71From 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...
72From 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...
73From 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...
74From 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 ....
75From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 11 October 1793 (Washington Papers)
Your dispatch of the 3d with it’s several enclosures reached Alexandria on Wednesday evening, and got to my hands yesterday morning. This afternoon I shall send to the post office the Letters for mister Bankson, with my signature to the Exequatur for mister Dannery, & Letters patent revoking that of mister Duplane. Your letter to the latter, two to the French minister, one to his Secretary mr...
76From 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...
77From 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...
78To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 19 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I send, for the consideration and opinion of the Heads of the Departments and the Attorney General of the U.S. a communication from the Governor of Pennsylvania respecting the Privateer Citizen Genet—together with Copies of two letters from the French Consul to the Governor on the same subject, and a Report of two persons who had examined the Aforesaid Privateer by the Governor’s order. The...
79To 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 .
80From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 15 September 1792 (Washington Papers)
This letter goes Express, to obtain the signature of the Secretary of State to the enclosed Proclamation. The reasons for sending it in this manner, are, to avoid the circuitous rout by Richmond, and the delay it might meet with by the Post; not having reached my hands until this morning, too late for the Mail of this day—nor in time for any other before Tuesday next—and because it is unknown...
81To 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...
82To 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...
83From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 5 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I would take the liberty of addressing a few lines to Your Excellency, respecting such of the Officers and privates of Blands and Baylors Regiments of Dragoons and of Harrisons Artillery, as belong to the state of Virginia. Their situation is really disagreable and discouraging; and it is perhaps the more so, from its being now almost if not intirely singular. It is said, that under the idea...
84From 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...
85VI. George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, [17 March 1791] (Jefferson Papers)
The P. has just received the enclosed.—He prays Mr. Jefferson to write by tomorrows Post to Majr. L’Enfont agreeably to what was mentioned this morning. RC ( DLC ); addressed: “Mr. Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 17 Mch. 1791. Entry in SJPL reads: “[1791. Mar.] 17. G. W. to Th: J. concerning Lenfant.” Enclosure not identified.
86To 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...
87From 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...
88To 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...
89To 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”;...
90To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 7 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your letter of yesterday’s date , and approving the measures suggested therein, desire you will make arrangements for carrying them into effect with as little loss of time as may be. FC ( Lb in DNA : RG 59, SDC ); at head of text: “The Secretary of State.” TJ’s letter of yesterday’s date has not been found.
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, 4 June 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The President returns to the Secretary of State Mr. Pinckney’s letter enclosing Mr. Holloways proposals to come over to this country as engraver to our Mint—which proposals the President conceives are inadmissible. RC ( DLC ); in the hand of Tobias Lear; addressed: “The S[…]”; endorsed by TJ as received 4 June 1793. Recorded in SJPL .
97II. 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...
98From 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...
99To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 9 July 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Pray draught a proper answer to the enclosed , approving of what the Director of the Mint has done, and is about to do; and requesting an estimate of the money which will be wanted to enable him to proceed in the business of Coining agreeably to what he proposes. RC ( DLC ); addressed: “Secretary of State”; endorsed by TJ as received 9 July 1792. Recorded in SJPL . The enclosed , Rittenhouse...
100To 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);...
101From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 28 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s favor of the 13th reached me this day. I have ever been of opinion, that the reduction of the post of Detroit would be the only certain mean of giving peace and security to the whole Western Frontier, and I have constantly kept my Eye upon that object; but such has been the reduced state of our Continental Force, and such the low ebb of our Funds, more especially of late,...
102To 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...
103From 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....
104To 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...
105From 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...
106To 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...
107To 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...
108From 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...
109From 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,...
110To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, [14 March 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
The P—— put Mr. J——n’s suggestions, respecting the Post Office, into the hands of the Postmaster Genl. yesterday and 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 same time, on that business. RC ( DLC ); addressed: “Mr. Jefferson.” Entry in SJPL reads: “G. W. to Th: J. on the...
111To 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...
112George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 6 February 1781 (Hamilton Papers)
New Windsor [ New York ] February 6, 1781 . Thanks Jefferson for report of British incursions into Virginia. Hopes these events will not stop Virginia from helping to reinforce the southern army. States that Benedict Arnold’s actions were probably a diversion in Cornwallis’s favor. Reports damage by severe storm to English fleet off Rhode Island. Df , in writing of H, George Washington Papers,...
113To 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,...
114From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 5 April 1793 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 1st instant, came to my hands yesterday. I regret the indisposition of General Knox; but hope, as there is yet time for consideration of those matters I referred to the heads of the Departments, no inconvenience will result from the delay, occasioned thereby; unless it should continue much longer. At George Town, I met mister Randolph; & by a Letter just received from mister...
115From 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...
116From 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...
117To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 4 June 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
If you see any objections to the propositions contained in the enclosed pray furnish me with them as soon as convenient as I want to return an answer with out delay. Yours &ca RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received 4 June 1793. Recorded in SJPL .
118To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, [1 April 1792] (Jefferson 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. RC ( DLC ); addressed: “Mr. Jefferson.” Entry in SJPL reads: “G. W. to Th: J. with a letter of Dec. 27. from Gouvr. Morris.” TJ marked an asterisk before enclosed and indicated the following: “From Gouver. Morris. Paris. Dec. 27. 91.” Morris’ letter...
119To 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...
120From 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...