From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 22 December 1794
To Tobias Lear
Philadelphia Decr 22d 1794
My dear Sir,
Looking into an old Portfolio, which I had not seen this many a day, I found the papers which accompany this note, relative to the River Potomac. I do not know that any of them will be useful to you; but as well for the purpose of keeping them together as to afford you an opportunity of deciding for yourself, they are now forwarded to you.1
I also send you the sketch which has been presented to me by Mr Claiborn, of the new method of lowering & raising boats, without locks.2 It will give you a better idea than my description which in the letter of yesterday, was capable of doing; & for that reason it is forwarded. I am Your affecte Servt
Go: Washington
ALS (letterpress copy), ViMtvL; LB, DLC:GW. The letter-book copy is dated 21 December.
1. The enclosed papers have not been identified.
2. For the sketch, now at ViMtvL, see figure 1.

Fig. 1. Sketch of a proposed method of raising and lowering boats, without locks. (Courtesy of the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association)