1To George Washington from John Adams, 17 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
The Vice President of the United States has the honour to present his humble opinion, on the Points proposed, for his consideration. 1. That an association with all kinds of company, and a total Seclusion from Society, are extreams, which, in the actual Circumstances of this Country, and under our form of Government, may be properly avoided. 2. The System of the President, will gradually...
2To George Washington from Isaac All, 10 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
By the advice of my friends, I came to this place to Solicit an appointment in the Customs for the Port of Philadelphia, and was honoured with Letters to Several members of the Senate and house of representatives through whome it was thought my application might have been made. I have Since understood that would be improper which obliges me tho’ an entire stranger to the President to throw...
3To George Washington from Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, 11 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
Mr and Mrs Andersons most respectfull Compliments to his Excy and makes bold to present him with a Portrait of the Twins born in the year 1775, which was intended to have been sent to your Excy last Spring but no favorable oppertunity offered, whereby we Could have sent them. They have the Honor of bearing the Names of your Excy & Lady, and are the Twins if it does not Slip your Excy memory,...
4To George Washington from Alexander Anderson, 14 May 1789 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Alexander Anderson, 14 May 1789. On 18 Nov. 1789 GW wrote to Anderson: “I have been favored with the receipt of your letter of the 14th of may last.”
5To George Washington from Richard Bache, 21 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to submit to Your Excellency’s consideration & patronage, the inclosed Memorial. As I propose shortly (if permitted) to pay my personal respects to Your Excellency at Newyork, I have only to add, that I have the honor to be, with the greatest Defference & respect Your Excellency’s Most Obedt & very Humbe Servant The Petition of Richard Bache respectfully sheweth That in the...
6To George Washington from Abraham Baldwin, 30 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
An appointment from the State of Georgia as one of their representatives in congress lays me under the necessity of resigning my seat at the general board of commissioners for finally adjusting all accounts between the United States and the individual States. With the greatest possible respect I have the honour to be your most devoted humble Servant ALS , DNA:PCC , item 78. Abraham Baldwin...
7To George Washington from Daniel Baldwin, 15 June 1789 (Washington Papers)
The petition of Daniel Baldwin late a Captain in the line of the Continental Army of the State of New Jersey—most respectfully sheweth— That your petitioner in the action of Germantown had the misfortune of losing his Leg by a wound from a musket Ball, in the attack of Chew’s House, by which means, he has been depriv’d from making that provision for his family which is necessary for their...
8To George Washington from Robert Barnwell, 27 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
By the late Congress a Board of Commissioners was appointed to consist of one person from the Eastern another from the Middle and a third from the Southern States to settle their accounts between the States and the United States. Mr Baldwin from the South having been appointed a member of the General Government has vacated his seat at this Board. Should Your Excellency have no Person in view...
9To George Washington from Nathaniel Barrett, 11 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
Being soon to embark for France, in which Kingdom I shall reside for several years; I have been advised by many of my Friends to offer myself as a Candidate for the Place of Consul to that Kingdom, or if the general system of Consulates shall not be presently arranged, to serve in the mean Time as Commercial Agent for the united states. My residence in Paris with the Connections I have formed...
10To George Washington from Sebastian Bauman, 22 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to address your Excellency as an Applicant whose past service has Rendered his present situation an Object of your Patronage. Your Excellency designed me at the Close of the late War to Continue at West Point with the Artillery upon the peace Establishment, Which Caused in a great degree my present Disagreeable Situation; For, the hasty Dessolution of my Corps by Congress...
11To George Washington from John Bayard, 21 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Amidst the general joy that is diffused through the United states on your Excellency’s unanimous election as President General, permit me to present you my most sincere & respectful compliments of congratulation. At the same time, from my peculiar situation & by the advice of my friends both in Philada & New York I take the liberty to offer myself to your Excellency for your nomination to the...
12To George Washington from Peter Baynton, 6 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
The Petition of Peter Baynton most respectfully sheweth That your Petitioner was appointed in the Year 1776, Comptroller of the General Post Office by Richard Bache Esquire Post Master General, in whom was vested the Appointment of all the Offices of that Department & your Petitioner continued to execute the Duties of his Office with the Approbation of his Patron and to the Satisfaction of the...
13To George Washington from John Beatty, 28 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Having been honoured, by the State of New Jersey, in the appointment, to several public Employments, and which I am flattered by my Friends, as having discharged with Fidelity and attention; I am induced, thro their Solicitation, to offer myself as a Candidate for public favor, Under Your Excellys Administration and to Entreat you, to place my name on the List of Nomination, for the Collectors...
