31From George Washington to William Booker, 22 June 1798 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to William Booker, 22 June 1798. On 6 July Booker wrote GW : “I receivd your Letter of the 22 Ulto.”
32From George Washington to William Booker, 15 April 1798 (Washington Papers)
I am sorry to inform you that, the Machine you erected for me at the Union farm has by no means answered your expectation, or mine. You will recollect, that in its first performance, under your own direction, the execution in the course of the day fell short of 50 bushls—it has been growing worse, until I was obliged to disuse it, not being able to get out 25 bushls in the day; and before 500...
33From George Washington to Jonathan Boucher, 15 August 1798 (Washington Papers)
I know not how it has happened, but the fact is, that your favour of the 8th of Novr, last year, is but just received; and at a time when both public & private business pressed so hard upon me, as to afford no leisure to give the “view of the causes & consequences of the American Revolution” written by you, and which you had been pleased to send me, a perusal. For the honor of its Dedication,...
34From George Washington to William Temple Broome, 24 July 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 18th Instt has been received, and I thank you for the tender of your Services in my family if I should take the field; but as the Gentlemen about me, in that event, must be composed of experienced characters, candour requires that I should inform you my purposes would not be answered by receiving those who are not so. I am Sir Your very Hble Servt ALS (letterpress copy),...
35From George Washington to Thomas Cadwalader, 24 July 1798 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your favour of the 20th, I can assure you with much truth that I had a very sincere and Affectionate regard for Genl Cadwalader, your father, when alive; and that it would give me great pleasure to do any thing in my power, consistently with the object in view, to serve his Son. But if circumstances should render it expedient for me to take the Field, the variegated, & important...
36From George Washington to Edward Carrington, 15 July 1798 (Washington Papers)
The crisis, in the opinion of Congress, as appears by the Acts this Session, and I believe in the opinion of every man who is not blinded by partiality, or led away by worse motives, require that we should be prepared to meet the Foe who threatens us, in Force; & with Spirit to repel the injustice, usurpation, & intoxicated ambition which France has extended to us, with so insolent, &...
37From George Washington to Edward Carrington, 5 August 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your consent to accept the office of Quarter Master General to the armies of the United States, gave me sincere pleasure. Not finding—after the arrangement of this matter with the Secretary of War—your name in the list of nominations and appointments (announced by the Papers)—I wrote to him to be informed of the cause; and received the following answer. “I inclose the Act to augment the army...
38From George Washington to Edward Carrington, 28 May 1798 (Washington Papers)
The present dangerous crisis of public affairs, makes one anxious to know the Sentiments of our citizens in different parts of this Commonwealth; and no one ha[vin]g better opportunities to form an opinion of the central part thereof, than yourself—this will be my apology for giving you the trouble of a letter at this time. Several Counties above the Blue ridge have come forward with warm...
39From George Washington to Charles Carroll (of Carrollton), 2 August 1798 (Washington Papers)
I have had the honor to receive your favour of the 29th Ulto, and feel much flattered by the tender of Mr Carrolls services as one of my Aids de Camp. Indeed, nothing can be more grateful to my Sensibility, than the numberless offers of a similar kind from Gentlemen of the first families, fortunes and expectations, in all parts of the U.S. But you know, my good Sir, that my coming forward, or...
40From George Washington to Citizens of Greene County, Tennessee, 8 September 1798 (Washington Papers)
Having once more engaged in the arduous duties of public life, (after I had retired therefrom with the most ardent wishes and pleasing hopes that no circumstances would occur to call me from my peaceful abode during the few remaining years of my life) I cannot be insensible to the approbation of my fellow Citizens. And, while I thank you, Gentlemen, for your warm & friendly Address, permit me...
41From George Washington to Rawleigh Colston, 16 July 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 1st of last month got safe to my hands, but long, very long after its date. It would give me great concern if any act of mine should produce difficulty, or loss, to any of the purchasers of Colo. George Mercers land, sold under the Power of Attorney given to me, and others, for that purpose. But as this business has been taken out of my hands by a Decree of the High Court of...
42From George Washington to Francis Corbin, 24 July 1798 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honored in the receipt of your favours of the 7th & 18th Instant. The first of which, would have received an early acknowledgment had I not been occupied with very unexpected business, which has kept me pretty closely engaged for the last ten or twelve days. I ought not indeed to have delayed it so long—1. because the Gentleman on whose behalf (Doctr Belknap) I troubled you, I...
43From George Washington to George Washington Parke Custis, 13 June 1798 (Washington Papers)
It is now near four weeks since any person of this family has heard from you, although you were requested to write to some one in it, once a fortnight, knowing (as you must do) how apt your Grandmama is to suspect that you are sick, or some accident has happened to you, when you omit this? I have said, that none of us have heard from you, but it behooves me to add, that from persons in...
