Thomas Jefferson Papers

From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 12 August 1792

To George Washington

Monticello Aug. 12. 1792.

Dear Sir

I have the honor to inclose you two letters lately recieved from Mr. Barclay. Under another cover also I send to the Commissioners, open for your examination, a plan for a Capitol from Mr. Blodget, which came by the last post. You will see, by that, the use of the paper of which I presented you a few sheets, Blodget’s plan being on a sheet I had given him. It renders the use of a scale and dividers unnecessary.

I had thought my self secure of a weekly conveyance of letters, by the establishment of a private post here, till the public one could get into motion. But of 4. postdays since my return, he has missed three. Mr. Davies is however endeavoring to procure a public rider. We have had abundant rains since my return, which were necessary to bring on our corn. Some appearances of weavil give us apprehensions for our wheat, and increase the wishes for a machine which would enable us to get it out within the months of July and August. I have the honor to be with perfect respect and attachment Dr. Sir your most obedient & most humble servt

Th: Jefferson

RC (DNA: RG 59, MLR); at foot of text: “The President of the U.S.”; postmarked: “Richmond Aug. 16”; endorsed by Washington. PrC (DLC). Tr (Lb in DNA: RG 59, SDC). Tr (DLC); 19th-century copy. Enclosures: Thomas Barclay to TJ, 17 and 28 May 1792.

The plan for a capitol, which has not been found, was enclosed in Blodget’s letter to TJ of 10 July 1792. In a brief covering letter to Washington of 13 Aug. 1792 (not recorded in SJL), TJ transmitted “the inclosed letters which the tardy movement of the Post did not bring … till yesterday evening, a day later than he should have arrived” (RC in DNA: RG 59, MLR; PrC in DLC; Tr in Lb in DNA: RG 59, SDC). Of the letters listed in SJL as received 12 Aug., the following may have been enclosed: David Humphreys to TJ of 17 and 20 June 1792, Delamotte to TJ of 5 June 1792, and Willink, Van Staphorst & Hubbard to TJ of 30 May 1792.

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