1From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 21 March 1781 (Washington Papers)
I should have done myself the honor to have acknowledged your Excellency’s Letters of the 8th, 12th,17th, 26th of February and 8th Inst., at the time they were severally received; had I not been absent from this place on a Journey to the French Army at New Port, from whence I have but just now returned. The transactions and movements you have made me acquainted with in the course of these...
2From 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...
3From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 1 August 1786 (Washington Papers)
The letters you did me the favor to write to me on the 4th & 7th of Jany have been duly received. In answer to your obliging enquiries respecting the dress, attitude &ca which I would wish to have given to the Statue in question—I have only to observe that not having a sufficient knowledge in the art of sculpture to oppose my judgment to the taste of Connoisseiurs, I do not desire to dictate...
4From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 13 September 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inclose your Excellency the Copy of a Letter from Mr Loring British Commissary of Prisoners to our Commissary of prisoners respecting the measures which have been taken in the Case of Lieutenant Govener Hamilton and the enemys intentions of retaliation in Consequence. By this your Excellency will be able to Judge how far it may be expedient to relax in the present treatment...
5From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 15 March 1795 (Washington Papers)
I received your letter of the 23d Ulto; but not at so early a period as might have been expected from the date of it. My mind has always been more disposed to apply the shares in the inland navigations of Potomac & James River (which were left to my disposal by the legislature of Virginia) towards the endowment of a University in the U. States, than to any other object it had contemplated. In...
6From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 19 November 1792 (Washington Papers)
I have run over the four numbers of Genl Green’s letters to Congress—herewith returned—and find nothing contained in them, unmarked by you, which ought, in my opinion, to be withheld from the Public. Even those of the 3d of Novr 1780—tho’ quite unnecessary, might pass with an explanatory note on the then value of our paper currency. It probably is best to [leave] out the scored part of No. 1,...
7Memoranda on Thomas Jefferson’s Letters, 27 August 1789 (Washington Papers)
Information from our Bankers in Holland that they had money in hand sufft to answer the demands for the Foreign Officers & Captives: and moreover that the residue of the Bonds of the last loan were engaged. The Sum necessary for the first is 60,393⅌—17s.—10d. a year—and 26,000⅌ was sent him to complete the business of the Medals. The officers was paid up to the first of the year 1789. Desires...
8From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 7 March 1792 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed, sent for Mr Jeffersons perusal, corrobates the idea held out in the communication of Mr H——d. ALS , DLC : Jefferson Papers. At the bottom of the letter, Jefferson wrote: “Extract from [Samuel] Kirkland’s letter [to Henry Knox], dated Kanandaiqua Feb. 25. 1792. ‘The British at Niagara, hold out this idea, that the U.S. will not be able to refund the confiscated Tory...
9From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 24 April 1794 (Washington Papers)
The letter herewith enclosed came under cover to me in a packet from Mr Lear, accompanied with the following extract of a letter, dated—London February 12th 1794. “A Mr Bartraud, a famous Agriculturalist belonging to Flanders, put into my hands a few days ago several papers for Mr Jefferson on the subject of manuring & vegitation, requesting that I would forward them to him by some vessel...
10From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 4 June 1793 (Washington Papers)
If you see any objections to the propositions contained in the enclosed pray furnish me with them as soon as convenient as I want to return an answer without delay. Yours &ca ALS , DLC : Jefferson Papers. According to Jefferson’s docket, he received this letter later this date. For the enclosed letter, see Alexander Hamilton to GW, 3 June . For Jefferson’s reply, see his letter to GW of 5 June .
11From 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...
12From 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...
13From 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...
14From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 15 March 1784 (Washington Papers)
The Baron de Steuben informs me, that he is about to make a final settlement with Congress; and to obtain from them that compensation which his Services shall appear to have merited; having entered into no stipulation at the time he engaged in the Service either for Pay or emoluments; chusing rather to let his Services point to their own rewards (after they were performed) than to set a value...
15From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 7 September 1793 (Washington Papers)
I have received your letter of yesterday’s date, and approving the measures sugg[e]sted therein, desire you will make arrangements for carrying them into effect with as little loss of time as may be. LB , DNA : RG 59, George Washington’s Correspondence with His Secretaries of State. Jefferson’s letter to GW of 6 Sept. has not been found.
