51To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 17 May 1795 (Washington Papers)
On my reaching this place yestreday, I was invited to a dinner where a large number of the most respectable merchants of the town were collected. While at dinner Genl S. Smith rece[iv]ed a letter from Mr John Purveyance, at Halifax, to which place he was carried in the ship Pomona. After perusal, Genl Smith handed the letter to me, in which I found the following Statement. That the owners of...
52To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 27 April 1795 (Washington Papers)
Once more, my dear Sir, I have taken the liberty to intrude upon you in this way, trusting that your goodness will not take it amiss. I propose setting out on my journey homewards in a few days; but it will probably be about the middle of may before I reach the Potomac, as I shall have occasion to make several stops on the Road. My business, as well as inclination, has led me to mix much with...
53To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 18 March 1795 (Washington Papers)
On the day that I left this place to accompany Mr Weston up the River, I had the honor of writing a few lines to you on a certain subject mentioned in your respected favor of the 4th instant. Having returned from that trip but yesterday, no further oppurtunity of obtaining information on the point alluded to has yet occurred. I am much pleased to inform you that Mr Weston found time to visit...
54To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 8 March 1795 (Washington Papers)
By the post of friday I had the honor to receive your respected favor of the 4th instant: Since which I have had but little opportunity of hearing any opinions expressed on the points mentioned in your letter. I had, however, frequently heard the subject spoken on since the commencement of the misunderstanding between Mr Johnson and the Commissioners; and from what I could observe of the...
55To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 23 February 1795 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honored with your respected favor of the 18th instant, and feel very grateful for the communication you have had the goodness to make respecting Mister Weston’s movements towards this quarter. From my anxiety to see this great work progressing as it ought, I am apprehensive, my dear Sir, that I have intruded myself too often upon you on this subject. If I have I pray you will...
56To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 13 February 1795 (Washington Papers)
Knowing the deep interest which you take in the progress of the Potomac Navigation, as an object of great public utility, I am led at this time, to intrude on your busy moments when I should not do it from any motives of personal advantage or gratification. Mr Weston has not yet made his appearance here, as from various quarters we were led to expect he would have done early in the present...
57To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 30 January 1795 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 14th of december, which was directed to me in Richmond, did not find its way to this place till yesterday, which I trust, will account for what must have appeared neglectful on my part, my not having before acknowledged the receipt of it. Upon reflection, I am strongly impressed with the propriety of your declining to write, on the subject of extending the time for opening...
58To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 24 January 1795 (Washington Papers)
I have now the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your respected favors of the 9th & 12th current; the latter having reached my hands a few moments before I sat off on a trip to Fredericksburgh, from which place I have just returned, having had the pleasure to see Mrs F. Washington so far on her way to Eltham, without any unlucky accident, and with a fair prospect of reaching the end of her...
59To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 1 January 1795 (Washington Papers)
I have been duly honored with your respected favors of the 21st & 22d ultimo; the latter accompanying certain papers and plans relative to the navigation of the Potomac; for which I return you my best thanks. The assembly of this State has passed a Law similar to that of Virginia, granting a further Time of two Years for completing the Navigation of the River. At a meeting of the Directors of...
60To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 24 December 1794 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment been honored with your respected favor of the 21st instant—and shall, as soon as possible, obtain information on the several points therein mentioned, which shall be immediately communicated to you. The law for extending the time for opening the navigation of the Potomac has been passed in this State as well as Virginia. I take the liberty to enclose a packet for Mr...
61To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 17 December 1794 (Washington Papers)
I am happy to inform you that my intended trip to Richmond is rendered unnecessary. An act to prolong the time, for two years, for opening the navigation of the Potomac having been passed in Virginia. I went to Alexandria on Monday Evening, and was on the point of departing from thence to Richmond when Mr Charles Lee arrived from the Assembly, and informed that the business was finished the...
62To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 10 December 1794 (Washington Papers)
I am about to trouble you on a piece of business which is very unpleasant to myself, and sure I am that it can be no less so to you. At the meeting of the Potomac Company when they did me the honor of appointing me one of the Directors, it was determined that application should be made to the Legislatures of Virginia and Maryland for a prolongation of the time granted for opening the...
63To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 5 December 1794 (Washington Papers)
In the enclosed letter to Mr Dandridge I have transmitted the Treasurers Rect for the second payment with Interest, on your lots in Square N. 667—Amounting to $405 25/100 which you had the goodness to put into my hands for that purpose. When I had the pleasure to see you in Philadelphia, I expressed a wish to have an inspection of some papers relative to the Potomac Company’s affairs, which I...
