2351From 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...
2352To George Washington from the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 5 October 1792 (Washington Papers)
As we have not yet received your order for the Sales and the Time is near at hand, we think it proper (least it should have escaped you) to remind you of it —A few of the Plans executed, in Boston have Arrived, which we have dispersed, we have some expectation, that tomorrows Post may bring us some of those executed in Philaa—We take the liberty to send you one of the former. We are Sir &c. LB...
2353To George Washington from James Walton, 29 March 1790 (Washington Papers)
I humbly beg liberty to present your Excellency the small ship Pastime which accompanies this—It is the production of Liesure hours which hard fortune deprived me the priveledge of employing to better advantage—I never studied the mechanical art for any other purpose but to pass a lingering moment, & to keep disagreeable reflections from encroaching on my mind, which my unfortunate situation...
2354To George Washington from John Blagge, 5 August 1789 (Washington Papers)
Among the Applicants for appointments under the United States, permit me to offer myself to your consideration as a Candidate for the Office of Marshall of the District of New York; I cannot boast Sir, of any extraordinary merit or qualification to recommend me to notice but still, I am willing to hope that upon an investigation I shall be found a good Citizen & not incompetent to this...
2355To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 19 June 1795 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honored with your respected favor of the 15th instant, and shall, agreeably to your wishes, invest the balance in my hands in the Stock of Alexandria Bank as soon as a proper opportunity of doing it shall offer. I have been expecting a fall; but as the time of dividend draws so near I doubt whether they will be much below the principal & 4½ pr Cent Interest— and if they are to...
2356From George Washington to Patrick Henry, 9 October 1795 (Washington Papers)
Whatever may be the reception of this letter, truth and candour shall mark its steps. You doubtless know that the office of State is vacant; and no one can be more Sensible than yourself of the importance of filling it with a person of abilities, an[d] one in whom the public would have confidence. It would be uncandid not to inform you that this office has been offered to others; but it is as...
2357From George Washington to Ternant, 24 September 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have not delayed a momt since the receipt of your communications of the 22d instant, in dispatching orders to the Secretary of the Treasury to furnish the money, and to the Secretary of War to deliver the arms and ammunition, which you have applied to me for. Sincerely regretting, as I do, the cause which has given rise to this application, I am happy in the opportunity of testifying how...
2358To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 26 June 1790 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to inform the President of the United states, that he has received a letter from the Collector of Charleston in South Carolina, from which he learns that some misconception has arisen as to the nature of the qualifications of Mr Thomas Hollingsby, who on the joint recommendation of the Collector & commissioners of Pilotage for that port...
2359From George Washington to Gilbert Stuart, 11 April 1796 (Washington Papers)
I am under promis⟨e to⟩ Mrs Bingham, to set for you tom⟨or⟩row at nine oclock; and wishing ⟨to⟩ know if it be convenient to you that I should do so, and whether it shall be at your own house, (as she talked of the State House) I send this note to you, to ask information—I am Sir Your Obedient Servt ALS (photocopy), National Records of Scotland, Edinburgh. A later writer inserted material at...
2360From George Washington to the U.S. Senate, 17 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
I nominate William Keais, of North Carolina, to be Collector for the port of Washington, and Inspector of the Revenue for the same; vice Nathan Keais, deceased. LS , DNA : RG 46, Records of Executive Proceedings, President’s Messages—Executive Nominations; LB , DLC:GW . Treasury Secretary Oliver Wolcott, Jr., wrote GW’s secretary Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., on 16 Dec., informing him that...
2361To George Washington from Henry Lee, 20 August 1794 (Washington Papers)
Pardon me for again writing to you in so short a time—I always do it with reluctance, because I know your time occupied constantly with momentous concerns. But the present crisis seems pregnant with very eventful issues. the public mind is on the [stretch]. Love of order is the dominating principle, & hatred to draw blood from fellow citizens weighs—the opinions of the minority of Congress are...
2362From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 15 December 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received at this place the honour of your letters of Oct. 13 and Nov. 30. and am truly flattered by your nomination of me to the very dignified office of Secretary of state: for which permit me here to return you my humble thanks. Could any circumstance seduce me to overlook the disproportion between it’s duties and my talents it would be the encouragement of your choice. But when I...
2363From George Washington to James McHenry, 22 June 1796 (Washington Papers)
Your letters of the 14th & 15th instant have been received, but not in time to have been answered by the Post of Monday last; being then on my Journey to this place. The ground on which you place the compliance with Lieutt Geddes’s request, appears to be the best the nature of the case is now susceptible of; and for that purpose, I return the Proceedings of the Court Martial and other Papers...
