1To George Washington from “A.B.,” 19 June 1795 (Washington Papers)
Being a Resident of this place and since the prospect of having the seat of a great Empire (which the Rapid Increase of my native Country forebodes, and its Rising consequence among the nations Indicates) is likely to be fixed near us, I have been for one, well pleased. Being under the direction of the man who gave our Infant Empire its Consequence, and whose manly fortitude supports her...
2To George Washington from James Abercrombie, 20 October 1793 (Washington Papers)
The death of Dr Frederick Phile the late Naval Officer of this State, occasioning a vacancy in that department, I beg leave to offer myself a Candidate for the appointment. I forbear to trouble your Excellency with testimonials in my favor, as I flatter myself those recommendations which upon my application for the Treasuryship of the Mint, I presented to Coll Hamilton, will operate with equal...
3To George Washington from Henry-Dominique d’Acary de La Rivière, 8 September 1793 (Washington Papers)
d’Acary ler Lieutenant Colonel du 15e Regiment d’infanterie française demende a Son exellence le General Washington la permission de lui aller offrir ces respectueux homages et prendre ces ordres pour france ou il va Se rendre et come le Navire Sur lequel il S’embarque part demain il desire que Son exelence veuilt bien lui accorder un moment d’audience aujourdhuit. AL , DLC:GW . This document...
4To George Washington from Achmed Ben Aly, 12 March 1795 (Washington Papers)
I have been these four Months in this city without having the Honor of addressing you, about five weeks ago I delivered to the Minister of State a Letter containing a true statement of my Misfortunes & present Situation to be Laid before You. The Spanish ambassador having been kind enough to provide for my Passage to Spain &a, I must in complyance with his orders Set out to Morrow Morning for...
5To George Washington from “A CITIZEN”, 4 July 1793 (Washington Papers)
ONE great advantage resulting from a republican system of government is, the unrestrained privilege of scrutinizing public measures, and candidly investigating the conduct of those men, who are entrusted with the management of public affairs. No character, however dignified, no measure, however important, can possibly escape the exercise of this invaluable right. It is unnecessary, at present,...
6To George Washington from James B. M. Adair, 31 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to inclose to your Excellency, a letter, which was entrusted to my care by Sir Edward Newenham of Dublin, who desired me to deliver it in person, an honour which I should certainly have done myself, had I not been detained in this part of the Country by business, & by the contagious fever, which, I am extremely sorry to find, prevails at Philadelphia. As I am thus under a...
7To George Washington from Daniel Jenifer Adams, 25 June 1790 (Washington Papers)
With very great diffidence, I beg leave to address your Excellency, on a subject to which I am moved, more from necessity, than either from real inclination, or ambition. Your Excellency I presume, is not unacquainted, that after near five years perilous & hard Service under your Command (in which I hope I merited your good opinion, in the station I held) I was one of those unfortunate...
8From John Adams to George Washington, 24 April 1793 (Adams Papers)
Captain John of Harvard in the Massachusetts, has been recommended to me, by so many respectable characters, and in such handsome terms, that I cannot refuse his request of a Line to the President of the United States in his favour. He has the merit of long and early Services, though he is said to have been lately unfortunate. As his application is entirely out of my Department, and to a Judge...
9From John Adams to George Washington, 29 August 1790 (Adams Papers)
That New Orleans, and the Spanish Posts on the Missisippi, will be among the first attempts of the English, in case of a war with Spain, appears very probable: and that a combined operation from Detroit, would be convenient to that end cannot be doubted. The Consequences, on the western Settlements, on the commerce with the West Indies, and on the general Security and tranquility of the...
10XIII. Opinion of the Vice-President, 29 August 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
That New Orleans, and the Spanish Posts on the Missisippi, will be among the first attempts of the English, in case of a war with Spain, appears very probable: and that a combined operation from Detroit, would be convenient to that end cannot be doubted. The Consequences, on the western Settlements, on the commerce with the West Indies, and on the general Security and tranquility of the...