44From George Washington to George Washington Parke Custis, 10 May 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your letter by Colo. Fitzgerald has been received—and I shall confine my reply at present, to the query contained in ⟨mutilated⟩ Postscript—viz.—“to whom I am to apply for money in case of want.” This has the appearance of a very early application, when it is considered that you were provided, very plentifully it was conceived, with necessaries of all sorts when you left this (two months ago...
45From George Washington to George Washington Parke Custis, 19 March 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 12th instt has been received; and it gives me, and your friends here much pleasure to find that you are ⟨agree⟩ably settled, and disposed to prosecute your studies with zeal & alacrity. Let these continue to be your primary objects & pursuits; all other matters, at your time of life, are of secondary consideration, for it is on a well grounded knowledge of these your...
46From George Washington to George Washington Parke Custis, 15 April 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 2d instant came duly to hand, and gave us the pleasure (as you may naturally conceive from our solicitude for your well doing) at hearing that you had got over a slight indisposition; was happy in your present situation; and going on well in your studies. Prosecute these with deligence & ardour, and you will sometime hence, be more sensible than now, of the rich harvest you...
47From George Washington to George Washington Parke Custis, 24 July 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 21st Instt was received ⟨last night⟩ The question, “I would thank you to inform me whether I leave it entirely, or not, so that I ⟨may⟩ pack up accordingly,” really astonishes me! for it would seem as if nothing I could say to you made more than a momentary impression. Did I not, before you went to that Seminary, and since by letter, endeavour to fix indelibly on your mind,...
48From George Washington to George Washington Parke Custis, 7 January 1798 (Washington Papers)
System in all things should be aimed at; for in execution, it renders every thing more easy. If now & then, of a morning before breakfast, you are inclined, by way of change, to go out with a Gun, I shall not object to it; provided you return by the hour we usually set down to that meal. From breakfast, until about an hour before Dinner (allowed for dressing, & preparing for it, that you may...
49From George Washington to Francis Deakins, 15 January 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 28th of Decr with a P.S. of the 7th instt was delivered to me the 12th by Mr Lear, with ninety one dollars enclosed therein on A/c of Rent due from Mrs Beall, together with a statement of the A/c against her by Mr Veatch. I ought also, though late, & indeed to my shame for the delay, to acknowledge that your obliging letter of the 26th of Decr 1796 came safe to my hands; but...
50From George Washington to Francis Deakins, 5 March 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 24th Ulto from George Town, enclosing Mr Veatch’s letter to you, and account of Rents due to me, got safe to my hands. It is not my wish, or request, that any of my tenants near Monoeasy (who manifest a real disposition to discharge their Rents honestly) should be injured by distraining on their effects. All therefore that is incumbent on Mr Veatch to do, in this case, is to...
51From George Washington to Oliver Evans, 8 April 1798 (Washington Papers)
As you have some knowledge of my Mill: and much in the way of being acquainted with Millers, I have taken the liberty of asking, if you could recommend a good one, of honest sober character, to me. My present one stands engaged to the middle of August only, and it is not probable the agreement will continue longer: because, altho’ he is a pretty good Miller, & I have no charge against his...
52From George Washington to Oliver Evans, 20 July 1798 (Washington Papers)
Finding more difficulty than I apprehended in getting a Miller from Northward, I have again engaged my present one, on the terms he was before, rather than delay the matter any longer. I make this communication to prevent further inquiries on your part, on my behalf; and that I may thank you for the trouble you have taken in this affair to procure one for me. I am etc. Fitzpatrick, Writings of...
53From George Washington to Bryan Fairfax, 18 May 1798 (Washington Papers)
Having occasion to write another letter to Sir John Sinclair, I take the liberty of giving you the trouble of it, and Mrs Washington begs the favour of you to put her letter, to her old neighbour and friend Mrs Fairfax into a channel for safe delivery, if you should not see her yourself. Knowing, from experience, that Masters of Vessels never sail at the time they first appoint, Mrs Washington...
54From George Washington to Bryan Fairfax, 15 May 1798 (Washington Papers)
Herewith, I send you Letters of introduction to Gentlemen with whom I occasionally correspond, agreeably to my promise. I also send you a Genealogical account of the family of Fairfax, which was presented to me by the Earl of Buchan through Mr Lear (who carried a letter of introduction from me to his Lordship when he went to England four or five years ago) thinking it might be satisfactory to...
55From George Washington to Ferdinando Fairfax, 4 July 1798 (Washington Papers)
I have given the enclosed as attentive a reading as the time allowed, and the letters I had to write by the Mail of this day, would permit. The observation appears to me to be well founded. But as I have formed no decisive opinion or determination with respect to my own S——s—As there are blanks to be filled in the Address—And as there is a Reference to a work I have either never seen, or if...
