81From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 21 August 1791 (Washington Papers)
At eight ’oclock A.M. tomorrow, I set out for Mr Powells farm, to see the operation of Colo. Anderson’s threshing Machine. I Break fast, you know, at half past Seven; if it is convenient to take that in your way, I should be glad to see you at it. When you have read the enclosed letters I will converse with you on the subject of them. I am always yours ALS , DLC : Thomas Jefferson Papers. The...
82Memorandum for Thomas Jefferson, 27 August 1791 (Washington Papers)
Will circumstances render a postponement of the Sale of Lots in the Federal City advisable? If not Where ought they to be made Will it in that case, or even without it, be necessary or prudent to attempt to borrow money to carry on the difft works in the City? Whether ought the building of a bridge over the Eastern branch to be attempted—the Canal set about—and Mr Peter’s proposion with...
83From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 29 August 1791 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed for Mr Young, I pray you to put under cover to Mr Johnson—the other for Mr Vaughan may go in like manner, or otherwise, as you may think best; both however by the Packet. The letter for Mr Carroll I also return—besides which, were you to write a line or two to Mr Johnson, addressed to the care of the Postmaster in Baltimore, it might be a mean of giving him earlier notice of the...
84Enclosure: Memorandum for Thomas Jefferson with Jefferson’s Answers and Notes, 27 August–8 September 1791 (Washington Papers)
Will circumstances render a postponement of the Sale of Lots in the Federal City advisable? If not not adviseable? [2.] Where ought they to be made left to be considered ultimately on the spot, the general opinion being only that the leading interests be accomodated. [3.] Will it in that case, or even without it, be necessary or prudent to attempt to borrow money to carry on the difft works in...
85From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 25 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
As the meeting proposed to be held (at nine O’clock tomorrow morning) with the heads of the Great Departments) is to consider important subjects belonging (more immediately) to the Department of State—The President desires Mr Jefferson would commit the several points on which opinions will be asked to Paper, in the order they ought to be taken up. AL , DLC : Thomas Jefferson Papers; ADf , DNA...
86From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 30 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
Mr L’Enfants letter of the 19th of Octr to Mr Lear—Mr Lear’s answer of the 6th instt (the press copy of which is so dull as to be scarcely legible)—in which I engrafted sentiments of admonition, & with a view also to feel his pulse under reprehension—His reply of the 10th to that letter together with the papers I put into your hands when here will give you a full view of the business; & the...
87From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 9 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday afternoon Colo. Hamilton was desired, as soon as the Tariff was ready, to let it be known. Enclosed is his answer. Say whether the meeting shall be tomorrow, or on Monday morning? Yours sincerely ALS , DLC : Thomas Jefferson Papers. Jefferson endorsed this undated note as having been received on 9 Dec. 1791. The enclosed answer of Alexander Hamilton has not been positively...
88From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 14 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
I am very glad to find that matters, after all that has happened, stand so well between the Comrs and Majr L’Enfant. I am sorry, however, to hear that the work is not in a more progressive State. Yesterday afternoon I wrote a letter, of which the enclosed is the copy to Majr L’Enfant. and receivg his of the 10th added the Postscript thereto. I hope the two will have a good effect. I am always...
89From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 18 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
The P——requests that Mr J——would give the letter & statement here with sent from the S——y of War a perusal, & return it to him in the course of the day, with his opinion as to the propriety of the manner of making the communication to Congress; and whether it ought not, at any rate, to be introduced in some such way as this (if it is to pass through him to Congress) “Pursuant to directions I...
90From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 25 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
The P—— returns Mr Muters letter, and gives Mr J—— an opportunity of reading one from Judge Innes, on the same subject. The latter, commences his operations from the point, to which we have not yet been able to get; namely—established Posts in the Indian Country—the primary object of the Campaign, after the accomplishment of which, every thing else would be easy. AL , DLC : Thomas Jefferson...
91From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 25 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
You will find by the enclosed that our troubles in the Federal City are not yet at an end. I pray you to give the letters a consideration and inform me of the result, to morrow, or next day. Yours Affectly & sincerely ALS , DLC : Thomas Jefferson Papers. For the background to this letter, see Pierre L’Enfant to GW, 21 Nov. 1791, editorial note . For the enclosed letter, see the Commissioners...
92From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 27 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have just received, and scarcely had time to read the enclosed. ⟨I wan⟩t to see you, and the heads of the ⟨oth⟩er Departments to morrow morning at nine Oclock on business of the War Department. Yrs Affectly ALS , DLC : Thomas Jefferson Papers. The enclosures were copies of Henry Knox’s reports to GW of 26 Dec. 1791 on the defeat of the army under Arthur St. Clair and proposals for further...
93From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 13 January 1792 (Washington Papers)
The P. begs that Mr J—— & Mr Ma—— would give the enclosed letters from the Commrs an attentive perusal, and the whole of that business a serious consideration before nine oclock tomorrow morning—at which hour the P—. would be glad to converse with them on the subject. AL , DLC : Thomas Jefferson Papers. GW addressed the letter to “Mr Jefferson,” and Jefferson docketed the address cover as...
94From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 15 January 1792 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed came to my hands yesterday afternoon. The documents respecting the dispute between Majr L’Enfant an Dan. Carroll of D. have been sent for the Attorney Genl to form his opinion upon the case. The whole are sent for Mr J.s perusal previous to the conversation he proposed to have with Majr L’E. The President has not read the Papers—nor is he in any hurry to do it. AL , DLC : Thomas...
95From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 16 January 1792 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Hamilton came so late that I could only broach the subject to him—He will breakfast with me at 8 Oclock—at which time If you can make it convenient I should be glad of your company—after which we will talk the matter over fully. Yrs ALS , DLC : Thomas Jefferson Papers. Jefferson endorsed this letter as having been “recd Jan. 16. 92,” which was a Monday. GW apparently wished to discuss...
96From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 18 January 1792 (Washington Papers)
The conduct of Majr L’Enfant and those employed under him, astonishes me beyond measure! and something more than even appears, must be meant by them! When you are at leisure I should be glad to have a further conversation with you on this subject. Yrs sincerely & Affectionately ALS , DLC : Thomas Jefferson Papers. For the background to this letter, see Pierre L’Enfant to GW, 21 Nov. 1791,...
97From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 28 January 1792 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is the rough draught of a letter to G.M.—I pray you to examine it, and alter any word, or sentence you may think too strong; or the whole of it, retaining my object; from which I shall make a fair copy, & then take a press one: be not scrupulous therefore in making the alterations you judge necessary. In the course of tomorrow I will send you the letter to be made up with your...
98From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 7 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed came to my hand yesterday evening—I have heard nothing more of Mr Johnson. I wish the business to which these letters relate, was brought to an issue—an agreeable one is not, I perceive to be expected. AL , DLC : Thomas Jefferson Papers. Jefferson endorsed this undated note as having been received on 7 Feb. 1792. The enclosure was probably Pierre L’Enfant’s letter to GW of 6...
99From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 9 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
The P——requests that Mr J——would give the enclosed letter & papers a reading between this and dinner—and come an hour before it, that he may have an opportunity of conversing with him on the subject of them. Mr Walker of George Town is in this City—from him, if Mr J——could contrive to get him to his house, he might learn the sentiments of the people of the place, Carrolsburg &ca—with respect...
100From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 11 February 1792 (Washington 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 some...
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...