1Agreement with James Anderson, 5 October 1796 (Washington Papers)
Articles of Agreement made and entered into this fifth-day of October in the Year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and Ninety six, by & between George Washington, President of the United States, on one part and James Anderson, at present of Stafford County and State of Virginia on the other part, Witness, that for & in consideration of the wages and allowances herein after mentioned, the...
2Enclosure I: Contract with Samuel Blodget, Jr., 6 March 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
A Declaration to be made by the President That the sales of lots of public property in the town of Washington shall never be extended so far but that there shall remain and be reserved so many of the said lots unsold as shall at the rate of 100. Doll. per lot be sufficient to secure the proportion of this loan not yet reimbursed, of which lots two fifths shall be South of an East and West line...
3Agreement with John Christian Ehlers, 10 October 1795 (Washington Papers)
Articles of Agreement made and entered into this tenth day of October Anno domini 1795 by and between George Washington, President of the United States, on the one part, and John C. Elhler late of Germany, but now residing at Mount Vernon on the other part, Witness—That for and in consideration of the wages & allowances herein after mentioned, the said John C. Ehler doth promise and agree to...
4Indenture with Thomas Green, 9 November 1790–14 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
Articles of Agreement made and enterd into this ninth day of November Anno Domini one thousand seven hundred and ninety between Thomas Green Joiner & House Carpenter of the one part and George A. Washington for and in behalf of the President of the United States on the other part Witnesseth that the said Thomas Green for the wages and other considerations hereinafter expressed doth agree and...
It is greatly to be lamented, for the sake of humanity, that the flame of War, which had before spread over a considerable part of Europe has within the present year extended itself much further; implicating all those powers with whom the United States have the most extensive relations. When it was seen here, that almost all the maritime Nations either were, or were likely soon to become...
6Enclosure: [An Act Making Allowances for Certain Services], [25 May 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
An act making allowances for certain services & contingencies in the collection of the Revenue during the year ending on the 30 day of June 1792. Whereas it has been found necessary to provide a compensation for the legal admeasurement of Stills during the year ending on the 30 day of June 1792. it is hereby established & declared, that there may & shall be allowed to the Collectors of the...
7Draft of a Proclamation by George Washington, [1 January 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
Proclamation By George Washington President of the UStates Amidst the calamities which afflict so many other nations [and trouble the sources of individual quiet security and happiness,] the present condition of the UStates affords much matter of consolation and satisfaction. Our exemption hitherto from the evils of foreign war, an increasing prospect of the continuance of that precious...
8Draft of George Washington’s Seventh Annual Address to Congress, [28 November–7 December 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
I trust, I do not deceive myself, while I indulge the persuasion, that I have never met you at any period, when more than at the present, the situa⟨tion⟩ of our public affairs has afforded just cause for mutual congratulation and for inviting you to join with me in profound gratitude to the Author of all Good for the numerous and signal blessings we enjoy. The Termination of the long expensive...
9Minutes of a Meeting Concerning the Insurrection in Western Pennsylvania, [24 August 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
At a Meeting at the Presidents House City of Philadelphia Aug 24. 1794 Present The President of The United States. The Secretary of State The Secretary of the Treasury. The President proposed for the opinion and advice of The Secretary of State & the Secretary of the Treasury the following questions. 1 Shall orders issue for the immediate convening of the whole or any part of the Militia...
10Enclosure: [Objections and Answers Respecting the Administration], [18 August 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
1 Object. The public Debt is greater than we can possibly pay before other causes of adding to it will occur; and this has been artificially created by adding together the whole amount of the Debtor and Creditor sides of the Account. Answer. The public Debt was produced by the late war. It is not the fault of the present government that it exists; unless it can be proved, that public...
11Draft of a Proposed Message from George Washington to Congress, [March–May 1794] (Hamilton Papers)
In my speech to the two houses of Congress at the opening of the session I urged the expediency of being prepared for war as one of the best securities to our peace. Events which seem dayly to be unfolding themselves press still more seriously upon us the duty of being so prepared, indicating that the calamities of war may by a train of circumstances be forced upon us, notwithstanding the most...
12Draft of George Washington’s Fourth Annual Address to Congress, [15–31 October 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
It is an abatement of the satisfaction, with which I meet you, on the present occasion, that in felicitating you on a continuance of the national prosperity, generally, I am not able to add to it information, that the Indian hostilities, which have for some time distressed our N Western frontier, have terminated. You will doubtless learn, with as much concern as I communicate it, that...
