To George Washington from Thomas Mifflin, 27 May 1794
From Thomas Mifflin
Philadelphia, 27th May 1794.
Sir.
In compliance with the request of Judge Addison, I have the honor to transmit to you a copy of his letter, dated the 12th current, in explanation of the Extract communicated to you on the 18th of April last, relatively to the collection of the Excise in the Western counties.1 As it appears, that the information, which he enabled me to lay before you, has been used in a way that was not intended, justice requires that the foundation of his opinions should be clearly understood. I have the honor to be, With perfect respect, Sir, Your Excellency’s Most Obedt Hble servt
Tho. Mifflin
LS, DNA: RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; Df, in the writing of Alexander James Dallas, PHarH: Executive Correspondence, 1790-99; LB, PHarH: Executive Letterbooks.
1. The extract from Alexander Addison’s letter to Mifflin of 31 March, enclosed in Mifflin’s letter to GW of 18 April, included the following sentences: "Were I to express an opinion, I would say, that if the Collection of the Excise were in proper hands, it might now be made; but it seemd to be intrusted to men without spirit or discretion, and in whose principles the people have no confidence. They seem tamely content with the enjoyment of their appointments; or, if they have discovered any acts of decision and vigor, it is, I conceive, in unlawful and oppressive stretches of authority and in the commission of trespasses" (DNA: RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters).