2051To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 15 May 1784 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you will receive a letter, which fell into my hands from a gentleman, lately arrived from England. Colo. Bassett is here, and I shall prepare a deed to be executed for the whole of the lands, adjudged to him against you. I was not satisfied, that the proof, which you sent me of improvements, was agreeable to law, tho’ the fact would certainly have acquitted some of the land: and...
2052From George Washington to Philip Schuyler, 15 May 1784 (Washington Papers)
It has long been my wish, and until lately my intention to have proceeded from this meeting of the Cincinnati to the Falls of Niagara—& probably into Canada. Two causes however prevent it—My business is of such a nature that I cannot without great inconvenience, be long absent from home, at this juncture—it is indeed, exceedingly inconvenient to be away from it at all—the other is, that I am...
2053From George Washington to Jonathan Trumbull, Sr., 15 May 1784 (Washington Papers)
It was with great pleasure & thankfulness, I received a recognizance of your friendship in your letter of the 20th of last month. It is indeed a pleasure, from the walks of private life to view in retrospect, all the meanderings of our past labors—the difficulties through which we have waded—and the fortunate Haven to which the ship has been brought! Is it possible after this that it should...
2054I: Resolution of the Virginia Legislature, 22 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
Resolved that the Executive be requested to take measures for procuring a Statue of General Washington to be of the finest Marble and best Workmanship with the following Inscription on its Pedestal; vizt The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia, have caused this Statue to be erected as a monument of affection and gratitude to George Washington—who uniting to the endowment of the...
2055II: Address of the Virginia Legislature, 24 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
The Representatives of this Commonwealth would be unfaithful to the sentiments of their Constituents as well as do violence to their own, did they omit this occasion of congratulating you on the final establishment of Peace which has taken place since their last Meeting, and in the opportunity which this event has given for you to return to the felicities of private life. We shall ever...
2056Response to the Virginia Legislature, 15 July 1784 (Washington Papers)
With feelings which are more easy to be conceived than expressed, I meet, and reciprocate the congratulations of the Representatives of this Commonwealth, on the final establishment of peace. Nothing can add more to the pleasure which arises from a conscientious discharge of public trust, than the approbation of one’s Country. To have been, under a vicissitude of fortune, amidst the difficult...
2057To George Washington from Armand, 16 May 1784 (Washington Papers)
nothing pain me more than to trouble so often your Exellency in requesting new favors while I feel shur if I live long my days will hardly be sufficiant to thank you for thoses you have allready bestowed on me, more particularly thoses which were a proof of your friendship—every step I take now with your Exellency is ambarassing to me, and although I hope to succeed, my fear of displeasing is...
2058From George Washington to John Foulke, 17 May 1784 (Washington Papers)
Genl Washington presents his Compliments to Doctr Foulke—thanks him for his polite Card, & Ticket—and would with great pleasure attend his Lecture on Pneumatics; but the business which brought him to this City does not leave him at liberty, as the Members of the Cincinnati are anxious to bring it to a close. AL , DSI : National Air and Space Museum. John Foulke (1757–1796), a graduate in 1780...
2059From George Washington to Rochambeau, 17 May 1784 (Washington Papers)
From the official letters and other proceedings of the general meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati, held at this place, and of which you have copies; you will obtain a thorough knowledge of what the Society have been doing, and the ground upon which it was done; to enter therefore into a further detail of the matter, in this letter, would be mere repetition—alike troublesome &...
2060To George Washington from Edward Snickers, 17 May 1784 (Washington Papers)
I fulley intendid to aweaighted on you to pay you the Respeckte Due you and to Do Sume bisnees but finding by the paper that you wase not at home and parte of my Bisnees wase to no hume is to make the Deeds for the Lande you Solde at Coll mercers Salle and I have gote the five Lotes that Mr James mercer Boughte and Lote number one that William Hickman Boughte and the Lote number 21 which...
