101From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 12 April 1793 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 7th instant was brought to me by the last Post. War having actually commenced between France and Great Britain, it behoves the Government of this Country to use every means in it’s power to prevent the citizens thereof from embroiling us with either of those powers, by endeavouring to maintain a strict neutrality. I therefore require that you will give the subject mature...
102To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 12 April 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 7 instant was brought to me by the last Post. War having actually commenced between France and Great Britain, it behoves the Government of this Country to use every means in it’s power to prevent the citizens thereof from embroiling us with either of those powers, by endeavouring to maintain a strict neutrality . I therefore require that you will give the subject mature...
103From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 5 April 1793 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 1st instant, came to my hands yesterday. I regret the indisposition of General Knox; but hope, as there is yet time for consideration of those matters I referred to the heads of the Departments, no inconvenience will result from the delay, occasioned thereby; unless it should continue much longer. At George Town, I met mister Randolph; & by a Letter just received from mister...
104To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 5 April 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Your Letter of the 1st instant, came to my hands yesterday. I regret the indisposition of General Knox; but hope, as there is yet time for consideration of those matters I referred to the heads of the Departments, no inconvenience will result from the delay, occasioned thereby; unless it should continue much longer. At George Town, I met Mr. Randolph; and by a Letter just received from Mr....
105To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 25 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The President encloses a draft for the Director of the Mint to receive five thousand dollars for the purposes of that establishment—likewise a letter for Mr. G. Morris, which he requests the Secretary of State will be so good as to forward with the public dispatches he may send to that Gentleman. RC ( DLC ); in the hand of Tobias Lear; addressed: “The Secretary […]”; endorsed by TJ as received...
106George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, March 21st [–22] 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
To The Secretary of State—The Secretary of the Treasury—The Secretary of War and The Attorney General of the United States. Gentlemen, The Treaty which is agreed to be held on or about the first of June next at the Lower Sandusky of Lake Erie, being of great moment to the interests and peace of this Country; and likely to be attended with difficulties arising from circumstances (not unknown to...
107From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 20 March 1793 (Washington Papers)
I have to request that it may be given in charge to the director of the mint, to take measures for collecting samples of foreign coins issued in the Year 1792, of the species which usually circulate within the United States, to examine by assays at the mint whether the same are conformable to the respective standards required, and to report the result, that the same may be made known by...
108To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 20 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to request that it may be given in charge to the director of the mint, to take measures for collecting samples of foreign coins issued in the Year 1792, of the species which usually circulate within the United States, to examine by assays at the mint whether the same are conformable to the respective standards required, and to report the result, that the same may be made known by...
109To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, with Jefferson’s Note, 20 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The President returns the enclosed draft of a letter to Mr. Pinckney, the contents of which meet his approbation. The President will thank Mr. Jefferson to send him a map of the Federal City, if he has any by him. [ Note by TJ: ] The above was the letter of Mar. 16. 93. to Mr. Pinckney. RC ( DLC ); in the hand of Tobias Lear, except for note by TJ at foot of first page below dateline; second...
110To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 19 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The President returns to the Secretary of State the letter and enclosures from Colo. Humphreys—and sends him a letter just received from Mr. Ellicott. The President wishes the Secretary’s opinion whether the direction to the Director of the Mint for collecting and assaying certain foreign Coins agreeably to the law—“regulating foreign Coins” &c—should go directly from the President to this...
111To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, with Jefferson’s Note, 15 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The President approves of the enclosed draft of a letter to Mr. Morris—and wishes to know if there is any opportunity of sending it directly, as he thinks it would be best for him to send the one for Made. la fayette, to Mr. Morris at the same time, knowing that she is in France. [ Note by TJ: ] This was the letter of Mar. 15. 93. RC ( DLC ); in the hand of Tobias Lear; addressed: “The...
112From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 13 March 1793 (Washington Papers)
The returned draught of a letter to Mr Gouvr Morris accords with my sentiments. Taking it for granted, that the words “We suppose this will rather overpay the instalments & interest due on the loans of 18.6 & 10 Millions”—means all that could be demanded by the French Government to the close of last year. This being the idea I have entertained of the payments, & engagements to pay. If it has...
