II. The President to the Secretary of State, 2 January 1791
II. The President to the Secretary of State
Sunday, 2d. Jany. 1791
Dear Sir
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 the town—that is, to allow room for its extending backwards, as well as up and down the River, without throwing too much of the district into Virginia, it would be a desirable measure.—Where are the Acts, or Resolutions of the States of Virginia and Maryland (respecting the Cession of the ten miles Square) to be met with? If to be brought from the Archives of these States, much time will be required in obtaining them:—but quere, are they not among the deposits of the General Government? The presumption is, that they were transmitted by the two States above mentioned. Yrs. Affectly. Go:
Go; Washington
RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ: “Washington Presidt.” Enclosures not identified; one of them is usually, and mistakenly, identified as that referred to in the following document.