51From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 16 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed is the last letter I have received from Messrs Deakins & Stoddart. What step had I best take to bring matters to a close with Burn’s, and by declaring at once the Site of the public buildings, prevent some inconvenience which I see may arise from the opinions promulgated by Mr L’Enfont? as much probably from complaisance as judgment. Yrs ALS , DLC : Thomas Jefferson Papers. The...
52From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 17 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
The P. has just recd the enclosed. He prays Mr Jefferson to write by tomorrows Post to Majr L’Enfant agreeably to what was mentioned this morning. AL , DLC : Thomas Jefferson Papers. For the background to this letter, see GW to Jefferson, 16 Mar. 1791 . The enclosure has not been found. GW and Jefferson conferred about the Federal City on the morning of 17 Mar. 1791, discussing the appropriate...
53From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 9 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
The messages to the two Houses, as altered are quite agreeable to. Whether, as it is equally known to both houses, that we have no person in a public character at the Ct of London it is best that the word “informal” should remain in the message to the Ho. of Representatives, or not, Mr J. may decide by the fair copy he shall send to ALS , DLC : Jefferson Papers. For the background to this...
54From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 10 March 1791 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Thomas Jefferson, 10 Mar. 1791. In his Summary Journal of Public Letters ( DLC : Jefferson Papers) of 10 Mar. 1791, Jefferson recorded that GW returned Jefferson’s draft instructions to Thomas Barclay regarding his mission to Morocco and Jefferson’s draft letter to the new emperor of Morocco with a covering note, which has not been found.
55From George Washington to Henry Knox, 14 January 1791 (Washington Papers)
On as full a consideration of the last speech made to me by Cornplanter, Half Town, and the Great-tree, Chiefs of the Seneka Nation, as my comprehension of their meaning enables me to give, I am led to the following conclusions, which, if there is any propriety in discussing their request, or yielding the land asked for, I wish you to consider as the basis of the communications to be made to...
56Enclosure: Josiah Harmar to Henry Knox, 4 November 1790 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to inform you, ⟨th⟩at on the 30th September I marched with 320 federal troops, and 1133 militia, total 1453. After encountering a few difficulties, we gained the Miami village. It was abandoned before we entered it, which I was very sorry for. The villainous traders would have been a principle object of attention. I beg leave to refer you to my orders which are enclosed—The...
57Tobias Lear to Henry Knox, 1 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
By the President’s command, T. Lear has the honor to transmit to the Secretary of War the enclosed letter, which has just come to the President’s hands; signed by a number of the Inhabitants of Washington County in the State of Pennsylvania, expressing their apprehensions of the depredations of the Indians in that quarter. The President requests that the secretary will give the subject that...
58Enclosure: Arthur St. Clair to Henry Knox, 6 November 1790 (Washington Papers)
On the 29th of last month I had the honor to inform you generally of the success that attended General Harmar. I could not then give you the particulars as the General’s letters had not reached me (the officer however who had them in charge got in a few days afterwards) it is not now necessary because he writes himself—One thing however is certain that the Savages have got a most terrible...
59From George Washington to Lafayette, 19 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
Renewing to you, my dear Sir, assurances of the most perfect esteem and affection, I desire to refer the interruptions which our correspondence has lately sustained, on my part, to causes which I am persuaded you will readily admit as excusable. To the fulfilment of public duties, too interesting to be neglected, and too multiplied to allow me much leisure, I am forced to sacrifice the wishes...
60Henry Knox to Tobias Lear, 25 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
I omitted to day to ask the President’s approbation of Colo. Pickering, as quarter master of the proposed expedition. Will you mention it to him, and let me know the result! Because, if he should approve the idea, it will be necessary to dispatch an express to Colo. Pickering with the Offer. I am Dear Sir, Your humble Servt LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . Knox apparently met with GW on 25 Feb. to...
61John Stagg, Jr., to Tobias Lear, 17 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
By direction of the Secretary of War, I have the honor to transmit you, the enclosed return of the General and Field Officers who served in the late army, for the inspection of the President of the United States. I am Sir, with great respect, Your most obedt Servt ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . In the letter-book copy an asterisk is inserted at this point. A note at the bottom of the letter...
62Edmund Randolph to Tobias Lear, 6 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
I wished to have said a word to you in private; but being prevented this morning, I must beg your excuse for hinting a subject, which it may not be amiss to inquire into. President Mifflin stopped me to-day, to inform me, that the Coachman of the President of the U.S. was very insolent in the use of his whip among the people yesterday at the church door. He added, that it was near being...
63Henry Knox to Tobias Lear, 24 January 1791 (Washington Papers)
I send by the bearer for the use of the President of the United States, a set of the Atlantic Neptune in three volumes folio, and a volume of the West India Atlas, which I imported from the England for public service—I have only to request that your would please to sign the duplicate receipts herein enclosed. I am Dear sir Your humble servant LS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . This letter accompanied...
