From George Washington to David Stuart, 6 April 1795
To David Stuart
Philadelphia 6th April 1795.
Dear Sir
Your letter of the 22d Ulto came duly to hand.1
I shall keep Mr White, with others, in remembrance, for the place suggested; but I shall come to no decision thereon before I arrive at the federal city; which, probably, will happen on the 18th instant if no accident happens on the road;2 as my present intention is to commence my journey for Mount Vernon on the 14th for a very short stay.
The continual disputes, which seem to be entailed on the public transactions in the federal city, are extremely to be regretted. Who is to blame, in the case which you allude to, I know not; nor, if it respects property, or the construction of contracts, is it likely I shall decide, or give any opinion respecting it. I am sorry it has happened however.3
My absence from this place must be short, & two days of it will, probably, be spent in, and about the federal city.4
My best wishes attend Mrs Stuart and your family. With very great esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Your Affectionate
Go: Washington
ALS (photocopy), Superior Galleries, Superior Stamp & Coin Co., The 1991 Manuscript Society Sale, 13 Feb. 1991, item 2.
1. GW almost certainly was referring to a letter dated 22 Feb. in which Stuart suggested Alexander White as a replacement for Daniel Carroll, who resigned as D.C. commissioner in his letter to GW of 19 February. The president appointed White in May.
3. For background information on Thomas Johnson’s disputed claim to square number 4 on Rock Creek, see Johnson to GW, 12 Feb., and n.2 to that document; Edmund Randolph to GW, 27 Feb., and n.2 to that document; and Tobias Lear to GW, 8 March, and n.2 to that document.