14To George Washington from Daniel Bedinger, 20 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
My time having since the peace, been almost wholly employed in the Naval Office at this place, I humbly flatter myself, that I have acquired some little knowledg of the nature of the business and Duties of a Collector of the Customs. Should any such Office be created, I beg leave to present myself as an humble candidate. I do not mean to trouble your Excellency further on the subject by...
15To George Washington from Samuel Beebee, 4 June 1789 (Washington Papers)
The petition of Samuel Beebee of the City of New York humbly sheweth That your Petitioner being early attached to the Independance of America and haveing suffered considerable losses by this attachment, from fire and being twice plundered by the Enemy; and by losses at Sea in the time of the War, risking his property for the good of his Country; and since the peace by accidental misfortunes is...
16To George Washington from John Berrien, 10 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty of informing you that I have come forward from Georgia to this place to Offer myself as a Candidate for the Office of Collector of the Customs for the State of Georgia. Haveing formerly held the Office of Collector for the Port of Savannah, with reputation, I trust that on the score of experience, my pretensions to the appointment which I now Solicit from you Sir, will at...
17To George Washington from Henry Bicker, 8 June 1789 (Washington Papers)
The Memorial of Henry Bicker of the City and State of New York. Humbly Sheweth, That your Memorialist in the Year One thousand Seven hundred and Seventy four, was an Officer of the Customs in the City of Philadelphia; in which business or Capacity he continued until some time in the Year One thousand Seven hundred and Seventy five; when the Militia being ordered out to learn discipline, and as...
18To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 13 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed is Invoice of the Buckwheat shipped by the Sloop Charming Polly Capt. Ellwood who sails to morrow for Alexandria—The Captain has not yet Called for the Bill of Lading but it shall be sent by the Vessel with the Certificate to save Duties. I informed your Excellency that I had again been disappointed (as I had twice before after positive Engagements) of a part of the Buckwheat but as I...
19To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 22 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
On receipt of your favour of 18th inst. I waited on Mrs Morris and left with her the Letter for Mrs Washington to be deliverd on her arrival, but as she will not be here in time to write you by this mornings post, I beg leave to inform you that she was on Wednesday Night at the head of Elk and was to reach Chester last night. This information I had from the Stage Office which furnishes the...
20To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 2 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
By Capt. Earle of the Sloop Union who is sailed for Alexandria I shipped the Articles noted at foot and directed them to the Care of Messrs Porter & Ingraham, the Captn has the Certificate of their being american Manufactured, there was no Spanish to be had & I sent a Barrel refined at our Sugar Houses which is the nearest of that quality—I could get only sixty three & ½ Bushels of the...
21To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 8 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
On rect of your last favr, I immediately bespoke the livery Lace which is manufactured here (there being none imported of that patern) and I now Inclose 14 yds by post. I have About 80 bushels buckwheat now filling in bags & am promised about 100 bushels more tomorrow to go in Capt. Ellwood who sails for Alexa. on saturday or sunday so that I hope there will be no disappointment for I have...
22To George Washington from Clement Biddle, 27 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have frequently called to see Billy he continues too bad to remove—Doctor Smith was uneasy without some other experienc’d Surgeon or Physician to look at his knee, and I called on Doctor Hutchinson They are of opinion that the present Sore reaches to the joint and that it would be very improper to remove him at least for a week or two, by which time he probably may be fit to send on by the...
23To George Washington from Robert Birchele, 2 June 1789 (Washington Papers)
Previous to This moment I could not obtain an oppert⟨y⟩ of addressing you, (an honor I ever had the most ardent wis⟨h⟩ for) and which I sho’d now conceive an unpardonable presumptn was it concomitent with the minutest particle of adulation, but conscious of the sincerity of my attachment to you, no⟨w⟩ in the most precarious times, I am embolden’d to assur⟨e mutilated⟩ I shall not expatiate...
24To George Washington from George Biscoe, 29 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Before the late revolution I was for several years employed in three different Naval Departments, and since the Government was new modell’d had the honor of the appointment by the Executive of this State to the Trust of Naval Officer for the District of Patuxent & presuming that an Appointment of the Several Naval Officers to the different Districts of the United States will under the Fœderal...
25To George Washington from Samuel Blackden, 28 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
Monsieur De Lormerie a french Gentleman and a friend of Mine, wishes to present to your Excellency a book and he has asked me for a line of introduction. Presuming upon your goodness, I shall Pray you to consider him as a Zealous and Warm friend to the Government and people of America, where he flatters himself he shall pass the remainder of his life in tranquility And for this purpose he some...
