From George Washington to James Madison, 29 October 1785
To James Madison
Mount Vernon 29th Octor 1785.
My Dr Sir,
Receive my thanks for your obliging favor of the 20th—with its enclosure—of the latter I now avail myself in a letter to the Governor, for the General Assembly. Your delicate sensibility deserves my particular acknowledgements: both your requests are complied with—the first, by congeniality of sentiment; the second because I would fulfil your desire.
Conceiving it would be better to suggest a wish, than to propose an absolute condition of acceptance; I have so expressed myself to the Assembly—and shall be obliged to you, not only for information of the result—but (if there is an acquiescence on the part of the Country) for your sentiments respecting the appropriations—from what may be said upon the occasion, you will learn what would be most pleasing, & of the greatest utility to the public.1
By Colo. Henry Lee I sent you the reports of the Secretary for foreign affairs on the Consular Department. I hope you have received them.2 With every sentiment of esteem & regard I am Dr Sir &c. &c.
Geo: Washington
LB, DLC:GW.
1. In his letter of 20 Oct., which has not been found, Madison gave GW suggestions about how GW might best indicate to the Virginia general assembly his unwillingness to hold for his personal profit the shares in the Potomac River and James River companies given to him by the legislature. For GW’s formal request to the assembly for permission “to turn the destination of the fund vested in me from my private emoluments, to objects of a public nature,” see his second letter to Gov. Patrick Henry of 29 Oct., and note.
2. See GW to Madison, 22 Oct., n.1.