4501From George Washington to Daniel Carroll of Duddington, 28 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 21st came to my hands on thursday afternoon. By the Post of next morning I was unable to answer it; and this is the first opportunity that has offered since by wch it cd be done. It would have been better, & given me more satisfaction, if you had made your Appeal to the Commissioners; to whom all matters respecting the Federal district and City are now committed; but as you...
4502From George Washington to Pierre L’Enfant, 28 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 21st instant came duly to hand, as did one of the same date from Mr Carroll of Duddington on the same subject. A Copy of my answer to the latter is enclosed, by which you will perceive I have proposed an accomodation. As a similar case cannot happen again (Mr Carrolls house having been begun before the Federal District was fixed upon) no precedent will be established by...
4503From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 25 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
As the meeting proposed to be held (at nine O’clock tomorrow morning) with the heads of the Great Departments) is to consider important subjects belonging (more immediately) to the Department of State—The President desires Mr Jefferson would commit the several points on which opinions will be asked to Paper, in the order they ought to be taken up. AL , DLC : Thomas Jefferson Papers; ADf , DNA...
4504From George Washington to David Stuart, 23 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
After closing my letter to you of the 20th I recollected that I had omitted to take notice of your observation respecting Wood covers to Brick or Stone buildings, in the Federal City. It is much to be wished that this evil could be avoided without involving a greater; for it is difficult to decide between things to be wished—and things that are attainable. It has a claim however to...
4505From George Washington to Lafayette, 21 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
At the earnest request of Mr Jorre I make known to you, that he came over to this Country with an idea of obtaining some appointment under our Government; but he now finds that idea to have been false; for propriety, as you, my dear Sir, well know, would not admit of a foreigners being prefered to Office before one of our own Countrymen, who suffered so much to effect the revolution, and who...
4506From George Washington to Lafayette, 21 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
Mr John Trumbull, with whom you are acquainted, is engaged in Painting a series of Pictures of the most important Events of the Revolution in this Country, from which he proposes to have plates engraved. I have taken peculiar satisfaction in giving eve⟨r⟩y proper aid in my power to a subscrip⟨tion⟩ for supporting this work, whic⟨h⟩ has been likewise patronized by the principle people in this...
4507From George Washington to David Stuart, 20 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
I had heard before the receipt of your letter of the 29th of October—and with a degree of surprize & concern not easy to be expressed—that Majr L’Enfant had refused the Map of the Federal City when it was requested by the Commissioners for the satisfaction of the purchasers at Sale. It is much to be regretted—however common the case is—that men who possess talents which fit them for peculiar...
4508From George Washington to Alexander Martin, 14 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive your Excellency’s private letter of the 27th of September, which accompanied your public communication of the cession of certain pieces of land in North Carolina for the purpose of building light-houses thereon. I request your Excellency will receive my thanks for the kind Congratulations which you express on my return from my southern tour in perfect health;...
4509From George Washington to Eliphalet Pearson, 14 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 10th of September, enclosing, by order of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Judge Lowell’s eulogy on the late Governor Bowdoin. I must beg, Sir, you will present my proper acknowledgements to the Academy for this mark of attention, and at the same time receive yourself my thanks for the polite manner in which you have transmitted to me the Eulogy on...
4510Proclamation on the Treaty of Holston, 11 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
Whereas a treaty of peace and friendship, between the United States and the Cherokee nation of indians, was made and concluded on the second day of the month of July last, and whereas I have, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, in due form, ratified the said treaty; Now, to the end that the same be observed and performed with good faith on the part of the United States, I have...
4511From George Washington to the United States Senate, 11 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
I nominate the following persons to fill the offices annexed to their names respectively—namely— Nathaniel Rogers, to be Marshal of the New-Hampshire District; vice John Parker, deceased. Alexander Moore, to be Surveyor of the Port of West Point, in Virginia; vice John Spotswood Moore, who has resigned his appointmt. Charles Brown, to be Collector of the Port of George Town, in South Carolina;...
4512From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 11 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have received from the Governor of Virginia a Resolution of the General Assembly of that Commonwealth, ratifying the first Article of the amendments proposed by Congress to the Constitution of the United States. A Copy of which, and of the letter accompanying it, I now lay before you. Sundry papers relating to the purchase by Judge Symmes of the lands on the Great Miami, having been...
4513George Washington to John Kean, 10 November 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Philadelphia, November 10, 1791. Approves of Kean’s decision to remain in the service of the Federal Government in spite of his appointment as cashier of the Bank of the United States. Thinks it will be advisable for him to remain a commissioner until the commission expires in July, 1792. Df , in writing of H, RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters, 1790–1799, National Archives. Kean had been appointed...