26To George Washington from Leonard Bleecker, 4 June 1789 (Washington Papers)
When I address myself to your Excely in the Character of a Citizen, I feel myself (in my present Situation) at so great a remove from your personal attention, that I am considerably embarassed when I attempt it. However Sir, when I take a retrospect of your affectionate Care, and repeated declarations of regard for the Individuals who have served with fidelity under your Auspices through the...
27To George Washington from the Board of Treasury, 9 June 1789 (Washington Papers)
We are honored with your letter of yesterday expressing your desire of being furnished with such an account of this Department, as will enable you to form a full, precise and distinct Idea of the various transactions arising under it. It will require some days to make out the necessary Documents, to which such an account must necessarily refer; these are now preparing, and shall, from time to...
28To George Washington from the Board of Treasury, 10 June 1789 (Washington Papers)
In conformity to the mode proposed in our letter of yesterday, we have the honor to commence the statement you require of the Department under our direction, with a view of the organization and duties of the Board of Treasury. We have the honor to be with high respect, Sir, Your most Obedient Humble Servants The Board of Treasury of the United States This Board was constituted by an ordinance...
29Enclosure: From the Board of Treasury, 11 June 1789 (Washington Papers)
Officers immediately annexed to, or connected with the administration of the Board of Treasury, in paying and receiving public Monies, and passing accounts: and forms of doing business by such officers. The principal Officers under the first description are as follows. A Secretary—whose duty it is to aid the Board of Treasury in such matters, as they may judge requisite for the proper...
30To George Washington from the Board of Treasury, 11 June 1789 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed paper No. 2, which we have the honor of transmitting, will, with its annexed documents, complete our view of the Constitution, duties and general forms of business of the Board of Treasury and of the offices more immediately connected with it. Were we to pursue strictly our own ideas of order, we should proceed, in the same manner, with the subordinate officers and departments...
31To George Washington from James Booth, 23 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Having been informed, that all applications for Offices under the Federal Government, must be made immediately to your Excellency, I beg leave to address you on that Subject. I hold under the Authority of the State, the Naval-Office of this County, to which I was appointed early in the Year 1777, and which has been regularly continued to me by several Re-Appointments. But as I conceive, that...
32To George Washington from Elias Boudinot, 21 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
The Committee have just receiv’d your Excellency’s Letter of the 20th and will be at Elizabeth Town on Thursday Morning. I must beg your Excellency will alight at my House where the Committee will attend and where it will give me (in a particular manner) the utmost pleasure to receive you. I have the honor to be with the most profound respect Sir, Your most obedient & very humble Servant LB ,...
33To George Washington from Elias Boudinot, 6 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I do most sincerely & affectionately congratulate my Country, on the unanimous election of your Excellency to the Presidency of the united States. The importance of this transaction, is so great in my estimation that I consider it, under Providence, as the key-Stone to our political Fabrick. It is from this Consideration alone, that I can rejoyce with you Sir, as a private Friend, on your...
34To George Washington from Elias Boudinot, 22 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor of informing your Excellency that the Committees of both Houses arrived here this afternoon and will be ready to receive your Excellency at my House as soon as you can arrive here tomorrow morning. If you, Sir, will honor us with your company at Breakfast, it will give us great pleasure—We shall wait your Excellency’s arrival in hopes of that gratification. You can have a room...
35To George Washington from Sylvanus Bourne, 22 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
Happy in that easy access to the first Office in his Government which is alone the pride of an American and the Ornament of his Court; and which is now rendered still more flattering by the amiable qualities of the Person who fills that important Station; I am emboldened to ask your Excellency’s Attention (in any moment which may be unoccupied by the vast concerns incident to your situation)...
36To George Washington from Oliver Bowen, April 1789 (Washington Papers)
It is not, I presume, unusal or improper for persons to offer themselves as candidates for publick appointments. Under this impression, I take the liberty of mentioning to your Excellency, that I shall be happy to contribute my services in some office of the revenue department for the town and port of Savannh in the State of Georgia. From my long residince in that State, and from a diversified...
37To George Washington from Philip Burr Bradley, 16 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
The day is not far distant when a ⟨ mutilated ⟩ Connecticutt will be appointed by your Excellency; I hope therefore that my present application will at least escape the censure of being premature. Having conversed with the Senators and Representatives of this State on the Subject of procuring that office; and being assured of their support, I venture to request that your Excellency would be...