13Enclosure: [Proclamation by George Washington], [April 1793] (Hamilton Papers)
By George Washington President of the U. S. of am⟨erica⟩ a Proclamation. Whereas every nation has a right to change and modify their constitution and Govt., in such manner as they may think most c⟨onducive⟩ to their welfare and Happiness. And Whereas they who a⟨ctually⟩ administer the governmt. of any nation, are by foreign nations ⟨to⟩ be regarded as its lawful Rulers , so long as they...
14George Washington to the Commissioners of Accounts for the States, [22 June 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
Having considered the two questions referred to me in your letters of yesterday, I am of opinion that the Report of your proceedings may be made to the President of the US. and that your books and papers will be most properly deposited in the Treasury department. You will therefore be pleased to deliver them to the order of the Secretary of the Treasury. Dft ( DNA : RG 59, MLR ); in TJ’s hand,...
15To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, with Jefferson’s Note, 14 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The President of the United States requests that the Secretary of State will lay the enclosed letter before the Gentlemen who are to meet today—that it may be taken into consideration with the other matters which may be before them. [ Note by TJ: ] viz. a letter from T. Newton. RC ( DLC ); in the hand of Tobias Lear; with note by TJ at foot of text; endorsed by TJ as received 14 May 1793....
16George Washington to the Senate, 10 April 1792 [document added in digital edition] (Jefferson Papers)
If the President should enter into a Provisional convention with the government of Algiers for a sum not exceeding 40,000 dollars, will the Senate advise & consent to it’s ratification, the government of Algiers being made clearly to understand that we are not to be bound by the treaty until it shall be ratified? If this sum appears too high, what lower limit would the Senate approve? If the...
17Enclosure: Letter of Protection for Friendly Indians, [13 March 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
George Washington , President of the United States of America. To all to whom these Presents shall come. Know Ye , That the Nation of Indians called the inhabiting the Town of and other Towns, Villages and Lands of the same community, are, in their persons, Towns, Villages, Lands, Hunting-grounds and other Rights and Property in the Peace and under the Protection of the United States of...
18To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, with Jefferson’s Note, 15 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The President of the United States approves of the enclosed Letter to Mr. Hammond, and likewise of that to Mr. Rawle. [ Note by TJ :] viz the letter of May 15. 93. RC ( DLC ); in the hand of Tobias Lear; addressed: “The Secretary of State”; with subjoined note by TJ. Enclosures: (1) TJ to George Hammond, 15 May 1793 . (2) TJ to William Rawle, 15 May 1793 . Recorded in SJPL .
19George Washington to the Senate, with Jefferson’s Note to Washington, 28 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I was led, by a consideration of the qualifications of Patterson of New Jersey to nominate him an associate justice of the Supreme court of the US. It has since occurred that he was a member of the Senate when the act creating that office was passed and that the time for which he was elected had not yet expired. I think it my duty therefore to declare that I deem the nomination to have been...
20George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 11 February 1792 (Madison Papers)
If you & Mr. Madison could make it convenient to take a family dinner with me to day—or, if engagements prevent this—wd. come, at any hour in the afternoon most convenient to yourselves We would converse fully, and try to fix on some plan for carrying the Affairs of the Federal district into execution. Under present appearances it is difficult, but it is nevertheless necessary to resolve on...
21George Washington to David Rittenhouse, [9 July 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
Having had under consideration the letter of the Director of the mint of this day’s date, I hereby declare my approbation of the purchase he has made of the house and lot for the mint, of the employment of Mr. Voight as Coiner, of the procuring fifteen tons of copper, and proceeding to coin the cents and half cents of copper and dismes and half dismes of silver: and I leave to his discretion...
22George Washington to the Senate and the House of Representatives, [14] December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The situation of affairs in Europe, in the course of the year 1790. having rendered it possible that a moment might arrive favorable for the arrangement of our unsettled matters with Spain, it was thought proper to prepare our representative at that court to avail us of it. A confidential person was therefore dispatched to be the bearer of instructions to him, and to supply by verbal...
23To 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...
24To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, with Jefferson’s Note, 15 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The Captn. of Marines on Board the Ambuscade has just put the enclosed into my hands. He was sent he says on purpose to do it—and waits only for an answer. Give it I pray you such an one as it ought to receive. Yours Almost dark [ Note by TJ: ] This was Genet’s letter of Aug. 13. addressed to the Presidt. RC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “The Secy of State”; with TJ’s note at foot of text;...
25VI. Draft of a Message from the President to the Senate, [4 March 1791] (Jefferson Papers)
The ‘Act for the admission of the state of Vermont into this union’ having fixed on this, as the day of it’s admission, it was thought that this would also be the first day on which any officer of the Union might legally perform any act of authority relating to that state. I therefore required your attendance to recieve nominations of the several officers necessary to put the federal...