64To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 5 November 1794 (Washington Papers)
A few weeks ago Mr William Bailey of this neighbourhood wished me to inform him, if I could, whether you had disposed of your lands on the Great & Little Kanawas & on the Ohio between these two Rivers, which he understood you were inclined to part with; and if you had not, he wished to know what you would be willing to take for them, as he and some others had it in contemplation to obtain...
65To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 24 September 1794 (Washington Papers)
At a meeting of the Potomac Company yesterday, they did me the honor to elect me a director, by an unanimous vote, in place of Colo. Deakins who had resigned. As I have accepted this appointment, I thought it my duty to inform you thereof, lest, if you should first hear it from any other quarter, you might think my conduct inconsistent & unjustifiable in accepting this place when I had so...
66To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 5 September 1794 (Washington Papers)
I am afraid you will think I have too long delayed giving an Answer to one of the good letters with which you honored me under the date of the 28th of August. The reason of the delay has not been so much on account of the decision with respect to myself, as to enable me to gain such information of the light in which certain Characters were viewed as I conceived might be acceptable to you: And...
67To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 1 September 1794 (Washington Papers)
I have this moment been made happy by the receipt of your acceptable & good letters of the 28th ultimo, with their enclosures. The mail being on the point of closing will only allow me at this time to acknowledge the receipt of your favors, and express the grateful sense which I have of your continued kindness towards me. The offer which you have the goodness to make of appointing me one of...
68To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 22 August 1794 (Washington Papers)
It is with peculiar pleasure that I inform you of my having once more arrived in this comparatively happy Country. I sailed from Liverpool on the 11th of June and reached this place today. I have brought with me a valuable cargo of goods—and have made my arrangements of business to my Satisfaction in England, Scotland & Holland. I have returned home without visiting other Countries, because I...
69To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 12 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
Having had the honor of writing to you very fully by the Ship Delaware, Capt. Truxon (by whom I sent the watch for Mrs Washington) —and a few days ago by the Ship Peggy of George Town, I shall at present take up no more of your precious time than to inform you that I have put on board the latter ship 5000 white thorn plants for you—and a packet containing Reports made to the Board of...
70To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 4 February 1794 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor of writing a long letter to you on the 26th ultimo by the Ship Delaware, Captain Truxon, to whose particular care I committed the Watch & chain for Mrs Washington, also a profile of the Earl of Buchan, by Tassie, which Lady Buchan committed to my charge with a note for Mrs. Washington. Since which I have received a letter from the Earl with the enclosed packets for you which he...
71To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 26–30 January 1794 (Washington Papers)
Presuming on the wish which you had the goodness to express when I left you last, that you might sometimes hear from me after my arrival in Europe, I have ventured to write you one letter from Glasgow, and now improve the opportunity offered by the Ship Delaware, Capt. Truxon, to write to you again. I was between 3 & 4 weeks in Scotland, during which time I improved every occasion (and many...
72To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 25 December 1793 (Washington Papers)
I have the vanity to think you will not be displeased to hear of my safe arrival at this place. We had a passage of 28 days from New York, and in the course of it experienced much stormy weather. I have been here a fortnight, during which time I have been busily engaged in viewing the several large manufactories in the City and its neighbourhood, in some of which they exceed any other part of...
73To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 9 November 1793 (Washington Papers)
A thousand times after my letter to you, enclosing Observations on the Potomack &c. had gone, did I wish to recall it: for the more I reflected on your situation at this moment, in point of business, the more did I see the impropriety, as well as the unfriendliness of my adding to that burthen, which I could not but know was at least as great as it ought to be, and more especially as mine was...
74To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 3 November 1793 (Washington Papers)
Presuming that you are now in German Town, agreeably to the arrangement which you informed me you had made for that purpose, when I had the honor of seeing you at Mount Vernon, I shall address this letter to you at that place; and have taken the liberty to enclose two copies of some observations respecting the River Potomack, the Country about it and the City of Washington, which I have noted...
75Enclosure: Observations on the Potomac River, 3 November 1793 (Washington Papers)
The River Potomack forms a junction with the Bay of Chesapeak 150 miles from the Sea. From thence to the head of tide-Water is about 160 miles. “This River is 7½ miles wide at its mouth; 4½ at Nomony Bay; 3 at Aquia; 1½ at Hollowing-Point; 1¼ at Alexandria—and the same from thence to the City of Washington, which is within 3 miles of the head of tide Water. It’s soundings are 7 fathoms at the...
76To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 10 October 1793 (Washington Papers)
On my reaching this place yesterday Mr Greenleaf put into my hands your very good & respected favor of the 25 of September, enclosing one hundred & twenty dollars for the purchase of a Watch &c. and a Ticket for my dear little boy, in the Hotel Lottery, which you have had the goodness to give him as a token of your affection. I feel, my dear Sir, more than I can express for the many proofs of...
