51From George Washington to Archibald Moncrief, 13 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have in my possession a bill of Exchange f[or] 333 24/72 Dollars drawn upon you by Mr Donald of Richmond in favor of David Stuart Esqr. payable five days after Sight—and will thank you to have the money ready for me to receive when I pass through Baltimore. I am Sir your Most Obedt Servant LB , DLC:GW . Archibald Moncrief was a Baltimore merchant. This sum was paid by David Stuart to GW in...
52To 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...
53To George Washington from William Hickman, Jr., 14 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Since I had the Honour of waiting on your Excellency at your House for the purpose of soliciting a contrebution from you towards the erection of a Chapel or House of Worship (for the accomodation of the Methodist Episcopal Church) in this Town: I was flattered to hope we should be able to raise a sufficient sum of Money without calling on you, especially at a time when we are apprehensive you...
54To George Washington from John Jay, 14 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
On my Return last Evening from a Fortnights absence in the country, I was informed that proper arrangements for your immediate accommodation were not yet made. Permit me therefore to take the Liberty of requesting the Favor of You to be with me in the mean Time; and if Mrs Washington should accompany you, we should be still more happy. As the measures which were in contemplation on this...
55From George Washington to John Langdon, 14 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor to receive your Official Communication, by the hand of Mr Secretary Thompson, about one o’clock this day. Having concluded to obey the important & flattering call of my Country, and having been impressed with an idea of the expediency of my being with Congress at as early a period as possible; I propose to commence my journey on thursday morning which will be the day after to...
56Address by Charles Thomson, 14 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
The president of the Senate, chosen for the special occasion having opened and counted the votes of the Electors in the presence of the senate & the house of Representatives I am honored with the commands of the Senate to wait upon your Excellency with the information of your being elected to the office of President of the United States of America. This commission was entrusted to me on...
57Address to Charles Thomson, 14 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Sir, I have been long accustomed to entertain so great a respect for the opinion of my fellow citizens, that the knowledge of their unanimous suffrages having been given in my favour scarcely leaves me the alternative for an Option. Whatever may have been my private feelings and sentiments, I believe I cannot give a greater evidence of my sensibility for the honor they have done me than by...
58To 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...
59From George Washington to the Mayor, Corporation, and Citizens of Alexandria, 16 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Although I ought not to conceal, yet I cannot describe, the painful emotions which I felt in being called upon to determine whether I would accept or refuse the Presidency of the United States. The unanimity in the choice, the opinion of my friends, communicated from different parts of Europe, as well as of America, the apparent wish of those, who were not altogether satisfied with the...
60To George Washington from Joseph Ward, 16 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Boston, April 16th 1789. “At this era, when every moment of your time is precious, I feel reluctance to call one tho’t from public concerns—but the impulse, kindled by the double ardour of affection to my Country, and to her beloved General, is irresistible. When I felt only for my General, I could not consent that his tranquility, and his fame, should again be put to hazard on the boundless...
61From George Washington to the Citizens of Baltimore, 17 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
The tokens of regard and affection, which I have often received from the Citizens of this Town, were always acceptable; because, I believed them, always sincere. Be pleased to receive my best acknowledgments for the renewal of them, on the present occasion. If the affectionate partiality of my fellow Citizens has prompted them to ascribe greater effects to my conduct & character, than were...
62To George Washington from the Committee of Congress, 17 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
The Committee appointed in consequence of the Resolutions of both Houses of Congress, and which accompany this Note most respectfully communicate their appointment to the President of the United States, with a request that he will please to have it signified to them when they shall attend, with a Barge which has been prepared for that purpose, to receive him at Elizabeth Town or at such other...
63To George Washington from John Jay, 17 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
The Day after my last Letter to you of the 14 Inst. was written, Mr Benson informed me that measures were taking by Congress for your accommodation, and I since learn that every thing necessary on that Head has been done. This Circumstance cannot fail of being agreable to You, and for that Reason, as well as the Propriety which marks it, I cannot regret it; tho’ it will deprive me of a...
