11To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, with Jefferson’s Note, 15 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The Captn. of Marines on Board the Ambuscade has just put the enclosed into my hands. He was sent he says on purpose to do it—and waits only for an answer. Give it I pray you such an one as it ought to receive. Yours Almost dark [ Note by TJ: ] This was Genet’s letter of Aug. 13. addressed to the Presidt. RC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “The Secy of State”; with TJ’s note at foot of text;...
12VI. Draft of a Message from the President to the Senate, [4 March 1791] (Jefferson Papers)
The ‘Act for the admission of the state of Vermont into this union’ having fixed on this, as the day of it’s admission, it was thought that this would also be the first day on which any officer of the Union might legally perform any act of authority relating to that state. I therefore required your attendance to recieve nominations of the several officers necessary to put the federal...
13George Washington to the Trustees of the Germantown Academy, [ca. 6 November 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
The readiness with which the Trustees of the school of Germ. to. tender the buildings under their charge for the use of Congress is a proof of their zeal for furthering the public good. And doubtless the other inhabitants actuated by the same motives will feel the same dispositions to accomodate if necessary those who assemble but for their service and that of their fellow citizens. Where it...
14George Washington to the Commissioners of the Federal District, 9 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly recieved your letter of Sep. 5 . and in consequence thereof have authorised Mr. David Ross of Bladensburg, and Colo. Robert Townshend Hooe of Alexandria, to examine the accounts and vouchers of the expenditure of the monies appropriated to your trust as Commissioners of the public buildings of the federal territory, and to certify to me the result. Dft ( DLC : Washington Papers);...
15Agenda for Commissioners of the Federal District, [ca. 5 March 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
Estimates &ca. are sent to shew the views &ca. of Majr. LEnfant. MS ( DLC : Washington Papers); in the hands of both TJ and Washington, as indicated in notes below; undated, but certainly written after 1 Mch. and on or before 6 Mch. 1792. It is very probable that TJ wrote the first part of the agenda and sent it or left it with Washington on 5 Mch. 1792 (see Washington to TJ, 4 Mch. 1792 ) and...
16George Washington to the Senate and the House of Representatives, [30 December 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
I communicate to you the translation of a letter received from the Representatives of Spain here in reply to that of the Secretary of state to them of the 21st. inst. which had before been communicated to you. Dft ( DLC ); in TJ’s hand, unsigned and undated; with dateline and part of salutation completed by George Taylor, Jr. (see notes below); endorsed by Taylor. Enclosure: Josef de Jaudenes...
17George Washington to the Justices of the Supreme Court, [22 July 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
The circumstances which had induced me to ask your counsel on certain legal questions interesting to the public, exist now as they did then: but I by no means press a decision whereon you wish the advice and participation of your absent brethren. Whenever therefore their presence shall enable you to give it with more satisfaction to yourselves, I shall accept it with pleasure. Dft ( DNA : RG...
18George Washington to the Commissioners of the Federal District, 31 January 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had under consideration Mr. Hallet’s plans for the capitol , which undoubtedly have a great deal of merit. Doctor Thornton has also given me a view of his. These last come forward under some very advantageous circumstances. The grandeur, simplicity, and beauty of the exterior, the propriety with which the apartments are distributed, and economy in the mass of the whole structure, will I...
19George Washington to the Senate, 9 April 1792 [document added in digital edition] (Jefferson Papers)
The Committee to report that the President does not think that circumstances will justify, in the present instance, his entering into absolute engagements for the ransom of our captives in Algiers, not callg. for money from the treasury, nor raising it by loan, without previous authority from both branches of the legislature If the President should enter into a Provisional convention with...
20To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, with Jefferson’s Note, 2 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I am very well satisfied with the train things are in. You will recollect that the Proclamation, Rules and other things are referred to in the Speech . I shall depend upon there being got ready at your Office. Yours &ca [ Note by TJ :] Answer to note of this day respecting publication of proceedings with Gr. Britn. RC ( DLC ); in Washington’s hand, with note by TJ at foot of text; addressed:...
21Proclamation of the Consular Convention of 1788, [9 April 1790] (Jefferson Papers)
By the President of the United States of America. A Proclamation Whereas a Convention for defining and establishing the functions and privileges of the respective Consuls and vice-Consuls of his most Christian Majesty and of the said United States, was concluded and signed by the Plenipotentiaries of his said most Christian Majesty and of the said United States, duly and respectively...
