91From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 25 February 1785 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure to find by the public Gazettes that your passage to France had been short, and pleasant. I have no doubt but that your reception at the Court has been equally polite, & agreeable. I have the honor to inclose you the copy of an Act which passed the Assemblies of Virginia and Maryland at the close of their respective Sessions; about the first of last month. The circumstances...
92To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 25 February 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the pleasure to find by the public Gazettes that your passage to France had been short, and pleasant.—I have no doubt but that your reception at the Court has been equally polite and agreeable. I have the honor to inclose you the copy of an Act which passed the assemblies of Virginia and Maryland at the close of their respective sessions; about the first of last month.—The circumstances...
93From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 26 September 1785 (Washington Papers)
I have had the honor to receive your favors of the 10th & 17th of July which were committed to the care of Mr Houdon; but I have not yet had the pleasure to see that Gentleman. His Instruments and materials (Doctr Franklin informs me) not being arrived at Havre when they Sailed, he was obliged to leave them; & is now employed in providing others at Philadelphia, with which he will proceed to...
94To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 26 September 1785 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had the honor to receive your favors of the 10th. and 17th. of July which were committed to the care of Mr. Houdon; but I have not yet had the pleasure to see that Gentleman. His Instruments and materials (Doctr. Franklin informs me) not being arrived at Havre when they Sailed, he was obliged to leave them, and is now employed in providing others at Philadelphia, with which he will...
95From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 1 August 1786 (Washington Papers)
The letters you did me the favor to write to me on the 4th & 7th of Jany have been duly received. In answer to your obliging enquiries respecting the dress, attitude &ca which I would wish to have given to the Statue in question—I have only to observe that not having a sufficient knowledge in the art of sculpture to oppose my judgment to the taste of Connoisseiurs, I do not desire to dictate...
96To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 1 August 1786 (Jefferson Papers)
The letters you did me the favor to write to me on the 4th. and 7th. of Jany. have been duly received. In answer to your obliging enquiries respecting the dress, attitude &c. which I would wish to have given to the Statue in question, I have only to observe that not having a sufficient knowledge in the art of sculpture to oppose my judgment to the taste of Connoisseiurs, I do not desire to...
97From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 30 May 1787 (Washington Papers)
It has so happened, that the letter which you did me the honor of writing to me the 14th of November last, did not come to my hands till the first of the present month; and at a time when I was about to set off for the Convention of the States, appointed to be holden in this City the 14th Instt. Consequently, it has not been in my power, at an earlier period, to reply to the important matters...
98To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 30 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
It has so happened, that the letter which you did me the honor of writing to me the 14th. of November last, did not come to my hands till the first of the present month ; and at a time when I was about to set off for the Convention of the States appointed to be holden in this City the 14th. Instt. Consequently, it has not been in my power, at an earlier period, to reply to the important...
99From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 18 September 1787 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday put an end to the business of the Fœderal Convention. Inclosed is a copy of the Constitution, by it agreed to, not doubting but that you have participated in the general anxiety which has agitated the minds of your Countrymen on this interesting occasion, I shall be excused I am certain for this endeavor to relieve you from it —especially when I assure you of the sincere regard and...
100To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 18 September 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Yesterday put an end to the business of the Fœdral Convention. Inclosed is a copy of the Constitution, by it agreed to. Not doubting but that you have participated in the general anxiety which has agitated the minds of your Countrymen on this interesting occasion, I shall be excused I am certain for this endeavor to relieve you from it, especially when I assure you of the sincere regard and...
101To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 26 September 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
The merits of Mr. Shippen, Son of Doctr. Shippen of this City, will be the best apology I can offer for introducing him to your attention and civilities whilst he is in Paris. He is a young Gentleman of Talents and improvement—these I am sure you love. I shall only add therefore how much and how sincerely I am Yours &c., FC ( DLC : Washington Papers).
102From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 1 January 1788 (Washington Papers)
I have received your favor of the 15th of August, and am sorry that it is not in my power to give you any further information relative to the practicability of opening a communication between Lake Erie and the Ohio, than you are already possessed of. I have made frequent enquiries since the time of your writing to me on that subject while Congress were sitting at Annapolis, but could never...
