4581From George Washington to d’Estaing, 7 September 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have had the honor to receive your letter of the 30th of May by the hands of Monsieur de Ternant. and I beg you will be assured that I have a proper sense of the very polite and obliging manner in which you are pleased to express your personal regard for me. The manner in which you speak of M. de Ternant is highly honorable to him—and, from his talents, discretion, and proper views, united...
4582From George Washington to Armand, 5 September 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive your letter of the 22nd of march last. Being indisposed on the day when Monsieur de Combourg called to deliver your letter I did not see him—and I understood that he set off for Niagara on the next day. The interesting state of affairs in France has excited the sympathy and engaged the good wishes of our citizens, who will learn with great pleasure that the...
4583From George Washington to Moustier, 5 September 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive the letter which you were so good as to write to me from Berlin on the 26 of April. The favorable sentiments which you express of our country and its councils are very agreeable to me—The kind interest which you take in my personal happiness excites a grateful sensibility. You will learn with pleasure that events have realised the most sanguine hopes of our...
4584From George Washington to Edward Newenham, 5 September 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of the 31st of January, and 10 of March last, and to express my obligations to your flattering and friendly assurances of regard. The interest which you are so good as to take in the welfare of the United States makes the communication of their prosperity to you, a most agreeable duty. You will learn with pleasure that events have...
4585From George Washington to John Greenwood, 4 September 1791 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to John Greenwood, 4 Sept. 1791. Greenwood wrote GW on 10 Sept. that “I Received yours dated the 4th by the hand of sr John Jays son.”
4586From George Washington to John Jay, 4 September 1791 (Washington Papers)
The indisposition, and consequent absence from Mount Vernon of my Nephew, Majr Washington, to whom the care of my private business is entrusted, makes it indispensably necessary for me to go home before the meeting of Congress. My stay there will be longer or shorter according to circumstances —but it cannot exceed the middle of October, as I must be back before the meeting of that Body. Will...
4587From George Washington to Anthony Whitting, 4 September 1791 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 29th of last month came duly to hand, with the report of the preceeding week, and I am sorry to find by them that the weather had become dry again, but as we have had some fine rain here in the course of last week —as it is now raining, and has been doing so near twelve hours—and has all the appearances of a general rain, I hope in your next to hear, that you have...
4588Ratification of the Holland Loan, 1 September 1791 (Washington Papers)
Now Know ye, that the President of the United States of America having seen and considered the said contract, hath ratified and confirmed, & by these presents doth ratify & confirm the same and every article thereof. In testimony whereof he has caused the seal of the U.S. to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same with his hand. Done at the City of Philadelphia the first day of...
4589From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 29 August 1791 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed for Mr Young, I pray you to put under cover to Mr Johnson—the other for Mr Vaughan may go in like manner, or otherwise, as you may think best; both however by the Packet. The letter for Mr Carroll I also return—besides which, were you to write a line or two to Mr Johnson, addressed to the care of the Postmaster in Baltimore, it might be a mean of giving him earlier notice of the...
4590From George Washington to Anthony Whitting, 29 August 1791 (Washington Papers)
In a letter which I wrote to you on friday last, I acknowledged the receipt of yours of the 22d, and informed you that I should again write as on this day, by the Post, who would also be the bearer of the materials for the Bolting Chest. The latter is accordingly sent, directed to the care of the Post Master in Alexandria, and hope it will be in time for the Work of Mr Ball. In my last, I...
4591To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 29 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed for Mr. Young , I pray you to put under cover to Mr. Johnson—the other for Mr. Vaughan may go in like manner, or otherwise, as you may think best;—both however by the Packet. The letter for Mr. Carroll I also return—besides which, were you to write a line or two to Mr. Johnson, addressed to the care of the Postmaster in Baltimore, it might be a mean of giving him earlier notice of...
4592From George Washington to Charles Carroll (of Carrollton), 28 August 1791 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 11th instant came duly to hand—and I have also received the papers from Mount Vernon which, in my letter of the 31st of July, I informed you I had written for. Enclosed you have an exact copy of the decree of the Court of Chancery in Virginia, under which I became the purchaser of Clifton’s land. I likewise send you the opinion of the Attorney-General of the United States...
