To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 7 November 1793
From Thomas Jefferson
[7 November 1793]
Mr Smith supposes the bill he incloses must be laid before Congress.1 on a former suggestion of the same kind Th: J. being able to find nothing which rendered it necessary, consulted the Attorney General, who was of opinion it was not necessary, but promised make more diligent enquiry.2 the result will now be asked of him by Th: J.
AL, DNA: RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB, DNA: RG 59, George Washington’s Correspondence with His Secretaries of State. Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., docketed the AL as “7. Novr 1793,” the same date that appears on the letter-book copy.
1. The enclosed bill was an act of the governor and judges of the Southwest Territory “requiring persons holding monies arising from fines and forfeitures imposed for the punishment of public offenders, taxes on proceedings in law and equity, on the probate of deeds, on the registering of grants for land, and the issuing marriage and ordinary licenses . . . to account for and pay the same,” 13 March 1793 (, 4:242–43).
2. See Jefferson’s third letter to GW of 19 June, and notes 2 and 3.