To George Washington from Thomas Law, 11 May 1796
From Thomas Law
Washington City the 11th May [1796].
Dear Sir.
Eliza & I were looking at our houses when Mr Volney delivered to me the note of introduction from you,1 which afforded me the greatest pleasure, it were superfluous to say that every attention will ever be paid to any wishes you honor me with.
Mrs Stuart Miss Custis & Mrs Peters are gone to Virginia; Eliza is quite well as are all her family.
The appropriations for the Treaty & the passing of the guarantee loan Bill in the City have quite revived our drooping spirits.2 System Œconomy & concentration of force will do more in one Year than the last three or four—Mr Volney is delighted with the situation of the City. Eliza joins with me in requesting that you & Mrs Washington will oblige us with a few days stay. I remain with unfeigned respect esteem & affection yr most Obt H. st
Thomas Law
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. GW had written introductions for Constantin-François Chasseboeuf Volney (see GW to Tobias Lear, 6 May, and the source note to that document).
2. The U.S. House of Representatives resolved on 30 April “that it is expedient to pass the laws necessary” to implement the Jay Treaty ( 8:378–82; quote on 379).
The D.C. commissioners had sought a guarantee from Congress to support their efforts to obtain a loan (see GW to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, 8 Jan., and n.1 to that document). The desired law “authorizing a Loan for the use of the City of Washington, in the District of Columbia, and for other purposes therein mentioned” was approved on 6 May ( 461).