To George Washington from the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 21 February 1797
From the Commissioners for the District of Columbia
Washington, 21st February 1797
Sir
We had the honor of receiving yours of the 17th Inst. by last mail1—The ideas expressed in your former Letter, were perfectly understood, as you will see, by our answer of yesterday[.]2 We wish a Bill to incorporate the Commissioners, may be passed by Congress3—It will obviate many inconveniencies, & place the property of the United-States in a more eligible situation than heretofore—We had some Idea of applying to Congress on this subject, in the course of the Session; but the cool reception which the national university met with, discouraged us4—We have the honor, &c.
G. Scott
W. Thornton
LB, DNA: RG 42, Records of the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, Letters Sent.
1. The commissioners’ book of proceedings for this date records the receipt of GW’s letter to the commissioners of 17 Feb. (DNA: RG 42, Records of the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, Proceedings, 1791–1802).
2. The commissioners refer to GW’s letter to them of 15 Feb., and their reply of 20 February.
3. For the bill to incorporate the D.C. commissioners, presented before Congress in late February, see GW to the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 17 Feb., and n.4 to that document.
4. In late December, Congress scarcely had debated the proposed establishment of a national university, despite having received a memorial from the commissioners on the subject and having heard GW’s annual message expressing support for the institution. The national university was never realized (see Commissioners for the District of Columbia to GW, 21 Nov. 1796, and n.1 to that document).
The second session of the Fourth Congress convened on 5 Dec. 1796 and adjourned on 3 March 1797.