101From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 15 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
Before I give any decided opinion upon the letter you have written to Majr L’Enfant—or on the alterations proposed for the engraved plan, I wish to converse with you on several matters which relate to this business. This may be, if nothing on your part renders it inconvenient, immediately after 8 Oclock to morrow—at wch hour I breakfast, and at which if agreeable to yourself I should be glad...
102From 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...
103From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 24 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
The President desires Mr Jefferson will give the enclosed Papers an attentive perusal, & return them to him as soon as he has done it; that Colo. Hamilton may have an opportunity of doing it also. At 10 ’oclock tomorrow the P——will speak with the heads of departments upon the subject of them and requests their attendance accordingly. AL , DLC : Thomas Jefferson Papers. Jefferson endorsed this...
104From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 26 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
I have perused the enclosed answer to your letter, to Majr L’Enfant. Both are returned. A final decision thereupon must be had. I wish it to be taken upon the best ground, and with the best advice. Send it, I pray you, to Mr Madison who is better acquainted with the whole of this matter than any other. I wish also that the Attorney General may see, and become acquainted with the circumstances...
105From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 26 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
The P—— returns the enclosed Report to Mr J—— Boundary, and the Navigation of the Missisipi are clearly defined—The propositions respecting Commerce he presumes is equally so, but having little knowledge of this subject he trusts to the guards provided by Mr J——. The P—— has put one or two queries in the Margin of the Report merely for consideration. AL , DLC : Thomas Jefferson Papers. For...
106From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 28 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
Would it be advisable to let L’Enfont alter the Plan if he will do it in a certn given time—and provided also we retain the means if any thing unfair is intended that we may not suff[er]. Ought any thing to be said in my letter to him respecting payment for his past Services. Should Mr Ellicot be again asked in strong & explicit terms if the Plan exhibited by him is conformable to the actual...
107From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 2 March 1792 (Washington Papers)
Be so good as to examine the enclosed draught of a letter to Genl St Clair, and make such alterations (with a pencil) as you shall judge proper; as letter and answer will, it is presumed, be handed to the public. The bearer will wait to bring it back to me. AL , DLC : Jefferson Papers. Henry Knox’s enclosed draft of GW’s letter to Maj. Gen. Arthur St. Clair has not been found (see Knox to GW,...
108From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 4 March 1792 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed came by the Post yesterday. I send it for your perusal. Have you had any conversation with Mr Ellicot respecting the completion of the Survey, & lots of the Federal City?—If so, what was the result?—He ought, if he undertakes it, to proceed to that place immediately—so as to be there at the proposed meeting of the Commissionrs. The Engravers say eight weeks is the shortest time in...
109From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 5–6 March 1792 (Washington Papers)
The catalogue of complaints, enclosed, is long. May not our loss of the Indian trade—the participation of it I mean—and the expence & losses sustain’d by the Indian War be set against Mr H——list of grievances, in behalf of the B——Merchants—as well as, by taking our Slaves away depriving us of the means of paying debts. AL , DLC : Jefferson Papers. George Hammond, who was appointed Britain’s...
110From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 7 March 1792 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed, sent for Mr Jeffersons perusal, corrobates the idea held out in the communication of Mr H——d. ALS , DLC : Jefferson Papers. At the bottom of the letter, Jefferson wrote: “Extract from [Samuel] Kirkland’s letter [to Henry Knox], dated Kanandaiqua Feb. 25. 1792. ‘The British at Niagara, hold out this idea, that the U.S. will not be able to refund the confiscated Tory...
111From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 8 March 1792 (Washington Papers)
I do not recollect whether any notice has ever been taken in your letter to the Commrs of Mr Johnsons suggestion of bringing the Canal navigation to the City—The ascertainment of the practicability ought by all means to be encouraged. Yours ALS , DLC : Jefferson Papers. Jefferson apparently was mistaken when he endorsed this letter as having been received on 7 Mar., as GW dated it “Thursday...