2061To George Washington from Armand, 18 May 1784 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to inclose here a lettre from my mother to your Excellency. I had it for some weeks past in my possession, but as she request in it your patronage of my services in america with the ministre in france, and knowing well as I do, that a tryal of any influence, stranger to your own knowledge of my Conduct would have been disagreeable to you; I did not wish to deliver it untill...
2062Enclosure: From the Marquise de La Rouërie, 12 January 1784 (Washington Papers)
Will the heroe of our age, the man of all ages, the object of the admiration of all Nations, & Particularly of france, the theme of true enthusiasme, will the Great Washington allow a french woman, a Native of Britanny, too aspiring perhaps, but Still more an admirer of that Commanding Character, to Join with a feeble Voice in the tribute of praise which Everyone pays to that Great Man. some...
2063From George Washington to Clement Biddle, 18 May 1784 (Washington Papers)
Rather than wait, & thereby hazard delay, I would purchase Copper at the present price for all the purposes mentioned in your estimate, the Spouts, or Trunks excepted—the want of these, as they do not retard the Work may remain a while longer. Pray let me have your Acct before Nine oclock, as I hope to set off soon after that hour & wish to pay the Balle before I go. I am Yr Obedt & affe Servt...
2064From George Washington to Ebenezer Hazard, 18 May 1784 (Washington Papers)
I have, before I leave the City, to thank you for the obliging expressions of your letter of the 11th. I perswade myself you will have the goodness to notify the Postmasters in the different States, that letters franked by me are to pass free. otherwise, being unacquainted with the resolve of Congress, my corrispondents may incur the expence of Postage contrary to my expectation, & the good...
2065To George Washington from David Humphreys, 18 May 1784 (Washington Papers)
A few hours after your departure, I received a private communication from a friend in Congress informing me of my appointment as Secretary to the Commissioners for forming Commercial Treaties in Europe —Tho’ pleased with the information I considered myself as unfortunate in not having recd the Letter while your Excellency remained in Town—because I wished to avail myself of Letters of...
2066From George Washington to Elizabeth Powel, 18 May 1784 (Washington Papers)
G: Washington presents his most respectful compliments to Mrs Powell—he will be particularly careful of the letter and Box for Mrs Fitzhugh —& only laments that it is not in his power to call & ask Mrs Powell’s other commands—the Meeting of the Society will be at nine, immediately after wch the Genl will leave the City. He prays Mr Powell to accept his best respects. AL , ViMtvL . Elizabeth...
2067To George Washington from Jean Baptiste Mailhe, 19 May 1784 (Washington Papers)
What higher honor, than the Cincinnatus of America, can be bestowed on the man, who, after avenging the cause of liberty, and establishing the supremacy of his country, by a voluntary act, reduced himself to the condition of a private man? The discourse I venture to present you with, is infinitely below the greatness of the subject: but, it is at least, a sincere testimony, of the general...
2068To George Washington from Sidney Lee, 23 May 1784 (Washington Papers)
The Very obliging Notice you did me the honor of taking of a former application of mine, added to the high opinion entertained by my most intimate friends and myself, of your generosity, encourages me again to beg your assistance & advice. Have heard but twice from Mr Alexander White of Woodville Frederick County, the only ⟨act⟩ing Executor, of my late Brother General Charles Lee, since my...
2069Account of Expenditures in Attending the General Meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati, 24 May 1784 (Washington Papers)
The Society of the Cincinnati Dr to Genl Washington for his Expences attending the General Meeting in Philadelphia May—1784. Pensa Cury Apl 26th To ferriage—crossing Potomk River 9. 6 Dining &ca at Upper Marlborh 19. 9 Lodging &ca at Rawlins’s 2. 0. 7 27 To Ferriage at South River 9. 4 28 To Expences in Annapolis 4.11. 3 Ferriages to Rock-hall pr [Gilbert] Middleton 5.10. Oats &ca for the...