64William Loughton Smith to Tobias Lear, 19 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
As the Revenue Bill now under consideration contemplates a Supervisor of the Revenue in each State, I beg to recommend to the President Mr Daniel Stevens, as a very proper person for that Office. He is the gentleman whom I formerly recommended as Marshall of the District & as my Letter on that occasion enumeratd the qualifications & pretensions of that gentleman I will not here repeat them,...
65From George Washington to Louis XVI, 2 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have received the letter wherein you inform me that you have thought proper to give a new Mission to the Sieur de Moustier, and thereby to put an end to his Functions as Minister plenipotentiary here. His conduct during the Time of his residence in this Country, has been such as to meet my entire approbation and esteem, and it is with great pleasure I render him the Justice of this...
66From George Washington to James Madison, 12 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
Enclosed are the last dispatches I have rec’d from Mr Gouvr Morris. As they unfold, pretty evidently I think, the disposition of the British Ministry, I wish you to see them—Pray return them to me in the course of this day. Sincerely & Affectly, I am Yrs ALS , anonymous donor. The enclosures almost certainly included Gouverneur Morris’s letters of 18 and 21 Sept. 1790 reporting the failure of...
67From George Washington to James Madison, 11 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
Let me entreat you to finish the good Offices you have begun for me, by giving short answers (as can be with propriety) to the enclosed addresses—I must have them ready by Monday. AL , PWacD . The enclosures, which have not been found, were undoubtedly advance copies of the formal replies of the House and the Senate to GW’s address of 8 Dec. 1790 . For the text of these replies and GW’s brief...
68From George Washington to James Madison, 2 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
If Mr Madison is at leisure the P. would be glad to see him. AL , NjP : George Washington Collection. GW’s purpose in requesting this meeting is not known. It may have been to discuss his upcoming address to Congress (see GW to the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, 8 Dec. 1790 ).
69From George Washington to Samuel Magaw, 26 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
The President of the United States has received the invitation, addressed to him by a Committee of the American Philosophical Society, to an Eulogium, which the Society have directed to be pronounced to the Memory of their late worthy President Benjamin Franklin; and he will attend with pleasure, on an occasion which renders the Tribute of meritted Respect to the Memory of that distinguished...
70From George Washington to Maria I of Portugal, 21 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
Desirous to promote a friendly and useful Intercourse between the Subjects of your Majesty and the Citizens of these States, and to give Proofs of our Goodwill and Consideration towards your Majesty, I have named David Humphreys, one of our distinguished Citizens, Minister Resident for the United States of America near your Majesty. He knows the Interest we take and shall ever take in your...
71From George Washington to the Miami Indians, 11 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
To the head men and Warriors of the tribes of Indians of the Miami Towns and its neighborhood, and inhabiting the waters of the Miami River, of Lake Erie, and to the tribes inhabiting the waters of the River Wabash. Brothers, The President of the United States, General Washington the great chief of the thirteen fires, Speaks to you by this address. Listen attentively to him, for he speaks of...
72From George Washington to Gouverneur Morris, 17 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
An official letter from the Secretary of State of this date—acknowledging the receipt of your public dispatches—will discover to you my sentiments on the views and intentions of the british Cabinet. If the exigencies of the national affairs of that Kingdom should excite dispositions in it favorable to a commercial treaty with the United States, and to the fulfilment of the treaty of peace, its...
73From George Washington to Battaile Muse, 6 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
It has been intimated to me, that Mr Windsor, a tenant of mine, wishes to relinguish the Lease which he retains for a pa⟨rt o⟩f my land in the Co⟨unty⟩ of Frederick; ⟨and as my⟩ Sister Lewis ap⟨pears anxio⟩us to ⟨get it for th⟩e purpose ⟨of concentrating⟩ her ⟨property adjo⟩ining and ⟨agrees to take⟩ it ⟨upon the⟩ same terms by wh⟨ich it is held⟩ at present; this will explai⟨n to⟩ you, my...
74From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 31 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
I have the pleasure to enclose for you the Report of the Secretary at War upon the papers which were referred to him, relative your transactions with the Seneka Indians in November last. To this satisfactory Report I am happy to add my entire Approbation of your conduct in this business—and am, With very great esteem & regard, Sir, Your most Obedt Servt LS , MHi : Timothy Pickering Papers;...
75From George Washington to Timothy Pickering, 20 January 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have had the pleasure to receive your letters of the 8th and 15th of this month. I feel myself much obliged by the trouble you have taken, in the former, to detail your ideas with respect to introducing the art of husbandary and civilization among the Indians. I confess, that your plan, or something like it, strikes me as the most probable means of effecting this desirable end, and I am...
