851To George Washington from George Washington Parke Custis, 8 June 1797 (Washington Papers)
With a heart oerflowing with gratitude, love, and joy, I return you thanks for your favour of the 4th ultimo, and could my words do justice to my feelings I would paint them in their highest tints, but words communicate ideas not sensations! Your letter fraught with what reason, prudence, and affection, only can dictate, is engraven on my mind, and taken root in a soil, which I shall cultivate...
852To George Washington from Jedidiah Morse, 8 June 1797 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to enclose you a copy of my American Gazetteer, whh is just from the press, & pray you to accept it as a mark of the great & affectionate esteem I bear to your person & character, & of the high sense I entertain of your past services to this country. If, Sir, it shall contribute in any degree to increase the satisfaction whh you cannot fail to enjoy in your most honourable &...
853To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 6 June 1797 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to inclose two letters received yesterday from Europe, to your address. I was informed that to-day the House of Representatives concurred with the bill sent down from the Senate to prohibit the exportation of arms and military stores. Notwithstanding the persevering opposition given by nearly half the members of the House to some important sentences in the reported address...
854To George Washington from Reed & Forde, 5 June 1797 (Washington Papers)
We duely received your communication of the 19th and in consequence shall immediately take the necessary means to have the balance of the Columbia Shares transferd to your order, at furthest they shall be sent from this in all next week if not previously obtaind at George Town. We consider’d that we held as many shares in the Columbia Bank as would have compleated your quantity but there has...
855To George Washington from Charles Landon Carter, 2 June 1797 (Washington Papers)
With diffidence I now address you, in consequence of having failed, after my first Voyage from China, to return the two hundred Dollars you favored me with the Loan of—Be assured, Dr Sir, that I left goods unsold, at the time of my Departure from Philadelphia the second Voyage, & directed that the money arising therefrom should be paid to you, but, the Integrity of my Agent did not prove to be...
856To George Washington from Callohill Mennis, 2 June 1797 (Washington Papers)
Such a length of time having elapsed since I had the pleasure of seeing you last, that I shou’d not be in the least surprised, if you had entirely forgotten that you ever had such an officer as myself under your command in the late continental army. But were I to be assured that I still lived in the remembrance of my old commander, the reflection wou’d communicate to me the most pleasing &...
857To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 31 May 1797 (Washington Papers)
Mr Peter informs me that you wish to know more particularly respecting the Carpenters engaged for you than what I communicated on Saturday last. Since that time I have seen Frederick, who tells me that the letter from his brother was dated at Amsterdam on the 7th of March, in which he states, that he had engaged for you two very good House Carpenters & Joiners, who would come out in the Ship...
858To George Washington from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 31 May 1797 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to acknowledge your favour by the Alexandria mail of May 26th. On applying to the Bank of Pensylvania I was told that no monies had been lodged on your account, by Colo. Shreve or any other person—on shewing your Letter to Mr James Ross, he paid me on account of Colo. Ritchie 3409 20/100 Dollars which I now remit in four Treasury drafts on Mr Fitzgerald endorsed in your...
859To George Washington from George Washington Parke Custis, 29 May 1797 (Washington Papers)
Words cannot express my present sensations, a heart overflowing with joy at the success of conscience over disposition is all I have to give—Dearest Sir did you but know the effect your letter has produced it would give you as consummate pleasure, as my former one did pain —My very soul tortured with the sting of conscience at length called reason to its aid and happy for me triumphed, the...
860To George Washington from Thomas Dockery, 25 May 1797 (Washington Papers)
You may think strange to see the enclosed, but I beg your patience, to view what comes from my trembling hand, being in the 80th year of my age; and having a ⟨turn⟩ from my youth, to a Military life, I made use of the first opportunity which offered in the year 1746 leaving a beloved wife, & dear young daughter to keep house, while I thought to distinguish my self before the walls of Quebec....
861To George Washington from William Hartshorne, 24 May 1797 (Washington Papers)
The deed thou enclosed to me for 15 Shares in the Potomack Company has been recorded and is now enclosed for which thy account is charged one dollar. I am Respectfully Thy friend ALS , DLC:GW . William Hartshorne (1742-1816), a merchant in Alexandria, had been a commissioner of the Potowmack Company and its treasurer since it was organized in 1785 under the presidency of GW. Hartshorne...
862To George Washington from Newburgh Burroughs, 22 May 1797 (Washington Papers)
I am encouraged to address this letter to you, not only from the great & amiable Character which the Universe allows you, but also from your being acquainted with the transaction concerning which I take the liberty to trouble you. You may recollect a Correspondence which Mrs Bomford had the honor of holding with you about sixteen Years ago, in consequence of some kindnesses she shewed to a Mrs...