2070To George Washington from Henry Knox, 24–28 May 1784 (Washington Papers)
I had the mortification to find that you set out from this place about ten oClock of the same day I arrived here. Our horses were injured on the road, which obliged me to halt one day at Baltimore. I am uncertain how long I shall stay, but I hope to set out on my return on Wednesday—You Know the state of things here—It is to be apprehended that all the necessary business will not be Finished...
2071To George Washington from Jonathan Boucher, 25 May 1784 (Washington Papers)
I will not affront You with any Apologies for this Intrusion: for, greatly altered as I am to suppose You are, since I had the Honour of living in Habits of Intimacy with You, it is not possible, You can be so changed, as that You would not feel Yourself hurt, & with Reason, were any Man, who had ever known You, to think it necessary to apologise to You for doing what He is prompted to do,...
2072To George Washington from Reuben Harvey, 25 May 1784 (Washington Papers)
I cannot sufficiently express the deep Sense I entertain of thy condescending marks of friendship for me, evinced by such peculiar marks as are contain’d in thy much esteemed letters, & in the Resolution of Congress which thou wert so kind as to obtain & forward to me; entirely unexpected & above any little Services that I had, in conjunction with a few other Friends to America, render’d to...
2073To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 28 May 1784 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is the rough draught of a deed, prepared to be executed by Colo. Bassett. I send it to you for your satisfaction, with an assurance that I shall not fail to accomplish the business at the next general court. I am Dear Sir with the greatest truth yr obliged and affte friend ALS , ViMtvL . See Randolph to GW, 15 May 1784 , and the references in note 2 of that document . See also...
2074From George Washington to the Marquise de La Rouérie, 28 May 1784 (Washington Papers)
The Letter which you did me the honor to write from Rouerie on the 12th of Jany came to my hands in the course of this month. Language, or my ability, is too poor to express the sense of obligation I am laid under for the flattering sentiments contained therein—let your goodness then Madam, rather than a vain attempt of mine, speak my gratitude. It is on the merits of your Son, not to any...
2075From George Washington to John Lloyd and Hugh Rutledge, 28 May 1784 (Washington Papers)
It was not until the 24th Instt (after my return from Philadelphia) that I had the honor to receive your Joint favor of the 10th of Feby. If the happiness I feel from the restoration of Peace, after a long and arduous struggle for the rights & liberties of our Country, sweetened by the enjoymt of domestic life, could be much encreased by any additional circumstance, it certainly would be so by...
2076From George Washington to Tench Tilghman, 28 May 1784 (Washington Papers)
As I am not yet supplied with such Tradesmen as I formerly wrote to you to purchase for me, & the Baltimore paper swarms with advertisements of them, I should be obliged to you, if upon enquiry there is to be found a good joiner and Bricklayer, or either of them, who are tolerable in appearance & character, that you would be so good as to purchase & send him or them to me at this place, with...
2077To George Washington from Thomas Mifflin, 31 May 1784 (Washington Papers)
Doctor Gordon having applied to Congress for access to their records and for their Countenance to his Admission to your Papers they have passed the enclosed Resolutions which I transmit to you at the request of the Doctor. On Friday I expect to have the Pleasure of seing Mount Vernon in Company with Mrs Mifflin and Mr Lloyds family—But there is a possibility that we shall not proceed farther...
2078To George Washington from Samuel Vaughan, 1 June 1784 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Samuel Vaughan, 1 June 1784. On 20 June GW wrote to Vaughan : “I have had the honor of your favor of the 1st instant.”
2079From George Washington to Chastellux, 2 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor to receive a short letter from you by Majr L’Enfant —My official letters to the Counts D’Estaing & Rochambeau (which I expect will be submitted to the members of the Society of the Cincinnati in France) will inform you of the proceedings of the Genl Meeting held at Philada on the 3d inst:; & of the reasons which induced a departure from some of the original principles and rules...