64To George Washington from Tobias Lear, 17 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I called at Mr Moncrieff’s with the enclosed bill, and was informed that he went over to the Eastern Shore some time last week, and was not expected home for several days. I could find no person who transacted his business in his absence from whom I might have gained some information respecting the payment of the bill. I have therefore left it that you may do with it as you think best. Perhaps...
65To George Washington from James McHenry, 17 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Baltimore, 17 April 1789. Recommends for office Robert Purviance, Joshua Barney, and Robert Ballard. “Should these persons be found acceptable I can assure you that it will give great joy to the federalists of this town. The cause in this place owes much to them and their friends. I have one other memorandum which I beg to deposit with you. When the inferior federal courts are organised I...
66To George Washington from Peter Jaquett, 18 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
A series of misfortune since the conclusion of the late War oblidges me to trouble your Excellency with this application—After having served to the end of the War, I returned to my farm in expectation of a convenient subsistance at least, but the winds and the waters have conspired to overwhelm my little Plantation, and the unrightious Government of Delaware has deprived me of the only fund,...
67To George Washington from Benjamin Lincoln, 18 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I had the pleasure a few days since of receiving your Excellencys very kind favor of the 11 Ulto—My letter to which you refer was of such a nature that I did not expect an answer for I was confident that there had been a great number of applications and that the line of conduct which your Excellency adopted was the one which you would pursue —I expected no more than to be on the roll of those...
68To George Washington from Otho Holland Williams, 18 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
The honor of being known to your Excellency will, I trust, excuse my omiting to mention the circumstances which have rendered me, in some degree, dependant upon Government for employment, and for support. Your Excellency has been informed that my public Services have been acknowledged by an appointment, in this state, to the most considerable office in the llection of the Imposts. As that...
69To George Washington from Charles Croxall, 19 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
It was my intention to have done myself the honor of waiting on your Excellency in person but finding you so crouded with applications on the same head, that it would be takeing too great a Liberty with your time. your Excellency may recollect the addition of men I made to Colel Thomas Hartleys Redgt of Contanental Troops, and he can testify my activity both in and out of the Feild dureing the...
70To George Washington from William Jackson, 19 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Amidst the important cares which engage his attention, will my dear General permit the respectful intrusion of a private request on his goodness? it is the result of an implicit confidence in that goodness, dictated by necessity and declared with candor. Having resolved to refer my wishes entirely to the graciousness of Your Excellency’s disposition towards me, and to the knowledge which...
71To George Washington from William Lyles, 19 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
This will be forwarded to your Excellency by Robert Young Esqr. of Nottingham, in Maryland, who has in view the appointment of the naval officers birth on patuxent river, his Situation and Knowledge of commercial transactions in every point of view, cannot fail to make him competent to such an appointment—Permit me therefore to assure your Excellency, that from a long acquaintance with Mr...
72To George Washington from Thomas Smith, 19 April 1789 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Thomas Smith, 19 April 1789. On 23 Sept. 1789 GW wrote to Smith: “I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the . . . 19th of April last.”
73From George Washington to the Officials of Wilmington, Delaware, 19–20 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
In the respectful address of the Burgesses and common council of the Borough of Wilmington, I recognise the friendly dispositions towards myself, and the patriotic sentiments for the Community at large which have always distinguished the Citizens of Delaware. When on a former occasion you intimated to me your expectation, that, if any event should again render my services necessary, I would...
74From George Washington to the Delaware Society for Promoting Domestic Manufacturers, 19–20 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I return you my sincere thanks for your congratulations and good wishes on my appointment to the Presidency of the United States. Convinced that the happy effects which may be derived from our government, must depend, in a considerable degree, on the determinations of the people to support the person entrusted with the administration; I shall rejoice to find that my acceptance has met with...