863To George Washington from William Neil, 21 May 1797 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency will justly think this address a piece of presumption, the nature of the business will I hope, plead an apology. Born near Belfast in the North of Ireland and bred a manufacturer of Linen, at fifty years of age I embarked for America (through the advice of a Son of mine resident in Boston) & brought a large family with me. My fortune at that time, which was eighteen months ago,...
864To George Washington from Landon Carter, 18 May 1797 (Washington Papers)
In pursuance to a conversation I had with you at Mt Vernon I have proceeded as near as I could your wish upon the occasion. I postponed the thing thus long because I thought a personal enquiery would be preferrable to an epistolary one. Upon a question to your Nephew George L. if he had any probable chance of accomodating you, he assured me that he had no prospect at all and advised me to...
865Samuel Stanhope Smith to GW, 18 May 1797 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: Samuel Stanhope Smith to GW, 18 May 1797. On 24 May GW wrote Smith : “Your favour of the 18th instt was received by the last Post.”
866To George Washington from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 18 May 1797 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive your favour of May 15th—and while I rejoice that you enjoy that repose & tranquillity so richly earned by a life of services and benefits for mankind, the reflection, that he who so long directed public opinion, and whose council at this time would possess and deserve universal confidence, is a private Citizen, encites mixed emotions, which I am unable to...
867To George Washington from James Angell, 16 May 1797 (Washington Papers)
The above account would have been forwarded ere this had I not been absent from America. You will oblige me by forwarding the amount to any person you please in this town, to whom I will give a receipt. I have no agent at present in Alexandria. I am Sir with respect Your Humble Servant ALS , DLC:GW . In August 1789 William Goddard made his wife’s brother James Angell (d. 1797) of Rhode Island...
868To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 16 May 1797 (Washington Papers)
I have made inquiry concerning Colo. Biddle. He is apparently wealthy, at this time, and is building a large house: but he has failed, I am told, three times, and once after paying away, in the course of a year, of the money of his honest creditors, about six thousand pounds to usurers, in enormous interest. You doubtless take some Philadelphia papers: but lest at this interesting moment yours...
869To George Washington from James McAlpin, 15 May 1797 (Washington Papers)
I received your much esteemed favor of the 7th Inst. ⅌ Mr Custis on Wednesday last—also an Order for Cloths &c. which was compleated on Saturday, and delivered to him. In your letter you mention your depending on me for procuring one Dozn peices Nankeen & trimmings for the Cloths, this as well as the other part of the order which I received from Mr Dandridge, was punctualy executed by me, and...
870To George Washington from James McHenry, 14 May 1797 (Washington Papers)
I think it probable that there will be a house of representatives to-morrow and perhaps a Senate on tuesday, the speech of course will be on Wednesday. The speech will state the circumstances which have induced to the call of Congress; express a sincere desire that accommodation may take place; inform, that a fresh attempt will be made to endeavour to effectuate the object; recommend in the...
871To George Washington from George Pearson, 12 May 1797 (Washington Papers)
As you have got yourself released from the Burthen of the exalted public Station you had long held with the highest Honor to yourself, and Benefit to the People over whom you presided, you will now, I trust, have Leisure to attend a little to a more private Duty in which you were engaged even before your public one commenced, & which is not yet completed; and having Leisure, & Opportunity, I...
872To George Washington from Ludwell Lee, 11 May 1797 (Washington Papers)
Two English farmers, who wish to farm Lands in this part of the Country, have desired an introduction to you; understanding that you have an inclination to rent some part of yours—I have undertaken this in the first instance, tho I hope, their knowledge, & capability for the business they profess, will recommend them to you more than any thing I can say in their favor. I believe them however,...
873To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 11 May 1797 (Washington Papers)
I have seen Mr Smith and had Conversation with him respecting Reed & Ford, & the Probability of their producing the Residue of the shares due to you. They intimate in their Correspondence no Idea of obtaining them any other way than by their funds in this place due 11 or 12 months hence. How far their earlier Necessities may compel them to part with these I know not; but Mercantile Men who...
874To George Washington from Mary White Morris, 9 May 1797 (Washington Papers)
I do most Chearfully accept from your self and Mrs Washington, as a testimony of so valued a Regard for me, Mr Morris, & my family, the Lustre you have Presented me With, a gift in it Self so hansome will nevertheless to us all Derive its greatest merit as coming from such valued Friends, as an affectionate Remembrance, and give it in our Eyes Estimation, and value, very Superior to that of...
875To George Washington from William Herbert, 2 May 1797 (Washington Papers)
On looking over mr Lears Account in the Bank Books, this morning, I find that He has Drawn the Money for Smiths Note, & that he has only Ninety Eight Dollars, at this Time in Bank. I Am—With great respect & regard—Dr Sir—yr Most Hble Servt ALS , DLC:GW . William Herbert (1743–1818) replaced William Hartshorne as president of the Bank of Alexandria early in 1796. On 4 Oct. 1796 Alexander Smith...