112From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 10 March 1792 (Washington Papers)
I was informed last Night by Mr Izard that a Comee of three, of which he was one, were to be with me on Monday Morning upon the Subject of the Algarene business. The Senate do not know how to get money for the purpose without the Agency of the Reps. & they are afraid to make the Comn. I wish you to consider this matter—& if not before, to let me see you by half-after 7 Oclock on Monday Morng....
113From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 14 March 1792 (Washington Papers)
At the time Mr Jeffersons letter to the President was put into his hands, he was so much engaged as hardly to find time to read it. The general purport of it, however, he well recollects was agreeable to him but whether the following ideas if they are not already substantially expressed, might not with propriety be conveyed, Mr Jefferson will judge of, and act accordingly. That no farther...
114From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 14 March 1792 (Washington Papers)
The P—— put Mr J——n’s suggestions, respecting the Post Office, into the hands of the Postmaster Genl yesterday & requested him to be here at half past Seven (Genl Knox being soon after) this Morning. If Mr J—— is at leisure the P—— would be glad to see him here at the sametime, on that business. AL , DLC : Jefferson Papers. The entry under this date in Jefferson’s Summary Journal of Public...
115From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 21 March 1792 (Washington Papers)
To morrow I shall be engaged all day—but will, in the course of it, fix a time to view the Big bones at Doctr Wisters. I hope Mr Blodget does not begin to hesitate concerning the loan?—And I hope the Commissioners, when they are about it, will build a Stone bridge and a compleat one, over Rock Creek—it will be the cheapest in the end. Yrs sincerely ALS , DLC : Jefferson Papers. Jefferson added...
116From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 24 March 1792 (Washington Papers)
The Letters from Mr de Mirbeck and Mr Vall-travers to the P——and from the Proprietors of the Federal City to Mr Walker, he wishes Mr Jefferson to read & consider, that answers to, or proper notice of them, may result from it. AL , DLC : Jefferson Papers. Jefferson endorsed this letter as having been received on Saturday, 24 Mar. 1792. The enclosed letter from Frédéric-Ignace de Mirbeck to GW...
117From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 25 March 1792 (Washington Papers)
The President of the United States has attentively considered the “Project of a Convention with the Spanish Provences” which was submitted to him by the Secretary of State, and informs him that the same meets his approbation. The President, however, thinks it proper to observe, that in perusing the beforementioned Project some doubts arose in his mind as to the expediency of two points...
118From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 30 March 1792 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed Instrumt does not accord with my recollection of Mr Blodgets proposed Loan —and I confess I had much rather see a clear expression of the intention than to meet an explanation of it afterwards by one of the parties, to the contract. The number of Lots to be Mortgaged I do not positively recollect—but sure I am one half were to be North of an East & West line from the Presidents...
119From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 1 April 1792 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed are sent for Mr Jeffersons perusal—The letter from Mr Knox the P. thinks was (the original) sent to Mr Jefferson before. AL , DLC : Jefferson Papers. Jefferson’s Summary Journal of Public Letters ( DLC : Jefferson Papers) indicates that the secretary of state received a letter from GW written on Sunday, 1 April 1792, enclosing a letter of 27 Dec. 1791 from Gouverneur Morris ....
120From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 1 April 1792 (Washington Papers)
The President of the U. States has read, and approves the draught of the Secretary of States letter to the Govr of So. Carolina of this date. AL , DLC : Jefferson Papers; ADf , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DNA : RG 59, George Washington’s Correspondence with His Secretaries of State; LB (photocopy),
121From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 3 April 1792 (Washington Papers)
The President has examined the enclosed—thinks it exactly conformable to the loan proposed by Mr Blodget—and approves of it accordingly. Mr Jefferson will request the Attorney General to draw (with care & caution) a Deed proper for the occasion. AL , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters. The enclosure has not been identified, but for Samuel Blodget, Jr.’s loan proposal, see GW to the...