4593Memorandum for Thomas Jefferson, 27 August 1791 (Washington Papers)
Will circumstances render a postponement of the Sale of Lots in the Federal City advisable? If not Where ought they to be made Will it in that case, or even without it, be necessary or prudent to attempt to borrow money to carry on the difft works in the City? Whether ought the building of a bridge over the Eastern branch to be attempted—the Canal set about—and Mr Peter’s proposion with...
4594From George Washington to Anthony Whitting, 26 August 1791 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Anthony Whitting, 26 Aug. 1791. In writing to Anthony Whitting on Monday, 29 Aug., GW referred to his letter to Whitting of “friday last.”
4595Circular on the State of American Agriculture, 25 August 1791 (Washington Papers)
Some enquiries having been made of me by important Characters on the state of agriculture in America, comprehending its Several relations, and intended to ascertain the value of our lands, with their yield in the several kinds of grain, grass &ca—the prices of farming stock, the prices of produce &ca together with a list of the Taxes in the different States, which may in any way affect the...
4596From George Washington to Thomas Hartley, 25 August 1791 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Thomas Hartley, 25 Aug. 1791. Thomas Hartley wrote to GW on 24 Sept. that he was “highly honoured by your favour of the 25th ult.”
4597From George Washington to Samuel Vaughan, 25 August 1791 (Washington Papers)
At the same time that I acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th of may, I must beg your acceptance of my best thanks for the publications which accompanied it. I am glad to learn that the good opinion first entertained of Mr Rumsey and his inventions still continues, and I sincerely hope as well for his own emolument and the benefit of mankind, as for the credit of our country that...
4598From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 21 August 1791 (Washington Papers)
At eight ’oclock A.M. tomorrow, I set out for Mr Powells farm, to see the operation of Colo. Anderson’s threshing Machine. I Break fast, you know, at half past Seven; if it is convenient to take that in your way, I should be glad to see you at it. When you have read the enclosed letters I will converse with you on the subject of them. I am always yours ALS , DLC : Thomas Jefferson Papers. The...
4599To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 21 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
At eight o’clock A:M tomorrow, I set out for Mr. Powells farm, to see the operation of Colo. Anderson’s threshing machine .—I Breakfast, you know, at half past Seven; if it is convenient to take that in your way, I should be glad to see you at it. When you have read the enclosed letters I will converse with you on the subject of them.—I am always yours, RC ( DLC ); addressed: “Mr. Jefferson”;...
4600From George Washington to William Tilghman, 18 August 1791 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 14th Ulto came duly to hand—but a confinement of some weeks, and much business since, has prevented my acknowledging the receipt of it until now. It has not appeared from any Papers I have yet seen that the settlement which seems to have taken place between Messrs Chalmers & George was ever communicated to Mr West. To me it never was. I will, however, again write to the...
4601From George Washington to Arthur Young, 15 August 1791 (Washington Papers)
That I may not be thought inattentive to your favor of the 25th of Jany—which came to my hands about ten days ago only—I avail myself of the first Packet since the receipt of it to inform you that the Annals, and Chicorium Intybus have got safe to my hands. A set of the former I have presented in your name, agreeably to your request, to the Agricultural Society in this City. For the other...
4602From George Washington to James Craik, 14 August 1791 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to James Craik, 14 Aug. 1791. In a letter to GW of 31 Aug., James Craik referred to GW’s letter to him “of the 14th Inst”
4603From George Washington to Benjamin Lincoln, 14 August 1791 (Washington Papers)
(Private) My dear Sir, Philadelphia August 14th 1791 As it never has been my intention to bestow double Offices on the same person, and my design that those Marshalls who have received Appointments under the late Revenue Act should hold the former (i.e. the Marshalls office) until the first of the present month (the time by which the Census was to be returned, or until this business should be...
4604From George Washington to Anthony Whitting, 14 August 1791 (Washington Papers)
From the last letter I have received from my nephew the Major, I presume he is, ’ere this, on his tour to Berkeley; I shall therefore, during his absence, address my letters on matters which relate to my concerns at Mount Vernon, to you. And do request that the weekly reports may be transmitted to me as usual—with such other accounts of your progress in sowing &ca; prospects (with respect to...
4605From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 12 August 1791 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Timothy Pickering, 12 Aug. 1791. Timothy Pickering wrote to his brother on 12 Aug.: “this day the President sent me a note, desiring to see me” ( Upham, Pickering, Octavius Pickering and Charles W. Upham. The Life of Timothy Pickering . 4 vols. Boston, 1867–73. 2:496).