876To George Washington from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 2 May 1797 (Washington Papers)
I embrace the earliest opportunity to transmit a Copy of the documents refered to in the Presidents Speech. We hear nothing further that is interesting. It is remarkable that all the foreign Nations with whom we have public intercource bring forward their claims for Gratitude, even the Spaniard contends for his Share. With perfect respect & attachment I remain Dear Sir, your obedt servt ALS ,...
877Farm Reports, 23–29 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
1797 April 23d Morning 57 Thunder & Rain 59 W. Rain 57 W. cloudy 24 57 N.E. cloudy & rain 58 N.E. cloudy & showers 56 S. cloudy 25 57 S. & Rain 60 W. & clear 58 S. clear 26 60 W. clear 62 W. clear 60 W. clear 27 62 S.E. clear 64 E. clear
878To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 29 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
I had the Honor of your favor of the 28th so late on Friday that I cou’d not answer it by Post, not having returned from the City untill the Mail was dispatched. The inclosed Letter from Mr Smith will give the true state of Messrs Reed and Fords funds in this place. The paper he aludes to will I think ensure after some time the number of Shares still due on their Contract & Mr Smith asures me...
879To George Washington from George Gilpin, 27 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
A Servant of yours a few days ago request’d to be inform’d if there was any Vessell at Alexandria bound for Philadelphia there was no Vessell then at this Town bound to Philadelphia, but Capt. Ellwood is now here his packet will Sail for that plaece in a few days. I made enquiry for a joiner as you desired I found Several that would have taken some 5 and others 6/ ⅌ day but on enquiry they had...
880To George Washington from Miles King, 27 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
From my Early Acquaintance with you I have taken the liberty of Addressing you in an Appointment of Importance to my large and growing Family—having Spent Upwards of Twenty Years in the Service of my Country and Eighteen Years in the Assembly of Virginia Acquainted with business being all my life in the Merchantile line and knowing the Duty of the office which I Wish to gett, my Aid in...
881To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 27 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
Not meeting myself with any private conveyance, I have committed to the Atty Genl the care of forwarding the packet with your buckles; and also mentioned it to Mr Harrison, whose wife will shortly go to her father’s, & who will carry it, if Mr Lee should not find a conveyance. Mr Barlow sent by Capt OBrien a parcel of Barbary mellon seeds, addressed to the Society of Agriculture of...
882To George Washington from Rufus King, 26 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
As I forward several copies of the news Paper that contained the advertisement concerning your suit in the Chancery of Virginia, though a Ship in which one of them was sent, has been carried into France I hope some others arrived safe and in Season —Every one is anxious to hear from Vienna, the latest accounts from which, leaving it uncertain whether we are to expect the news of a Great...
883To George Washington from Patrick McCarty, 26 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
According to Your directions I have Enquired in George town about the Stoves but there is no Such things in it, when You Send for them be Particular in Getting the pipes to them, as they Seldom have any Made but Such as have an open flew behind to Go into the Chimney. I am Sir with the Greatest respect Your Obedt Servt ALS , DLC:GW . On 22 April GW paid Patrick McCarty £13.10 “in full for...
884To George Washington from Saunders A. Read, 25 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
What you offer me for Doing your Work is entirely too little if you will give a Dollar a Day and find me, and a house for my family to live in the time I am about your work I will do it I will engage to do it as well as any one you can get I have now engaged to do a small Job at the falls which will detain me ten or twelve days If you wish to employ me I shoud be Glad to know tomorrow as I...
885To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 25 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure of enclosing a Certificate of the Transfere of the 41 shares promised by Messrs Linghan & Smith; which is all the evidence necessary of your being the Holder of the Shares. Whilst at Bank I took an Opportunity of exam[in]ing the Stock book to see whether these Gentn held any more Stock than has been transfered to you: finding no Stock in their own Names I have investigated...
886To George Washington from John Trumbull, 25 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
The Letter which you did me the Honour to write to me on the 12 th of January came to my hands some days ago, together with its enclosures: The Letter for Mr John Carey was conveyed to him as soon as I could learn his place of residence. I beg leave to return my thanks to Mrs Washington, for the Honor of her Letter, and for the very flattering sentiments she has been pleased to express towards...
887To George Washington from George Ball, 24 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
Upon considering the writing more attentively, which pass’d between us, respecting the land—I think a part of it meterially improper—and I am confident when I state some facts you will think with me—the writing says I shall pay six Pr centum upon the purchase money from 1789 untill the whole is discharged. Your letter to Geo: Fitzhugh states that your terms are eight hundred pounds with...