122From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 4 April 1792 (Washington Papers)
Am I right in understanding, as the result of the Conversation you had with Mr White, that it was his opinion Genl Morgan would serve under Officers superior to him in Rank in the Army about to be raised? I want to get the appointments closed, but wish to know, previously, whether this was Mr Whites opinion. Yours sincerely ALS , DLC : Jefferson Papers. On the cover, Jefferson docketed the...
123From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 28 April 1792 (Washington Papers)
In strict confidence the President of the U.S. sends the enclosed letter for the perusal of the Secretary of State. No other person has seen, or been made acquainted with the contents. It is necessary the Secretary should be informed of the circumstances related in the letter—’Tis possible, these politics may have contributed to the change in the Spanish Ministry. I wish Mr Short was, or soon...
124From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 21 May 1792 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive your letter of the 16t[h] inst. I sincerely hope that the intelligence which has been communicated to you of a War between France and Spain being inevitable, is not founded in truth. It is my intention to commence my Journey to Philadelphia on Thursday next. I shall stop in George Town one day, and proceed on from thence without further delay, unless my...
125From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 2 June 1792 (Washington Papers)
I wish more favorable explanations than I expect, from your interview with the British Minester. AL , DLC : Jefferson Papers. Jefferson’s docket indicates that this letter was “recd June 2. 1792.” For the diplomatic exchange between Jefferson and British minister George Hammond concerning the nonexecution of various provisions of the Treaty of Paris of 1783, see GW to Jefferson, c.5–6 Mar.,...
126From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 9 June 1792 (Washington Papers)
I am in sentiment with you & the Director of the Mint, respecting the purchase of the Lots & Houses which are offered for Sale in preference to Renting—as the latter will certainly exceed the Interest of the former. That all the applications may be brought to view, & considered, for Coining &ca; Mr Lear will lay the letters and engravings before you to be Shewn to the Director of the Mint. I...
127From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 15 June 1792 (Washington Papers)
When Artizans are imported, and criticism is at Work, the inducement is greater to obtain those who are really skilful: for this reason, if Mr Pinckney should not readily meet with those who are unequivocally such; or, if there is a chance of getting better in France than in England, I think it would be well to instruct him to correspond with Mr Morris on this Subject with a view to obtain the...
128From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 17 June 1792 (Washington Papers)
The Attorney General will, I presume, draw the Deed for the Lot for the Mint. The purchase of it, I approve of. If you can aid me in answering the queries of Mr Young, contained in his letter enclosed, I would thank you —I wish to write to him by Mr Pinckney. Is not fish Oil one of the things that will claim the particular attention of Mr Morris? Yrs &ca ALS , DLC : Jefferson Papers. For GW’s...
129From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 29 June 1792 (Washington Papers)
I am grieved to find that Mr Short was, on the 22d of April, without his Comn & Instructions —and that Mr Morris was not then in Paris. AL , DLC : Jefferson Papers. Jefferson’s docket on the cover of this letter and his Summary Journal of Public Letters ( DLC : Jefferson Papers) record that GW’s note was received on 29 June. For the appointment of William Short and William Carmichael to...
130From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 7 July 1792 (Washington Papers)
Pray send me Mr Hammond’s communications to you on thursday & your letter to him in answer; and let me see you at Eight ’Oclock this Morng. Yrs ALS , DLC : Jefferson Papers. Jefferson’s docket indicates that this note was received on Saturday, 7 July 1792. For British minister George Hammond’s letter to Jefferson of Thursday, 5 July, see Jefferson to GW, 5 July, n.1 ; for Jefferson’s response...
131From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 9 July 1792 (Washington Papers)
Pray draught a proper answer to the enclosed, approving of what the Director of the Mint has done, and is about to do; and requesting an estimate of the money which will be wanted to enable him to proceed in the business of Coining agreeably to what he proposes. ALS , DLC : Jefferson Papers. The enclosed letter from David Rittenhouse to GW of this date reads: “Tho’ a long continued state of...