4606From George Washington to William Darke, 9 August 1791 (Washington Papers)
(Private) Dear Sir, Philadelphia August 9. 1791. I have received your letter of the 24 ult. —Regarding its contents, altho’ relating to objects of public import, as private communication, I shall reply to, and remark upon them, with that candor which my personal esteem, and my public wishes strongly enjoin. I need not tell you that my regret is seriously excited by learning that any cause of...
4607From George Washington to William Moultrie, 9 August 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure, my dear Sir, to receive your friendly letter of the 10th of last month—and I reply with affectionate regard to your congratulations & kind wishes. A slight indisposition (occasioned by a tumour—not much unlike the one I had in New York in the year 1789—) since my return, of which I am now recovered, does not forbid the expectation that my health may be ultimately...
4608From George Washington to Thomas Johnson, 8 August 1791 (Washington Papers)
It appearing to me proper that the Commissioners should be apprised of the pretensions—signified in the enclosed letter—I send it to them accordingly, that such prudent use may be made of the information as to them shall seem fit. I have not given, nor shall I give any answer—at least for the present—to the writer of it; and no person is knowing to my having received such a letter. I am—Dear...
4609From George Washington to Thomas Johnson, 7 August 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly favored with your letters of the 27 & 30 of July; the last of which came to hand while the Judges of the Supreme Court were with me on an invitation to dinner. I took this opportunity of laying your letter before the Chief Justice, (as you mentioned your having written to him and to Mr Wilson on the subject) in order that it might be communicated to the other Judges—After a...
4610From George Washington to Charles Carroll (of Carrollton), 31 July 1791 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 16 only got to my hands on friday last —Not having my private papers at this place, to refer to, I can say nothing with precision as to the sum, or sums which is due from me on account of my purchase of Clifton’s land—It is highly probable, however, that the information given to you by your Attorney is right—Be the amount, however, what it may, I shall be ready at any moment,...
4611To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 30 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I have given your letter to Mr. Short, dated the 28th. instant an attentive perusal.—As you place confidence in his judgment and discretion, I think it is very proper that the sentiments which are expressed in the cyphered part of it, should be handed to him; and approve the communicating of them to him accordingly. RC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “The Secretary of State” endorsed by TJ as...
4612To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 29 July 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Upon a full consideration of the reasons offered by Mr. Short, in his correspondence with you, for removing the restrictions laid upon him by his present instructions, so far as relates to his not opening a loan for more than a certain sum and not being allowed to open a new Loan until the terms of the preceding one shall have been ratified here, I have thought it expedient, & for the interest...
4613From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 28 July 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have just given the enclosed Letters an acknowledgment, & was about to file them; but not recollecting whether I had ever shewn them to you, or not—I now, as they contain information, & opinions on Men & things, hand them to you for your perusal. By comparing them with others, & the predictions at the times they were written with the events which have happened, you will be able to judge of...
4614From George Washington to Lafayette, 28 July 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have, my dear Sir, to acknowledge the receipt of your favors of the 7 of March and 3 of May, and to thank you for the communications which they contain relative to your public affairs. I assure you I have often contemplated, with great anxiety, the danger to which you are personally exposed by your peculiar and delicate situation in the tumult of the times, and your letters are far from...
4615From George Washington to Gouverneur Morris, 28 July 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have now before me your favors of the 22d of November—the 1st & 24th of December 1790—and of the 9th of March 1791. The Plateaux which you had the goodness to procure for me, arrived safe; and the account of them has been settled, as you desired, with Mr R: Morris. For this additional mark of attention to my wishes, I pray you to accept my thanks. The communications in your several letters,...
4616To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 28 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just given the enclosed Letters an acknowledgment, and was about to file them; but not recollecting whether I had ever shewn them to you, or not—I now, as they contain information, and opinions on Men and things, hand them to you for your perusal.—By comparing them with others, and the predictions at the times they were written with the events which have happened, you will be able to...
4617From George Washington to the Commissioners for the Federal District, 24 July 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have received from Mr Peter the inclosed letter proposing the erection of Warves at the New City, between Rock Creek and Hamburg. My answer to him is, that the proposition is worthy of consideration, and that the transaction of whatever may concern the public at that place in future being now turned over to you, I have inclosed the letter to you to do thereon whatever you may think best,...