4514From George Washington to John Kean, 10 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
The weighty consideration which you mention as having determined you to accept the appointment of Cashier to the Bank of the U. States and the disinterested manner in which you have offered to continue your services to the Government, as far as may be compatible with the duties of your new station, conspire to induce my approbation of your conduct. As it is stated that so considerable a...
4515From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 10 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
The Resolution passed at the last session of Congress, requesting the President of the United States to cause an estimate to be laid before Congress at their next session, of the quantity and situation of the lands not claimed by the Indians, nor granted to, nor claimed by any of the Citizens of the United States, within the territory ceded to the United States by the State of North Carolina,...
4516From George Washington to William Moultrie, 8 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
As I am certain that occasions which will afford you opportunities of shewing civilities to distinguished characters cannot fail to give you pleasure, I do without hesitation or ceremony introduce Lord Wycombe to your attentions: He is the Son of the Marquis of Landsdown, whose character you well know—and, having passed through the eastern and middle States, is on a visit to Charleston whence...
4517From George Washington to Charles Pinckney, 8 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to inform your Excellency that your letters of the 18th of August & 20th of September, with their duplicates and the several papers accompanying them, came duly to hand. The first was received at the time I was making arrangements to go to Mt Vernon, and the second when I was preparing my communications for Congress at the opening of the present session, This will account...
4518From George Washington to Charles Pinckney, 8 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
To a Gentleman of your information it would not be new to say that the Marquis of Landsdown was the liberal friend of this country in its negociation of peace with Great Britain. The bearer, Lord Wycombe, his Son, is on a tour through America, and purposes to visit Charleston—I trouble you with this letter introductory of him to your civilities—You will find him agreeable well informed, and...
4519From George Washington to Lansdowne, 7 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
The letter with which you were pleased to honor me—dated the 4th of July—was presented to me by Lord Wycombe. Permit me to thank your Lordship for introducing so worthy and intelligent a young Nobleman to my acquaintance —and to regret that his stay in this Country is so short as not to have allowed him to investigate it more. This Country has a grateful recollection of the agency your...
4520From George Washington to Alexander Moultrie, 7 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 1st of October, informing me of the alteration which had taken place in the plans and intentions of the south Carolina Yazou company, was received with much pleasure and satisfaction. This change of measures is highly worthy of the good sense which dictated it—To have proceeded on the former plan would have been acting in direct violation of the laws and proclamations made...
4521From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 1 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
I received yesterday, from the Judge of the District of South Carolina, a letter, inclosing the presentments of the Grand Jury to him; and stating the causes which have prevented the return of the Census from that District; copies of which are now before you. LS , DNA : RG 46, Second Congress, 1791–1793, Records of Legislative Proceedings, President’s Messages; LB , DLC:GW ; LB , DNA : RG 233,...
4522From George Washington to the United States Senate, 31 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
Certain Offices having become vacant, since your last Session, by the death, resignation or appointment to other Offices, of those who held them, I have, in pursuance of the power vested in me by the Constitution, appointed the following persons to fill these vacancies—vizt. Thomas Johnson, of Maryland, one of the Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, vice John Rutledge, resigned. William...
4523From George Washington to the United States Senate, 31 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
This manifestation of your zeal for the honor and the happiness of our Country, derives its full value from the share which your deliberations have already had in promoting both. I thank you for the favorable sentiments with which you view the part I have borne in the arduous trust committed to the Government of the United States; and desire you to be assured that all my zeal will continue to...
4524From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 31 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
I send you herewith the arrangement which has been made by me, pursuant to the Act, entitled “An Act repealing, after the last day of June next, the duties heretofore laid upon distilled Spirits imported from abroad, & laying others in their stead, and also upon spirits, distilled within the United States, and for appropriating the same,” in respect to the subdivision of the several districts,...
4525From George Washington to Harriot Washington, 30 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of the 21st instant, and shall always be glad to hear from you—When my business will permit inclination will not be wanting in me to acknowledge the receipt of your letters, and this I shall do more cheerfully as it will afford me opportunities at those times of giving you such occasional advice as your situation may require. At present I could plead a better excuse...
4526From George Washington to the United States House of Representatives, 28 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
The pleasure I derive from an assurance of your attention to the objects I have recommended to you, is doubled by your concurrence in the testimony I have borne to the prosperous condition of our public Affairs. Relying on these sanctions of your enlightened Judgment, and on your patriotic aid, I shall be the more encouraged in all my endeavours for the public weal; and particularly in those...