888To George Washington from Joshua Humphreys, 24 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
Before you left this City you mentioned you wanted a pump for raising water about sixty feet, if you have not one provided and will please to give me the height the water must be raised, the quantity to be delivered, and also the use it is to be applied to, I will endeavour to find out and transmitt to you the best plan for having one made, and what the cost will be. The Frigate U. States will...
889To George Washington from St. George Tucker, 24 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
The solicitude which you have expressed in several of your communications to Congress for the establishment of a National University, & the apparent unwillingness of that body to act upon the subject, gave rise to the enclosed short essay, which I beg leave to submit to your perusal. Permit me to wish you many years of health and happiness, and to assure you of the most perfect esteem. I am,...
890To George Washington from Elizabeth Foote Washington, 24 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
I should not have mention’d my disappointment in not geting fish had I thought there had been justice done me—be assured I want no more, when I made application for fish, I was told that there was only two before me, Voilett & Cash—when they were supplied my turn should be next, I then waited patiently until word was sent me to send hands to receive my fish, I sent four which stay’d there near...
891To George Washington from Gustavus Scott, 23 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
I have the Honor of your favor of the 22d Instt with the Inclosures. In this and in every other Instance within my small Powers it will give me infinite pleasure to obey your Commands. I will wait on Messrs Lingham and Smith this day & if no unforeseen difficulties occur close the business tomorrow. & forward a Certificate of the Transfer by the earliest Mail after the Transfer is made. I have...
892Farm Reports, 16–22 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
1797 April 16 in the Morning 54 S.E. & Rainy 56 S.E. & rain 54 S.E. & rain 17 56 S.E. & clear 60 S.E. clear 57 S.E. & rainy 18 51 N.W. cloudy 53 N.W. cloudy 51 N.W. clear 19 45 N.W. cloudy 47 N.W. clear 45 N.W. cloudy 20 46 N.W. cloudy 48 N.W. clear
893To George Washington from William Charles Cole Claiborne, 22 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
Permit an individual from a remote part of America, to address you, an individual little known in public Life, and whose personal Acquaintance with you is very confined: The freedom I thus take illy-becomes me; but when I recollect, that the Character I write to, is the great friend of Mankind, his Goodness to pardon an honest intention is my best excuse. The object of this Letter, is to...
894To George Washington from Elizabeth Foote Washington, 22 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
I have flatter’d myself should have got what fine herrings I want from your fishing Landing, but am inform’d I cannot, which has put me to a great nonplus to know what to do, or where to apply—for not doubting but what I should get them there (as it had been the custom) I never applied any where else. I have already had four hands waiting at the ferry Landing for near a week & got only three...
895To George Washington from Timothy Pickering, 21 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
To-day a Jerseyman called on me to enquire whether I knew of any agent of yours in this city, who could receive money for you. He said Colo. Israel Shrieve had formerly purchased some land of you at Red-Stone, which the Colo. sold to the Enquirer’s brother, in whose behalf he had come to pay two hundred pounds. Not knowing of any such agent, I told the man I would inform you of his...
896To George Washington from Reed & Forde, 20 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
We should have answered your favour of the 31st of March earlier but waited for information from George Town the Power of Attorney we forwarded to transfer parts of the Columbia shares being informal has been returned to us, we have since sent a power properly authenticated and expect that on application to Mr Walter Smith the Shares will be transfered agreeable to our obligation. we are with...
897To George Washington from Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 19 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
I intended to have availed myself before this time of the permission you was pleased to give me, at a moment which I shall never forget; but indisposition & an uncommon pressure of business have prevented. The last accounts from France mention that General Pinckney had gone to Amsterdam in consequence of orders from the Directory. The treatment he recd was rude and insolent in the highest...
898To George Washington from William Heath, 17 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
When you first ascended the highest seat in the Government of the United States, I could not but address you on an event so auspicious to our Country—Perhaps you might then think that I was pressing myself into notice or seeking for a place—But be assured my honorable Friend, that my heart is now as much attached to you on your retreat from Public Life, as when you Commenced a Career, which...
899Farm Reports, 9–15 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
1797 April 9 in the Morning 50 N.W. clear 52 N.W. clear 50 W. cloudy 10 41 N.W. clear 46 N.W. clear 42 N.W. clear 11 52 W. clear 56 S.W. clear 52 S.W. clear 12 *62 S. clear 64 S. clear 62 S. clear *began Planting Corn on River Farm 13 62 S. cloudy
900To George Washington from Henry Lee, Jr., 15 April 1797 (Washington Papers)
On reaching this place I called on Mr Lingan to whom R. & F. referred me. The inclosed paper shews the determination to transfer 41 shares—letters are daily expected from R. & F. which will lead to the transfer of the ballance. As my election comes on next monday I fear my hurry will be such as to compel me to ⟨pass⟩ you & therefore I do now that by letr which I meant to have done personally....