11John Adams’ Reply to George Washington’s Queries Regarding Presidential Conduct, [17 May 1789] (Adams Papers)
The Vice President of the United States has the honour to present his humble Opinion, on the Points proposed, for his consideration. 1. That an Association with all kinds of company, and a total Seclusion from Society, are extreams, which, in the actual Circumstances of this Country, and under our form of Government, may be properly avoided. 2. The System of the President, will gradually...
12To George Washington from John Adams, 10 August 1795 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed Letters No. 6. 7 8 and 9, especially the last, contain Information of so much Importance that, although they are written in great confidential Freedom from a Son to a Father, I think it my Duty to transmit them to you. I beg the favour of having them returned to me at your Leisure by the Post. The unnatural Effervescence against the Treaty which broke out in Boston has made little...
13To George Washington from John Adams, 17 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
The Vice President of the United States has the honour to present his humble opinion, on the Points proposed, for his consideration. 1. That an association with all kinds of company, and a total Seclusion from Society, are extreams, which, in the actual Circumstances of this Country, and under our form of Government, may be properly avoided. 2. The System of the President, will gradually...
14Address from the Senate to George Washington, 13 December [1790] (Adams Papers)
At twelve o’clock the Senate attended upon the President of the United States at his own House, when the President of the Senate delivered the following Address. To the President of the United States of America. We receive, Sir, with particular satisfaction the communications contained in your Speech, which confirm to us the progressive State of the public Credit, and afford at the same time,...
15From John Adams to George Washington, 12 December 1796 (Adams Papers)
We thank you, sir, for your faithful and detailed exposure of the existing situation of our country; and we sincerely join in sentiments of gratitude to an overruling Providence for the distinguished share of public prosperity and private happiness which the People of the United States so peculiarly enjoy. We are fully sensible of the advantages that have resulted from the adoption of measures...
16From John Adams to George Washington, 31 October 1791 (Adams Papers)
The Senate of the United States have received with the highest satisfaction the assurance of public prosperity contained in your Speech to both Houses: the multiplied blessings of providence have not escaped our notice or failed to excite our gratitude. The benefits which flow from a restoration of public and private confidence are conspicuous and important and the pleasure with which we...
17From John Adams to George Washington, 10 August 1795 (Adams Papers)
The inclosed Letters No. 6. 7. 8 and 9, especially the last, contain Information of so much Importance that, although they are written in great confidential Freedom from a Son to a Father, I think it my Duty to transmit them to you. I beg the favour of having them returned to me at your Leisure by the Post. The unnatural Effervescence against the Treaty which broke out in Boston has made...
18To George Washington from John Adams, 16 July 1789 (Washington Papers)
The inclosed letters are from two as respectable characters as any in Massachusetts, containing information which I hope has been transmitted to you, through other channels. But as it is possible, it may be otherwise, it is my duty to lay them before you, which I beg leave to do by the bearer Colo: Smith. With all possible defference and respect I have the honor to be Sir your most obedient...
19From John Adams to George Washington, 11 December 1795 (Adams Papers)
It is with peculiar satisfaction that we are informed by your Speech to the two Houses of Congress, that the long, and expensive war in which we have been engaged with the Indians North west of the Ohio, is in a situation to be finally terminated; and though we view with concern the danger of an interruption of the peace so recently confirmed with the Creeks, we indulge the hope, that the...
20From John Adams to George Washington, 22 November 1794 (Adams Papers)
We receive with pleasure your speech to the two Houses of Congress. In it we perceive renewed proofs of that vigilant and paternal concern for the prosperity, honor, and happiness of our country, which has uniformly distinguished your past administration. Our anxiety arising from the licentious and open resistance to the laws in the western counties of Pennsylvania, has been increased by the...