56From George Washington to Sarah Cary Fairfax, 16 May 1798 (Washington Papers)
Five and twenty years, nearly, have passed away since I have considered myself as the permanent resident of this place; or have been in a situation to endulge myself in familiar intercourse with my friends, by letter or otherwise. During this period, so many important events have occurred, and such changes in men and things have taken place, as the compass of a letter would give you but an...
57From George Washington to Benjamin Fendall, 6 March 1798 (Washington Papers)
Mrs Washington has been long in expectation of receiving what you took away unfinished, and was to have completed and sent to her; and prays that it may be done with out further delay, as she is in want of them; & must apply elsewhere if not done. I am Sir Your Obedt Hble Ser. ALS (letterpress copy), DLC:GW . The dentist Benjamin Fendall of Cedar Hill in Charles County, Md., was at Mount...
58From George Washington to Paul Ferdinand Fevot, 15 April 1798 (Washington Papers)
The papers which you were pleased to transmit to me from Baltimore are, agreeably to your request, returned. Not perceiving what has been your object in addressing such sentiments as your letter of the 4th instant contain—and not being conscious of having merited the reprehension you have judged it expedient to inflict on me, I shall not give you the trouble of reading an answer in detail. I...
59From George Washington to [John Fitzgerald], 21 May 1798 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed, I would thank you for forwarding to the Postmaster in Alexandria. It is to request him to return any letters which he may receive to my address at his office, between this and friday next, to your office: and I pray you Sir, if any should come there otherwise tha[n] in the Alexandria—that is—seperate therefrom for me, that you would be so good as to detain them until they are...
60From George Washington to John Fitzgerald, 3 February 1798 (Washington Papers)
Thursday next is the day on which the Stock holders in the Potomack Navigation, are summoned to meet, in George Town. I have been pressed to attend; and mean to attend, if the weather will permit, and no unforseen event happens to prevent it—and if you are not otherwise engaged will take a family dinner with you, on my way up, the preceeding day (Wednesday). I wish, & hope that the meeting may...
61From George Washington to John Fitzgerald, 20 February 1798 (Washington Papers)
In answer to your letter of yesterday’s date, I request you would inform Mr Sim’s that I cannot with my own consent, & consistent with my own engagements, grant the time he asks for payment of the money due me, and which ought to have been paid weeks ago. If my hold is not weakened by the Act, and he will give me unequivocal security (such I mean as you would be satisfied with) that the money...
62From George Washington to William Fitzhugh, 5 August 1798 (Washington Papers)
My present want of a riding horse is great, but if I should be called to the field it will be much greater. As I am much out of the way of seeing, or hearing of such as would answr my purposes—especially in the latter case—and know that you are a good judge of the parts, and general symmetry of a horse of figure. You would do me a favour if such an one as hits your own taste should fall in...
63From George Washington to William Fitzhugh, 30 May 1798 (Washington Papers)
Particular business called me to Alexandria yesterday under a promise of returning to dinner, and under an expectation (in which I was disappointed) of finding Mr Law & family here on my arrival. Just as I was about leaving town, and hardly in time for the above purpose (or I would have called upon you) Mr Lear informed me of the conversation you had had with him, relative to Mr Anderson’s...
64From George Washington to Foster & May, 7 May 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 30th ulto with the A/c annexed, have been received—and I shall confess, with surprise. It is a very unusual thing for me to be presented with old accounts, and in the present instance it is extraordinary, because Mr Pearce had the command of my money which he himself had deposited in the Bank of Alexandria, and had been directed over & over again, months before he left my...
65From George Washington to John Gassaway, 28 August 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 20th Instant, with other letters, were brought to this place at a time when I was not in a situation to acknowledge the receipt of them. A fever with which I was seized on the 18th could not be checked before the 24th at night; and has left me a good deal debilitated. I mention this circumstance as an apology for your not hearing from me at an earlier period. As I shall have...
66From George Washington to Georgetown Postmaster, 21 May 1798 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Georgetown Postmaster, 21 May 1798. The letter is listed in James F. Drake’s catalog no. 112, item 165, 1918.
67From George Washington to Henry Gird, Jr., 19 August 1798 (Washington Papers)
Having had time to reflect more at leisure on the application made to me yesterday by you & your brother, for a tract of land of which I am possessed on the Ohio—containing by the patent two thousand four hundred & forty eight acs. I have determined to offer it to your father on the following terms, viz.— First—At ten dollars an acre, provided it has nothing more than its situation, & the...