113To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 13 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The returned draught of a letter to Mr. Gouvr. Morris accords with my sentiments.—Taking it for granted, that the words “We suppose this will rather overpay the instalments and interest due on the loans of 18. 6 and 10 Millions”—means all that could be demanded by the French Government to the close of last year.—This being the idea I have entertained of the payments, and engagements to pay. If...
114From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 10 March 1793 (Washington Papers)
If, upon a due consideration of the letter from the Secretary of the N.W. Territory to Govr St Clair, which you sent to me yesterday, and is herewith returned, you shall be of opinion that my official interference is necessary on the subject of that letter, I must request that you will report to me wherein such interference may be necessary—as well as the authority under which the President...
115To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 10 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
If, upon a due consideration of the letter from the Secretary of the N.W. Territory to Govr. St. Clair, which you sent to me yesterday, and is herewith returned, you shall be of opinion that my official interference is necessary on the subject of that letter, I must request that you will report to me wherein such interference may be necessary—as well as the authority under which the President...
116George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and Henry Knox, [9 March 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
Expecting that my private affairs will call me to Virginia on or before the 25 of this month, I have to request that you will lay before me, previous to that time, such matters within your Department as may require my attention or agency before I set out, as well as those which might be necessary for me to know or act upon during the time of my absence from the Seat of Government (which will...
117From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and Henry Knox, 9 March 1793 (Washington Papers)
Expecting that my private Affairs will call me to Virginia on or before the 25th of this month, I have to request that you will lay before me, previous to that time, such matters within your department as may require my attention or agency before I set out; as well as those which might be necessary for me to know or act upon during my absence from the Seat of Government (which will be about...
118From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 9 March 1793 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed from Messrs Johnson & Carroll have this instant come to hand. Along with them you will receive the letter (this day read) from Doctr Stuart, that the sentiments of all three of the Commrs may appear at one view. I pray you, before Mr Madison leaves town, to lay all three before him and the Attorney Genl; and give me a written Memo. of the measures which you, & they, shall think...
119To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 9 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed from Messrs. Johnson and Carroll have this instant come to hand. Along with them you will receive the letter (this day read) from Doctr. Stuart, that the sentiments of all three of the Commrs. may appear at one view. I pray you, before Mr. Madison leaves town, to lay all three before him and the Attorney Genl.; and give me a written Memorandum of the measures which you, and they,...
120George Washington to the Secretaries of State, Treasury, and War, 9 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Expecting that my private Affairs will call me to Virginia on or before the 25th of this month, I have to request that you will lay before me, previous to that time, such matters within your department as may require my attention or agency before I set out; as well as those which might be necessary for me to know or act upon during my absence from the Seat of Government (which will be about...
121From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 8 March 1793 (Washington Papers)
Being desireous of having a full and accurate knowledge of such things as are required to be done by or through the President of the United States, by the laws passed during the late Session of Congress, and which are deposited among the Rolls in your Office—I have to request, that the said laws may be examined for this purpose, and that you will furnish me with extracts of such parts or...
122To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 8 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Being desireous of having a full and accurate knowledge of such things as are required to be done by or through the President of the United States, by the laws passed during the late Session of Congress, and which are deposited among the Rolls in your Office—I have to request, that the said laws may be examined for this purpose, and that you will furnish me with extracts of such parts or...
123From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 26 February 1793 (Washington Papers)
The minister of France may, as soon as he pleases, make arrangements with the Secretary of the Treasury for the payment of Three million of Livres on account of the debt due from the U: States to France (including the one hundred thousand dollars already ordered, in part) agreeably to the requisition of M. Le Brun Minister for Foreign Affairs in that Country, & In such manner as will comport...
124To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 26 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The Minister of France may, as soon as he pleases, make arrangements with the Secretary of the Treasury for the payment of Three Million of Livres on account of the debt due from the U: States to France (including the one hundred thousand dollars already ordered, in part) agreeably to the requisition of M. Le Brun Minister for Foreign Affairs in that Country, and In such manner as will comport...
