51From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 11 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
Herewith you will receive the Powers & Instructions with which Gouvr Morris Esqr. is invested and his communications consequent thereof. You will give them the consideration their importance merit, and refer your opinion of the measures proper to be taken thereupon. The following extract from one of my private letters to Mr Morris contains all the notice I have yet taken of his public...
52From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 2 January 1791 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed Notes are sufficiently descriptive to comprehend the two objects fully; but it is necessary to remark, that if the first line begins at a point on Hunting Creek, the fourth line cannot, in any part touch (Though it will include) the Town of Alexandria; because Huntg Creek is below the boundaries of the Town. And, if it could be so ordered as for the first line to avoid touching...
53From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 4 January 1791 (Washington Papers)
The P. begs to see Mr Jefferson before he proceeds further in the Proclamation. From a more attentive examination of some Papers, in his possession, he finds that it is in his power to ascertain the course & distance from the Court House in Alexandria to the upper & lower end of the Canal at the little Falls with as much accuracy as can be known from Common Surveying if not to mathematical...
54From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 1 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
Nothing in the enclosed letter superceding the necessity of Mr Ellicots proceeding to the work in hand—I would thank you, for requesting him, to set out on thursday; or as soon after as he can make it convenient: also for preparing such instructions as you may conceive it necessary for me to give him for ascertaining the points we wish to know; first, for the general view of things—& next for...
55From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 9 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
The messages to the two Houses, as altered are quite agreeable to. Whether, as it is equally known to both houses, that we have no person in a public character at the Ct of London it is best that the word “informal” should remain in the message to the Ho. of Representatives, or not, Mr J. may decide by the fair copy he shall send to ALS , DLC : Jefferson Papers. For the background to this...
56From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 6 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
The P. would thank Mr Jefferson for placing all, or such of the enclosed Papers (after he has perused them) in the hands of the Attorney General, as he shall deem necessary for the purpose of drawing the several conveyances of the ceded Lands, or, the form of one. For the former, it is conceived farther information than the enclosures contain, is wanting. For the latter, the agreement, and...
57From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 10 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
The P. has given the enclosed letters an attentive reading & consideration, and has found nothing in them but what is just, and in the hands of a prudent user proper; but at the end of the words of the letter to Mr C. “this wrong” 2d page 10th line may it not be well to add—“yet with that prudence & circumspection which will not commit the Government to the necessity of proceeding to...
58From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 10 March 1791 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Thomas Jefferson, 10 Mar. 1791. In his Summary Journal of Public Letters ( DLC : Jefferson Papers) of 10 Mar. 1791, Jefferson recorded that GW returned Jefferson’s draft instructions to Thomas Barclay regarding his mission to Morocco and Jefferson’s draft letter to the new emperor of Morocco with a covering note, which has not been found.
59From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 16 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is the last letter I have received from Messrs Deakins & Stoddart. What step had I best take to bring matters to a close with Burn’s, and by declaring at once the Site of the public buildings, prevent some inconvenience which I see may arise from the opinions promulgated by Mr L’Enfont? as much probably from complaisance as judgment. Yrs ALS , DLC : Thomas Jefferson Papers. The...
60From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 17 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
The P. has just recd the enclosed. He prays Mr Jefferson to write by tomorrows Post to Majr L’Enfant agreeably to what was mentioned this morning. AL , DLC : Thomas Jefferson Papers. For the background to this letter, see GW to Jefferson, 16 Mar. 1791 . The enclosure has not been found. GW and Jefferson conferred about the Federal City on the morning of 17 Mar. 1791, discussing the appropriate...
61From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 31 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
Having been so fortunate as to reconcile the contending interests of Georgetown and Carrollsburg, and to unite them in such an agreement as permits the public purposes to be carried into effect on an extensive and proper scale, I have the pleasure to transmit to you the enclosed proclamation, which after annexing your counter signature and the seal of the United States, you will cause to be...
62From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 1 April 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive your letter of the 27th ult. with the papers which accompanied it. Referring to your Judgment whether a commission, similar to that intended for Mr Barclay, may be given without the agency of the Senate, I return both papers to you signed, in order that the one you deem most proper may be used. Your opinions respecting the acts of force which have already...
63From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and Henry Knox, 4 April 1791 (Washington 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...
64From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 4 April 1791 (Washington 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...