16From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 29 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with two of your Excellency’s favors both of the 11th inclosing an extract of a letter from Governor Rutlege. I cannot but feel most sensibly affected by several parts of your Excellency’s letter. The successive misfortunes to the Southward—the progress of the enemy—and the great deficiency in military stores give rise to the most serious reflections, while our situation in...
17From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 8 March 1792 (Washington Papers)
I do not recollect whether any notice has ever been taken in your letter to the Commrs of Mr Johnsons suggestion of bringing the Canal navigation to the City—The ascertainment of the practicability ought by all means to be encouraged. Yours ALS , DLC : Jefferson Papers. Jefferson apparently was mistaken when he endorsed this letter as having been received on 7 Mar., as GW dated it “Thursday...
18From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 3 March 1784 (Washington Papers)
The last Post brought me the enclosed letter, under cover from the Marquis de la Fayette. If you have any News that you are at liberty to impart, it would be charity to communicate a little of it, to a body. It is unnecessary, I hope, to repeat to you the assurances of the pleasure I should feel at seeing you at this retreat, or of the sincere esteem & regard with which I am—Dear Sir—Yr Most...
19From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 7 July 1792 (Washington Papers)
Pray send me Mr Hammond’s communications to you on thursday & your letter to him in answer; and let me see you at Eight ’Oclock this Morng. Yrs ALS , DLC : Jefferson Papers. Jefferson’s docket indicates that this note was received on Saturday, 7 July 1792. For British minister George Hammond’s letter to Jefferson of Thursday, 5 July, see Jefferson to GW, 5 July, n.1 ; for Jefferson’s response...
20From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 1 April 1792 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed are sent for Mr Jeffersons perusal—The letter from Mr Knox the P. thinks was (the original) sent to Mr Jefferson before. AL , DLC : Jefferson Papers. Jefferson’s Summary Journal of Public Letters ( DLC : Jefferson Papers) indicates that the secretary of state received a letter from GW written on Sunday, 1 April 1792, enclosing a letter of 27 Dec. 1791 from Gouverneur Morris ....
21From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 11 October 1793 (Washington Papers)
Your dispatch of the 3d with it’s several enclosures reached Alexandria on Wednesday evening, and got to my hands yesterday morning. This afternoon I shall send to the post office the Letters for mister Bankson, with my signature to the Exequatur for mister Dannery, & Letters patent revoking that of mister Duplane. Your letter to the latter, two to the French minister, one to his Secretary mr...
22From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 5 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor to receive by last nights Post Your Excellencys favor of the 10th Ulto—I am not certain I ever heard that Colo. Clarke had meditated an expedition against Detroit but I have thought it probable enough that he might turn his views that way. The reduction of this Post would be a matter very interesting from it’s situat[i]on—and consequent importance to the tranquility of the...
23From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 11 December 1779 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inform Yr Excellency that I have received advice from New York that a very la[r]ge embarkation had taken place (said to amount to 8000) and that the fleet containing them was at the Hook on the point of sailing—their destination reported to be for Chesapæk bay, on a combined operation in the 1st place against the French Squadron there, and afterwards to attempt the rescue...
24From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 15 September 1792 (Washington 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...
25From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 5 November 1779 (Washington Papers)
I would take the liberty of addressing a few lines to Your Excellency, respecting such of the Officers and privates of Blands and Baylors Regiments of Dragoons and of Harrisons Artillery, as belong to the state of Virginia. Their situation is really disagreable and discouraging; and it is perhaps the more so, from its being now almost if not intirely singular. It is said, that under the idea...
26From 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...
27From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 18 October 1792 (Washington Papers)
(Private) My dear Sir Phila. Octobr 18th 1792. 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...
28From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 28 December 1793 (Washington Papers)
I have received with vexation the enclosure you have just sent me from the French Minister: and pray you to take the opinion of the Gentlemen upon the measure proper to be taken in this business. Every day, more & more discovers the intention of this Agent to perplex this Government, and to scatter thick & wide the Seeds of dissention. Yours always— ALS , DLC : Jefferson Papers. Jefferson...
29From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 1 November 1792 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed places matters on their true rounds; and in my opinion on a proper footing. ALS , DLC : Jefferson Papers. Jefferson docketed this letter: “recd Nov. 1. 92.” Beneath GW’s text Jefferson added “this was my answer of Nov. 1. to Viar & Jaudenes.” Jefferson wrote the Spanish diplomats José Ignacio de Viar and José de Jaudenes in reply to their letter to him of 29 Oct. (see Jefferson to...
