From George Washington to the United States Senate, 20 August 1789
To the United States Senate
New York August 20th 1789
Gentlemen of the Senate,
In consequence of an Act providing for the expences which may attend negociations or Treaties with the Indian Tribes, and the appointment of Commissioners for managing the same,1 I nominate Benjamin Lincoln as one of three Commissioners whom I shall propose to be employed to negociate a Treaty with the Southern Indians. My reason for nominating him at this early moment, is, that it will not be possible for the Public to avail itself of his services on this occasion, unless his appointment can be forwarded to him by the mail, which will leave this place tomorrow morning.2
Go: Washington
LS, DNA: RG 46, First Congress, President’s Messages—Executive Nominations; LB, DLC:GW.
This message was delivered to the Senate by Tobias Lear ( 2:27).
1. “An Act providing for the Expenses which may attend Negotiations or Treaties with the Indian Tribes, and the appointment of Commissioners for managing the same” authorized a sum not to exceed $20,000 to be drawn from duties on tonnage and imports for negotiation with the Indians. Commissioners appointed under the act would receive an allowance, exclusive of expenses, of $8 per day ( 54 [20 Aug. 1789]).
2. See GW to Lincoln, 11 and 20 Aug., and Lincoln to GW, 16 and 28 Aug. 1789. The Senate confirmed Lincoln’s appointment on 20 Aug. ( 2:28).