2080From George Washington to Benjamin Franklin, 2 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
Congress having been pleased to appoint Colo. Humphrys Secretary to the Commissioners, for forming Commercial Treaties in Europe, I take the liberty of introducing him to you. This Gentleman was several years in my family as an Aid de Camp. His zeal in the cause of his Country, his good sense, prudence, and attachment to me, rendered him dear to me; and I persuade myself you will find no...
2081To George Washington from James Henry, 2 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
I am under the necessity of giving you some trouble about an affair, which you could have no reason to suppose ever to hear of again. ’tis this. When you executed a Deed to the late Mr J.P. Custis for the King and Queen Lands, where I now live, notwithstanding the Number of Gentlemen who were called upon to attest that Transaction, yet not more than one of them could be procured to prove the...
2082From George Washington to David Humphreys, 2 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
I very sincerely congratulate you on your late appointment—It is honorable, & I dare say must be agreeable. I did not hear of it until I arrived at Annapolis, where I remained but one day, & that occasioned by the detention of my Carrige & horses on the Eastern shore. Genl Knox not reaching that place before I left it—your letter of the 18th, only got to my hands on Sunday last, by the Post. I...
2083From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 2 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
It was not until I had arrived at Annapolis, on my way home, that I heard of Colo. Humphrys’s appointment as Secretary to the Commissioners for forming Commercial Treaties in Europe. Permit me now Sir, to recommend him to your countenance and friendship, which I would not do, did I not think him deserving of both. In him you will find a good Scholar, natural & acquired abilities, great...
2084From George Washington to Henry Knox, 2 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
The inconvenience with which I left home, & my impatience to return to it, hastened every step I took back, & but for the delay I met with in crossing the Bay, I might have been at home with ease on the Friday after I parted with you. Before eight on thursday morning I was at Rock-hall, & not until friday evening could I get my horses & carriage over to Annapolis. It is a real misfortune, that...
2085From George Washington to Robert Morris, 2 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
A brother of mine (Father to Mr Bushrod Washington, who studied Law under Mr Wilson) is desireous of entering his other Son in the commercial line; the inclination of the young Gentleman also points to this walk of life—he is turned of twenty—has just finished a regular education—possesses, I am told (for he is a stranger to me) good natural abilities—an amiable disposition, & an uncommon...
2086From George Washington to Rufus Putnam, 2 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
I could not answer your favor of the 5th of April from Philadelpa because Genl Knox having mislaid, only presented the letter to me in the moment of my departure from that place. The sentiments of esteem & friendship which breathe in it are exceedingly pleasing & flattering to me—and you may rest assured they are reciprocal. I wish it was in my power to give you a more favorable acct of the...
2087To George Washington from Hannah Crawford, 4 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
After my Compliments to you I am now to Inform you that uppon Examining the accts of my Husbands do find that there is the Sum of one thousand one hundred Pounds Virginia Currency Coming from the State of Virginia to the Estate and as I am very much Harrased by the Credditors for debts due by the Estate—do now Sr beg and Entreat of you to Befreind me in Getting of that money although I must...
2088To George Washington from Henry Knox, 4 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
I just write a line to inform you that I am just setting out for Boston—The president who has just gone for Mount Vernon, will inform you of the State of public matters—Things are not well and will probably be worse before they are better. I beg you to have the goodness to present my respectful compliments to Mrs Washington and beleive me my dear sir to be your truly affectionate ALS , DLC:GW...
2089To George Washington from James Milligan, 4 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of enclosing a letter from Major Gambs of the Regiment of Bourbonnois, Addressed to your Excellency; together with duplicate of the same, and also copy of a letter from him to Daniel Roberdeau Esquire —They came to my hand a few days ago, under covers to Mr Roberdeau, in whose absence, as his Attorney, I opened them, and as such, I take the liberty of troubling your Excellency...
2090To George Washington from I. Sailly, 4 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
Fully acquainted with the value of your Excellency’s protection, in a Country, indebted to him for it’s freedom; I was anxious before my departure from France, to procure an introduction to you—The Marquiss la Fayette entered into my views, and gave me the letter wc. accompanies this —It is my design to procure uncultivated lands well loaded with wood, & intersected with rivulets and streams,...