2364To George Washington from Vincent Gray, 5 April 1793 (Washington Papers)
Charles Lee Esquire having resigned his office as Collector of the Customs for the Port of Alexandria, I take the liberty of offering my Services to you as his Successor should you think me qualified to execute the duties of that office—I will beg leave to observe to you that I have served in the said office with Mr Lee as his Deputy Since the Commencement of the present Goverment[.] I am Sir...
2365From George Washington to the United States Senate, 30 March 1790 (Washington Papers)
United States [New York] Gentlemen of the Senate, March 30th 1790. I nominate the following persons to fill the Offices which are affixed to their respective names—viz. Rufus Putnam, to be one of the Judges in the Western Territory, in the place of Samuel Holden Parsons deceased. James Brown, to be Attorney for the United States in the District of Kentucky, in the place of George Nicholas who...
2366To George Washington from Benjamin Flower, 17 March 1794 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to present you with a performance which my Countrymen have favourably received, and which I request your acceptance of, as a small, though sincere token of respect, for a gentleman whose talents and virtues have excited the admiration of the great and the good, in every quarter of the Globe. I should not have presumed in the liberty I have now taken, had I not been assured by my...
2367To George Washington from Alexander White, 26 June 1790 (Washington Papers)
It is with great diffidence I offer the enclosed but having taken that liberty will not add to your trouble by Apologies, I will only state such Facts as may enable you to judge whether th⟨is⟩ institution is like to be useful —the nature of the Country in general, its salubrity and fertility you are well acquainted with—The Academy has been supported several years by private Donations, and the...
2368To George Washington from William Loughton Smith, 5 September 1791 (Washington Papers)
New York, 5 September 1791. Encloses for GW’s perusal a letter from Arnoldus Vanderhorst, the intendant of Charleston, recommending his uncle Elias Vanderhorst as consul for the port of Bristol—“I beleive the Intendant would not recommend any person unworthy of the Station”—and calls “attention to Col. Motte, as Successor to Mr Hall, & to Mr Bounetheau for the place of Naval Officer: From my...
2369From 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...
2370From George Washington to Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 24 June 1796 (Washington Papers)
If in the opinion of Judges, it is thought best for my India wine to remain undisturbed where it now is, I am content it should remain there. I had, however, directed Mr Kitt (my household Steward) to learn when it would be ready for landing; and to have it brought up, and Stored in my own Cellar; where it would not only have been safe, but would also have remained undisturbed; which may not...
2371To George Washington from Tench Coxe, 5 November 1794 (Washington Papers)
Mr T. Coxe presents his most respectful compliments to General Washington and has the honor to request his acceptance of a recent publication concerning the Affairs of the United States. He begs leave to remark, that this work contains his reflected opinions upon many of the greater operations of this country & government. He trusts that the General will excuse this observation in the present...
2372To George Washington from George Augustine Washington, 28 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
I have received Your favors of the 15th & 17th Inst. and am pleased to find by the former that the apprehensions for the safety of Christopher and Richmond are removed—The colds which have been so prevalent have not gone through this family some being yet confined with it I apprehend as You do that the Negroes are often confined by trifling indispositions. I have directed Whiting to be...
2373To George Washington from Henry Knox, 30 November 1793 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of submitting to you, a letter with enclosures from Major General Wayne—dated on the 23d of the last month—and I also submit the draft of a letter proposed to be sent to Ensign Morgan. I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect Sir Your very obedt servt LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . Maj. Gen. Anthony Wayne’s letter to Knox of 23 Oct. stated that the army’s march had been...
2374From George Washington to William Pearce, 3 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
The Post which ought (in course) to have arrived here On Saturday last, will not be in, it seems, until tomorrow. When it arrives, I shall (if anything requires immediate notice) by the Post of Wednesday write to you—If not, I shall delay doing it until the usual time—that is, on Sunday next. By the last Post I sent you a bank note for One hundred dollars, to pay Mr Dulany—I hope it got safe...
2375To George Washington from Henrich Wilmans, 28 February 1790 (Washington Papers)
Your Exellence Letter dated Nw York the 12th October last, I have well receivd, and it gives me Pleasure to see that You are Pleasd with me sending the Gardiner, who I hope will behave him selff to Your Exellencys satisfaction. The linnen Weaver I had formerly engaged declined to go, and it was obmitted in mention it in my last letter, however I have since endeavourd to git one, tho not as yet...
2376From Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 21 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson with his respects to the President incloses him draughts of letters in the Algerine business. In that to Colo. Humphreys he proposes a modification of the former instructions in one point, on a presumption that the President will be disposed to approve it. He will wait on him to-day to know his pleasure, as also to submit to his consideration the question of Mr. Genet’s reception...