4527Reply of the President to the House of Representatives, [28 October] 1791 (Madison Papers)
The pleasure I derive from an assurance of your attention to the objects I have recommended to you, is doubled by your concurrence in the testimony I have borne to the prosperous condition of our public Affairs. Relying on these sanctions of your enlightened Judgment, and on your patriotic aid, I shall be the more encouraged in all my endeavours for the public weal; and particularly in those...
4528From George Washington to James Madison, 27 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed I return you the list of Sales in the Federal City. You will oblige me, by drafting a short answer to the address, to be presented tomorrow, and sending it to me this Evening or in the Morning early. If you want the address let me know it & it shall be sent to you. Yours—Sincerely & Affectly ALS , H-Ar : Cartwright Collection. James Madison erroneously docketed the cover 22 Oct. 1791....
4529From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 27 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have directed the secretary of War to lay before you for your information the reports of Brigadier General Scott, and Lieutenant Colonel Commandant Wilkinson, the officers who commanded the two expeditions against the Wabash indians, in the months of June and August last; together with the instructions by virtue of which the said expeditions were undertaken. When the operations now depending...
4530From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 27 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
I lay before you a copy of a letter and of sundry documents which I have received from the Governor of Pennsylvania, respecting certain persons who are said to have fled from Justice out of the State of Pennsylvania into that of Virginia; together with a Report of the Attorney General of the United States upon the same subject. I have received from the Governor of North Carolina a copy of an...
4531To James Madison from George Washington, 27 October 1791 (Madison Papers)
Enclosed I return you the list of Sales in the Federal City. You will oblige me, by drafting a short answer to the Address, to be presented tomorrow, and sending it to me this Evening or in the Morning early. If you want the Address let me know it & it shall be sent to you. Yours—Sincerely & Affectly. RC (Hawaii State Archives: Cartwright Collection); Tr ( MH : Sparks Transcripts). RC...
4532Conversations with Pierce Butler, Ralph Izard, and Aaron Burr, 26 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
On the morning of this day the President requested Mr Butler (who had to pass by his house) to give him a call on his way to the Senate Chamber; and in this interview the President informed Mr Butler, that after the best consideration which time and circumstances had allowed him to bestow on the subject of etiquette, which had been submitted to him on the 24 instant, he thought it most...
4533From George Washington to the United States Senate, 26 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have directed the Secretary of War, to lay before you for your consideration, all the papers relative to the late negociations with the Cherokee Indians—and the treaty concluded with that tribe, on the 2d day of July last, by the Superintendant of the Southern district; and I request your advice, whether I shall ratify the same. I also lay before you the instructions to Colonel Pickering,...
4534From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 26 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
I lay before you copies of the following Acts, which have been transmitted to me during the recess of Congress viz. An Act passed by the Legislature of New Hampshire, for ceding to the United States, the Fort and Light House belonging to said State. An Act of the Legislature of Pennsylvania, ratifying on behalf of said State, the first article of Amendment to the Constitution of the United...
4535The President to the House of Representatives, 26 October 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved from the Governor of North Carolina a copy of an act of the General assembly of that state authorizing him to convey to the U.S. the right and jurisdiction of the sd. state over one acre of land in Occacock island and ten acres on the Cape island within the sd. state, for the purpose of erecting lighthouses thereon, together with the deed of the Governor in pursuance thereof,...
4536From George Washington to the United States Senate and House of Representatives, 25 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
I meet you, upon the present occasion, with the feelings which are naturally inspired by a strong impression of the prosperous situation of our common Country, and by a persuasion equally strong, that the labours of the Session, which has just commenced, will, under the guidance of a spirit no less prudent than patriotic, issue in measures, conducive to the stability and increase of national...
4537Conversation with Ralph Izard, Pierce Butler, and Aaron Burr, 24 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
Mr Izard, Mr Butler and Mr Burr, three members of the Senate, waited upon the President at six o’clock in the evening of this day, in order to request his opinion upon the etiquette which might be proper to be established between the Senators of the United States and foreign Ministers in respect to visiting each other—viz.—whether it would be proper for the Senators to pay the first visit to...
4538From George Washington to David Stuart, 18 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
Bladensburgh [Md.] Oct. 18th 1791 Dear Sir, half past 5 Oclock A. M. I pray you to drop me a line by the Mail of to morrow (which closes in the evening) informing me of the number of Lots sold, and the amount of them. When the business of the meeting is ended I shall be obliged to you for some acct of the final issue of the Sales &ca. I am now writing by Candle light, and this is the only...