65From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 13 April 1791 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 2d came to my hands at this place. Part of it did as you supposed, & might well suppose, astonished me exceedingly. I think it not only right that Mr Carmichael should be furnished with a copy of the genuine letters to Mr G. Morris, but that Mr [Morris] should also know the result of his conferences with the Duke of Leeds at the Court of Madrid. The contents of my official...
66From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 8 May 1791 (Washington Papers)
The round of business and of ceremony, which now engages my attention, only allows me leisure to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th of last month, which will receive a more particular consideration. I am, with great esteem Sir, Your most obedient Servant LS , DLC : Thomas Jefferson Papers. Jefferson sent his letter to GW at Wilmington, N.C., which the president reached on 24...
67From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 15 June 1791 (Washington Papers)
I acknowledged the receipt of your letter of the 2nd of April from Richmond—since which I have only received two letters from you of the 10th of April and 15th of May. Concluding that some of your dispatches may have been forwarded to Taylor’s ferry (by which route I did not return) I have to request, if that should have been the case, and the communications were of a particular or pressing...
68From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 17 June 1791 (Washington Papers)
By the last post from the southward I received your letters of the 17th and 24th of April, with their enclosures. In a letter of the 7th of May, which I wrote to the Secretary of the Treasury from Charleston, I expressed my approbation of what he informed me had been determined by the Vice-President and Heads of Departments, relative to Mr Short’s negociation at Amsterdam, and the further...
69From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 26 June 1791 (Washington Papers)
The last post brought me your letter of the 20th instant, and the duplicates of your letters, which were missing when I last wrote to you—the originals of which have since been received—This acknowledgement is all the notice I shall take of them until I have the pleasure of seeing you. I have selected the letters written by you to me while you were in the administration of the government of...
70From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 12 July 1791 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed I send this afternoon, for your perusal. Tomorrow, 8’Oclock, I shall send the person who was the bearer of it, to you. It being the hour, he left word, when he left the letter, that he should call upon me. If Mr Pearce merits the character given him by T: D. he will unquestionably merit encouragement, & you can put him in the way to obtain it. Yrs ever ALS , DLC : Thomas Jefferson...
71From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 28 July 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have just given the enclosed Letters an acknowledgment, & was about to file them; but not recollecting whether I had ever shewn them to you, or not—I now, as they contain information, & opinions on Men & things, hand them to you for your perusal. By comparing them with others, & the predictions at the times they were written with the events which have happened, you will be able to judge of...
72From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 21 August 1791 (Washington Papers)
At eight ’oclock A.M. tomorrow, I set out for Mr Powells farm, to see the operation of Colo. Anderson’s threshing Machine. I Break fast, you know, at half past Seven; if it is convenient to take that in your way, I should be glad to see you at it. When you have read the enclosed letters I will converse with you on the subject of them. I am always yours ALS , DLC : Thomas Jefferson Papers. The...
73Memorandum for Thomas Jefferson, 27 August 1791 (Washington Papers)
Will circumstances render a postponement of the Sale of Lots in the Federal City advisable? If not Where ought they to be made Will it in that case, or even without it, be necessary or prudent to attempt to borrow money to carry on the difft works in the City? Whether ought the building of a bridge over the Eastern branch to be attempted—the Canal set about—and Mr Peter’s proposion with...
74From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 29 August 1791 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed for Mr Young, I pray you to put under cover to Mr Johnson—the other for Mr Vaughan may go in like manner, or otherwise, as you may think best; both however by the Packet. The letter for Mr Carroll I also return—besides which, were you to write a line or two to Mr Johnson, addressed to the care of the Postmaster in Baltimore, it might be a mean of giving him earlier notice of the...
75Tobias Lear to Thomas Jefferson, 30 August 1791 (Washington Papers)
[Philadelphia] 30 August 1791. At the request of Attorney General Edmund Randolph, encloses for the office of the secretary of state fifteen patents signed by the president. ALS , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DLC:GW . Thomas Jefferson docketed the receiver’s copy: “The Secy of State 30th Augt 1792” and listed on it that the enclosed patents were for Englebert Cruse, James Rumsey,...
