28th Ulto to Mr Carroll of Duddington will prove this. I now enclose you the copy of one to Majr L’Enfant,...
50To George Washington from Francis Wade, 6 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
The Indian war having become a subject of much Controversy, that some men have catched at it to make themselves appear conspicuous by their writings, and oppositions thereto, permit me Sir altho an unlettered man, to drop a few hints to yourself, in preference, to publishing them to the world, also a few reasons for my presumption in intruding on your patience, and my Conjectures, in...