From George Washington to George Mathews, 10 June 1796
To George Mathews
Philada 10th June 1796
Dr Sir,
The best, indeed the only excuse I can make for having so long delayed complying with the request of your favor written the 7th of March is, that when it came to hand (which was not speedily after its date) the business of the session pressed so heavily on me, that I had but little leisure for other attentions; and by laying it by, to be taken up at a more convenient moment, it, in a jumble with other papers was overlooked, until a revision, after the adjournment took place, brought it to view again.
This apology I thought due to you, at the same time that it gives me another occasion to express my good wishes towards you, & regret that any circumstances should arise that have, even for a moment, encouraged the idea of relinquishing your country forever.1 With great esteem & regard I am Dr Sir &c.
G: Washington
LB, DLC:GW.
Mathews had written GW on 7 March requesting a testimonial (see George Walton to GW, 1 April, n.1). GW supplied this testimonial in a second letter to Mathews on this date: “You inform me that you have it in contemplation to leave the United States for a time, if not forever. …
“I know, sir, and with pleasure bear testimony to your patriotism, & to your bravery in action in the defence of the rights & liberties of your Country. In the offices you have held, military & civil, I believe you have manifested that fortitude, prudence & integrity, which entitle you to the praise of having deserved well of your Country” (LB, DLC:GW).
1. Mathews replied to GW from Oglethorpe County, Ga., on 19 Aug.: “I do myself the honor of acknowledgeing the receipt of your polite & friendly letter of the 10th of June with the testimonial inclosed, for which you will please to accept my thanks.
“When I encouraged the idea of leaving the United States, it was at a time when my mind was fully impressed, with the ungratefull reward, I had received from the State of Georgia, for faithful Servises, and not having a prospect of domestic retirement, it put me on contemplating how I should dispose of the Eve of life Many of my friends pursude me aganst Such a measure and your observations have with me their full weight.
“Those reasons have in some measure induced me to relinquish the object I had in view, and to Solicit, you Sir for Some appointment under the federal Government, that will give me employ and Support. from a resolution of the Senate, I observe there is a Governor to be appointed for the Natchy District on the Mississipi. Could the President think me qualified, for the office, I would accept it with gratitude, & my best endeavours would be made to Discharg the duties of the trust” (ALS, PHi: Gratz Collection; Sprague transcript, DLC:GW). Mathews referenced a Senate resolution considered on 20 May that did not become law (see 8:274–76).