22George Washington to the Senate and the House of Representatives, 23 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Since the communications which were made to you on the affairs of the United States with Spain and on the Truce between Portugal and Algiers, some other papers have been received which making a part of the same subjects are now communicated for your information. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Senate Records, 3d Cong., 1st sess.); in Benjamin Bankson’s hand, signed by Washington. Enclosures: (1) Josef de...
23George Washington to the Senate, 8 May 1792 [document added in digital edition] (Jefferson Papers)
If the President of the U.S. should conclude a Convention or treaty with the Government of Algiers for the ransom of the thirteen Americans in captivity there, for a sum not exceeding 40,000 dollars, all expences included, will the Senate approve the same? or is there any & what greater or lesser sum, which they would fix on as the limit beyond which they would not approve the ransom? If the...
24George Washington to the Senate and the House of Representatives, [2 December 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
As the present situation of the several nations of Europe, and especially of those with which the US. have important relations, cannot but render the state of things between them and us matter of interesting enquiry to the legislature, and may indeed give rise to deliberations to which they alone are competent, I have thought it my duty to communicate to them certain correspondences which have...
25To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, with Jefferson’s Note, 24 August 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The President wishes the Secretary of State to let him know what measures, in his opinion, will be proper to be taken on the subject stated by the British Consul Genl. [ Note by TJ: ] Bond’s letter of Aug. 23. RC ( DLC ); in Tobias Lear’s hand, with note at foot of text by TJ; addressed: “The Secretary of [State]”; endorsed by TJ as a letter from Washington received 26 Aug. 1793. Recorded in...
26To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, with Jefferson’s Note, 12 June 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The President approves the enclosed and wishes the Secretary to send it as soon as convenient. [ Note by TJ: ] This was the letter to Mr. Genet on his proposal respecting the French debt. RC ( DLC ); in the hand of Tobias Lear; addressed: “The Secretary of State”; with note by TJ at foot of text; endorsed by TJ as received 12 June 1793. Recorded in SJPL .
27To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, with Jefferson’s Note, 20 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The President returns the enclosed draft of a letter to Mr. Pinckney, the contents of which meet his approbation. The President will thank Mr. Jefferson to send him a map of the Federal City, if he has any by him. [ Note by TJ: ] The above was the letter of Mar. 16. 93. to Mr. Pinckney. RC ( DLC ); in the hand of Tobias Lear, except for note by TJ at foot of first page below dateline; second...
28George Washington to the Senate and the House of Representatives, [14–16 December 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
Gentlemen of the { Senate House of Repr. I lay before you a Report of the Secretary of state on the measures which have been taken on behalf of the US. for the purpose of obtaining a recognition of our treaty with Marocco, and for the ransom of our citizens and establishment of peace with Algiers. While it is proper our citizens should know that subjects which so much concern their interests...
29George Washington to Madame de Lafayette, 15 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I addressed a few lines to you on the 31st. of January, in a state of entire uncertainty in what country or condition they might find you, as we had been sometimes told you were in England, sometimes in Holland, and at sometimes in France. Your letter of Octob. 8. 1792. first relieved me from doubt, and gave me a hope that, being in France, and on your own estate, you are not as destitute, as...
30The 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,...
31George Washington to the Senate and the House of Representatives, [28 November 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
Gentlemen of the { Senate H. of Representatives I now lay before you, for your further information, some additional advices lately received, on the subject of the hostilities committed by the Chuckamogga towns, or under their name and guidance. The importance of preventing this hostile spirit from spreading to other tribes, or other parts of the same tribe of Indians, a considerable military...
32Enclosure: Exequatur for Thomas Dannery, 3 October 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
George Washington President of the United States of America. To all whom it may concern. The Citizen Dannery having produced to me his commission as Consul for the Republick of France at Boston, I do hereby recognize him as such, and do declare him free to exercise and enjoy such functions, powers, and priviledges, as are allowed to Consuls of the French Republick by the laws, treaties, and...
33To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, With Jefferson’s Comment, 19 November 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I have run over the four numbers of Genl. Green’s letters to Congress—herewith returned—and find nothing contained in them, unmarked by you, which ought, in my opinion, to be with held from the Public. Even those of the 3d. of Novr. 1780, tho’ quite unnecessary, might pass with an explanatory note on the then value of our paper currency. It probably is best to [leave] out the scored part of...
