To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, With Jefferson’s Comment, 19 November 1792
From George Washington, With Jefferson’s Comment
Philadelphia 19th. Novr 1792.
Dear Sir
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]1 out the scored part of No. 1, page 14, although, I am persuaded, it is no more than a statement of a fact, and not an unimportant one. In No. 4, latter part of page 57. nearly the same sentiment as that erased is conveyed. I am always Yrs. &ca
Go: Washington
[Note by TJ at foot of text:]
Cary was permitted to make from the Secretary of state’s office a selection of state papers for publication particularly those of the commander in chief, and of the Generals commanding in separate departments. He submitted his selection to me to see if it contained any thing which ought not to be published. I marked a very few passages and stated them to the President. The above is his answer.
RC (DLC); with TJ’s undated note subjoined; at foot of letter: “Mr. Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 19 Nov. 1792. FC (Lb in DLC: Washington Papers). Recorded in SJPL.
For the antecedents to this letter, see TJ to John Carey, 3 July 1792, and note.
1. Word supplied from FC.