2091To George Washington from William Duer, 5 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
My Freind Mr Sayre, late Sheriff of the City of London, has Thoughts of Establishing himself in your State; and from his present Ideas, it is most probable his Choice will be not far distant from your Excellencys Seat —My long Acquaintance with him in England (where he was beloved and Respected by an Extensive and polite Circle of Freinds) had riveted him deeply in my Affections; and I cannot...
2092To George Washington from John Rutledge, 5 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
Give me Leave to introduce, to your Acquaintance, Mr Brailsford, the Gentleman by whom this will be delivered. I shall be happy to hear, by him, of the Health of yourself & Family. Mrs Rutledge joins with me, in respectful Complimts to Mrs Washington. I am with the greatest respect & sincerst Regard dr Sir yr most obedt Servt ALS , DLC:GW . John Rutledge and GW became acquainted as members of...
2093To George Washington from James Wood, 5 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
At the Arrangement of the Virginia Line made at Cumberland Old Court House in the year 1782, a Number of Officers of Different ranks were Declared Superseded, which Bars such Officers from Obtaining Certain Portions of Lands under the Act of Assembly of this State, Provided the Proceedings of the Board of Arrangement were Approved by the Commander in Chief. Applications are Daily Making by...
2094To George Washington from Tench Tilghman, 7 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
Upon the receipt of your Excellency’s favr of the 28th ulto giving me a greater latitude than you had before done, in regard to the qualifications of the Bricklayer and Joiner wanted by you, I went to the persons who have the disposal of the Irish Servants lately arrived, but found none of those Trades left upon hand. One or two more Ships are daily expected, and out of them you may be assured...
2095To George Washington from John Witherspoon, 7 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
I was favoured with your Letter of the 10th of March just three Weeks ago. I have considered attentively the Subject of it & shall make a short Remark or two upon the Proposal. For Reasons which I think are very good & which I have no doubt of convincing you at meeting ⟨even⟩ so I have made & shall make no Mention whatever of this Matter in England except to a few Confidential Friends. The...
2096To George Washington from François Barbé de Marbois, 8 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
I have received the Treatise upon the growth & management of tobacco for which I wish your excellency will accept my thanks. I know that Book will be very acceptable to M. Malsherbes. I have had So many proofs of your & Mrs Washington Kindness to me sir, that I am persuaded you’ll take Some Share in the pleasure I feel in a connection intended with Miss Eliza moore the late Presidents...
2097To George Washington from Simeon DeWitt, 9 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
I am honored with Your Excellency’s Letter of the 3d March—I write this to acquaint Your Excy that I am appointed Surveyor General of the State of New York in the room of Genl Schuyler who has resigned that Office; in consequence of which I shall make a resignation of my commission as Geographer, as soon as Congress have met again at Trenton; requesting at the same time permission to retain...
2098To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 10 June 1784 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Clement Biddle, 10 June 1784. On 30 June GW wrote to Biddle : “Your favor of the 10th Instt . . . is come safe to hand.”
2099From George Washington to Caleb Brewster, 10 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
I believe you have been misinformed as to a resolve of Congress, allowing officers on separate commands, extra-pay—I have heard of no such resolution—on the contrary, that these allowances were withdrawn. It was with great difficulty General Knox could obtain compensation for his extra-expences during his commd at the post of West-point—where, from the nature of it, he was absolutely obliged...
2100To George Washington from George William Fairfax, 10 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
I have been called upon very unexpectedly by a Gentn passing through this place to London, in order to Imbark for Virginia. So that I have scarcely time to say, that the Revd Mr B[r]acken of Williamsburg, has been so obliging as to take charge of a Case directed to your Excellency, containing two Prints, the best framed one for yourself, and the other for my Sister Washingtons kind acceptance...