75From George Washington to the Committee of Congress, 20 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Upon my alighting in this City I received your communication of the 17th with the resolutions of the two Houses which accompanied it and in answer thereto beg leave to inform you that knowing how anxious both houses must be to proceed to business I shall continue my journey with as much dispatch as possible. Tomorrow evening I propose to be at Trenton—the night following at Brunswick and hope...
76From George Washington to the Pennsylvania Society of the Cincinnati, 20 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
The Congratulations of my fellow Soldiers & faithful followers in the Military line of this State, on my Election to the Chief Magistracy of the Union, cannot but be exceedingly flattering and pleasing to me; For my mind has been so deeply affected with a grateful sense of the attachment and aid which I have experienced from them, during the Course of our arduous Struggle for Liberty, that the...
77To George Washington from Thomas McKean, 20 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Inclosed you will receive Addresses from the Trustees and Faculty of the University of the State of Pennsylvania, The Judges of the Supreme court, and the standing Committee of the State Society of Cincinnati. These several Bodies request that you will be pleased to inform me when and where they may have the honor of waiting upon your Excellency with their respective Addresses aforesaid. I am,...
78From George Washington to the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen, and Common Council of Philadelphia, 20 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I consider myself particularly obliged to you, Gentlemen, for your congratulatory address on my appointment to the Station of President of the United States. Accustomed as I have been to pay a respectful regard to the Opinion of my Countrymen, I did not think myself at liberty to decline the Acceptance of the high Office, to which I had been called by their United suffrage—When I contemplate...
79From George Washington to the Judges of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, 20 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
It affords me the most sensible pleasure to be informed that my accession to the chief Magistracy of the United States has met the approbation of my fellow-citizens in general, and particularly that of the Judges of the supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Your recapitulation of the deliverance in which almighty God hath been pleased, in some sort, to make use of me as his instrument, ought only to...
80From George Washington to the President and Faculty of the University of Pennsylvania, 20 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I accept with peculiar pleasure the address of the university of the State of Pennsylvania upon my appointment to the first office in the union. Notwithstanding I had most seriously determined never more to take any part in transactions of a public nature; yet a conviction of duty would not suffer me, on the present occasion, to refuse a compliance with the unanimous call of my country—nor...
81To George Washington from Sharp Delany, 20 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
To obtain the Collectorship of the Port of Philadelphia from Your Excellency is the object of my present application. By the advice of many of my friends I am induced to trouble you with a detail of my pretensions, and chearfully submit them to Your Excellency, being firmly persuaded, that no person will be nominated by You to any Office, unless he has such claims and abilities as are just and...
82To George Washington from William Temple Franklin, 20 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Tho’ I am from Experience assur’d of your Excellencys Good Will towards me, yet being convinc’d that in discharging the important Trust to which you have been unanimously elected, Merit & not Favor will obtain your Patronage; I take the Liberty of laying before your Excellency a Sketch of my Services to the United States in the Line of public Foreign affairs, and of offering a continuation of...
83To George Washington from Robert Leslie, 20 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Nothing but a knowledge of you goodness, Could Create in me a presumption to trouble your Excellency with the folowing nerrative, and as no apology can be Sufficient to excuse me, I need not atempt any, but leave it to your Excellency, to pardon or condemn as it best deserves. I was at the age of Eighteen, by the death of my parents, left without Either money friends or a trade, the Clock and...
84To George Washington from Isaac Sherman, 20 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Nearly eleven years of the prime of life I have appropriated to the service of the public; eight years in the armies of the united states, and part of three years in the surveying department. Nearly the whole of the savings of eight years of uninterrupted military services I have expended in order to carry into effect the land ordinance of Congress—This I did from an order to promote the...
85To 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...
86To 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...
87To 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 ,...
88To 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...