103To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 1 January 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your favor of the 15th. of August, and am sorry that it is not in my power to give you any further information relative to the practicability of opening a communication between Lake Erie and the Ohio, than you are already possessed of. I have made frequent enquiries since the time of your writing to me on that subject while Congress were sitting at Annapolis, but could never...
104From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 31 August 1788 (Washington Papers)
I was very much gratified by the receipt of your letter, dated the 3d of May. You have my best thanks for the political information contained in it, as well as for the satisfactory account of the Canal of Languedoc. It gives me pleasure to be made acquainted with the particulars of that stupendous work, tho’ I do not expect to derive any but speculative advantages from it. When America will be...
105To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 31 August 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
I was very much gratified by the receipt of your letter, dated the 3d. of May.—You have my best thanks for the political information contained in it, as well as for the satisfactory account of the Canal of Languedoc.—It gives me pleasure to be made acquainted with the particulars of that stupendous work, tho’ I do not expect to derive any but speculative advantages from it.—When America will...
106To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 27 November 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
Notwithstanding I had the pleasure to write to you somewhat largely on the 31st. day of Augt. last, I would not dispense with transmitting a line by so good an occasion, as that which is now offered to me by the departure of Mr. Gouveneur Morris for France. And the rather was I induced to this because I did not know whether you might have been much acquainted with that Gentleman, and because...
107From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 13 February 1789 (Washington Papers)
Having found that there is a vessel on the point of sailing from Alexandria for Havre de Grace I would not forego so good an opportunity of addressing a letter to you; although nothing very material has occurred since the date of my last, which was transmitted by Mr Gouverneur Morris. As you will doubtless have seen in the Gazettes the Measures taken by the different States for carrying the...
108To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 13 February 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Having found that there is a vessel on the point of sailing from Alexandria for Havre de Grace I would not forego so good an opportunity of addressing a letter to you, although nothing very material has occurred since the date of my last, which was transmitted by Mr. Gouverneur Morris.—As you will doubtless have seen in the Gazettes the Measures taken by the different States for carrying the...
109Memoranda on Thomas Jefferson’s Letters, 27 August 1789 (Washington Papers)
Information from our Bankers in Holland that they had money in hand sufft to answer the demands for the Foreign Officers & Captives: and moreover that the residue of the Bonds of the last loan were engaged. The Sum necessary for the first is 60,393⅌—17s.—10d. a year—and 26,000⅌ was sent him to complete the business of the Medals. The officers was paid up to the first of the year 1789. Desires...
110From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 13 October 1789 (Washington Papers)
In the selection of characters to fill the important offices of Government in the United States I was naturally led to contemplate the talents and disposition which I knew you to possess and entertain for the Service of your Country. And without being able to consult your inclination, or to derive any knowledge of your intentions from your letters either to myself or to any other of your...
111To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 13 October 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
In the selection of Characters to fill the important offices of Government in the United States I was naturally led to contemplate the talents and disposition which I knew you to possess and entertain for the Service of your Country.—And without being able to consult your inclination, or to derive any knowledge of your intentions from your letters either to myself or to any other of your...
112From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 30 November 1789 (Washington Papers)
You will perceive by the enclosed letter (which was left for you at the Office of Foreign Affairs when I made a journey to the Eastern States) the motives on which I acted with regard to yourself, and the occasion of my explaining them at that early period. Having now reason to hope—from Mr Trumbulls report—that you will be arrived at Norfolk before this time (on which event I would most...
113To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 30 November 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
You will perceive by the enclosed letter (which was left for you at the Office of Foreign Affairs when I made a journey to the Eastern States) the motives on which I acted with regard to yourself, and the occasion of my explaining them at that early period. Having now reason to hope from Mr. Trumbulls report that you will be arrived at Norfolk before this time (on which event I would most...
114From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 21 January 1790 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure to receive duly your letter dated the 15th of Decr last; but I thought proper to delay answering or mentioning the contents of it, until after the arrival of Mr Madison, who I understood had been with you. He arrived yesterday, and I now take the earliest opportunity of mentioning to you the result of my reflections; and the expediency of your deciding, at as early a period...
115To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 21 January 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the pleasure to receive duly your letter dated the 15th. of Decr. last; but I thought proper to delay answering or mentioning the contents of it, until after the arrival of Mr. Madison, who I understood had been with you.—He arrived yesterday, and I now take the earliest opportunity of mentioning to you the result of my reflections; and the expediency of your deciding, at as early a...
