1451To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 14 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
I am glad to have it in my power to inform you that tho’ once lost by a majority of 8 Votes, the Maryland Delegates have at length past a Law to take 40 of the new shares directed by the Company to be subscribed. It will pass the other Branch of the Legislature I have no doubt; & probably without a division. This little success husbanded with prudence will ensure a disposition of the remaining...
1452Address of the House of Representatives to the President, [ca. 14 December] 1795 (Madison Papers)
As the Reps. of the people of the U. S. we can not but participate in the strongest sensibility to every blessing which they enjoy; and cheerfully join in the gratitude which is due to the great Source from which every national as well as personal good proceeds. A final & formal termination of the distressing war which has ravaged our N. Western Frontier, will be an event which must afford a...
1453[Diary entry: 13 December 1795] (Washington Papers)
13. Misting and Raining a little through the day.
1454From George Washington to William Pearce, 13 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 6th instt, enclosing the weekly reports, has been duly received. I am glad to find by it that the sickness among my people is abating. If Cyrus continues to give evidence of such qualities as would fit him for a waiting man, encourage him to persevere in them; and if they should appear to be sincere & permanent, I will receive him in that character when I retire from public...
1455To George Washington from William Pearce, 13 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
I Received your letter of the 6th Inst. I will do Every thing In my power to forward the Business of hedgeing: and hope to Suckseed so as To Give you Satisfaction. for I have no wish more at heart than to do your business well—and to Merit your approbation tharein. I am haveing a Cow shed made at Dogue Run farm, which will soon be Compleeted, with a Farm yard to It for the purpose of Raising...
1456[Diary entry: 12 December 1795] (Washington Papers)
12. Rain, with the Wind at East.
1457To George Washington from Robert Slaughter, Jr., 12 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
Permitt a fellow Citizen and a Father of a Son who he expects is now in captivity to address you on a subject the most Interesting to a Parent that is the liberty of a Child. I have a Son by the name of Thomas Slaughter Who was bound an apprentice as a Seaman to a British Vessell calld the Success of Whitehaven the property of Williamson & Hanes of that port the Captain named Birkett. which...
1458From 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...
1459From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 11 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
I learn with concern that the statements from the War department referred to in my speech to Congress, are not yet handed in, & that some Members are ascribing delay of business to the want of information which has been promised, & which they have been expecting. I request that they may be presented without delay. I am always yrs &c. Copy, MHi : Pickering Papers; ADfS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW ....
1460To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 11 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Director of the Mint has prevailed on Joseph Richardson of the city of Philadelphia to accept of the office of Assayer. He has been well recommended to him by the President of the Bank of the United States & others, as well for his skill as his perfect integrity. He will serve until the United States can provide a substitute. The Director requests, if the President approves of him, that...
1461To George Washington from the U.S. Senate, 11 December 1795 (Washington 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...
1462To George Washington from Elizabeth Bradford, 10 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
To the President of the United States, the Petition of Elizabeth Bradford wife of David Bradford late of Washington county in the State of Pennsylvania Humbly sheweth The unfortunate share which your petitioner’s husband had in the insurrection in the western counties of Pennsylvania, and his subsequent departure out of the territory of the United States is perhaps known to your Excellency....
1463From George Washington to the U.S. Senate, 10 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
I nominate the following persons to fill the Offices annexed to their respective names; which became vacant during the recess of the Senate. John Rutledge, of South Carolina, to be Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, vice John Jay, resigned. Elias Boudinot, to be Director of the Mint of the United States, Vice, William H. De Saussure resigned. John Brooks, of...
1464To George Washington from the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 9 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed letter you will observe is requested to be forwarded to you, we know not why, but do not think ourselves at liberty to refuse the request; the answer also accompanies the Letter. Mr Law is at all times entitled to our best attention, but our finances will not at present permit the laying out money in levelling streets or making highways. Nothing new has occur’d since our last; if...
1465To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 9 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor to address you on the 7th inst. acknowledging the receipt of your respected favors of the 30th of Novr & 2d inst. The Assembly of this State have postponed the decision on the Potomac business ’till friday the 11th inst. ’till which the Directors do not feel themselves authorized to make any engagements on account of the Company, as the funds from the first subscription are...
