From George Washington to Joshua Barney, 24 March 1784
To Joshua Barney
Mount Vernon 24th March 1784.
Sir,
Your Letter of the 6th only came to hand the 22d1—I thank you for your care of the Packages sent by the Marqs de la Fayette, for which I will send a Carriage in the course of two or three days 2—In the mean while, if you would be so obliging as to have them deposited at the lodgings of Mr Jefferson, a Delegate in Congress at Annapolis, from this State, it would oblige me—If you will be pleased to let me know what expences have attended these packages, the money shall be paid to your order. I am Sir Yr most obt humble Servt
G: Washington
LB, DLC:GW.
Joshua Barney (1759–1818) of Baltimore, who despite his youth at the time was one of the naval heroes of the Revolution, was at this time still in the Continental navy. It was he who was chosen to command the Federalist when it sailed in June 1788 from Baltimore to Mount Vernon to be presented to GW in celebration of Maryland’s ratification of the Constitution.
1. Letter not found.
2. GW wrote Barney on 29 Mar.: “The bearer is sent for the Packages you were pleased to inform me, were in your care, from the Marqs De la Fayette for my use” (ALS, owned [1969] by Victor B. Levit, San Francisco). GW wrote Lafayette on 4 April 1784 that he had received the silver “plate” brought from France by Captain Barney. See also Lafayette to GW, 10 Jan. 1784, n.1, and 1 Feb. 1784, n.1.