My opinion having been several times asked on the following points, I think it proper in order to produce uniformity of practice to convey it in a Circular Instruction. First—Whether the tonnage of foreign vessels ought to be taken from the Registers, or ascertained by admeasurement according to the principles of the third Section of the act for registering &c. I am of opinion that the latter...
2[Diary entry: 23 December 1789] (Washington Papers)
Wednesday 23d. Exercised in the Post-Chaise with Mrs. Washington to day. Sent the dispatches which came to me from the Assembly of Virginia and from the Representatives of several Counties therein respecting the State of the Frontiers and depredations of the Indians to the Secretary for the Department of War requesting his attendance tomorrow at 9 Oclock that I might converse more fully with...
3From George Washington to Joseph Buckminster, 23 December 1789 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 27th of November and the discourse which it enclosed have been duly received. I consider the sermon on the death of Sir William Pepperell which you were so good as to send me by desire of Lady Pepperell his Relict, as a mark of attention from her which required my particular acknowledgments; and I am sorry that the death of that Lady which I see is announced in the public...
4To George Washington from Mary Katherine Goddard, 23 December 1789 (Washington Papers)
The Representation of Mary Katherine Goddard, Humbly sheweth—That She hath kept the Post Office at Baltimore for upwards of fourteen years; but with what degree of Satisfaction to all those concerned, She begs leave to refer to the number & respectability of the Persons who have publickly addressed the Post Master General & his Assistant, on the Subject of her late removal from Office; And as...
5From George Washington to Samuel Huntington, 23 December 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have been favored with your Excellency’s letter of the 19th Ultio—recommending General Sage to supply the place of Mr Miller as Surveyor of the Port of Middletown in the State of Connecticut, provided the latter should resign his Office. I have also received a letter from Genl Sage applying for the appointment, if the office should become vacant. But having had no intimation from Mr Miller...
6To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 23 December 1789 (Washington Papers)
I returned from the assembly the day before yesterday. Since my last nothing material has occurred in either house; except that the bill is passed, authorizing restitution to be made of Abingdon to Mr Alexander, if you shall approve. I found a fortunate moment for a conversation with Mr Wythe. He repeated what I wrote to you in answer to your favor of the 30th Ulto. Indeed he declared himself...
7To George Washington from James Read, 23 December 1789 (Washington Papers)
The Politeness with which you were always pleased to treat me in the Army, when I had occasion to wait on you, imboldens me to take the liberty of addressing you at present, and soliciting a continuance in the Office that I now hold, which is Collector of Port Brunswick; the General Assembly of this State appointed me to the Office in eightyfour (the first time that Duties were laid since the...
8William Jackson to George Turner, 23 December 1789 (Washington Papers)
The communication which I now make to you though painful, is friendly, and has no other object ⟨ mutilated ⟩ your interest. I suggested to you, when in Philadelphia that your delay, in repairing to the western-terri⟨tory⟩ would as certainly excite the President’s displeasure as I was convinced it would his disappointment. Accustomed to punctuality himself, he expects to see it in...
9From George Washington to Joseph Willard, 23 December 1789 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 7th Ultimo was handed to me a few days since by Mr Savage, who is now engaged in taking the Portrait which you, & the Governors of the Seminary over which you preside, have expressed a desire for, that it may be placed in the Philosophy chamber of your University. I am induced, Sir, to comply with this request from a wish that I have to gratify, so far as with propriety may...