4539To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 17 October 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I am thus far on my way to Philadelphia, and if the disagreeableness of the weather (for it is now raining) does not prevent it, shall proceed to Bladensburgh at least to night; but be my dispatch what it probably may, the mail which leaves this tomorrow, will arrive in Philadelphia before me. This being the case, and time pressing, I forward the enclosed suggestions of Mr. Jefferson and Mr....
4540From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 17 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
I am thus far on my way to Philadelphia, and if the disagreeableness of the weather (for it is now raining) does not prevent it, shall proceed to Bladensburgh at least to night; but be my dispatch what it probably may, the mail which leaves this tomorrow, will arrive in Phialdelphia before me. This being the case, and time pressing, I forward the enclosed suggestions of Mr Jefferson and Mr...
4541Proclamation, 17 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
The President of the United States doth hereby order and direct that the sale of Lots in the City of Washington to commence this day be of such lots as the Commissioners or any two of them shall think proper—that the same sale shall be under their direction and on the Terms they shall publish. LB , DLC:GW ; LB , DNA : RG 42, Records of the Commissioners for the District of Columbia,...
4542From George Washington to Robert Lewis, 15 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is a letter for Mr Muse, requesting him to put my papers into your hands, and to give you such information with respect to the business, as is necessary to bring you acquainted with the present state of it—After you have read the letter, and noticed the contents, seal and deliver it to him. Receive from Mr Muse all the blank leases with which I have furnished him, as well as those...
4543To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, 14 October 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
When I addressed a private letter to you a few days ago I had no more idea that Monday the 24th. instt. was the day appointed for the meeting of Congress, than I had of its being dooms-day until it was mentioned to me in a letter which I have just received from Mr. Lear (who was under the like mistake). It had taken such deep root in my mind that the last monday in the month was the time that...
4544From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 14 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
(Private) My dear Sir, Mount Vernon Octr 14th 1791 When I addressed a private letter to you a few days ago I had no more idea that monday the 24th instt was the day appointed for the meetings of Congress, than I had of its being dooms-day until it was mentioned to me in a letter which I have just received from Mr Lear (who was under the like mistake). It had taken such deep root in my mind...
4545From George Washington to William Jackson, 14 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
With pleasure I received your letter of the 9th, and am obliged by the communications therein contained. 1 have written regularly to Mr Lear once a week, some times oftener, on business; but can do little more than drop him or you a line by this Post, as the unexpected discovery that the 24th, instead of the 31st instt is the day appointed for the meeting of Congress, obliges me to bestow...
4546From George Washington to Henry Knox, 14 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
(Private) My dear Sir, Mount Vernon Octr 14th 1791. I have been under a strange mistake with respect to the time appointed for the meeting of Congress, and a distressing one; inasmuch as I shall have but little time after my arrival in Philadelphia to receive, & digest the thoughts which may have occurred to the heads of Departments, with those of my own, into proper form for communication, or...
4547From George Washington to Tobias Lear, 14 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 9th was forwarded to me yesterday morning by the Post-Master in Alexandria (having sent no person to that place the evening before). I am glad of the intimation given of the intentions of the Minister of France; and pleased, tho’ distressed at the same time, at the information that, the 24th instt is the day fixed on for the meeting of Congress. I had no more idea of this...
4548To Alexander Hamilton from George Washington, [10 October 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 30th. September enclosing a Contract entered into by the Collector of Wilmington in North Carolina with James McStephens & Henry Toomer for the stakage of the shoals of Cape Fear river, I have duly received. As I approve of the Contract, I have transmitted the same with my approbation to the Collector of Wilmington. I wrote to you from the head of Elk, informing you of my...
4549From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 10 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 30th September enclosing a Contract entered into by the Collector of Wilmington in North Carolina with James McStephens & Henry Toomer for the stakage of the shoals of Cape Fear river, I have duly received. As I approve of the Contract, I have transmitted the same with my approbation to the Collector of Wilmington. I wrote to you from the head of Elk, informing you of my...
4550From George Washington to Henry Knox, 10 October 1791 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 1st inst: I have duly recd—likewise one of the 4th, covering a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury together with some communications from Lt Colo. Beckwith. I herewith transmit you an Address & Memorial of the Officers, Civil & Military, of the District of Miro, which was sent to me by Govr Blount—I wish you to take the same into your consideration, & make a Report...