125George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, 24 February 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
The President of the United States requests the attendance of the at Nine o’Clock tomorrow morning ; at the President’s house, on the subject of the note sent to the on the 17~. inst: and that the will bring with him such remarks as he may have committed to writing in pursuance of said note. At the same time the President will lay before the Heads of the Departments & the Attorney General some...
126From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 24 February 1793 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from poor Madam La Fayette! How desirable it would be, if something could be done to relieve that family from their present unhappy Situation. Colo. Smith, yesterday, gave me the enclosed extract of a Letter from the House of Warder & Co. to one of the Partners in this City. Whether it is founded in fact, or with design to affect the prices of provision in this Count[r]y—I...
127To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 24 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from poor Madam La Fayette! How desirable it would be, if something could be done to relieve that family from their present unhappy Situation. Colo. Smith, yesterday, gave me the enclosed extract of a Letter from the House of Warder & Co. to one of their Partners in this City. Whether it is founded in fact, or with design to affect the prices of provision in this County, I...
128From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 13 February 1793 (Washington Papers)
Arrangements may be made with the Secretary of the Treasury for the immediate payment of One hundred thousand dollars on account of the debt due from the United States to France. The statement of the Account between these Countries will, it is expected, be compleated tomorrow; and the bal[anc]e up to the last of December be ascertained; when the propriety of further, and to what extent...
129To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 13 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Arrangements may be made with the Secretary of the Treasury for the immediate payment of One hundred thousand dollars on account of the debt due from the United States to France . The statement of the Account between these Countries will, it is expected, be compleated tomorrow; and the balance up to the last of December be ascertained; when the propriety of further, and to what extent advances...
130From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 12 February 1793 (Washington Papers)
Taking it for granted that the several matters enumerated in the Report, herewith returned, are supported by authenticated facts—thoroughly investigated —the statement of them, and the observations thereupon, accord with the sentiments of Dear Sir Yours &ca ALS , DLC : Jefferson Papers. Jefferson docketed this letter as received on 12 Feb. 1793. Jefferson placed a mark directly in front of...
131To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 12 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Taking it for granted that the several matters enumerated in the Report, herewith returned, are supported by authenticated facts thoroughly investigated—the statement of them, and the observations thereupon, accord with the sentiments of Dear Sir Yours &ca. RC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “Secretary of State”; with marginal note by TJ (see below); endorsed by TJ as received 12 Feb. 1793. FC ( DLC...
132From 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...
133To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 3 February [1793] (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed, containing some things which are not in Gouvr. Morris official letter, the President sends it for Mr. Jeffersons perusal. RC ( DLC ); partially dated; addressed: “Mr. Jefferson”; with notation by TJ (see note 1 below); endorsed by TJ as received [3] Feb. 1793. Recorded in SJPL . Enclosure: Gouverneur Morris to Washington, 23 Oct. 1792, which, in addition to the subjects dealt...
134From 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 ,...
135To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 22 January 1793 (Jefferson 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, and upon a footing with the respectable sums which may be Subscribed. I am always Yours. RC ( DLC ); addressed: “Mr....
136From 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...
137From 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...
138To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 31 December 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
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 without it. I am Yours sincerely RC ( DLC ); at...
139To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 31 [December 1792] (Jefferson 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—and to give the earliest advice of the measure—and of the numbers. Yours &c. RC ( DLC ); partially and incorrectly dated; addressed: “Mr. Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 31 Dec. 1792. Recorded in SJPL . TJ made the President’s...
140From 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...
141To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 30 December 1792 (Jefferson 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. RC ( DLC ); addressed: “The Secrety. of State”; endorsed by TJ as received 30 Dec. 1792. Recorded in SJPL . TJ’s letter to Mr. Pinckney , as amended in light of Washington’s comment, is dated 30 Dec. 1792 .
142From 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...
143From 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,...
144To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, With Jefferson’s Comment, 19 November 1792 (Jefferson 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 with held 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...
145From 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”...
146From 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...
147From 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...
148To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 3 November 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter to Messrs. Carmichael and Short (now returned) is full and 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...
149From 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...
150From 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...