21To George Washington from John Adams, 29 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
That New Orleans, and the Spanish Posts on the Missisippi, will be among the first attempts of the English, in case of a war with Spain, appears very probable: and that a combined operation from Detroit, would be convenient to that end cannot be doubted. The Consequences, on the western Settlements, on the commerce with the West Indies, and on the general Security and tranquility of the...
22To George Washington from John Adams, 24 April 1793 (Washington Papers)
Captain John ⟨mutilated⟩ of Harvard in the Massachusetts, has been recommended to me, by So many respectable characters, and in Such handsome terms, that I cannot refuse his request of a Line to the President of the United States in his favour. He has the merit of long and early Services, though he is Said to have been lately unfortunate. As his application is entirely out of my Department,...
23From John Adams to George Washington, 20 June 1789 (Adams Papers)
Among the Candidates for the Honour of public Employment, under the New Government there is one, whose connection in my family, and public relation to me, in the late legation to S t. James’s would render my total silence on his account, liable to misinterpretation, as proceeding, either from a want of esteem, confidence, or affection for him on the one hand, or to a failure of respect to The...
24Proceedings of Sinking Fund Commissioners, 26 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
At a meeting of the Commissioners of the Sinking fund on the 26th day of December 1795; Present, The President of the Senate, The Secretary of State, The Secretary of the Treasury. A Report of the Secretary of the Treasury was read, as follows. “That to provide for the payment of the Interest on the public debt which will fall due at the close of the present year, it will be necessary to...
25To George Washington from John Quincy Adams, 9 December 1796 (Washington Papers)
I received at Amsterdam on the 5th instt the Letter which you did me the honour to write me on the 12th of September, and immediately made enquiries to ascertain whether there was at Amsterdam a person by the name of Sollingen. I could trace no such person, but am informed that Sollingen near Dusseldorf in Germany is a place where there are noted manufactures of arms and sword-cutlery. I have...
26To George Washington from John Quincy Adams, 11 February 1797 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the honour of writing you, I have been informed that about a year ago a workman in the sword manufactories at Sohlingen a hilt founder by the name of Alte, was induced in consequence of the unsettled and distressed situation of that part of Germany to go to America, and before he went had the sword made according to his own fancy, with the intention as I understand of presenting it...
27To George Washington from Richard Adamson, 2 July 1793 (Washington Papers)
I humbly Submit to your Excellency the inclos’d for your consideration, and, conscious as I am of the boldness of this Intrusion, I shall not add to my presumption by attempting an apology where none is adequate to the occasion. I shall only therefore observe, that my distress is occasioned by a late Severe ilness, to shake off the Effects of which, I am advis’d to have recourse to the Berkley...
28To George Washington from Alexander Addison, 4 July 1796 (Washington Papers)
Supposing that you would be in Philadelphia when I should arrive here, Matthew Ritchie of the town of Washington in this state desired me to adjust the future payments and obtain the execution of a conveyance from you to him of the lands on Miller’s Run in Washington county in this state, sold to him by Mr Ross in your name. About two months ago a bill for 3000 dollars was sent down to Mr Ross...
29To George Washington from Pierre-Auguste Adet, 1 January 1796 (Washington Papers)
I come to acquit myself of a duty very dear to my heart, I come to deposit in your hands and in the midst of a people justly renowned for their courage and their love of liberty, the symbol of the triumphs and of the enfranchisement of my nation. When she broke her chains, when she proclaimed the imprescriptible rights of man, when in a terrible war she sealed with her blood the covenant she...
30To George Washington from John Adlum, 3 January 1791 (Washington Papers)
The Memorial and Petition of John Adlum Most Respectfully Sheweth, That your Memorialist stands informed that an appointment of Agent for Indian affairs for the Northern department, is about to be made—And your Memorialist being well acquainted with the greatest part of the Country inhabited by the six nations, and personally known to many of the Chiefs of that people—and acustomed to their...
