71From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 28 July 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have just given the enclosed Letters an acknowledgment, & was about to file them; but not recollecting whether I had ever shewn them to you, or not—I now, as they contain information, & opinions on Men & things, hand them to you for your perusal. By comparing them with others, & the predictions at the times they were written with the events which have happened, you will be able to judge of...
72To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 18 October 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I did not require the evidence of the extracts which you enclosed me, to convince me of your attachment to the Constitution of the United States, or of your disposition to promote the general welfare of this Country. But I regret—deeply regret—the difference in opinions which have arisen, and divided you and another principal Officer of the Government; and wish, devoutly, there could be an...
73George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph, 18 April 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
The posture of affairs in Europe, particularly between France and Great Britain, places the United States in a delicate situation; and requires much consideration of the measures which will be proper for them to observe in the War betwn. those Powers. With a view to forming a general plan of conduct for the Executive, I have stated and enclosed sundry questions to be considered preparatory to...
74To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 31 [December 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
If you have not closed your letter to Mr: Pinckney I wish you would desire him to be very attentive to the embarkation of Troops for America—especially Quebec—and to give the earliest advice of the measure—and of the numbers. Yours &c. RC ( DLC ); partially and incorrectly dated; addressed: “Mr. Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 31 Dec. 1792. Recorded in SJPL . TJ made the President’s...
75To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 22 January 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Nothing occurs to me as necessary to be added to the enclosed project. If the Subscription is not confined to the members of the Philosophical Society, I would readily add my mite to the means for encouraging Mr. Michaud’s undertaking—and do authorize you to place me among, and upon a footing with the respectable sums which may be Subscribed. I am always Yours. RC ( DLC ); addressed: “Mr....
76From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 29 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with two of your Excellency’s favors both of the 11th inclosing an extract of a letter from Governor Rutlege. I cannot but feel most sensibly affected by several parts of your Excellency’s letter. The successive misfortunes to the Southward—the progress of the enemy—and the great deficiency in military stores give rise to the most serious reflections, while our situation in...
77To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 11 July 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Before I had read the Papers put into my hands by you, requiring “instant attention” and a messenger could reach your Office, you had left town. What is to be done in the case of the Little Sarah, now at Chester? Is the Minister of the French Republic to set the Acts of this Government at defiance— with impunity ? and then threaten the Executive with an appeal to the People. What must the...
78From 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...
79From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 3 March 1784 (Washington Papers)
The last Post brought me the enclosed letter, under cover from the Marquis de la Fayette. If you have any News that you are at liberty to impart, it would be charity to communicate a little of it, to a body. It is unnecessary, I hope, to repeat to you the assurances of the pleasure I should feel at seeing you at this retreat, or of the sincere esteem & regard with which I am—Dear Sir—Yr Most...
80From 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...
81From 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 ....
82From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 5 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor to receive by last nights Post Your Excellencys favor of the 10th Ulto—I am not certain I ever heard that Colo. Clarke had meditated an expedition against Detroit but I have thought it probable enough that he might turn his views that way. The reduction of this Post would be a matter very interesting from it’s situat[i]on—and consequent importance to the tranquility of the...
83From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 11 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inform Yr Excellency that I have received advice from New York that a very la[r]ge embarkation had taken place (said to amount to 8000) and that the fleet containing them was at the Hook on the point of sailing—their destination reported to be for Chesapæk bay, on a combined operation in the 1st place against the French Squadron there, and afterwards to attempt the rescue...
84To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 20 October 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The letters of Gouvr. Morris give a gloomy picture of the Affairs of France. I fear with too much truth. If the order of Senate dated the 7th. of last May is compleated, it must be with all Offices except the Judges. The Post Office (as a branch of Revenue) was annexed to the Treasury in the time of Mr. Osgood, and when Colo. Pickering was appointed thereto, he was informed, as I find by my...
85To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, [7 March 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed, sent for Mr. Jeffersons perusal, corrobates the idea held out in the communication of Mr. H—d. Extract from Kirkland’s letter, 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 estates. Therefore a new boundary line must be made betwixt the two powers, and that this line will probably be...
86From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 12 July 1791 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed I send this afternoon, for your perusal. Tomorrow, 8’Oclock, I shall send the person who was the bearer of it, to you. It being the hour, he left word, when he left the letter, that he should call upon me. If Mr Pearce merits the character given him by T: D. he will unquestionably merit encouragement, & you can put him in the way to obtain it. Yrs ever ALS , DLC : Thomas Jefferson...