2377From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 5 April 1793 (Washington Papers)
From Baltimore I acknowledged the receipt of your letter of the 29th Ulto; as I am now about to do that of the first instant from hence. I had no idea of your obtaining money from Mr de Barth, if it was even more abundant than you represent it to be—nor do I believe he had any expectation at the time we bargained to make the payments stipulated—It was, I am satisfied, a Speculation on his...
2378To George Washington from Benjamin Walker, 1 June 1789 (Washington Papers)
I flatter myself it will not be deemed improper to mention to your Excellency my having been employed these three years past as one of the Commissioners for adjusting the public Accounts, that the term of my appointment expires at the Eighth of this Month, and that the business is brought into that State as to render a renewal of the office unnecessary. It was to your Excellencys very...
2379George Washington to Alexander Hamilton and Henry Knox, 27 February 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
As the day is near at hand, when the President-elect is to take the oath of qualification, and no mode is pointed out by the Constitution or law; I could wish that you, mr Jefferson (Genl. Knox, or Colo. Hamilton) and mr Randolph could meet tomorrow morning, at any place which you may fix between yourselves; & communicate to me the result of your opinions as to time, place & manner of...
2380To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 20 January 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Act entitled “An Act providing for the payment of certain instalments of the foreign Debts, and of the third instalment due on a Loan made of the Bank of the U. States,” passed the 8th of this present month of January; empowers the President to cause to be paid the third installment of the 2.000.000 Loan of the Bank of the United States (which did accrue on the last of December 1794 being...
2381To George Washington from Thomas Hartley, 26 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
John Forsyth the Collector of Excise for the County of York in this State—applies—for an Appointment in the Excise Department including that County—under the United States—& has requested that an Application should be made in his Favour. I beg Leave to mention that Mr Forsyth—hath executed the Office for Collecting Excise in the County of York with great punctuality for several years past, and...
2382From George Washington to William Augustine Washington, 17 May 1795 (Washington Papers)
If the enclosed should get to your hands in time, it may serve to remove doubts, and for that purpose I give it a chance in the course of Post. I am always—& sincerely Your affectionate ALS , NN : Gansevoort-Lansing Collection. GW addressed the letter to his nephew at “Haywood-Westmoreld Cty Virginia” and wrote on the cover: “Recomd to the care of the Post Master Fredericksbg.” The letter has...
2383To John Adams from George Washington, 20 August 1795 (Adams Papers)
I have received your favor of the 10th. inst. with its enclosures.—They contain a great deal of interesting matter;—and No. 9 discloses much important information, and political foresight.—For the proof of your kindness, and confidence, I pray you to accept my best, & most cordial thanks.— Mr. J. Adams, your son, must not think of retiring from the walk he is now in:—his prospects, if he...
2384From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 18 March 1794 (Washington Papers)
Pay to the Director of the Mint the within sum of sixteen hundred dollars—and also the further sum of one thousand dollars for the purposes of that establishment. LB , DLC:GW . An asterisk at this point refers to the following copy of an account from David Rittenhouse of 17 March, which appears at the bottom of this letter. Expenses of the Mint for the present quarter, ending Mar. 31. 1794. ...
2385From George Washington to Anthony Whitting, 29 May 1793 (Washington Papers)
I have consented, in a letter written to Colo. Hooe this day, to accept his offer for all the fine and super-fine flour I have; and am to deliver that which is in my Mill, to him in Alexandria. The sooner therefore you set about it the better, as he is to have a certain number of days credit and may (though I do not know that he will) count these from the time of delivery, instead of my...
2386From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 19 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Treasury Department, June 19, 1792. “The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to submit to the President of the Ud. States a provisional Contract entered into between the Superintendent of the Delaware Lighthouse and Abraham Hargis for sinking a Well for the accomodation of that Light house.… The Secretary has delayed this communication under an impression that the allowance was excessive,...
2387From George Washington to the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 24 March 1795 (Washington Papers)
As I may have appear’d somewhat indecisive respecting square No. 21 in the federal city, I should not be surprised if you are at a loss to understand my meaning, in that particular. The Commissioners on my application, agreed to let me have—first a quarter—then half—and finally the whole of that square. My mind settled on the last; but not being able (from the accident I met with) when I was...
2388To John Adams from George Washington, 20 February 1797 (Adams Papers)
I thank you for giving me the perusal of the enclosed.—The sentiments do honor to the head & heart of the writer;—and if my wishes would be of any avail, they shd. go to you in a strong hope that you will not withhold merited promotion from Mr. Jno. Adams because he is your son.—For with out intending to compliment the father or the mother, or to censure any others: I give it as my decided...