30From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 18 April 1781 (Washington Papers)
I am glad to learn from the Letter of General Greene, a Copy of which Your Excellency did me the honor to enclose on the 28th Ulto that the Action of the 15th had been severely felt by the Enemy, that their retreat bore evident marks of distress, and that our Army in good spirits, were advancing upon them. From Virginia I have nothing later than Your Letter, and the enclosure from the Baron...
31From 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...
32From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 28 December 1780 (Washington Papers)
Your Excellency’s favor of the 13th reached me this day. I have ever been of opinion, that the reduction of the post of Detroit would be the only certain mean of giving peace and security to the whole Western Frontier, and I have constantly kept my Eye upon that object; but such has been the reduced state of our Continental Force, and such the low ebb of our Funds, more especially of late,...
33From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 10 March 1792 (Washington Papers)
I was informed last Night by Mr Izard that a Comee of three, of which he was one, were to be with me on Monday Morning upon the Subject of the Algarene business. The Senate do not know how to get money for the purpose without the Agency of the Reps. & they are afraid to make the Comn. I wish you to consider this matter—& if not before, to let me see you by half-after 7 Oclock on Monday Morng....
34From 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...
35From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 21 March 1792 (Washington Papers)
To morrow I shall be engaged all day—but will, in the course of it, fix a time to view the Big bones at Doctr Wisters. I hope Mr Blodget does not begin to hesitate concerning the loan?—And I hope the Commissioners, when they are about it, will build a Stone bridge and a compleat one, over Rock Creek—it will be the cheapest in the end. Yrs sincerely ALS , DLC : Jefferson Papers. Jefferson added...
36From 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,...
37From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 5 April 1793 (Washington Papers)
Your Letter of the 1st instant, came to my hands yesterday. I regret the indisposition of General Knox; but hope, as there is yet time for consideration of those matters I referred to the heads of the Departments, no inconvenience will result from the delay, occasioned thereby; unless it should continue much longer. At George Town, I met mister Randolph; & by a Letter just received from mister...
38From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 24 March 1784 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 15th came to my hands the 2 2d—at the moment the Governor & some other company came in. I can do no more at present than to acknowledge the rect 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 land...
39From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 13 February 1789 (Washington Papers)
Having found that there is a vessel on the point of sailing from Alexandria for Havre de Grace I would not forego so good an opportunity of addressing a letter to you; although nothing very material has occurred since the date of my last, which was transmitted by Mr Gouverneur Morris. As you will doubtless have seen in the Gazettes the Measures taken by the different States for carrying the...
40From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and Henry Knox, 9 March 1793 (Washington 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...
41From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 23 June 1793 (Washington 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 sometime ago—) It would enable me to solve his questions soon afterwards. Yours always and sincerely ALS , NNPM . Jefferson docketed this letter as “recd June. 24. 93.” For British agriculturist Arthur Young’s queries, see his letter to GW of 17 Jan. 1793 . GW...
42From 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...
43From 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...
44From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 4 April 1792 (Washington Papers)
Am I right in understanding, as the result of the Conversation you had with Mr White, that it was his opinion Genl Morgan would serve under Officers superior to him in Rank in the Army about to be raised? I want to get the appointments closed, but wish to know, previously, whether this was Mr Whites opinion. Yours sincerely ALS , DLC : Jefferson Papers. On the cover, Jefferson docketed the...
45From 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...
46From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 2 June 1784 (Washington Papers)
It was not until I had arrived at Annapolis, on my way home, that I heard of Colo. Humphrys’s appointment as Secretary to the Commissioners for forming Commercial Treaties in Europe. Permit me now Sir, to recommend him to your countenance and friendship, which I would not do, did I not think him deserving of both. In him you will find a good Scholar, natural & acquired abilities, great...
47From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 21 May 1792 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive your letter of the 16t[h] inst. I sincerely hope that the intelligence which has been communicated to you of a War between France and Spain being inevitable, is not founded in truth. It is my intention to commence my Journey to Philadelphia on Thursday next. I shall stop in George Town one day, and proceed on from thence without further delay, unless my...
48From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 10 February 1783 (Washington Papers)
I have been honored with your favor of the 22d of Jany from Philadelpha. I feel my self much flattered by your kind remembrance of me in the hour of your departure from this Continent—and the favourable Sentiments you are pleased to entertain of my Services for this our common Country. To merit the approbation of good & virtuous Men is the height of my ambition, & will be a full compensation...
49From 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...
50From 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...