116From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 19 June 1790 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed Letters & documents from Mr Gouvr Morris are sent for the perusal of the Secretary of State. The private letters from the Marquis de la Fayette and Mr Payne he also gives Mr Jefferson a sight of; because there are some ideas in the latter which are new—and in the former, geneneral information respecting the affairs of France, which, by being compar’d with other accts may (though...
117To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 19 June 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed Letters and documents from Mr. Gouvr. Morris are sent for the perusal of the Secretary of State. The private letters from the Marquis de la Fayette and Mr. Payne he also gives Mr. Jefferson a sight of; because there are some ideas in the latter which are new, and in the former, general information respecting the Affairs of France, which, by being compar’d with other Accounts may...
118II. George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 15 July 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Have you formed an opinion on the subject I submitted to you on Tuesday?—Have you heard whether the Bill was disputed in both or either House of Congress on the ground of the Constitution, or whe[ther] this objection (in its full force) was held in petto for the last move, in the present stage of the business?—If it was debated, as above, whether the Arguments adduced by the Author of the...
119From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 26 July 1790 (Washington Papers)
The President of the United States transmits to the Secretary of State, to report thereon, a memorial of Monsr deletombe, Consul of France, to the Legislature of Massachusetts, respecting certain parts of the Consular Convention agreed upon by and between his most Christian Majesty and the President of the United States—together with a Resolution of that Legislature upon said memorial; and a...
120To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 26 July 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
The President of the United States transmits to the Secretary of State, to report thereon, a memorial of Monsr. de le tombe, Consul of France, to the Legislature of Massachusetts, respecting certain parts of the Consular Convention agreed upon by and between his most Christian Majesty and the President of the United States, together with a Resolution of that Legislature upon said memorial; and...
121From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 27 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is the report (I mentioned to you on our Passage to Rhode-Island) of the Officer who was directed to explore the Navigation of Big Beaver &ca —When you have read, & taken such extracts from it as you may be inclined to do, please to return to the papers to me, as they will have a place with some other Papers I mean to take with me to Virginia. The short and rough Extracts also...
122To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 27 [August] 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Enclosed is the report (I mentioned to you on our Passage to Rhode-Island) of the Officer who was directed to explore the Navigation of Big Beaver &c.—When you have read, and taken such extracts from it as you may be inclined to do, please to return the papers to me, as they will have a place with some other Papers I mean to take with me to Virginia. The short and rough Extracts also enclosed,...
123From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 1–7 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
The P. requests that Mr J. would give the letter & statement herewith sent from the S. 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 thro him to Congress) “Pursuant to direction” “I...
124To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, [before 8 December 1790] (Jefferson Papers)
The P———requests that Mr. J———would give the letter and statement herewith sent from the S. of War a perusal, and 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 thro him to Congress) “Pursuant to directions I...
125From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 11 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
Herewith you will receive the Powers & Instructions with which Gouvr Morris Esqr. is invested and his communications consequent thereof. You will give them the consideration their importance merit, and refer your opinion of the measures proper to be taken thereupon. The following extract from one of my private letters to Mr Morris contains all the notice I have yet taken of his public...
126I. The President to the Secretary of State, 11 December 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Herewith you will receive the Powers and Instructions with which Gouvr. Morris Esqr. is invested and his Communications consequent thereof.—You will give them the consideration their importance merit, and report your opinion of the measures proper to be taken thereupon. The following extract from one of my private letters to Mr. Morris contains all the notice I have yet taken of his public...
127From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 2 January 1791 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed Notes are sufficiently descriptive to comprehend the two objects fully; but it is necessary to remark, that if the first line begins at a point on Hunting Creek, the fourth line cannot, in any part touch (Though it will include) the Town of Alexandria; because Huntg Creek is below the boundaries of the Town. And, if it could be so ordered as for the first line to avoid touching...
128II. The President to the Secretary of State, 2 January 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed Notes are sufficiently descriptive to comprehend the two objects fully; but it is necessary to remark, that if the first line begins at a point on Hunting Creek, the fourth line cannot, in any part, touch (Though it will include ) the Town of Alexandria; because Huntg. Creek is below the boundaries of the Town.—And, if it could be so ordered as for the first line to avoid touching...