1466To George Washington from Henry Lee, 9 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
Least the official transmission of the resolutions mentioned in my last may have been delayed, I have thought it expedient to enclose to you the journals which comprehend the proceedings on the last resolution —The first in effect the same took place in our disposal of the James river shares. When you see that resolution you will find that your disposal of the potomac shares is approved & that...
1467From George Washington to the U.S. Senate, 9 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
I lay before you for your consideration a treaty of peace which has been negociated by General Wayne, on behalf of the United States, with all the late hostile tribes of Indians, North West of the river Ohio; together with the instructions, which were given to General Wayne, and the proceedings at the place of treaty. LS , DNA : RG 46, entry 54; LB , DLC:GW . For the 3 Aug. 1795 Treaty of...
1468From George Washington to the U.S. Senate, 9 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
I nominate Timothy Pickering, to be Secretary for the Department of State; vice Edmund Randolph, resigned. and Charles Lee, of Virginia, to be Attorney General of the United States; vice William Bradford, deceased. LS , DNA : RG 46, Records of Executive Proceedings, President’s Messages—Executive Nominations; LB , DLC:GW .
1469From George Washington to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, 8 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
I trust I do not deceive myself, while I indulge the persuasion, that I have never met you at any period, when, more than at the present, the situation of our public affairs has afforded just cause for mutual congratulation, and for inviting you to join with me in profound gratitude to the Author of all good, for the numerous and extraordinary blessings we enjoy. The termination of the long,...
1470Draft of George Washington’s Seventh Annual Address to Congress, [28 November–7 December 1795] (Hamilton Papers)
I trust, I do not deceive myself, while I indulge the persuasion, that I have never met you at any period, when more than at the present, the situa⟨tion⟩ of our public affairs has afforded just cause for mutual congratulation and for inviting you to join with me in profound gratitude to the Author of all Good for the numerous and signal blessings we enjoy. The Termination of the long expensive...
1471[Diary entry: 7 December 1795] (Washington Papers)
7. A good deal of rain fell last night with the wind at East.
1472To George Washington from Auguste de Grasse, 7 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
From all tokens of freinship you have been so Good as to Shew me, I Venture to pray you, to add to all your benefits, that of honouring me With a Gift Very dear to the Son of your freind; that is, your portrait General Rochambeau the father has obtained it from you, permit me to request of you the Same proof of Goodness, in memory of my father. it shall be, for my family, a Precious Gift that...
1473To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 7 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment returned from Annapolis, and had the happiness to meet your aceptable & respectable favors of the 30th of Novr and the 2d of Decr with their enclosures. As it is within a few hours of the closing of the mail it is not in my power to give a decided answer to Mr Myers’ proposition for superintending the works of the Potomac Company; but before the next mail, I will see the...
1474To George Washington from Robert Morris, 7 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
My Strong desire to give an agreable Answer to your Note of the 3d inst. restrained me from doing it sooner. I am not in possession of Money at present, nor can it be obtained in any way but upon Usurious Loans, However repugnant such Loans are to my interest & feelings, I have made offers that are held under Consideration at present, which if accepted will put it in my power to remit the Sum...
1475To George Washington from Noah Wyeth, 7 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Bearer hereof Dr Jamerson who was a passenger with me in the Brig Pallas from Leith in Scotland will deliver you a small Box, said to containg Views of different Castels in Scotland which was left on board the Brig in my absence—I should be much obliged to you to acknowlede the Rect of them pr Letters as I never sign’d any Bills of Lading for them & if I should return prehaps may be calld...
1476To George Washington from Edward Carrington, 6 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
On the 20th Ultimo I did myself the honor to communicate to you the result of a proposition in the lower House of assembly here, approving the vote of the two Senators from this State, against the Treaty, and at the same time, took pleasure in mentioning the decorum observed during the debate respecting yourself and the ratifying Senators. on the next day however, the active persons of the...
1477From George Washington to James Madison, 6 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
The papers, of which I was speaking to you on friday evening, are herewith sent. In looking over Sir John Sinclair’s letter (since I spoke to you on this subject) I perceive it is to a Committee I am at liberty to communicate the extracts. This, however, I consider as sufficient authority to give you the perusal of them; as the project, if it can be accomplished, in this country, must be put...