77To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 13 September 1793 (Washington Papers)
The desire which Mrs Washington had the goodness to express to know how my little boy got through his journey, has given her the trouble of the inclosed letter, which You will be so kind as to do me the favor to give to her. I arrived here this morning with my young companion in good health, we met with no accident of any kind on the road. Of rain we had only a sprinkling one day, and such...
78Tobias Lear to Henry Knox, 28 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
By the President’s command T. Lear has the honor to return to the Secretary of War the enclosed letter & papers from the District Attorney of New York⟨.⟩ and the draught of a letter consequent thereof to Governor Clinton. And to inform the Secretary that the President thinks the letter proposed to be written to Governor Clinton a proper one for the Occasion; yet as it is the first of the kind...
79Tobias Lear to Thomas Jefferson, 24 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
The President sends to the Secretary of State two letters which he has received from Baltimore, written by persons from St Domingo. The President has no knowledge of the writer of the letter in English; but he wishes the Secretary of State to consider it, and if he thinks the circumstances therein mentioned deserve attention, the Secretary will communicate to the President such answer thereto...
80Tobias Lear to Thomas Jefferson, 24 August 1793 (Washington 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. AL , DLC : Jefferson Papers. According to Jefferson’s docket, he received this letter on 26 Aug. 1793. Jefferson’s notation at the foot of the text reads, “Bond: letter of Aug. 23.” The enclosed letter from Phineas Bond to...
81Tobias Lear to Thomas Jefferson, 21 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
By the President’s command T. Lear has the honor to inform the Secretary of State, that the President has intended several times, when he has seen the Secretary latterly, to have mentioned his opinion respecting Mr Albion Coxe’s wages; but some other subject being introduced put it out of his mind. He now informs the Secretary, that it is his opinion, that Mr Coxe should be paid wages for the...
82Tobias Lear to Alexander Hamilton, 19 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
By the President’s command T. Lear has the honor to transmit to The Secretary of the Treasury the final report of the Commissioners for settling the accounts between the United States and the individual States, together with the Letter accompanying the same from them to the President. T. Lear is moreover directed by the President to observe to the Secretary, that the enclosed report was left...
83Tobias Lear to Andrew G. Fraunces, 14 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
In the letter which I wrote to you by the President’s order on the 3d inst. you was informed that the President had directed the Secretary of the Treasury to report to him, in writing, on the subject of your letter to the President of the 31st of July. This Report has accordingly been made by the Secretary—and the President directs me to inform you, that he finds therein such cogent reasons...
84Tobias Lear to Thomas Jefferson, 14 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
By the President’s command T. Lear has the honor to transmit to the Secretary of State the enclosed letters & papers from the Judge of the District of Rhode Island relating to the Ship Catharine. After the Secretary shall have considerd the enclosed documents the President wishes his opinion of the measures which should be taken on the subject. AL , DLC : Jefferson Papers. Jefferson’s docket...
85Tobias Lear to Thomas Jefferson, 14 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
The President wishes the Heads of the Departments to meet at his house tomorrow at ten o’clock. AL , DLC : Jefferson Papers. Jefferson’s docket reads “recd Aug 14. 93.” For a description of this meeting, see Cabinet Opinion on the Recall of Edmond Genet, 23 Aug. 1793 .
86Tobias Lear to Thomas Jefferson, 12 August 1793 (Washington Papers)
By the President’s command T. Lear has the honor to transmit to the Secretary of State the Report of the Proceedings in the Executive Departmt of Govermt in the Territory of the U.S. North West of the Ohio, for six months, ending the 30th of June last—which the President wishes the Secretary to examine at his leisure & report to him anything that may be found therein requiring the agency of...
87Tobias Lear to William Allum and William Talbot, 17 July 1793 (Washington Papers)
The President of the United States has this day received your letter of the 19th ultimo with the pamphlet accompanying it; for your politeness in sending of which to him he directs me ⟨to⟩ beg your acceptance of his best thanks. I have the honor to be Gentlemen, very respectfully Your most Obet Ser. ADfS , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DLC:GW . The text in angle brackets is from the...
88Tobias Lear to Thomas Jefferson, 15 July 1793 (Washington Papers)
In obedience to the President’s commands T. Lear has the honor to return to the Secretary of State the following letters & papers which have been put into the President’s hands by the Secretary. viz. Genet’s communications relative to Spain Lettr from Govr. of Pennsya. dated 24th June & Warden’s report. AL , DLC : Jefferson Papers. Jefferson’s docket reads “Washington Presidt recd July 15.93.”...