76Enclosure: Memorandum for Thomas Jefferson with Jefferson’s Answers and Notes, 27 August–8 September 1791 (Washington Papers)
Will circumstances render a postponement of the Sale of Lots in the Federal City advisable? If not not adviseable? [2.] Where ought they to be made left to be considered ultimately on the spot, the general opinion being only that the leading interests be accomodated. [3.] Will it in that case, or even without it, be necessary or prudent to attempt to borrow money to carry on the difft works in...
77From 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...
78From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 30 November 1791 (Washington Papers)
Mr L’Enfants letter of the 19th of Octr to Mr Lear—Mr Lear’s answer of the 6th instt (the press copy of which is so dull as to be scarcely legible)—in which I engrafted sentiments of admonition, & with a view also to feel his pulse under reprehension—His reply of the 10th to that letter together with the papers I put into your hands when here will give you a full view of the business; & the...
79From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 9 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday afternoon Colo. Hamilton was desired, as soon as the Tariff was ready, to let it be known. Enclosed is his answer. Say whether the meeting shall be tomorrow, or on Monday morning? Yours sincerely ALS , DLC : Thomas Jefferson Papers. Jefferson endorsed this undated note as having been received on 9 Dec. 1791. The enclosed answer of Alexander Hamilton has not been positively...
80From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 14 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
I am very glad to find that matters, after all that has happened, stand so well between the Comrs and Majr L’Enfant. I am sorry, however, to hear that the work is not in a more progressive State. Yesterday afternoon I wrote a letter, of which the enclosed is the copy to Majr L’Enfant. and receivg his of the 10th added the Postscript thereto. I hope the two will have a good effect. I am always...
81From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 18 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
The P——requests that Mr J——would give the letter & statement here with sent from the S——y of War a perusal, & return it to him in the course of the day, with his opinion as to the propriety of the manner of making the communication to Congress; and whether it ought not, at any rate, to be introduced in some such way as this (if it is to pass through him to Congress) “Pursuant to directions I...
82From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 25 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
The P—— returns Mr Muters letter, and gives Mr J—— an opportunity of reading one from Judge Innes, on the same subject. The latter, commences his operations from the point, to which we have not yet been able to get; namely—established Posts in the Indian Country—the primary object of the Campaign, after the accomplishment of which, every thing else would be easy. AL , DLC : Thomas Jefferson...
83From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 25 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
You will find by the enclosed that our troubles in the Federal City are not yet at an end. I pray you to give the letters a consideration and inform me of the result, to morrow, or next day. Yours Affectly & sincerely ALS , DLC : Thomas Jefferson Papers. For the background to this letter, see Pierre L’Enfant to GW, 21 Nov. 1791, editorial note . For the enclosed letter, see the Commissioners...
84From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 27 December 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have just received, and scarcely had time to read the enclosed. ⟨I wan⟩t to see you, and the heads of the ⟨oth⟩er Departments to morrow morning at nine Oclock on business of the War Department. Yrs Affectly ALS , DLC : Thomas Jefferson Papers. The enclosures were copies of Henry Knox’s reports to GW of 26 Dec. 1791 on the defeat of the army under Arthur St. Clair and proposals for further...
85From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 13 January 1792 (Washington Papers)
The P. begs that Mr J—— & Mr Ma—— would give the enclosed letters from the Commrs an attentive perusal, and the whole of that business a serious consideration before nine oclock tomorrow morning—at which hour the P—. would be glad to converse with them on the subject. AL , DLC : Thomas Jefferson Papers. GW addressed the letter to “Mr Jefferson,” and Jefferson docketed the address cover as...
86From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 15 January 1792 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed came to my hands yesterday afternoon. The documents respecting the dispute between Majr L’Enfant an Dan. Carroll of D. have been sent for the Attorney Genl to form his opinion upon the case. The whole are sent for Mr J.s perusal previous to the conversation he proposed to have with Majr L’E. The President has not read the Papers—nor is he in any hurry to do it. AL , DLC : Thomas...
87From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 16 January 1792 (Washington 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 ALS , DLC : Thomas Jefferson Papers. Jefferson endorsed this letter as having been “recd Jan. 16. 92,” which was a Monday. GW apparently wished to discuss...
88From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 18 January 1792 (Washington Papers)
The conduct of Majr L’Enfant and those employed under him, astonishes me beyond measure! and something more than even appears, must be meant by them! When you are at leisure I should be glad to have a further conversation with you on this subject. Yrs sincerely & Affectionately ALS , DLC : Thomas Jefferson Papers. For the background to this letter, see Pierre L’Enfant to GW, 21 Nov. 1791,...