1478From George Washington to William Pearce, 6 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 29th Ulto with the Weekly reports of the 6th and 28th of November. I wish you to make the most you can of the materials you have within yourself, for hedging; for I do not believe you will get any berries of the white thorn from Newcastle; for the reason given in one of my letters after I arrived at this place, from Mount Vernon last. I hope the Cedar berries...
1479To George Washington from William Pearce, 6 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
I Recved your Letter of the 29th of November with the Invoise of the goods which ware sent here and It agrees with the one I sent with the Last Reports. we have got our ploughing prety well forward: at Muddy hole the field No. 4 Is done at Dogue Run the field No. 1 Is Nearly done and the field No. 3 at Union farm the part that was In oats Last year Is ploughed—and at River farm a good deal of...
1480From George Washington to John Hoskins Stone, 6 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
By thursdays Post I was favoured with your letter of the 27th ulto enclosing a declaration of the General Assembly of Maryland. At any time would the expression of such a sentiment have been considered as highly honorable & flattering: at the present, when the voice of malignancy is so high toned, and no attempts are left unessayed to destroy all confidence in the Constituted authorities of...
1481To James Madison from George Washington, 6 December 1795 (Madison Papers)
The papers, of which I was speaking to you on friday evening, are herewith sent. In looking over Sir John Sinclair’s letter (since I spoke to you on this subject) I perceive it is to a Committee I am at liberty to communicate the extracts. This, however, I consider as sufficient authority to give you the perusal of them; as the project, if it can be accomplished, in this country, must be put...
1482To George Washington from Thomas Bradford, 5 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
As a public testimony of my esteem for your Character & Conduct, I have taken the liberty of dedicating to you, A translation of Martens Law of Nations, recommended for publication to me, as a work of merit, by my brother, the late Attorney General; and as a private mark of the personal respect & regard I bear you, I beg leave to request a place for the inclosed Volume in your Library, the...
1483To George Washington from James McHenry, 5 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
Well knowing how employed you must be at this moment I had not calculated on hearing from you till after the meeting of Congress. The Commissioners of the federal City have not applied to the legislature, but the Potomack company have to interest the State in a certain number of shares which I hope and expect will be taken. Mr Lear is with us. Mr Pinckney a man of real talents and genius and a...
1484To George Washington from Henry Lee, 4 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
When I reached this place which was as soon as my necessary call at home would permit I gave your letr to Mr Lee who replied to it by the succeeding post affirmatively as I understand. You will have heard of the curious resolutions which had passed the house of delegates—the object of which is too plain to doubt—with all proper dispatch they have been attended to by those who considered them...
1485To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 4 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
Some further demands against the Department of State have been presented relative to the expences of procuring documents from the British vice Admiralty Courts in the spoliation cases amounting, with the former, to Dollars 2163.80 On the President’s first order I have received 1000. remain to be provided for 1163.80 To which I must add the sum due to Captn George Smith (one of the early...
1486To George Washington from Daniel Leet et al., 3 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Subject to Which we Would Call your Attention for A few Minutes, is the late unhappy Insurrection in this part of the Country—We are of those who felt themselves in danger during that frenzy—We have seen it totally subside, peace happily Restored, and the Laws in full and free execution—With peculiar pleasure we have Observed the Lenity with which your Conduct Sir on this trying Occation...
1487From George Washington to Robert Morris, 3 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
I can add nothing, in support of the extract on the other side, that was not contained in a former letter from me to you; on the same subject. But I would thank you for letting me know what answer I shall return to the Commissioners of the Federal city. Their credit, I know, has been stretched to its utmost limits, in order to keep the wheels moving; even in the slow, and unprofitable manner...
1488To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 3 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of War respectfully lays before the President of the United States the accompanying letters & papers received lately from Govr Blount & Mr Seagrove—the latter yesterday. AL , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . Pickering may have enclosed a copy of Southwest Territory governor William Blount’s letter to him of 2 Nov., which, in part, reported that “Peace now actually exists between the United...
