11George 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...
12Enclosure I: George Washington to Commissioners of the Federal District, 1 December 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieve with real mortification the account of the demolition of Mr. Carrol’s house by Majr. L’Enfant, against his consent, and without authority from yourselves, or any other person: for you have done me but justice in asserting he had no such authority from me. My letter of the 28th. ult. to Mr. Carrol of Duddington will prove this. I now inclose you one to Majr. L’Enfant, in which you...
13George 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);...
14George 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...
15George 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...
16XI. The President to the Senate and the House of Representatives, 18 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received from the Secretary of State a Report on the Proceedings of the Governor of the Northwestern Territory at Kaskaskia, Kahokia, and Prairie, under the Resolution of Congress of August 29th. 1788, which containing Matter proper for your Consideration, I lay the same before you. RC ( DNA : RG 46, Senate Records, 1st. Cong., 3rd. sess.); in clerk’s hand, signed by Washington;...
17George Washington to the Senate and the House of Representatives, [14] December 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The situation of affairs in Europe, in the course of the year 1790. having rendered it possible that a moment might arrive favorable for the arrangement of our unsettled matters with Spain, it was thought proper to prepare our representative at that court to avail us of it. A confidential person was therefore dispatched to be the bearer of instructions to him, and to supply by verbal...
18VI. The President to the Senate and the House of Representatives, [24 January 1791] (Jefferson Papers)
In execution of the powers with which Congress were pleased to invest me by their act intituled ‘an Act for establishing the temporary and permanent seat of the Government of the United States’ and on mature consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of the several positions within the limits prescribed by the said act, I have, by a proclamation bearing date this day, directed...
19George 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...
20George 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...
21George 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...
22George 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...
23George 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...
24George 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...
25V. The President to the Senate and the House of Representatives, 14 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Soon after I was called to the administration of the government [I found it important to come to an understanding with the court of London on several points interesting to the U.S. and particularly to know Whether they were] disposed to enter into arrangements, by mutual consent, which might fix the commerce between the two nations on principles of reciprocal advantage. For this purpose I...
26George 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...
27VI. The President to the Senate and the House of Representatives, 23 December 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
It appearing by the Report of the Secretary of the Government North West of the Ohio, that there are certain cases respecting grants of land within that territory, which require the interference of the Legislature of the United States;—I have directed a Copy of said Report and the Papers therein referred to to be laid before you; together with a copy of the Report of the Secretary of State...
28III. Washington’s Address to Congress Resigning his Commission, [23 December 1783] (Jefferson Papers)
The great events on which my resignation depended having at length taken place; I have now the honor of offering my sincere Congratulations to Congress and of presenting myself before them to surrender into their hands the trust committed to me, and to claim the indulgence of retiring from the Service of my Country. Happy in the confirmation of our Independence and Sovereignty, and pleased...
29I. 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...
30V. 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...
31Enclosure: 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...
32George 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...
33George Washington to William Deakins, Jr., and Benjamin Stoddert, 17 February 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved your favors of the 9th. and 11th instant and shall be glad if the purchase from Burnes should be concluded before you recieve this at £15 or £15–10 as you hope. 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 delay, to inform you that I would wish his...
34II. George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 3 June 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The question of admitting modifications of the debt of the US. to France having been the subject of a consultation with the heads of the departments and the Attorney general, and an unanimous opinion given thereon which involves the inclosed propositions from the French minister, you will be pleased, under the form of a report to me, to prepare what may serve as an answer, making it...
35I. The President to the Secretaries of State, Treasury, and War, 4 April 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
As the public service may require that communications should be made to me, during my absence from the seat of government, by the most direct conveyances, and as, in the event of any very extraordinary occurrence, it will be necessary to know at what time I may be found in any particular place, I have to inform you that unless the progress of my journey to Savannah is retarded by unforeseen...
36George Washington to the Secretaries of State, Treasury, and War, [12 June 1793] (Jefferson Papers)
As you are about to meet on other business, it is my desire that you would take the enclosed application into consideration. It is not my wish, on one hand, to throw unnecessary obstacles in the way of gratifying the wishes of the applicants. On the other it is incumbent on me to proceed with regularity. Would not the granting of a Patent then, which I believe is always the concluding act, and...
37George Washington to the Secretaries of State, Treasury, and War, 9 March 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
Expecting that my private Affairs will call me to Virginia on or before the 25th of this month, I have to request that you will lay before me, previous to that time, such matters within your department as may require my attention or agency before I set out; as well as those which might be necessary for me to know or act upon during my absence from the Seat of Government (which will be about...
38George Washington to John Hancock, 28 August 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of July 20th. came safely to hand, together with the Memorial of Monsieur de Latombe of the 7th. of June, and the Resolve of the Legislature of Massachusetts of the 24th. of the same month. On considering the nature of the difficulties which have occurred in the execution of the Consular Convention, they appeared to be such as could not be removed but by a legislative Act. When...
39The 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,...
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.
42To 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...
43To 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 .
44To 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...
45To 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...
46To 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 ,...
47To 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....
48To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, with Jefferson’s Note, 14 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The President of the United States requests that the Secretary of State will lay the enclosed letter before the Gentlemen who are to meet today—that it may be taken into consideration with the other matters which may be before them. [ Note by TJ: ] viz. a letter from T. Newton. RC ( DLC ); in the hand of Tobias Lear; with note by TJ at foot of text; endorsed by TJ as received 14 May 1793....
49To 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.”
50To 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...
51To 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...
52To 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...
53To 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 .
54II. 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...
55To 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...
56To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 23 June 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
If you should have leizure between this and my return, to furnish me with your thoughts on Mr. Arthur Youngs queries (Transmitted to you some time ago) It would enable me to solve his questions soon afterwards. Yours always and sincerely RC ( NNP ); at foot of text: “Mr. Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 24 June 1793. For Young’s queries , see enclosure to Washington to TJ, 13 May 1793 .
57To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, [29 June 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
I am grieved to find that Mr. Short was, on the 22d. of April, without his Commission and Instructions—and that Mr. Morris was not then in Paris. RC ( DLC ); undated; addressed: “Secretary of State”; note by TJ at foot of text: “It proved afterwards that the ship carrying the instructions was wrecked”; endorsed by TJ as received 29 June 1792 and so recorded in SJL . Recorded in SJPL .
58To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 18 October 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
I did not require the evidence of the extracts which you enclosed me, to convince me of your attachment to the Constitution of the United States, or of your disposition to promote the general welfare of this Country. But I regret—deeply regret—the difference in opinions which have arisen, and divided you and another principal Officer of the Government; and wish, devoutly, there could be an...
59To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 29 March 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
It was not in my power to answer your favor of the 15th. by the last post for the reason then assigned. I wish I may be able to do it to your satisfaction now, as I again am obliged to pay attention to other Company (the Governor being gone). My opinion coincides perfectly with yours respecting the practicability of an easy and short communication between the waters of the Ohio and Potomack,...
60To Thomas Jefferson from George Washington, 31 [December 1792] (Jefferson Papers)
If you have not closed your letter to Mr: Pinckney I wish you would desire him to be very attentive to the embarkation of Troops for America—especially Quebec—and to give the earliest advice of the measure—and of the numbers. Yours &c. RC ( DLC ); partially and incorrectly dated; addressed: “Mr. Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 31 Dec. 1792. Recorded in SJPL . TJ made the President’s...