4618From George Washington to Henry Knox, 22 July 1791 (Washington Papers)
(Confidential) Dear Sir, Philadelphia July 22d 1791 If, without disclosing the object in the smallest degree, you can come at (from Mr William Houston or through any other channel by the time you return) the rate of abilities possessed by Colo. (Joseph) Habersham—to what they would most usefully apply—whether he is a man of arrangement—or Industry—&ca you would oblige me in making the enquiry...
4619From George Washington to David Humphreys, 20 July 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letters of the 16 of February and 3 of may, and am much obliged by your observations on the situation, manners, customs and dispositions of the Spanish nation—In this age of free enquiry and enlightened reason it is to be hoped that the condition of the people in every Country will be bettered and the happiness of mankind promoted. Spain appears to be so much behind the...
4620From George Washington to Aedanus Burke, 19 July 1791 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 6. of May covering one from Colo. Philemon Waters, was put into my hands while I was in Charleston —During my journey, you will readily conceive, it was not in my power to attend to, and answer the subject of Colo. Waters’s letter, which is the cause of this late acknowledgement of it—and I must now request, Sir, as his letter came thro’ your hands, and as a letter to him...
4621From George Washington to Richard Champion, 19 July 1791 (Washington Papers)
While I was on my Journey through the Southern States it was not in my power to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 24th of May, which was put into my hands at Camden, and to make a proper return of my thanks for the Manuscript reflections upon our present situation &c. —and the printed Volume of your Observations on the Commercial Connexion between Great Britain and the United...
4622From George Washington to Hannah Meredith Gordon, 19 July 1791 (Washington Papers)
In reply to your letter of the 3rd of march with which I have been honored, I am under the necessity of observing, that circumstances put it out of my power to afford you any assistance in recovering your lands which you mention to have been confiscated during the late war in the State of Pennsylvania. Situated as I am in respect to the General Government of this country, you must yourself,...
4623From George Washington to William Gordon, 19 July 1791 (Washington Papers)
As it has ever been a rule with me to make my private concerns give way to my public duties, when both cannot be accomplished, I now find myself under the necessity, from the weight of public business, which is at this time much encreased by an absence of more than three months, [(]on a tour thro’ the southern States) of refraining to enter so fully into my private correspondencies as my...
4624From George Washington to Catharine Sawbridge Macaulay Graham, 19 July 1791 (Washington Papers)
At the same time that I acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the first of march with which I have been honored, let me request you to accept my thanks for your polite attention in sending me the pamphlet which accompanied it. The importance of the subject, which has called forth your production and numerous others, is so deeply interesting to mankind that every philanthropic mind, however...
4625From George Washington to William Deakins, 17 July 1791 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to William Deakins, Jr., 17 July 1791. On 22 July Deakins referred to GW’s “much Esteem’d favor of the 17th Current.” See GW to Thomas Johnson, 14 July, n.1 .
4626From George Washington to George Augustine Washington, 17 July 1791 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to George Augustine Washington, 17 July 1791. GW’s nephew wrote to him on 1 Aug. , acknowledging “rect of Your favor of the 17th Ulto.”
4627From George Washington to Thomas Johnson, 14 July 1791 (Washington Papers)
Without preface, or apology for propounding the following question to you—at this time—permit me to ask you with frankness, and in the fullness of friendship, whether you will accept of an appointment in the Supreme Judiciary of the United States? Mr Rutledge’s resignation has occasioned a vacancy therein which I should be glad to see filled by you. Your answer to this question by the Post...
4628From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 13 July 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have received since my return to this place the letter which you were so kind as to write on the 6. of June, and am now to make you my acknowledgements for the information it contained. Very soon after I came to the government I took measures for enquiring into the disposition of the british cabinet on the matters in question between us: and what you now communicate corresponds very exactly...
4629George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 13 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved, since my return to this place, the letter which you were so kind as to write on the 6th. of June, and am now to make you my acknowledgements for the information it contained. Very soon after I came to the government, I took measures for enquiring into the dispositions of the British cabinet on the matters in question between us: and what you now communicate corresponds very...
4630From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 12 July 1791 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed I send this afternoon, for your perusal. Tomorrow, 8’Oclock, I shall send the person who was the bearer of it, to you. It being the hour, he left word, when he left the letter, that he should call upon me. If Mr Pearce merits the character given him by T: D. he will unquestionably merit encouragement, & you can put him in the way to obtain it. Yrs ever ALS , DLC : Thomas Jefferson...