26George Washington to the Trustees of the Germantown Academy, [ca. 6 November 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
The readiness with which the Trustees of the school of Germ. to. tender the buildings under their charge for the use of Congress is a proof of their zeal for furthering the public good. And doubtless the other inhabitants actuated by the same motives will feel the same dispositions to accomodate if necessary those who assemble but for their service and that of their fellow citizens. Where it...
27George Washington to the Commissioners of the Federal District, 9 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your letter of Sep. 5 . and in consequence thereof have authorised Mr. David Ross of Bladensburg, and Colo. Robert Townshend Hooe of Alexandria, to examine the accounts and vouchers of the expenditure of the monies appropriated to your trust as Commissioners of the public buildings of the federal territory, and to certify to me the result. Dft ( DLC : Washington Papers);...
28Agenda for Commissioners of the Federal District, [ca. 5 March 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
Estimates &ca. are sent to shew the views &ca. of Majr. LEnfant. MS ( DLC : Washington Papers); in the hands of both TJ and Washington, as indicated in notes below; undated, but certainly written after 1 Mch. and on or before 6 Mch. 1792. It is very probable that TJ wrote the first part of the agenda and sent it or left it with Washington on 5 Mch. 1792 (see Washington to TJ, 4 Mch. 1792 ) and...
29George Washington to the Senate and the House of Representatives, [30 December 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
I communicate to you the translation of a letter received from the Representatives of Spain here in reply to that of the Secretary of state to them of the 21st. inst. which had before been communicated to you. Dft ( DLC ); in TJ’s hand, unsigned and undated; with dateline and part of salutation completed by George Taylor, Jr. (see notes below); endorsed by Taylor. Enclosure: Josef de Jaudenes...
30George Washington to the Justices of the Supreme Court, [22 July 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
The circumstances which had induced me to ask your counsel on certain legal questions interesting to the public, exist now as they did then: but I by no means press a decision whereon you wish the advice and participation of your absent brethren. Whenever therefore their presence shall enable you to give it with more satisfaction to yourselves, I shall accept it with pleasure. Dft ( DNA : RG...
31George Washington to the Commissioners of the Federal District, 31 January 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had under consideration Mr. Hallet’s plans for the capitol , which undoubtedly have a great deal of merit. Doctor Thornton has also given me a view of his. These last come forward under some very advantageous circumstances. The grandeur, simplicity, and beauty of the exterior, the propriety with which the apartments are distributed, and economy in the mass of the whole structure, will I...
32George Washington to the Senate, 9 April 1792 [document added in digital edition] (Jefferson Papers)
The Committee to report that the President does not think that circumstances will justify, in the present instance, his entering into absolute engagements for the ransom of our captives in Algiers, not callg. for money from the treasury, nor raising it by loan, without previous authority from both branches of the legislature If the President should enter into a Provisional convention with...
33To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, with Jefferson’s Note, 2 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very well satisfied with the train things are in. You will recollect that the Proclamation, Rules and other things are referred to in the Speech . I shall depend upon there being got ready at your Office. Yours &ca [ Note by TJ :] Answer to note of this day respecting publication of proceedings with Gr. Britn. RC ( DLC ); in Washington’s hand, with note by TJ at foot of text; addressed:...
34Proclamation of the Consular Convention of 1788, [9 April 1790] (Jefferson Papers)
By the President of the United States of America. A Proclamation Whereas a Convention for defining and establishing the functions and privileges of the respective Consuls and vice-Consuls of his most Christian Majesty and of the said United States, was concluded and signed by the Plenipotentiaries of his said most Christian Majesty and of the said United States, duly and respectively...
35George Washington to the Senate and the House of Representatives, 23 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Since the communications which were made to you on the affairs of the United States with Spain and on the Truce between Portugal and Algiers, some other papers have been received which making a part of the same subjects are now communicated for your information. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Senate Records, 3d Cong., 1st sess.); in Benjamin Bankson’s hand, signed by Washington. Enclosures: (1) Josef de...
36George Washington to the Senate, 8 May 1792 [document added in digital edition] (Jefferson Papers)
If the President of the U.S. should conclude a Convention or treaty with the Government of Algiers for the ransom of the thirteen Americans in captivity there, for a sum not exceeding 40,000 dollars, all expences included, will the Senate approve the same? or is there any & what greater or lesser sum, which they would fix on as the limit beyond which they would not approve the ransom? If the...