132From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 17 July 1792 (Washington Papers)
I am extremely sorry to find by the enclosed letter that the affairs of France put on so disagreeable an aspect. As I know it is your intention to proceed immediately on, I will not ask you to call at Mt Vernon now but hope it is unnecessary to say that I shall be glad to see you on your way going or Returning. I am sincerely & Affecy Yrs ALS , DLC : Jefferson Papers. Jefferson docketed the...
133From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 23 July 1792 (Washington Papers)
The friday after you left this place I received the enclosed dispatches from Governor Chittendon, of the State of Vermont. If you conceive it to be necessary, undr the circumstances which exist, to write again to that Gentleman before he replies to your former letter on the subject in dispute, you will, of course, take such measures thereupon as shall appear proper under a full view of all...
134From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 13 August 1792 (Washington Papers)
Since my last to you dated the 23d of July, I have received the second epistle of Govr Chittendon, enclosing a copy of the Lieutt Governor of Canada’s letter to him; but as he does not in that letter acknowledge the receipt of the One which went to him from the Secretary of State’s Office the motives which suspended an answer to his first letter still exist, unless he has given the information...
135From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 23 August 1792 (Washington Papers)
(Private) My dear Sir, Mount Vernon Augt 23d 1792. Your letters of the 12th & 13th came duly to hand—as did that enclosing Mr Blodgets plan of a Capitol. The latter I forwarded to the Commissioners, and the enclosures of the two first are now returned to you. I believe we are never to hear from Mr Carmichael; nor of him but through the medium of a third person. His——I realy do not know with...
136From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 15 September 1792 (Washington Papers)
This letter goes Express, to obtain the signature of the Secretary of State to the enclosed Proclamation. The reasons for sending it in this manner, are, to avoid the circuitous rout by Richmond, and the delay it might meet with by the Post; not having reached my hands until this morning, too late for the Mail of this day—nor in time for any other before Tuesday next—and because it is unknown...
137From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 7 October 1792 (Washington Papers)
Mount Vernon, 7 Oct. 1792. Forwards to Philadelphia Jefferson’s papers that were “found in the Road” by one of GW’s neighbors, except for a letter to Daniel Carroll of Rock Creek, Md., which has been sent to the Alexandria post office. ADfS , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DLC:GW . Jefferson wrote to James Madison from Bladensburg, Md., on 1 Oct. that he had “unfortunately dropped”...
138From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 18 October 1792 (Washington Papers)
(Private) My dear Sir Phila. Octobr 18th 1792. I did not require the evidence of the extracts which you enclosed me, to convince me of your attachment to the Constitution of the United States, or of your disposition to promote the general Welfare of this Country. But I regret—deeply regret—the difference in opinions which have arisen, and divided you and another principal Officer of the...
139From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 20 October 1792 (Washington Papers)
The letters of Gouvr Morris give a gloomy picture of the Affairs of France. I fear with too much truth. If the order of Senate, dated the 7th of last May, is compleated, it must be with all Offices except the Judges. The Post Office (as a branch of Revenue) was annexed to the Treasury in the time of Mr Osgood—and when Colo. Pickering was appointed thereto, he was informed, as I find by my...
140From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 1 November 1792 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed places matters on their true rounds; and in my opinion on a proper footing. ALS , DLC : Jefferson Papers. Jefferson docketed this letter: “recd Nov. 1. 92.” Beneath GW’s text Jefferson added “this was my answer of Nov. 1. to Viar & Jaudenes.” Jefferson wrote the Spanish diplomats José Ignacio de Viar and José de Jaudenes in reply to their letter to him of 29 Oct. (see Jefferson to...
141From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 3 November 1792 (Washington Papers)
Your letter to Messrs Carmichael and Short (now returned) is full & proper. I have added a word or two with A pencil, which may be inserted or not as you shall think best. The intention of them is to do away the charge of Sovereignty over more than are within our own territory. The erazures from the Speech—as you advise—are made, except exchange the word “high” for “just” If facts will justify...