87To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 24 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The President sends to the Secretary of State two letters which he has received from Baltimore, written by persons from St. Domingo. The President has no knowledge of the writer of the letter in English; but he wishes the Secretary of State to consider it, and if he thinks the circumstances therein mentioned deserve attention, the Secretary will communicate to the President such answer thereto...
88From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 18 October 1792 (Washington Papers)
(Private) My dear Sir Phila. Octobr 18th 1792. I did not require the evidence of the extracts which you enclosed me, to convince me of your attachment to the Constitution of the United States, or of your disposition to promote the general Welfare of this Country. But I regret—deeply regret—the difference in opinions which have arisen, and divided you and another principal Officer of the...
89To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 1 January 1794 (Jefferson Papers)
I yesterday received with sincere regret your resignation of the office of Secretary of State. Since it has been impossible to prevail upon you, to forego any longer the indulgence of your desire for private life; the event, however anxious I am to avert it, must be submitted to. But I cannot suffer you to leave your Station, without assuring you, that the opinion, which I had formed, of your...
90To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, [21 March 1792] (Jefferson 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, RC ( DLC ); addressed: “Mr. Jefferson”;...
91From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 28 December 1793 (Washington Papers)
I have received with vexation the enclosure you have just sent me from the French Minister: and pray you to take the opinion of the Gentlemen upon the measure proper to be taken in this business. Every day, more & more discovers the intention of this Agent to perplex this Government, and to scatter thick & wide the Seeds of dissention. Yours always— ALS , DLC : Jefferson Papers. Jefferson...
92To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 24 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from poor Madam La Fayette! How desirable it would be, if something could be done to relieve that family from their present unhappy Situation. Colo. Smith, yesterday, gave me the enclosed extract of a Letter from the House of Warder & Co. to one of their Partners in this City. Whether it is founded in fact, or with design to affect the prices of provision in this County, I...
93From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 1 November 1792 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed places matters on their true rounds; and in my opinion on a proper footing. ALS , DLC : Jefferson Papers. Jefferson docketed this letter: “recd Nov. 1. 92.” Beneath GW’s text Jefferson added “this was my answer of Nov. 1. to Viar & Jaudenes.” Jefferson wrote the Spanish diplomats José Ignacio de Viar and José de Jaudenes in reply to their letter to him of 29 Oct. (see Jefferson to...
94To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 18 July 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The Chief Justice and Judge Paterson are in Town. The former called upon me yesterday evening to know at what time he should receive my communications. I was embarrassed—but declared the truth, that by waiting for the Attorney General, the business which it was proposed to lay before them, was not fully prepared. I shall expect to see you by Nine; and as the Judges will have to decide whether...
95From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 18 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am glad to learn from the Letter of General Greene, a Copy of which Your Excellency did me the honor to enclose on the 28th Ulto that the Action of the 15th had been severely felt by the Enemy, that their retreat bore evident marks of distress, and that our Army in good spirits, were advancing upon them. From Virginia I have nothing later than Your Letter, and the enclosure from the Baron...
96To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 27 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed Letter and Memorial came to my hands yesterday, to which I returned an answer of which the enclosed is a copy. RC ( DNA : RG 76, French Spoliations); in the hand of Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., signed by Washington; at foot of text: “Thos. Jefferson Esqr. Secy. of State”; endorsed by TJ as received 9 Oct. 1793 and so recorded in SJL . Dft ( DLC : Washington Papers photostat);...
97To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 10 February 1783 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been honored with your favor of the 22d. of Jany. from Philadelphia. I feel myself much flattered by your kind remembrance of me in the hour of your departure from this Continent and for the favourable Sentiments you are pleased to entertain of my Services for this our common Country. To merit the approbation of good and virtuous Men is the height of my ambition; and will be a full...
98From 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....
99To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 12 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Taking it for granted that the several matters enumerated in the Report, herewith returned, are supported by authenticated facts thoroughly investigated—the statement of them, and the observations thereupon, accord with the sentiments of Dear Sir Yours &ca. RC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “Secretary of State”; with marginal note by TJ (see below); endorsed by TJ as received 12 Feb. 1793. FC ( DLC...
100From 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...
101To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 25 July 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
A letter from Colo. S. Smith (of Baltimore) to the Secretary of the Treasury, giving information of the conduct of the Privateers—Citizen Genet and Sans Culottes—is sent for your perusal: after which it may be returned; because contained therein, is a matter which respects the Treasury Department solely. As the letter of the Minister from the Republic of France, dated the 22d. of June, lyes...