129From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 4 January 1791 (Washington Papers)
The P. begs to see Mr Jefferson before he proceeds further in the Proclamation. From a more attentive examination of some Papers, in his possession, he finds that it is in his power to ascertain the course & distance from the Court House in Alexandria to the upper & lower end of the Canal at the little Falls with as much accuracy as can be known from Common Surveying if not to mathematical...
130III. The President to the Secretary of State, [4 January 1791] (Jefferson Papers)
The P. begs to see Mr. Jefferson before he proceeds further in the Proclamation.—From a more attentive examination of some Papers, in his possession, he finds that it is in his power to ascertain the course and distance from the Court House in Alexandria to the upper and lower end of the Canal at the little Falls with as much accuracy as can be known from Common Surveying if not to...
131From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 1 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
Nothing in the enclosed letter superceding the necessity of Mr Ellicots proceeding to the work in hand—I would thank you, for requesting him, to set out on thursday; or as soon after as he can make it convenient: also for preparing such instructions as you may conceive it necessary for me to give him for ascertaining the points we wish to know; first, for the general view of things—& next for...
132X. The President to the Secretary of State, [1 February 1791] (Jefferson Papers)
Nothing in the enclosed letter superceding the necessity of Mr. Ellicot, proceeding to the work in hand, I would thank you, for requesting him, to set out on thursday; or as soon after as he can make it convenient; also for preparing such instructions as you may conceive it necessary for me to give him for ascertaining the points we wish to know; first , for the general view of things, and...
133From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 9 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
The messages to the two Houses, as altered are quite agreeable to. Whether, as it is equally known to both houses, that we have no person in a public character at the Ct of London it is best that the word “informal” should remain in the message to the Ho. of Representatives, or not, Mr J. may decide by the fair copy he shall send to ALS , DLC : Jefferson Papers. For the background to this...
134IV. The President to the Secretary of State, 9 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The messages to the two Houses, as altered, are quite agreeable to Whether, as it is equally known to both houses, that we have no person in a public character at the Court of London it is best that the word “informal” should remain in the message to the Ho: of Representatives, or not, Mr. J. may decide by the fair copy he shall send to RC ( DLC ); addressed by Washington: “Mr. Jefferson Secy...
135From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 6 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
The P. would thank Mr Jefferson for placing all, or such of the enclosed Papers (after he has perused them) in the hands of the Attorney General, as he shall deem necessary for the purpose of drawing the several conveyances of the ceded Lands, or, the form of one. For the former, it is conceived farther information than the enclosures contain, is wanting. For the latter, the agreement, and...
136To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 6 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The P. would thank Mr. Jefferson for placing all, or such of the enclosed Papers (after he has perused them) in the hands of the Attorney General as he shall deem necessary for the purpose of drawing the several conveyances of the ceded Lands, or the form of one. For the former, it is conceived farther information than the enclosures contain, is wanting.—For the latter, the agreement, and...
137From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 10 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
The P. has given the enclosed letters an attentive reading & consideration, and has found nothing in them but what is just, and in the hands of a prudent user proper; but at the end of the words of the letter to Mr C. “this wrong” 2d page 10th line may it not be well to add—“yet with that prudence & circumspection which will not commit the Government to the necessity of proceeding to...
138From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 10 March 1791 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Thomas Jefferson, 10 Mar. 1791. In his Summary Journal of Public Letters ( DLC : Jefferson Papers) of 10 Mar. 1791, Jefferson recorded that GW returned Jefferson’s draft instructions to Thomas Barclay regarding his mission to Morocco and Jefferson’s draft letter to the new emperor of Morocco with a covering note, which has not been found.
139V. The President to the Secretary of State, [10 March 1791] (Jefferson Papers)
The P. has given the enclosed letters an attentive reading and consideration, and has found nothing in them but what is just , and in the hands of a prudent user proper ; but at the end of the words of the letter to Mr. C “this wrong” 2d. page 10th. line may it not be well to add—“yet with that prudence and circumspection which will not commit the Government to the necessity of proceeding to...
140From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 16 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is the last letter I have received from Messrs Deakins & Stoddart. What step had I best take to bring matters to a close with Burn’s, and by declaring at once the Site of the public buildings, prevent some inconvenience which I see may arise from the opinions promulgated by Mr L’Enfont? as much probably from complaisance as judgment. Yrs ALS , DLC : Thomas Jefferson Papers. The...