76From George Washington to Charles Pinckney, 15 December 1791 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Charles Pinckney, c.15 Dec. 1791. In a letter to GW of 8 Mar. 1791 , Charles Pinckney wrote that he had received “your obliging letter of introduction which had been previously left by Colonel Trumbull at my house.” GW wrote a letter of introduction for Trumbull to Edward Rutledge on 15 Dec. 1791 and almost certainly wrote a similar letter to Pinckney (and perhaps others)...
77From George Washington to the President of the National Assembly of France, 27 January 1791 (Washington Papers)
I received with particular satisfaction, and imparted to Congress the communication made by the Presidents letter of the 20th of June last in the name of the National Assembly of France. So peculiar and so signal an expression of the esteem of that respectable body for a citizen of the United States, whose eminent and patriotic services are indelibly engraved on the minds of his countrymen...
78From George Washington to Beverley Randolph, 13 January 1791 (Washington Papers)
The various and important business which required my particular attention in the beginning of the present session of Congress will, I presume, sufficiently apologize to your Excellency for this late acknowledgment of your letter of November last. I have attentively considered the request which your Excellency has made, by desire of the Legislature, that I would again open the business of...
79From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 1 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
The President of the United States requests that the Attorney-General will give the question which accompanies the petition of Samuel Dodge, and which is herewith transmitted, a full consideration, and report his opinion thereon as soon as possible. LB , DLC:GW . GW enclosed the petition of Samuel Dodge for a presidential pardon, as well as two certificates and an affidavit included by Dodge...
80Tobias Lear to Edmund Randolph, 23 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
The President has desired me to transmit to you the enclosed containing a copy of a bill exhibited in the High Court of Chancery of Virginia relative to certain lots drawn as prizes in Colonel Bird’s lottery, and to request that you would take some opportunity to remind him of the business, and do the necessary in it before his departure from this place. The President thinks he shall be too...
81From George Washington to Edward Rutledge, 16 January 1791 (Washington Papers)
I can but love & thank you, and I do it sincerely, for your polite & friendly letter of the 11th of November, which came to my hands only the day before yesterday. The sentiments contained in it are such as have uniformly flowed from your pen and are not more pleasing than they are flattering to me. The present Congress can sit no longer than the 3d of March; and should it not be found...
82From George Washington to Edward Rutledge, 15 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
I will make no apology for introducing the bearer, Colo. John Trumbull to your friendship and Civilities—You will find him worthy of both. Yrs Affectionately ALS , PHi : Dreer Collection. After finishing his portrait of GW in military uniform (see Tobias Lear to Richard Varick, 19 July 1790 and notes ), Trumbull had made a brief trip to Massachusetts and New Hampshire to make portraits of...
83From George Washington to the Seneca Chiefs, 29 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
I, the President of the United States, by my own mouth, and by a written speech signed with my own hand, and sealed with the seal of the United States, speak to the Seneka Nation, and desire their Attention, and that they would keep this speech in remembrance of the friendship of the United States. I have received your Speech with satisfaction, as a proof of your confidence in the justice of...
84From George Washington to the Seneca Chiefs, 19 January 1791 (Washington Papers)
I have maturely considered your second written speech. You say your nation complain that at the Treaty of Fort Stanwix, you were compelled to give up too much of your lands. That you confess your nation is bound by what was there done, and acknowledging the power of the United States, that you have now appealed to ourselves against that treaty, as made while we were angry against you, and that...
85From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 7 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
As I find the duties of your office can be executed by a deputy during your absence, and the business which calls you to Europe appearing to be important to your private interest; I feel a pleasure in complying with the request for leave of absence made in your letter of the 1st Inst., and sincerely wish you a pleasant voyage—a prosperous completion of your business & a happy return to your...
86From George Washington to Arthur St. Clair, 2 January 1791 (Washington Papers)
(Private) Dear Sir, Philadelphia Jany 2d 1791. In the Journals of the Proceedings of the Executive in the North Western Territory, there appears to be certain regulations made by the Executive under the Articles of the 25th of April—6th 28th & 29th of June last, which can, with propriety, only be established by Laws. In noticing these, my mind naturally recurred to your letter to me dated at...
87From George Washington to David Stuart, 12 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
On my return to this City, at Elkridge landing (eight miles beyond Baltimore) a Negroe fellow of the name of Paul, (brother to your Rose) came to, and informed me, that he was taken (more probably runaway from the White House Quarter) by the Troops under Lord Cornwallis. That he was put on board a British Vessel, was taken by an American one, and carried into Baltimore; where he was sold to a...
88From George Washington to the United States House of Representatives, 13 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
The sentiments expressed in your address are intitled to my particular acknowledgment. Having no object but the good of our Country, this testimony of approbation and confidence from it’s immediate Representatives, must be among my best rewards, as the support of your enlightened patriotism has been among my greatest encouragements. Being persuaded that you will continue to be actuated by the...