102From 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...
103From 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,...
104To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 28 April 1792 (Jefferson 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...
105To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 9 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed from Messrs. Johnson and Carroll have this instant come to hand. Along with them you will receive the letter (this day read) from Doctr. Stuart, that the sentiments of all three of the Commrs. may appear at one view. I pray you, before Mr. Madison leaves town, to lay all three before him and the Attorney Genl.; and give me a written Memorandum of the measures which you, and they,...
106From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 24 March 1784 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 15th came to my hands the 2 2d—at the moment the Governor & some other company came in. I can do no more at present than to acknowledge the rect of it, but will take the first leisure moment to write fully to you on the points it contains. Capt. Barney informs me that he has two packages on board, from the Marqs de la Fayette; the enclosed to him contains a request to land...
107To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 13 September 1779 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to inclose your Excellency the Copy of a Letter from Mr. Loring British Commissary of Prisoners to our Commissary of prisoners respecting the measures which have been taken in the Care of Lieutenant Governor Hamilton and the enemys intentions of retaliation in Consequence. By this your Excellency will be able to Judge how far it may be expedient to relax in the present...
108From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and Henry Knox, 9 March 1793 (Washington Papers)
Expecting that my private Affairs will call me to Virginia on or before the 25th of this month, I have to request that you will lay before me, previous to that time, such matters within your department as may require my attention or agency before I set out; as well as those which might be necessary for me to know or act upon during my absence from the Seat of Government (which will be about...
109From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 23 June 1793 (Washington Papers)
If you should have leizure between this and my return, to furnish me with your thoughts on Mr Arthur Youngs queries—(Transmitted to you sometime ago—) It would enable me to solve his questions soon afterwards. Yours always and sincerely ALS , NNPM . Jefferson docketed this letter as “recd June. 24. 93.” For British agriculturist Arthur Young’s queries, see his letter to GW of 17 Jan. 1793 . GW...
110To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 13 June 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The President sends to the Secretary of State the Counterpart of An Agreement with the Bank of the U.S. for 800,000 dollars, to have the ratification prepared in the usual way for the President’s signature. RC ( DLC ); in the hand of Tobias Lear; endorsed by TJ as received 13 June 1793. Recorded in SJPL . Enclosure: Agreement between the Secretary of the Treasury and the Bank of the United...
111From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 8 May 1791 (Washington Papers)
The round of business and of ceremony, which now engages my attention, only allows me leisure to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th of last month, which will receive a more particular consideration. I am, with great esteem Sir, Your most obedient Servant LS , DLC : Thomas Jefferson Papers. Jefferson sent his letter to GW at Wilmington, N.C., which the president reached on 24...
112From 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...
113To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 26 July 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The President returns to the Secretary of State the Letter from Peter Le Maigre, complaining of a second vessel having been taken from him by the British. If any thing more effectual than was done in the former case can be done in this, the President would wish it; but if there appear no other measures which can be taken with propriety, the President thinks the same steps should be followed as...
114From 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...
115From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 26 June 1791 (Washington Papers)
The last post brought me your letter of the 20th instant, and the duplicates of your letters, which were missing when I last wrote to you—the originals of which have since been received—This acknowledgement is all the notice I shall take of them until I have the pleasure of seeing you. I have selected the letters written by you to me while you were in the administration of the government of...
116From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 2 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
It was not until I had arrived at Annapolis, on my way home, that I heard of Colo. Humphrys’s appointment as Secretary to the Commissioners for forming Commercial Treaties in Europe. Permit me now Sir, to recommend him to your countenance and friendship, which I would not do, did I not think him deserving of both. In him you will find a good Scholar, natural & acquired abilities, great...
117George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and Henry Knox, 4 April 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
As the public service may require that communications should be made to me, during my absence from the seat of government, by the most direct conveyances and as, in the event of any very extraordinary occurrence, it will be necessary to know at what time I may be found in any particular place, I have to inform you that unless the progress of my journey to Savannah is retarded by unforeseen...
118From 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...
119From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 10 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your favor of the 22d of Jany from Philadelpha. I feel my self much flattered by your kind remembrance of me in the hour of your departure from this Continent—and the favourable Sentiments you are pleased to entertain of my Services for this our common Country. To merit the approbation of good & virtuous Men is the height of my ambition, & will be a full compensation...
120From 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...