142From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 13 November 1792 (Washington Papers)
I am glad the detention of the Ship gives you an opportunity of forwarding the enclosed. Yours ALS , DLC : Jefferson Papers. Jefferson docketed the letter: “Washington Presidt recd Nov. 13. 92.” Jefferson added a notation below the text in which he identified the enclosure: “it was my letter of Nov. 13. to mister Pinckney. London.” In that letter Jefferson wrote that the “ship New Pigou still...
143From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 15 November 1792 (Washington Papers)
The letter enclosed, intended for Govr Blount, appears to me to be very proper. ALS , DLC : Jefferson Papers. Jefferson docketed the letter: “Washington Presidt recd Nov. 15. 92,” and he noted below the text that “it was my letter of Nov. 14. 92.” In a note to GW of 14 Nov. 1792, Jefferson had submitted his letter to William Blount of that date and “the correspondence on which it is founded”...
144From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 19 November 1792 (Washington Papers)
I have run over the four numbers of Genl Green’s letters to Congress—herewith returned—and find nothing contained in them, unmarked by you, which ought, in my opinion, to be withheld from the Public. Even those of the 3d of Novr 1780—tho’ quite unnecessary, might pass with an explanatory note on the then value of our paper currency. It probably is best to [leave] out the scored part of No. 1,...
145From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 1 December 1792 (Washington Papers)
Mr Hammond starts three to one against you. AL , DLC : Jefferson Papers. Jefferson docketed this letter: “Washington President recd Dec. 1. 9⟨ mutilated ⟩.” For background on Jefferson’s negotiations with George Hammond, British minister to the United States, see Jefferson’s notes on two conversations with Hammond later this month, c. 10 Dec. and c. 12 Dec. 1792, and editorial notes, in...
146From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 30 December 1792 (Washington Papers)
The Letter to Mr Pinckney meets my ideas—but after mentioning Sweden as the Country most likely to obtain Copper from, I think it would be better not to confine him to the purchase there. ALS , DLC : Jefferson Papers. Jefferson docketed this letter: “recd Dec. 30. 92.” On 29 Dec., Jefferson had sent to GW for his review a letter to Thomas Pinckney, U.S. minister to Great Britain, under the...
147From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 31 December 1792 (Washington Papers)
If you have not closed your letter to Mr Pinckney I wish you would desire him to be very attentive to the embarkation of Troops for America—especially Quebec—& to give the earliest advice of the measure—& of the numbers —Yours &ca ALS , DLC : Jefferson Papers. Jefferson docketed the letter: “recd Dec. 31. 1792.” GW erroneously dated this letter “31st Jan.” For Jefferson’s letter to Thomas...
148From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 31 December 1792 (Washington Papers)
Private Dear Sir [Philadelphia] Decr 31st 1792 I do not recollect perfectly what your sentiments were respecting the application of Mr De la Forest—and being to give an answer to the Secretary of the Treasury on this occasion I should be glad to receive them previously thereto. The difficulty of the case you well know arises from the unauthorised request, and the hazard of advancing monies...
149From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 22 January 1793 (Washington Papers)
Nothing occurs to me as necessary to be added to the enclosed project. If the Subscription is not confined to the members of the Philosophical Society I would readily add my mite to the means for encouraging Mr Michaud’s undertaking—and do authorize you to place me among, & upon a footing with the respectable sums which may be Subscribed. I am always Yours. ALS , DLC : Jefferson Papers; ADfS ,...
150From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 3 February 1793 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed, containing some things which are not in Gouvr Morris official letter, the President sends it for Mr Jeffersons perusal. AL , DLC : Thomas Jefferson Papers. Jefferson placed an asterisk directly in front of this word and noted at the bottom of the manuscript page that the enclosure was “of Oct. 23. 92.” For Gouverneur Morris’s letter to Jefferson of 23 Oct. 1792, written in his...