34George Washington to the Senate and the House of Representatives, 30 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I lay before you for your consideration a letter from the Secretary of State, informing me of certain impediments, which have arisen to the coinage of the precious Metals at the Mint. As also a letter from the same Officer relative to certain advances of money, which have been made on public account. Should you think proper to sanction what has been done, or be of opinion that any thing more...
35George Washington to Thomas Barclay, 11 June 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
Congress having furnished me with means for procuring peace, and ransoming our captive citizens from the government of Algiers, I have thought it best, while you are engaged at Marocco, to appoint Admiral Jones to proceed to Algiers, and therefore have sent him a commission for establishing peace, another for the ransom of our captives, and a third to act there as Consul for the U.S. and full...
36George Washington to the Senate, 8 November 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I now lay before you a letter from the Secretary of State, covering the copy of one from the Governor of Virginia with the several papers therein referred to, on the subject of the boundary between that State and the territory of the United States, south of the Ohio. It will remain with the Legislature to take such measures as it shall think best for settling the said boundary with that State,...
37George Washington to the Senate and the House of Representatives, 31 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I now lay before you a letter from the Secretary of State, with his account of the expenditure of the monies appropriated for our intercourse with foreign nations, from the 1st. of July 1792 to the 1st. of July 1793. and other papers relating thereto. PrC ( DLC ); in the hand of George Taylor, Jr., unsigned. Tr ( MHi ); 19th-century copy. Enclosures: TJ to Washington, 31 Dec. 1793 (first...
38Enclosure: Revocation of Duplaine’s Exequatur, 3 October 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
George Washington President of the United States of America. To all whom it may concern. The Sieur Antoine Charbonet Duplaine heretofore having produced to me his Commission as Vice Consul for the Republick of France, within the States of New Hampshire, Massachussets, and Rhode Island, and having thereon received from me an Exequatur bearing date the fifth day of June 1793. recognising him as...
39George Washington to the Commissioners of the Federal District, 31 January 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The regular course which the affairs of the Federal city are likely to move in by the appointment of a Superintendant, who may relieve you from details, and from all sacrifices of time except your periodical meetings, enables me now to proceed, on more certain grounds to the subject of compensation. That a proper compensation should be made you must undoubtedly be the public expectation as...
40To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 31 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
I perceive by the Gazettes, that the Philosophical Society of this City, is required to meet on friday next. I am reminded by it, to ask if the names of Buchan and Anderson have ever yet been proposed as Members? Yours always RC ( DLC ); addressed: “Mr. Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 31 Dec. 1793 and so recorded in SJL . Recorded in SJPL . The advertisement for the 3 Jan. 1794 meeting...
41To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, [1 December 1791] (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Hammond starts three to one against you. RC ( DLC : TJ Papers, 79: 13729); undated; endorsed by TJ as received 1 Dec. 179[1]. Recorded in SJPL under that date. Washington’s note was a commentary on George Hammond’s 30 Nov. 1791 letter to TJ on alleged American violations of the Treaty of Paris.
42I. 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...
43George Washington to William Deakins, Jr., and Benjamin Stoddert, 2 March 1791 (Jefferson 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 Patowmac, 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...
44To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 15 September 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
This letter goes Express, to obtain the signature of the Secretary of State to the enclosed Proclamation . The reasons for sending it in this manner, are, to avoid the circuitous rout by Richmond, and the delay it might meet with by the Post, not having reached my hands until this morning, too late for the Mail of this day—nor in time for any other before Tuesday next—and because it is unknown...
45George 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...
46To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 23 August [1793] (Jefferson Papers)
The President requests Mr. Jefferson would bring with him the French Minister’s letter , communicating his powers to enter upon a New, and liberal Commercial Treaty. RC ( DLC ); partially dated; addressed: “Mr. Jeffer[son]”; endorsed by TJ as received 23 Aug. 1793. Recorded in SJPL . French Minister’s Letter : Edmond Charles Genet to TJ, 23 May 1793 .
47To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 11 September 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
I am exceedingly obliged by your Excellency’s favor of the 3d. It has indeed relieved me from much anxiety as, from Genl. Gates’s letter of the 20h. Augt. from Hillsborough, there was the greatest reason to apprehend that the whole of the Maryland line and the troops which made a stand with them had been cut off. The stroke, as it is, is severe; but the total loss of the regular troops would...
