From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 23 July 1792
To Thomas Jefferson
Mount Vernon July 23d 1792
Dear Sir,
The friday after you left this place I received the enclosed dispatches from Governor Chittendon, of the State of Vermont.1
If you conceive it to be necessary, undr the circumstances which exist,2 to write again to that Gentleman before he replies to your former letter on the subject3 in dispute, you will, of course, take such measures thereupon as shall appear4 proper under a full view of all circumstances.5 With great esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Your Obedt & Affecte Servt
Go: Washington
ALS, DLC: Jefferson Papers; ADfS, DNA: RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB, DNA: RG 59, George Washington’s Correspondence with His Secretaries of State; LB (photocopy), DLC:GW.
1. GW apparently received Gov. Thomas Chittenden’s letter of 16 June and its enclosures on Friday, 20 July.
2. At this place on the draft manuscript, GW first wrote and then struck out the phrase: “in this case to be referred to me.” He then started to write a phrase beginning “respecting the” but again struck out those words.
3. At this place in the draft, GW wrote and then struck out “of his complaint” before inserting “in dispute.”
4. At this place on the draft manuscript, GW wrote and then struck out the word “right” before inserting “proper.”
5. For Jefferson’s letter to Governor Chittenden of 9 July, see GW to Jefferson, 7 July, n.2; 24:200. On 12 July, Jefferson wrote Chittenden:
“I must renew my entreaties to your Excellency that no innovation in the state of things may be attempted for the present. It is but lately that an opportunity has been afforded of pressing on the court of Gr. Britain our rights in the quarter of the posts, and it would be truly unfortunate if any premature measures on the part of your state should furnish a pretext for suspending the negociations on this subject” (ibid., 218–19). On 30 July, Jefferson wrote GW that he thought it best to await Chittenden’s response to his two letters. Chittenden apparently never replied to Jefferson’s inquiries.