89Tobias Lear to James Keith, 14 July 1793 (Washington Papers)
The President directs me to transmit to you the enclosed papers & receipts respecting the Legacy paid to Miss Anderson, agreeably to the will of Colo. Thos Colville. I likewise enclose a receipt given by yourself, for seventy five pounds 7/6 which was paid you by the President’s order on Acct of Colo. Colville’s estate, for the use of William Anslay, Administrator of Mary Monk-house. These are...
90Tobias Lear to William Thornton, 13 July 1793 (Washington Papers)
The President directs me to inform you, that, upon the best consideration the pressure of public business will allow him to give the subject, he thinks the most likely way to accommodate the differences respecting the plan of the Capitol, by satisfactory explainations, will be for you to have a personal interview with Mr Hoben on the subject, in presence of the best and most skilful Architect...
91Tobias Lear to Thomas Jefferson, 3 July 1793 (Washington Papers)
The President sends to the Secretary of State the enclosed letter from Mr Chiappe, which has been forwarded by Mr Simpson at Gibralter. If, upon translating this letter, there should be found in it any thing important to be communicated to the President—the Secretary will do it when the President arrives in Philadelphia. The President prosposes to set out from this place on sunday next. AL ,...
92To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 24 June 1793 (Washington Papers)
Upon my reaching this place from Mount Vernon a few minutes ago, I had the honor to receive your letter of the 21st instant, and am much gratified to find that my having gone to Mount Vernon was an acceptable act. If you should leave Philadelphia on monday, as you propose, you will not receive the account of poor Whitting’s death (which was sent by the Post of Saturday) before that time. He...
93To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 19 June 1793 (Washington Papers)
I have just returned to this place from Mount Vernon, where I found and left poor Whiting in a situation that his life could not be counted upon from one hour to another. He was unable to move without assistance, and could only speak a few words at a time. He could give me but little information of the state of the matters under his care; but observed, generally, that he trusted they could be...
94To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 17 June 1793 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inform you that I arrived here about an hour since; but am very sorry to add, that Dr Craik, whom I met here, informs me that he conceives Mr Whiting to be at the point of death. The Doctor says he has written to you on the subject by this post, and has, at Mr Whiting’s request, pressed you to send Mr Dandridge, or some other person in whom you can confide, down to Mount...
95Tobias Lear to Thomas Jefferson, 13 June 1793 (Washington Papers)
The President sends to the Secretary of State the Counter part of An Agreement with the Bank of the U.S. for 800,000 dollars, to have the ratification prepared in the usual way for the President’s signature. AL , DLC : Jefferson Papers. Jefferson’s docket reads “Washington President June 13. 93. rec’d June 13.” The enclosure was an agreement of 31 May 1793 between Alexander Hamilton and the...
96Tobias Lear to Thomas Jefferson, 13 June 1793 (Washington Papers)
The President returns to the Secretary of State, with his approbation, the Answer to Mr Hammond’s Memorial—and the letter to M. Morris which have been submitted to him—and hopes the documents mentioned to be sent to Mr Morris will be as full as they can be with propriety. The President also suggests the expediency of sending copies of the same to Pinckney by Majr Jackson, or some other direct...
97Tobias Lear to Thomas Jefferson, 11 June 1793 (Washington Papers)
The President of the United States sends to the Secretary of State a letter & enclosures which he has just received from the Governor of New York, respecting the detention of an Armed vessel which was about to sail from New York, supposed to be commissioned as a privateer by one of the European belligerent Powers. The President wishes the Secretary of State to lay these documents before the...
98Tobias Lear to Thomas Janney, 10 June 1793 (Washington Papers)
Colo. Lowrey informs me that you are possessed of a horse which he had recommended, previous to your owning him, to be purchased by the President; & that you are willing to part with him for one hundred & twenty five pounds. Altho’ this price far exceeds what the President had an idea of giving for him, yet as he is desirous of obtaining a good covering horse to put on his Estate at Mount...
99Tobias Lear to Thomas Jefferson, 31 May 1793 (Washington Papers)
By the President’s command T. Lear has the honor to return to the Secretary of State, the draughts & Copies of letters which he sent to the President this day —And to inform the Secretary, that the President is so much indisposed that he does not think he shall be able to meet the Gentlemen at his House tomorrow (the President having had a high fever upon him for 2 or 3 days past, and it still...
100Tobias Lear to Thomas Jefferson, 20 May 1793 (Washington Papers)
T. Lear has the honor, by the President’s command, to return to the Secretary of State the following letters &c. which were laid before the President on Saturday the 18th currt. A Letter from Mr Short of the 6th of March. Copy of Letters to & from the Governor of St Augustine. Copy of treaties between the Spaniards & several of the Indian Nations. Copy of a letter to the Minister of France of...