48To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, [ca. 28 February 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
Would it be advisable to let L’Enfont alter the Plan if he will do it in a certn. given time—and provided also we retain the means if any thing unfair is intended that we may not suff[er.] Ought any thing to be said in my letter to him respecting payment for his past Services.— Should Mr. Ellicot be again asked in strong and explicit terms if the Plan exhibited by him is conformable to the...
49To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 22 January 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Morristown, 22 Jan. 1780 . Acknowledges TJ’s letter of 16 Dec. 1779, which did not come to hand until 16 Jan. Will give proper consideration to applications from the enemy for flag-of-truce vessels to the Chesapeake. Has communicated Col. Bland’s case to Congress. Dft ( DLC : Washington Papers); 2p. In hand of James McHenry; endorsed. Printed: Washington, Writings , ed. Fitzpatrick, xvii ,...
50To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, [16 January 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
Colo. Hamilton came so late that I could only broach the subject to him. He will breakfast with me at 8 Oclock, at which time If you can make it convenient I should be glad of your Company, after which we will talk the matter over fully. Yrs., RC ( DLC ); addressed: “Mr. Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 16 Jan. 1792 and recorded in SJPL , where the entry contains this addition: “Colo....
51To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, [12 March 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
The P——— would be glad to see Mr. Jefferson immediately, and requests him to bring the Copy of the P———t’s letter to the French King with him. RC ( DLC ); addressed: “Mr. Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 12 Mch. 1792. Entry in SJPL reads: “G. W. to Th: J. desiring to bring the Pr’s letter to the K. of France.”
52George Washington to the Commissioners of the Federal District, 17 January 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I have duly received your favors of Jan. 7. and 9. am sensible of the expediency of the act of authority you have found it necessary to exercise over all the persons employed in the public works under your care, and fully approve of what you did. It has appeared I think that nothing less would draw their attention to a single source of authority and confine their operations to specified...
53To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 1 December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Is there no clue to Mr. Morris’ meaning respecting Monsr. Merlino ? The next paragraph of his letter is enigmatical to me, from the want of my recollecting perfectly the subjects alluded to. What are the orders given him which he will implicitly obey, and which were, according to his account, received so very opportunely? Has not a letter of his of subsequent date to that laid before me...
54To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 24 March 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of the 15th. came to my hands the 22d. at the moment the Governor and some other company came in. I can do no more at present than to acknowledge the receipt of it, but will take the first leisure moment to write fully to you on the points it contains. Capt. Barney informs me that he has two packages on board, from the Marqs. de la Fayette; the enclosed to him contains a request to...
55To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 13 October 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
In the selection of Characters to fill the important offices of Government in the United States I was naturally led to contemplate the talents and disposition which I knew you to possess and entertain for the Service of your Country.—And without being able to consult your inclination, or to derive any knowledge of your intentions from your letters either to myself or to any other of your...
56To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 6 July [1792] (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed will, I think, throw the labouring Oar upon Mr. H—— and is approved of accordingly. RC ( DLC ); partially dated; addressed: “Secrety. of State”; endorsed by TJ as “recd. July 6. 92. on T.J’s lre of July 6. 92 to Mr Hammond.” Recorded in SJPL .
57II. The President to the Secretary of State, 4 April 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
You will readily agree with me that the best interests of the United States require such an intimation to be made to the Governor of Canada, either directly or indirectly, as may produce instructions to prevent the Indians receiving military aid or supplies from the british posts or garrisons.—The notoriety of this assistance has already been such as renders enquiry into particulars...
58George Washington to William Smith, 8 May 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I learn with much satisfaction from your letter of April 28. that you propose to undertake a history of the American revolution, and shall with pleasure procure you any aids I can towards the faithful execution of the work. I will therefore desire the heads of the Executive departments to communicate to you such papers of useful information in their respective offices as they, in their...
59George Washington to the Senate, [ca. 4 January 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
Your house has been pleased to communicate to me their resolutions, purporting a decision by them that it is expedient &c. From whence an implication arises that in their opinion they might have decided that no such appointments were expedient. After mature consideration and consultation, I am of opinion that the constitution has made the President the sole competent judge to what places...
60To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 10 October 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
On Sunday Evening I had the honor to receive Your Excellency’s Letters of the 23d and 26th of last Month. I am happy to find by the former and the Letter You were so obliging as to forward from Colo. Wood that the Convention troops are now comfortably supplied. I hope this will be the case and that the mode You have in contemplation to adopt will answer your expectations. Colo. Wood ’s conduct...