2389To George Washington from Philip Dalby, 12 December 1789 (Washington Papers)
Presuming upon Favors I have already receiv’d from you, I take the Freedom now to address you, wishing to draw your Attention towards me, if any Opportunity should offer of an Appointment to a small office, appertaining to the Federal Court or otherwise in this part of the World; I am at present but little engag’d in Business (my mercantile Concerns not having answered my Expectations) it...
2390To George Washington from William Vans Murray, 21 January 1795 (Washington Papers)
As a vacancy will happen in the Treasury Department as intimated by the Secretary, it is possible there may be a vacancy in the departments subordinate to that of the Officer who intends to resign—Mr William Winder of Somerset, on the Eastern Shore of Maryland & now a Senator of that state, is a man of sound character, of strong parts & particularly qualify’d in accounts—He was engaged in the...
2391To George Washington from John Dandridge, 28 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
Mr Lewis A. Pauly, who will present this to you, having some propositions of a public nature to make, which relate to the military establishments of the United States & which will most probably come to your consideration, I take the liberty of informing you, in his behalf, that I have known him for several years as a respectable & honest man in my neighbourhood. Mr Pauly came into this...
2392To George Washington from John Vaughan, 19 September 1792 (Washington Papers)
Mr Vaughan has the honor of transmitting to his Excellency President Washington a letter he received under Cover from England—The accounts from france are later than what are probably contained in the letter, & Not So Satisfactory as those Mr Vaughan recd by the same opportunity. L , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters. The enclosure has not been identified, but Philadelphia wine merchant John...
2393From Alexander Hamilton to George Washington, 26 June 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to inform the President of the United states, that he has received a letter from the Collector of Charleston in South Carolina, from which he learns that some misconception has arisen as to the nature of the qualifications of Mr. Thomas Hollingsby, who on the joint recommendation of the Collector & commissioners of Pilotage for that port...
2394To George Washington from Benjamin Franklin, 16 September 1789 (Washington Papers)
My Malady renders my Sitting up to write rather painful to me, but I cannot let my Son-in-law Mr Bache part for New York, without congratulating you by him on the Recovery of your Health, so precious to us all, and on the growing Strength of our New Government under your Administration. For my own personal Ease, I should have died two Years ago; but tho’ those Years have been spent in...
2395To George Washington from Alexander White, 23 November 1792 (Washington Papers)
A. White having received the enclosed from his Friend General Wood, could devise no method so effectual to inform the President of General Martins wishes and merits as by communicating the letter of General Wood. AL , DLC:GW . The enclosed letter from James Wood, lieutenant governor of Virginia, to Virginia congressman White has not been identified. General Martin is probably Joseph Martin, a...
2396To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 28 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor respectfully to submit to the President of the U. States for his determination a request from the Naval Officer of the District of New York. The Secretary humbly remarks, that it appears desireable, as far as possible, to avoid absences of such important Officers for so long a duration, but that if the nature of the reasons should induce the...
2397To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 8 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
I was honored by your private letter of the 6th instant, about half an hour ago; and immediately delivered to Mrs Washington the one, addressed to her. Mr Butler and Mr Brown, of the Senate, called to learn the intelligence from Europe. I considered their title to read the dispatches, as being no better, than that of other men; and I told them verbally only what I have told others. With the...
2398To George Washington from Robert Collings, 2 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
I beg leave to solicit your Excellency for an appointment onboard of one of the Cutters that are to be fitted out for the Protection of the Revenue. My Character is well known to the officers of the Customs of this Port, as well as to the Gentlemen who have honord me with their Recommendation. with the Highest respect I am Sir, your most humble Servant ALS , DLC:GW . Robert Collings (Collins;...
2399To George Washington from Masonic Lodge, No. 22, Alexandria, Virginia, 29 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
Actuated by the warmest sentiments of personal affection, and encouraged by that masonic relation, by which you are connected with us in a social capacity—We the Alexandria Lodge of Free and accepted Masons venture to address you on a subject particularly interesting to us. We deem it an honor of the highest and most pleasing nature, that our Charter is distinguished by your name, and if no...
2400To George Washington from James Bowdoin, Jr., 3 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
The Regard, I am persuaded, your Excellency entertained for my late Father: the Respect, which his private, as well as public Character induced, whilst it should inspire a general Desire, to emulate his Virtues, ought in a peculiar Manner, to create in me, a Disposition, to tread in his Footsteps. These Considerations, added to a supposed Ability, to serve the United States, ⟨mutilated⟩ in the...