89From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 28 January 1792 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is the rough draught of a letter to G.M.—I pray you to examine it, and alter any word, or sentence you may think too strong; or the whole of it, retaining my object; from which I shall make a fair copy, & then take a press one: be not scrupulous therefore in making the alterations you judge necessary. In the course of tomorrow I will send you the letter to be made up with your...
90From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 7 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed came to my hand yesterday evening—I have heard nothing more of Mr Johnson. I wish the business to which these letters relate, was brought to an issue—an agreeable one is not, I perceive to be expected. AL , DLC : Thomas Jefferson Papers. Jefferson endorsed this undated note as having been received on 7 Feb. 1792. The enclosure was probably Pierre L’Enfant’s letter to GW of 6...
91From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 9 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
The P——requests that Mr J——would give the enclosed letter & papers a reading between this and dinner—and come an hour before it, that he may have an opportunity of conversing with him on the subject of them. Mr Walker of George Town is in this City—from him, if Mr J——could contrive to get him to his house, he might learn the sentiments of the people of the place, Carrolsburg &ca—with respect...
92From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 11 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
If you & Mr Madison could make it convenient to take a family dinner with me to day—or, if engagements prevent this—wd come, at any hour in the afternoon most convenient to yourselves we would converse fully, and try to fix on some plan for carrying the Affairs of the Federal district into execution. Under present appearances it is difficult, but it is nevertheless necessary to resolve on some...
93From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 15 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
Before I give any decided opinion upon the letter you have written to Majr L’Enfant—or on the alterations proposed for the engraved plan, I wish to converse with you on several matters which relate to this business. This may be, if nothing on your part renders it inconvenient, immediately after 8 Oclock to morrow—at wch hour I breakfast, and at which if agreeable to yourself I should be glad...
94From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 22 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed meets my approbation. Did Walker accord willingly, or reluctantly? The Plan I think, ought to appear as the Work of L’Enfont. The one prepared for engraving not doing so, is, I presume, one cause of his dissatisfaction. If he consents to act upon the conditions proposed, and can point out any radical defects, or others to amend which will be a gratification to him—not improper in...
95From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 24 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
The President desires Mr Jefferson will give the enclosed Papers an attentive perusal, & return them to him as soon as he has done it; that Colo. Hamilton may have an opportunity of doing it also. At 10 ’oclock tomorrow the P——will speak with the heads of departments upon the subject of them and requests their attendance accordingly. AL , DLC : Thomas Jefferson Papers. Jefferson endorsed this...
96From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 26 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
I have perused the enclosed answer to your letter, to Majr L’Enfant. Both are returned. A final decision thereupon must be had. I wish it to be taken upon the best ground, and with the best advice. Send it, I pray you, to Mr Madison who is better acquainted with the whole of this matter than any other. I wish also that the Attorney General may see, and become acquainted with the circumstances...
97From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 26 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
The P—— returns the enclosed Report to Mr J—— Boundary, and the Navigation of the Missisipi are clearly defined—The propositions respecting Commerce he presumes is equally so, but having little knowledge of this subject he trusts to the guards provided by Mr J——. The P—— has put one or two queries in the Margin of the Report merely for consideration. AL , DLC : Thomas Jefferson Papers. For...
98From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 28 February 1792 (Washington 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 & explicit terms if the Plan exhibited by him is conformable to the actual...
99From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 2 March 1792 (Washington Papers)
Be so good as to examine the enclosed draught of a letter to Genl St Clair, and make such alterations (with a pencil) as you shall judge proper; as letter and answer will, it is presumed, be handed to the public. The bearer will wait to bring it back to me. AL , DLC : Jefferson Papers. Henry Knox’s enclosed draft of GW’s letter to Maj. Gen. Arthur St. Clair has not been found (see Knox to GW,...
100From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 4 March 1792 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed came by the Post yesterday. I send it for your perusal. Have you had any conversation with Mr Ellicot respecting the completion of the Survey, & lots of the Federal City?—If so, what was the result?—He ought, if he undertakes it, to proceed to that place immediately—so as to be there at the proposed meeting of the Commissionrs. The Engravers say eight weeks is the shortest time in...