68From George Washington to William Hambly, 28 July 1798 (Washington Papers)
Bearing in grateful remembrance the very fine Cheeses you had the goodness to send me, Mrs Washington prays your acceptance of half a dozen Hams of her own curing. I am Sir Your Most Obedt Hble Servt ALS (letterpress copy), DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . Hambly first wrote GW from Falmouth, England, on 17 Feb. 1797: “Some time since I did myself the pleasure to wait on you through the Medium of my...
69From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 27 May 1798 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday, brought me your Letter of the 19th instant. You may be assured, that my Mind is deeply impressed with the present situation of our public affairs, and not a little agitated by the outrageous conduct of France towards the United States; and at the enemical conduct of its partisans among ourselves, who aid & abet their measures: You may believe further, from assurances equally...
70From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 14 July 1798 (Washington Papers)
(Private & confidential) My Dear Sir, Mount Vernon 14th July 1798 Your letter of the 8th instant was presented to me by the Secretary of War on the 11th, and I have consented to embark once more on a boundless field of responsibility & trouble, with two reservations. first, that the principal Officers in the line, and of the Staff, shall be such as I can place confidence in; and, that I shall...
71From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 9 August 1798 (Washington Papers)
Private My dear Sir, Mount Vernon 9th Augt 1798 By the same Post which brought me your favour, began in Philadelphia and ended in New York the 1st instant, I received a letter from General Knox dated the 29th Ulto, in answer to one I had written him on the 16th of that month. In confidence, and as a proof of my frankness & friendship, I send both of them to you, together with my reply of this...
72From George Washington to William Hartshorne, 27 March 1798 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to William Hartshorne, 27 Mar. 1798. On 27 Mar. Hartshorne wrote GW : “Thy favor of this date I recd.”
73From George Washington to Sally Ball Haynie, 11 February 1798 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 28th of last month, and without enquiring at this time why you left Mr Lewis’s family—or how you employ your time, I have requested him to furnish you with ten pounds to supply you with such necessaries as you may be in immediate want. But as you have no fortune to support you, Industry, economy, and a virtuous conduct are your surest resort, and best...
74From George Washington to John Henry, 3 April 1798 (Washington Papers)
As you were so obliging upon a former occasion as to aid me in obtaining Plank from Mr Smith of Vienna, as I am in want of more, & some Scantling; and as my letter to him may not pass through so safe a channel as by committing it to your care, I take the liberty of using this freedom—persuaded you will excuse it. If to relax, & diversify the scene a little, you should find it convenient &...
75From George Washington to William Herbert, 8 May 1798 (Washington Papers)
The Notes undermentioned you will please to deposit in the Bank of Alexandria —and when the contents of them are received, to carry the same to the credit of Dear Sir Your Obedt Servant ALS (letterpress copy), DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . GW wrote beneath his signature: 1798 Jany 17th Jas Patton & Jas Dykes— 120 days— $1600. Mar. 1 Jesse Simms 90 Do 514.70 5 William Wilson
76From George Washington to William Heth, 5 August 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 30th Ulto was brought me by fridays Post. The sentiments you have expressed, relatively to the qualifications which ought to be possessed by the Aids de Camp of the Commander in Chief, or Officer Commanding a separate army (to go no further) accord precisely with my own. And although I do not chuse to be under any engagement, lest something might occur that would render...
77From George Washington to William Heth, 18 July 1798 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 13th Instant, with its enclosures, came duly to hand; for your kindness in sending which, I thank you—but I thank you more for the offer of becoming one of my Aids, if I should again embark on a Sea of troubles & responsibility, provided a Rank proportioned to your former Grade & ⟨service⟩ could be insured to you. This, my good Sir, you would have to decide on yourself, by...
78From George Washington to William Hickman, 15 July 1798 (Washington Papers)
If, unfortunately, this Country should be engaged in hostilities, soon, the probability is, that it will be with France. In which case I do not suppose that Mr Frignet would incline to take an active part against his own Country—Or that it would be the policy of this to employ him —I am—Sir Your Very Hble Servant ALS (letterpress copy), NN : Washington Papers. Hickman may be the same William...
79From George Washington to Joseph Hopkinson, 27 May 1798 (Washington Papers)
An absence of more than eight days from home (on a visit to our friends in the Federal City) is offered as an apology for my not giving your polite, and obliging favour of the 9th instant, an earlier acknowledgment. I pray you now, my good Sir, to accept my best thanks for the Pamphlet and Song, which accompanied it; and still more, for the favourable sentiments you have been pleased to...
80From George Washington to Alice DeLancey Izard, 20 July 1798 (Washington Papers)
By the last Post, I had the honor to receive your favour of the 25th Ulto from Charleston; and pray you to be persuaded that, no one could hear of the improving state of Mr Izards health, and prospect of his recovery, with more pleasure because few, if any of his acquaintances, regretted the loss of the first more than I did. On the prospect of the latter I sincerely congratulate you, as I do...