1489To George Washington from Frederick County, Va., Citizens, 2 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
It is with real pleasure we comply with the Request of our fellow Citizens of Frederick County, by forwarding to you the inclosed Resolutions, which express the Sentiments they entertain of your Conduct, in a situation the most delicate, and upon an occasion the most interesting and important, that has, perhaps, occured during your administration. Permit us, Sir, to seize this opportunity of...
1490From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 2 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
Since writing to you on Monday, I have seen and conversed with Mr Myers; who is desirous of employment, and of removing from this place; which (having a pretty large family) he finds very expensive. He professes to understand perfectly, the various matters set forth in the card I enclosed you in my last; and was employed, according to his own account, in the Lancashire navigation, in England,...
1491[Diary entry: 1 December 1795] (Washington Papers)
1. Mild & pleast. Wind Southerly.
1492To George Washington from Ephraim Tebbets, 1 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed I Send you Somthing that appears to me to be a Very Great Curiosity as being the production of Nature Wholly If you Will Condescend to Accept of the Within and To your Servant Send Such Advice as you think most proper You Will Lay an obligation on yours tr⟨ul⟩y. the post hastens So I hope you Will Excuse my Scribble. ALS , DLC:GW . The curiosity has not been identified, and no reply...
1493To George Washington from “Valerius,” 1 December 1795 (Washington Papers)
1 Dec. 1795. In the eleventh and last of his series of letters critical of GW, Valerius aims at “conciseness” as he brings ten additional charges that fall under the heading of “domestic transactions.” First, most of those appointed to office do not “possess the confidence of people.” Second, preference in appointments “has been given … to tories and officers of the late army,” the former...
1494To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, November 1795 (Washington Papers)
Topics which have occurred to the Secretary of War as proper to be noticed at the opening of the ensuing session of Congress. 1. The treaty of peace effected by General Wayne with the Indians northwest of the river Ohio. 2. The continuance of peace with the Cherokees. 3. The formal agreement entered into by Mr Seagrove and the Chiefs of the Creek Indians for putting an end to their...
1495To George Washington from the Commissioners for the District of Columbia, 30 November 1795 (Washington Papers)
The affairs of the City have hitherto not materially suffered for want of money, tho undoubtedly they would have been taken up on a much larger scale at the beginning of the Season had it not been foreseen that the funds would not permit it. The Treasury will be without a shilling in ten days time; all the provisions and many of the materials necessary for the ensuing season must be contracted...
1496To George Washington from Caleb Gibbs, 30 November 1795 (Washington Papers)
Nothing but the support and comfort of an amiable wife and five children could possibly induce me so frequently to call to your recollection my situation. One year has nearly expired since I was appointed as Clerk of the Navy Yard in this place, from the commencment of which period I have kept an exact account of my expences and allowing December to average with the other months (which will be...
1497From George Washington to John Eager Howard, 30 November 1795 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favored with your letters of the 23d & 26th instant from Annapolis. The first, was received with regret. the second, assuredly with pleasure; for while I am resolved that no mis-representations, falsehoods or calumnies, shall make me swerve from what I conceive to be the streight line of my duty—and while I have suffered the various attempts to destroy all confidence in my...
1498From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 30 November 1795 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 17th instt came safe to hand, but not before the 26th. I intended to have written to you by Colo. Rochfontaine, but he went off unknown to me. Upon a second view of the site at the conflux of the Rivers Potomack and Shenandoah, with the explanations he will receive from Colo. Gilpin and yourself, I hope & expect the advantages of that spot will strike him more favorable than...
1499To George Washington from Charles Lee, 30 November 1795 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your letter of the 19th to which I take the earliest opportunity of answering. In expressing my willingness to accept the office of Attorney General of the United States, I do it with the utmost diffidence of my competency and can only assure you I will endeavour to discharge its important duties with diligence and fidelity. I had been arranging for a retired life, but...
1500From George Washington to William Pearce, 29 November 1795 (Washington Papers)
The Post of yesterday brought me your letter of the 26th instt, and the weekly reports of the 14th & 21st preceeding. I am sorry to find by them that you have had much sickness among the Negros; and that the prospect of a good crop of corn as well as a tolerable one of Wheat, is diminishing. As the latter of these is got out, and the horses more at liberty, I hope every diligence will be used...