37George Washington to the Senate and the House of Representatives, [2 December 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
As the present situation of the several nations of Europe, and especially of those with which the US. have important relations, cannot but render the state of things between them and us matter of interesting enquiry to the legislature, and may indeed give rise to deliberations to which they alone are competent, I have thought it my duty to communicate to them certain correspondences which have...
38To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, with Jefferson’s Note, 24 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The President wishes the Secretary of State to let him know what measures, in his opinion, will be proper to be taken on the subject stated by the British Consul Genl. [ Note by TJ: ] Bond’s letter of Aug. 23. RC ( DLC ); in Tobias Lear’s hand, with note at foot of text by TJ; addressed: “The Secretary of [State]”; endorsed by TJ as a letter from Washington received 26 Aug. 1793. Recorded in...
39To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, with Jefferson’s Note, 12 June 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The President approves the enclosed and wishes the Secretary to send it as soon as convenient. [ Note by TJ: ] This was the letter to Mr. Genet on his proposal respecting the French debt. RC ( DLC ); in the hand of Tobias Lear; addressed: “The Secretary of State”; with note by TJ at foot of text; endorsed by TJ as received 12 June 1793. Recorded in SJPL .
40To 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...
41Commission, 22 January 1791 (Washington Papers)
Know Ye, That reposing special Trust and Confidence in the Integrity, Skill, and Diligence of Thomas Johnson and Daniel Carroll of Maryland, and David Stuart of Virginia, I do . . ., in Pursuance of the Powers vested in me by the Act intituled “An Act for establishing the Temporary and Permanent Seat of the Government of the United States,” hereby appoint them the said Thomas Johnson, Daniel...
42George Washington to the Senate and the House of Representatives, [14–16 December 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
Gentlemen of the { Senate House of Repr. I lay before you a Report of the Secretary of state on the measures which have been taken on behalf of the US. for the purpose of obtaining a recognition of our treaty with Marocco, and for the ransom of our citizens and establishment of peace with Algiers. While it is proper our citizens should know that subjects which so much concern their interests...
43George Washington to Madame de Lafayette, 15 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I addressed a few lines to you on the 31st. of January, in a state of entire uncertainty in what country or condition they might find you, as we had been sometimes told you were in England, sometimes in Holland, and at sometimes in France. Your letter of Octob. 8. 1792. first relieved me from doubt, and gave me a hope that, being in France, and on your own estate, you are not as destitute, as...
44The President to the House of Representatives, 26 October 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved from the Governor of North Carolina a copy of an act of the General assembly of that state authorizing him to convey to the U.S. the right and jurisdiction of the sd. state over one acre of land in Occacock island and ten acres on the Cape island within the sd. state, for the purpose of erecting lighthouses thereon, together with the deed of the Governor in pursuance thereof,...
45George Washington to the Senate and the House of Representatives, [28 November 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
Gentlemen of the { Senate H. of Representatives I now lay before you, for your further information, some additional advices lately received, on the subject of the hostilities committed by the Chuckamogga towns, or under their name and guidance. The importance of preventing this hostile spirit from spreading to other tribes, or other parts of the same tribe of Indians, a considerable military...
46Enclosure: Exequatur for Thomas Dannery, 3 October 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
George Washington President of the United States of America. To all whom it may concern. The Citizen Dannery having produced to me his commission as Consul for the Republick of France at Boston, I do hereby recognize him as such, and do declare him free to exercise and enjoy such functions, powers, and priviledges, as are allowed to Consuls of the French Republick by the laws, treaties, and...
47To 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...
48George Washington to the Senate and the House of Representatives, 30 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I lay before you for your consideration a letter from the Secretary of State, informing me of certain impediments, which have arisen to the coinage of the precious Metals at the Mint. As also a letter from the same Officer relative to certain advances of money, which have been made on public account. Should you think proper to sanction what has been done, or be of opinion that any thing more...
49George Washington to Thomas Barclay, 11 June 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Congress having furnished me with means for procuring peace, and ransoming our captive citizens from the government of Algiers, I have thought it best, while you are engaged at Marocco, to appoint Admiral Jones to proceed to Algiers, and therefore have sent him a commission for establishing peace, another for the ransom of our captives, and a third to act there as Consul for the U.S. and full...
50George Washington to the Senate, 8 November 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I now lay before you a letter from the Secretary of State, covering the copy of one from the Governor of Virginia with the several papers therein referred to, on the subject of the boundary between that State and the territory of the United States, south of the Ohio. It will remain with the Legislature to take such measures as it shall think best for settling the said boundary with that State,...