31To George Washington from “Adolescens”, 5 September 1791 (Washington Papers)
Tho’ an address, most respected Sir, to one in your exalted Station, to which a fictitious name is subscribed may seem altogether strange & uncommon, yet the Contents of this letter will I hope be a sufficient apology for its Author’s temerity, and, I flatter myself that a Man whose heart is ever alive to the calls of Humanity, will not deem it an impertinent intrusion. That I may not trespass...
32To George Washington from “A Friend”, 20 August 1790 (Washington Papers)
You with the assistance of Your Countrymen and Foreigners have effected a Wonderful Revolution You have free’d Yourselves from the power of the British Government a Government overwhelming in corruption and oppression, Now You are Free hol[d] Yourselves so form Wise Laws and see them executed but not with too much arbitrary Government for that brings on a Revolution such as will be in Ireland...
33To George Washington from “A Friend to the People,” 8 November 1795 (Washington Papers)
The last time I addressed you was from Baltimore. I took an opportunity about that time to write a few hasty thoughts in support of what I suggested to you, and published them in the Baltimore Telegraphe, in seven or eight Letters. I have since been through all the Western parts of this state, and should it aid in producing a good end, it will be among my chief delights. I wished to be here at...
34To George Washington from “A Friend to the People,” 28 July 1795 (Washington Papers)
There has been a meeting in this town, for the unmeaning purpose of attempting to shake your opinion, on the subject of our late negociation. I deem it not improper to notice, that the men appointed, as actors, to shape the resolutions, are composed of that order in society, who are Confessedly unqualified, for want of information, to examine the subject on which they judged with such hasty...
35To George Washington from “A Genuine Federalist”, 25 December 1792 (Washington Papers)
How you will Brook this I know not and most probably will never know, be that as it May I hope you will attend to the following hints, so far as the[y] merit attention the[y] are Communicated by one who has neither a disposition to flatter nor to give offence and who is actuated by no other Motives than a desire to promote the publick interest and avert the evils with which we are threatned....
36To George Washington from Aiguillon, 24 September 1792 (Washington Papers)
Permit a Frenchman, who loves liberty, and is forced to quit his Country—a prey to factions, to offer his homage to the respectable man who has given a free Constitution to America. Perhaps my name may have reached you. Perhaps you have sometimes heard me spoken of as the friend of Lafayette—faithful, like him, to the cause which he cherished —and like him prosecuted by those who would...
37To George Washington from Thomas Hill Airey, 1 August 1791 (Washington Papers)
Please to permit a person at the distance of near two Hundred miles from your Excellencies temporary place of residence, and unknown to your Excellency, to intrude on your precious moments while I attempt to impart a matter, that may appear of some importance, & at the same time a mistiry that has evaded the deepest reserches of the Learned, in expounding the Prophetick writings. it is...
38To George Washington from Robert Aitken, 9 June 1790 (Washington Papers)
after very Sincere Congratulations upon Your Excellency’s Election to the distinguished Office of Chief Magistrate of the United States, I beg leave to Solicit your Excellency’s friendship in a Case deeply interesting indeed to me; but in which I conceive, if not mistaken, the Honor and Justice of the Union are also concerned. Your Excellency, I presume, is uninformed of the large Sums of...
39To George Washington from Frantz Joachim von Aken, 15 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
The 1st instant I humbly took the liberty to wait on the Congress or states of America with my Discovery of extinguishing fires; but fearing that either have I not rightly adressed the Letter or could there be some hindering accidents for it’s arrival, occasioned by our actual wars in Europe: I hope Sir! that You’ll graciously excuse my repeated writting to the American People, adressing my...
40To George Washington from Charles-Guillaume Vial D’Alais, 16 February 1793 (Washington Papers)
jay l’honneur de vous prîer de vouloir bien Sollicitter pour moy La decoration de L’ordre de Cincinnatus prés de L’auguste assemblée que vous presidés. Mr de biron mon ancien Colonel à eu L’honneur de vous La demender pour moy il y à prés de 15 mois en vous priant de me L’adresser à Cayenne ou je venois d’etre Nommé Comandant en chef. vous trouverés, Monsieur Cy joint un extrait de mon etat de...
