From George Washington to William Jackson, 25 August 1795
To William Jackson
Philadelphia 25th Augt 1795
Dear Sir
I have been favored with your letter of yesterday,1 and thank you sincerely for the obliging offer therein contained. My stay here will be short; and the weight of business is pretty well got through. I am not less sensible, however, of your kindness on that account.
To the close attention I have paid to it, since my arrival, you must attribute my seclusion from company; except at the hours appropriated for that purpose. This cause also, has, in a manner, prevented my crossin the threshold of my own door, except at times when I have found it convenient to go to one or other of the public Offices since I came to the city. With esteem & regard I am—Dear Sir Your obliged
Go: Washington
ALS, PHi: Society Collection; ADfS, NjMoHP: Smith Collection. The letter is addressed to Jackson at “Pine Street No. 67.”
1. Jackson’s letter is dated 25 Aug., but it is docketed “24th Augt.” Jackson wrote: “Availing myself of your flattering permission, occasionally to pay my respects to you, I have, at different times, done myself the honor to call upon you, since your return to Philadelphia—but, unfortunately for my wishes, I found that you were at each time engaged in public affairs.
“Unwilling to trespass on time so precioius, I resort to this mean of communicating a proposal, which I persuade myself, whatever may be your decision upon it, you will regard as the sincere dictate of a heart, which has long been, and must ever continue affectionately devoted to you.
“Presuming that in the absence of Mr Dandridge, and under the pressure of public business, you might possibly have occasion for that kind of assistance which I should be capable of rendering—I beg leave to entreat, if such assistance can be useful, that you will command my best services while you continue on your present visit to Philadelphia.
“As I am waiting the issue of some arrangements before I enter upon my plans of private business, my time is, at present unoccupied—And my heart, head, and hand cannot be more gratefully employed than in a disinterested demonstration of the perfect esteem and affectionate attachment” (ALS, DLC:GW).