38To George Washington from Carter Braxton, 15 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Altho your appointment to the Presidentship of America under the new Government be not yet formally notified, yet it amounts to a certainty that the fact is so, and will be anounced as soon as a sufficient number of Members are convened for the purpose of forming a Congress. Permit me then with great sincerity to salute you on the occasion & particularly to congratulate my Country & all...
39To George Washington from Daniel Brodhead, 4 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I most sincerely congratulate you upon your election to the most dignified station in the nation, and I pray God to continue your services to your Country for many years. As you will soon be involved in a multiplicity of Business, I take the liberty to beg the favor of such Testimonial of my Services in the late army, as you may think me entitled to. I have with reluctance made this...
40To George Washington from Jacob Broom, 3 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I congratulate you upon the success of that inestimable Constitution, which I had the honor to witness your weighty and influential support and approbation of; and it is with singular pleasure I stand informed, that you have the unanimous suffrages of the Electors, to fill the Chair of first President. I take the liberty to solicit Your Excellency for an appointment as Collector or receiver of...
41To George Washington from Jonathan Burrall, 26 May 1789 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Jonathan Burrall, 26 May 1789. Burrall wrote to David Humphreys, 6 Aug. 1789: “I had the honor of addressing to the President of United States of the 26th of May last.”
42To George Washington from George Bush, 5 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
In answer to the questions you were pleased to put to me this day, I take the liberty to trouble you with the following detail. I was born in the Delaware State, my Father still lives there, & I have resided there ever since the dissolution of the Army. I served an Apprenticeship of four Years to a Merchant in Philadelphia, at the expiration of which in 1776 I was appointed a Liut. in the...
43To George Washington from Samuel Caldwell, 14 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
The Petition of Samuel Caldwell of the City of Philadelphia most Respectfully Sheweth. That your Petitioner in the month of March One thousand Seven hundred and Eighty eight, on the demise of the late Tonnage Officer—who was also by Law Secretary to the Board of Wardens for the Port of Philadelphia, was appointed by his Excellency the President and the Honble the Supreme Executive Council of...
44To George Washington from Arthur Campbell, 10 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
Although I am not honored with a personal acquaintance; yet I can count myself among the number of your early and uniform admirers, and who can now rejoice in seeing the affairs of my Country administered successfully by your hand in preference to any other. I was among the first that embraced the principles of the American revolution, and was not merely an inactive wellwisher; what was then...
45To George Washington from John Campbell, 18 May 1789 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from John Campbell, 18 May 1789. On 31 May GW wrote to Campbell : “I have received your very polite letter of the 18th.”
46To George Washington from Mathew Carey, 27 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
In imitation of the example you set me, I decline burning your letter. I enclose it. I am sorry that severe necessity impelled me to extort a secret from you, which I was no more desirous to pry into, than you could be to communicate. It shall not escape me. Whether I shall be able to steer the A.M. thro’ the surrounding difficulties, remains yet a matter of doubt with me. If it be at all...
47To George Washington from Mathew Carey, 4 June 1789 (Washington Papers)
In the bitterness and anguish of my soul, I sit down to exculpate myself from the charge contained in your excellency’s letter of the 31st ult. Though I have read it several times over, I cannot, owing to some ambiguity in the expression, tell whether you were offended with my returning your letter—with the contents of mine—or whether the latter was not broken open, and handed to your...
48To George Washington from Mathew Carey, 18 May 1789 (Washington Papers)
About twelve months ago, I took the liberty to request of your excellency a little temporary assistance in the prosecution of a work which I am induced to believe of no small public benefit. Circumstances at that time precluded a compliance with my request. I have since carried on the publication with considerable success, improved the plan, and, at a great expense, by sending an agent through...
49To George Washington from Mathew Carey, 21 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
In the prosecution of the American Museum—a work which your excellency has honoured with the most flattering approbation —I have begun & mean to continue a series of documents & public papers, respecting the most interesting circumstances, skirmishes, and battles of the revolution. For want of better resources, I am obliged at present frequently to recur to that corrupted publication, the...
50To George Washington from Mathew Carey, 15 June 1789 (Washington Papers)
The letter which your excellency condescended to favour me with, the 10th inst. has removed every doubt from my mind, respecting my unfortunate letter; yours and it were enclosed under a cover, which was sealed with my cypher. Whether the boy who takes care of the mail, and to whose care the letter was delivered, wilfully tore off the cover, or by carrying it in his pocket, let it be worn off,...