41To George Washington from Roger Alden, 25 August 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to transmit, herewith enclosed, the original communications from the Secretary of the Government North West of the Ohio, and copies of his letters addressed to the late Secretary of Congress. With the greatest respect I have the honor to be Sir—Your most Obedient Humble Servant ALS , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; copy, in Alden’s writing, DNA:PCC , item 149. Winthrop...
42Cabinet Opinion on Foreign Vessels and Consulting the Supreme Court, 12 July 1793 (Washington Papers)
At a meeting of the heads of the departments at the President’s on summons from him, and on consideration of various representations from the Ministers Plenipotentiary of France & Great Britain on the subject of vessels arming & arriving in our ports, and of prizes it is their opinion that letters be written to the said Ministers informing them that the Executive of the U.S., desirous of...
43To George Washington from Alexander Murray, 8 July 1794 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found : from Alexander Murray, 8 July 1794. The entry for 12 July in GW’s journal of proceedings lists among the papers sent "to the Secy. of War for his consideration" a letter "from Alexr. Murray 8 July ’94. soliciting naval appointment" ( JPP Dorothy Twohig, ed. The Journal of the Proceedings of the President, 1793–1797 . Charlottesville, Va., 1981. , 312). The cover of that...
44To George Washington from William Alexander, 15 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
I find Congress have it in Contemplation to open a land office, for the Sale of the public lands North West of the river ohio, and that a Surveyor General or superintendant will be appointed. I take the liberty to offer myself for that office and should you think me worthy of it, I shall endeavour to do the duty faithfully. I was by warrant under the hand and seal of Mr Hutchins late...
45To George Washington from William Alexander, 10 September 1794 (Washington Papers)
Encouraged by my friends, I take up my Pen to ask you for the appointment, of Naval Officer, for the District of Baltimore; which if conferred on me, I flatter myself, it will be executed with the Stricktest propriety. As Offices, flow through the channel of Favor, when candidates, are equally qualified to execute them—permit me, Sir, in that case, to offer an argument in my favor? that there...
46To George Washington from William J. Alldridge, 19 March 1796 (Washington Papers)
About a fortnight since I took the liberty of offering myself as a candidate for the office of Assayer at the Mint, in case Mr Richardson should decline it, but, as I am since informed he has determined to retain it, (not having found it so prejudicial to his health as he at first feared,) I have now only to apologize for the trouble I have given You, and to beg I may be permitted to renew the...
47To George Washington from John Allen, 16 May 1793 (Washington Papers)
Gorey, Wexford County, Ireland, 16 May 1793. Writes that “A sincere desire of benefiting the World . . . is the chief if not the only motive of this address and I am well assured . . . that any thing proceeding from such a principle will at least meet with your every attention.” He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dublin “the beginning of the year 1784 being about 22, from...
48To George Washington from Paul Allen, 18 June 1790 (Washington Papers)
The happiness Individuals of the United States have in addressing your Excellency, is One of the greatest blessing they enjoy under the present Constitution. Emboldened by the kind reception others have met with from your Excellency in similar circumstances, I have presumed to venture on that ground under the fullest conviction that your Excellency has ever attended to the welfare of those who...
49To George Washington from William Allen, 10 June 1790 (Washington Papers)
The Convention of this State having Ratified the new Constitution by which happy event the Union of the whole is Compleated; and as it is more than Probable that the Laws of the Union will Speedily embrace this State in common with the rest, I beg Leave Sir, with the greatest deference to Present my Self to your Excellency as a Candidate for the Office of Surveyor of the Customs at this Port....
50To George Washington from William Allibone, 12 October 1789 (Washington Papers)
at the request of A number of my fellow citizens I take the liberty of Offering myself A candidate for the appointment of superintendance of the Several Establishments for the security of the navigation in the Bay and River Deleware, that I am thus late in making my application arises from the following causes, it not being well understood that a general apointment of that kind was to be made,...