89To George Washington from Joseph Jones, 21 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Understanding your election to the office of President of the united States has been announced to you by the proper authority and that you had set out for New York, I take the liberty of expressing to you the great satisfaction I feel in your being called to and accepting the important trust—The establishment of order and good government is so much the wish and desire of every good citizin...
90To George Washington from Francis Mentges, 21 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
May I without blame or without cause of Offence entreat your Excellencys Attention in a moment of Leisure to the situation of One of your Old Officers, who has a strong Disposition to serve his Country, but who has hitherto from Various causes failed in his endeavours to Obtain a permanent Appointment, with the highest Esteem I have the Honor to be Your Excellencys Most Ob. humble Servt ALS ,...
91From George Washington to Thomas Mifflin, 21 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
General Washington presents his compliments to the President of the State, and requests his Excellency to communicate the General’s best thanks to the Officers and Gentlemen of the several Corps who did him the honor to form his escort to Philadelphia —General Washington having made his arrangements to be at the place of embarkation for New York, at a particular hour, will find himself under...
92To George Washington from William Munson, 21 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
As the Important, and by thousands Long wishd for Day has now arived when your Excellency is placed at the head of the Great Council of the United States of America: and the Constitution thereof is now begining to operate, and I hope it will be blessd with the Smiles of heaven and have its Desired Effect; if So it is to America one of the most happy Events that Ever took place. As the...
93From George Washington to the Pennsylvania Legislature, 21 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I receive with great satisfaction the affectionate congratulations of the President and Supreme Executive council of Pennsylvania on my appointment to the Presidency of the United States. If under favor of the divine Providence, and with the assistance of my fellow-citizens it was my fortune to have been in any degree instrumental in vindicating the liberty and confirming the independence of...
94To George Washington from Joseph Poole, 21 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
Permit me Sir to Join in the congratulations of my fellow Citizens on seeing your Excellency appointed to the first station in the Government of the United States by the sufrages of a large majority of their virtuous Inhabitants who all ardently wish to see a permanent Government carried into execution under your mild administration when faith and confidence shall once more be restord to this...
95From George Washington to the Ladies of Trenton, 21 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
General Washington cannot leave this place without expressing his acknowledgments, to the Matrons and Young Ladies who received him in so novel & grateful a manner at the Triumphal Arch in Trenton, for the exquisite sensation he experienced in that affecting moment. The astonishing contrast between his former and actual situation at the same spot—The elegant taste with which it was adorned for...
96From George Washington to the President and Faculty of Princeton College and the Inhabitants of Princeton, 21–22 April … (Washington Papers)
As your truly affectionate and solemn address to me on my late appointment merits, so it receives, the genuine acknowledgements of a grateful heart. Upon perceiving the unanimous voice of my countrymen had called me to occupy the first office in confederated America, I could not hesitate to determine that it was my duty to obey that call: notwithstanding I had at the close of the war, most...
97To George Washington from Pieter Johan van Berckel, 21 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to adress these few Lines to your Excellency in order to request that you will do me the honour of disposing of my house in New: Ark on your way to New York—The acceptance of this invitation will be the more agreable as it will furnish me with an opportunity to congratulate and assure your Excellency, that nobody more Sincerely rejoices in the prospect of american...
98To George Washington from James Wilson, 21 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
A Delicasy arising from your Situation and Character as well as my own has hitherto prevented me from mentioning to your Excellency a Subject of much Importance to me. Perhaps I should not even now have broke Silence but for one Consideration. A Regard to the Dignity of the Government, over which you preside, will naturally lead you to take Care that its Honours be in no Event, exposed to...
99To George Washington from the Citizens of Elizabeth, New Jersey, 22 April 1789 (Washington Papers)
The citizens of Elizabeth desirous of evincing by every possible means the very great respect and affection which they entertain for your Excellency’s person and character, have directed that a cold collation be prepared for the refreshment of your Excellency & suite on your arrival here, of which we as a Committee of arrangement are requested to give the information. If your Excellency will...
100To 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...