11From George Washington to William Thornton, 21 April 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 19th is before me, and for the details it contains respecting my buildings in the City, I thank you. As I do for directing the exterior door Cills thereof to be made of Stone. I never attended so closely to the specification of the work, as to know they were, originally, intended to be of Wood; On the contrary, as the Frontispiece was to be of Stone I took it for granted that...
12From George Washington to William Thornton, 1 June 1799 (Washington Papers)
In replying to your favor of yesterday’s date, I must beg leave to premise that, when I left the Chair of Government it was with a determination not to intermeddle in any public matter which did not immediately concern me; and that I have felt no Disposition since to alter this Determination. But as you have requested that I would give you my Ideas on a certain point, which seems to have...
13From George Washington to William Thornton, 4 June 1799 (Washington Papers)
You will perceive by the enclosed letter, and my order, consequent thereof; that the Glass from Boston is arrived at Alexandria, and in good condition. Be so good as to send the order to Mr Blagden, that he may use his own time & mode of getting it to the City. I hope Mr Blagden will be careful of the overplus, as more glass was written for than the houses will require without loss. With great...
14From George Washington to William Thornton, 16 June 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 5th instant came duly to hand. Mr Blagdens last call for $1000 is, I must acknowledge, sooner than I had contemplated; but I will make arrangements with the Bank of Alexandria to meet it by the first of next month. If his progress in the buildings, & faithful execution of the work, keep pace with his demands (and this is all I require) he shall have no cause to complain of my...
15From George Washington to William Thornton, 2 July 1799 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 25th has been received; but you have mistaken the case entirely with respect to the Asses who were sent to my Jacks; charging you nothing for the services of the latter, was not designed to lay you under obligation, but a feeble effort to repay the kindnesses you have heaped upon me. Colo. Gilpin has forwarded the wrong box of glass to Baltimore, and soon will, I hope,...
16From George Washington to William Thornton, 14 July 1799 (Washington Papers)
Be so good as to learn from Mr Blagden, and inform me, at what time—and what sum, the next advance must be, that I may be making arrangements therefor. If nothing happens more than I am aware of at present, I shall be in George Town on the first Monday in next Month (August the 5th) at the annual Meeting of the Pot[oma]c Compy and should be glad to know previously thereto, when, and what the...
17From George Washington to William Thornton, 1 August 1799 (Washington Papers)
I shall be obliged to you for letting Mr Blagden know, that I forsee nothing, at present, that will prevent my being at the Union Tavern in George Town on Monday next (the 5th instant) by eleven Oclock. When & where, if he will attend I shall be provided with, & ready to pay him, a thousand Dollars in Columbia Notes. I thank you for the information, & sentiments given in your last favour of...
18From George Washington to William Thornton, 28 August 1799 (Washington Papers)
I would thank you for requesting Mr Blagden to give me as early notice of the time, and amount of his next call upon me, as he can, that I may prepare accordingly. With great esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Yr most Obedt Servt ALS (photocopy), NjP . Presumably GW intended to write “Sir.” GW on 30 Aug. wrote William Herbert, president of the Bank of Alexandria, that he wished to extend the...
19From George Washington to William Thornton, 5 September 1799 (Washington Papers)
Not sending to Alexandria every day, letters sometimes lye longer in the Post Office than they otherwise would do. This is the reason why your favour of the 1st instant has not been acknowledged sooner. If Mr Blagden would be at the trouble of chusing the Ironmongry himself and pay ready money for it (thereby providing it on the best terms) I had rather he should get it than I because he would...
20From George Washington to William Thornton, 11 September 1799 (Washington Papers)
The 20th of this month—when Mr Blagden would require an advance of a thousand dollars—being near at hand—and Mr Peter affording a good and safe opportunity to remit it—I enclose for this purpose, a check on the Bank of Alexandria, to that amount. Mr Peter informs me that his brother has Ironmongery of a good quality, which he wants to dispose of, and would sell cheap. I pray you therefore to...