1I. George Washington to William Deakins, Jr. and Benjamin Stoddert, 3 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
In asking your aid in the following case permit me at the same time to ask the most perfect secrecy. The federal territory being located, the competition for the location of the town now rests between the mouth of the Eastern branch, and the lands on the river, below and adjacent to Georgetown.—In favour of the former, Nature has furnished powerful advantages.—In favour of the latter is it’s...
2V. George Washington to William Deakins, Jr. and Benjamin Stoddert, 17 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
In order to avail the public of the willingness expressed by the inhabitants of Washington county, as mentioned in your letter of the 11th. to sign a paper ceding their lots in Hamburg, on being requested by any person under my direction, I have written the inclosed letter, which if you think it will answer the desired end, you will be so good as to dispatch to them, with the necessary...
3From George Washington to William Deakins, Jr., and Benjamin Stoddert, 17 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have recieved your favors of the 9th & 11th ⟨instant,⟩ & shall be glad if the purchase from ⟨Burns⟩ should be concluded before you receive this at £15 or £⟨17⟩ as you ⟨illegible.⟩ but as you mention that should he ask as far as £20 or £25 you will await further instructions before you accept such an offer: I have thought it better, in order to prevent delays, to inform you, that I could wish...
4From George Washington to Benjamin Stoddert, 9 October 1798 (Washington Papers)
Captn John Spotswood (Son of General Spotswood of this State) will have the honor of presenting this letter to you. He means to offer his Services in the Naval line. He has been long accustomed to a Sea faring life—is a good Navigator—and for many years has been Master & Commander of Vessels. He is sober. His wishes can be best expressed by himself—& you will be the best judge of their...
5From George Washington to Benjamin Stoddert, 26 September 1798 (Washington Papers)
It will afford me pleasure to give you any information in my power, and any opinion, so far as I am able to form one, on the subject of your letter of the 16th instant; which did not come to my hands till the 24th. I cannot entertain a doubt, but it will be the policy of this Country to create such a navy as will protect our commerce from the insults and depredations to which it has been...
6From George Washington to William Deakins, Jr., and Benjamin Stoddert, 24 January 1791 (Washington Papers)
I enclose you several proclamations expressing the lines which are to bound the District of ten miles square for the permanent Seat of the general government, which I wish you to have made public with all expedition. And in the most general and extensive manner that you can to prevent any kind of speculation. Let them be published in the News Papers—put up in public places and otherwise so...
7From George Washington to William Deakins, Jr., and Benjamin Stoddert, 17 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
In order to avail the public of the willingness expressed by the inhabitants of Washington county, as mentioned in your letter of the 11th to sign a paper ceding their lots in Hamburg, on being requested by any person under my direction, I have written the inclosed letter, which, if you think it will answer the desired end, you will be so good as to dispatch to them, with the necessary...
8From George Washington to Benjamin Stoddert, 31 March 1799 (Washington Papers)
This letter will be presented to you by Burwell Bassett Esqr. one of the Senate of this Commonwealth—and a Nephew to Mrs Washington—whom I beg leave to introduce to your civilities. Mr Bassett will mention to you the wish of another of Mrs Washingtons Nephews—Mr Robert Henley—to obtain a birth as Midshipman in one of our Frigates (if youths of Sixteen are admitted). I am not, myself,...
9From George Washington to William Deakins, Jr., and Benjamin Stoddert, 2 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
Majr L’enfant comes on to make such a survey of the grounds in your vicinity as may aid in fixing the site of the federal town and buildings: his present instructions express those alone which are within the Eastern branch, the Potowmac, the Tyber, and the road leading from George-town to the Ferry on the eastern branch. He is directed to begin at the lower end, and work upwards, and nothing...
10Enclosure: George Washington to William Deakins, Jr. and Benjamin Stoddert, 17 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
On passing thro George town I propose to examine the ground between that town and the Eastern branch, and on that examination to fix on a site for the public buildings. Should there be any circumstances in favour of the ground next adjoining to George town, I foresee that the old town of Hamburg will be a considerable obstacle, as the streets of that will probably not coincide with those which...