89From George Washington to the United States Senate, 23 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
I nominate Woodbury Langdon of the State of New Hampshire to be one of the Commissioners for settling the Accounts between the United States and individual States, in place of John Taylor Gilman who has resigned his appointment—and William Gardner to be Commissioner of Loans in the State of New Hampshire, in place of Nathaniel Gilman who has declined his appointment. LS , DNA : RG 46, First...
90Enclosure: Nominations for Vacancies, 3 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
Nominations for Promotions and Appointments. First Regiment. Major David Zeigler vice Wyllys killed. Major Richard Call vice Parker declined. Virginia. Captains. Thomas Doyle vice Zeigler promoted. John Armstrong vice Mercer resigned. John Pratt vice Heart promoted. Lieutenants. Cornelius Sedam vice Doyle promoted. John Jeffers vice Frothingham killed. Abner Pryor vice Armstrong promoted. Asa...
91From George Washington to the United States Senate, 4 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
The Act for the admission of the State of Vermont into this Union having fixed on this, as the day of its admission, it was thought that this would also be the first day on which any Officer of the Union might legally perform any act of authority relating to that State. I therefore required your attendance to receive nominations of the several Officers necessary to put the federal Government...
92From George Washington to the United States Senate, 19 January 1791 (Washington Papers)
I lay before you a representation of the Chargé des Affaires of France, made by order of his Court, on the Acts of Congress of the 20th of July 1789, and 1790 imposing an extra tonnage on foreign Vessels, not excepting those of that Country; together with the Report of the Secretary of State thereon: and I recommend the same to your consideration, that I may be enabled to give to it such...
93From George Washington to the United States Senate, 4 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
Pursuant to the powers vested in me by the Act intitled “An Act repealing after the last day of June next the duties heretofore laid upon distilled Spirits imported from Abroad, and laying others in their stead, and also upon Spirits distilled within the United States, and for appropriating the same”, I have thought fit to divide the United States into the following Districts—namely— The...
94From George Washington to the United States Senate, 23 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
Information having been received from Thomas Auldjo, who was appointed Vice Consul of the United States at Cowes in Great Britain, that his Commission has not been recognized by that Government, because it is a Port at which no foreign Consul has yet been received, and that it has been intimated to him, that his Appointment to the Port of Poole and parts nearer to that than to the residence of...
95From George Washington to the United States Senate, 18 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
The aspect of the Affairs in Europe during the last summer, and especially between Spain and England, gave reason to expect a favourable occasion for pressing to accomodation the unsettled matters between them and us. Mr Carmichael, our Chargé des Affaires at Madrid, having been long absent from his Country, great changes having taken place in our circumstances and sentiments during that...
96From George Washington to the United States Senate, 17 December 1790 (Washington Papers)
Since your last Session I have appointed Robert Morris Judge of the District of New Jersey, in place of David Brearly deceased; and John Heth of Virginia an Ensign in the Troops of the United States, in place of Richard Archer who has declined his appointment. As these appointments expire with your present Session, I nominate Robert Morris to be Judge of the District of New Jersey, in place of...
97From George Washington to the United States Senate, 22 February 1791 (Washington Papers)
I lay before you a Report of the Secretary of War relative to the Appointment of two Brigadier Generals of Militia in the Territory of the United States South of the Ohio. And I nominate John Sevier to be Brigadier General of the Militia of Washington District—and James Robertson to be Brigadier General of the Militia of Miro District; both within the said Territory. LS , DNA : RG 46, First...
98From George Washington to the United States Senate, 3 January 1791 (Washington Papers)
I nominate Abraham Ogden to be Attorney for the United States in the District of New Jersey, in place of Richard Stockton who has resigned. LS , DNA : RG 46, First Congress, 1789–1791, Records of Executive Proceedings, President’s Messages—Executive Nominations; LB , DLC:GW . Abraham Ogden (1743–1798), an attorney, served as an officer in the New Jersey militia from 1776 to 1779 and as a...
99From George Washington to the United States Senate, 3 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
Certain vacancies having taken place in the Offices of the Troops established by an Act passed on the 30⟨th⟩ of April 1790, I nominate, to fill those vacancies, the persons whose names are in the annexed list under the head of the first Regiment. I likewise nominate the persons to fill the Offices affixed to their names in the annexed list under the head of the Second Regiment, agreeably to a...
100From George Washington to the United States Senate, 4 March 1791 (Washington Papers)
In pursuance of an Act intitled “An Act for raising and adding another Regiment to the Military establishment of the United States, and making further provision for the protection of the frontiers.” I nominate for the following Offices therein mentioned, Major General Arthur St Clair. Quarter Master Samuel Hodgdon. Chaplain John Hurt. LS , DNA : RG 46, Second Congress, 1791–1793, Records of...