1To George Washington from Thomas Jefferson, 29 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of state has had under examination the Records of Proceedings in the Executive department of the Northwestern government from the 1st of Aug. to the 31st of December 1791—transmitted by the Secretary, and Reports to the President of the United States That finding nothing therein which calls for the attention or interference of the President, he has deposited them among the...
2From George Washington to Henry Knox, 29 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
That General St Clair may not think his letters (enclosed) to me, have been unattended to, or slighted, I wish such an answer as will do for publication may be prepared—conformably—to the Sentimts which seemed to be entertained of the matter when the subject was before us the other day. I am always Yrs P.S. To say neither too much, nor too little, in the answer will be a matter of some...
3From George Washington to James Mercer, 29 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
I take the earliest opportunity of acknowledging the receipt of your letter of the 20th instant, to shew you that I have not been inattentive to the contents of it. But I must delay giving a definitive answer to your request for using my name in the Suit which you propose to institute, until the return of your Brother, Colo. John Mercer, to this City, shall enable me to learn from him whether...
4To George Washington from Nicolas Pike, 29 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to request your Acceptance of a Medal struck in my presence by an ingenious & reputable Gentleman, who also made the Die, which branch he can execute with great facility & dispatch, & which he will warrant to stand until defaced by usage. He, at present, declines having his name made public; but should this Specimen of Ingenuity intitle him to the Notice of Congress, he would...
5To George Washington from Benjamin Wilson, 29 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday a general council of the militia Officers of this county was held in order to take into view the State of our frontiers most exposed to the incursions of the hostile indians. The protection granted by your state government, and what additional protection might be necessary in order to secure the inhabitants from the impendent danger of the savages who consequently is much elate with...
6From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 28 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
Would it be advisable to let L’Enfont alter the Plan if he will do it in a certn given time—and provided also we retain the means if any thing unfair is intended that we may not suff[er]. Ought any thing to be said in my letter to him respecting payment for his past Services. Should Mr Ellicot be again asked in strong & explicit terms if the Plan exhibited by him is conformable to the actual...
7From George Washington to Pierre L’Enfant, 28 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
Your final resolution being taken, I shall delay no longer to give my ideas to the Commissioners for carrying into effect the plan for the federal City. The continuance of your services (as I have often assured you) would have been pleasing to me, could they have been retained on terms compatible with the law. Every mode has been tried to accommodate your wishes on this principle, except...
8To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 28 February 1792 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Edmund Randolph, 28 Feb. 1792. On 2 Mar. Tobias Lear wrote Randolph “that the President received the Attorney General’s letter of the 28th of february.” By the president’s command Tobias Lear wrote Edmund Randolph that GW was “of opinion that it would be inexpedient for a pardon to issue for a person against whom an indictment is depending for false swearing. The...
9To George Washington from Henry Knox, 27 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
Philadelphia, 27 Feb. 1792. Sends a letter and enclosures received from Lt. Col. James Wilkinson and indicates that other letters “worthy your perusal” will also soon be submitted to the president. ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . The enclosures have not been identified, but Tobias Lear returned them to Henry Knox on 28 Feb. 1792 ( DLC:GW ).
10To George Washington from Pierre L’Enfant, 27 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
having in my last letter to Mr Jefferson so fully Explained the Reasons, which urge me to decline all concern in the federal City under the present System as these reasons were the result of serious, impartial Consideration upon so important a Subject, I wish it understood that it still is my resolution —By the letter of Mr Jefferson to me in answer, I perceive that all my services are at an...
11To George Washington from William Hunter, Jr., 26 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
Sensible, that the pressure of public business, you have to attend to, leaves little or no time for private, which makes me sorry to intrude, but hope on this occasion it will be forgiven, As it is only once more to mention Capt. Nicholas Hannah, whom you was so kind as name to Colo. Dark in Appointing the Officers of the Levies; He is now in Phila., and wishes to enter into the regular...
12From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 26 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
I have perused the enclosed answer to your letter, to Majr L’Enfant. Both are returned. A final decision thereupon must be had. I wish it to be taken upon the best ground, and with the best advice. Send it, I pray you, to Mr Madison who is better acquainted with the whole of this matter than any other. I wish also that the Attorney General may see, and become acquainted with the circumstances...
13From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 26 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
The P—— returns the enclosed Report to Mr J—— Boundary, and the Navigation of the Missisipi are clearly defined—The propositions respecting Commerce he presumes is equally so, but having little knowledge of this subject he trusts to the guards provided by Mr J——. The P—— has put one or two queries in the Margin of the Report merely for consideration. AL , DLC : Thomas Jefferson Papers. For...
14To George Washington from David Stuart, 26 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
It was my expectation at the last meeting of the Commissioners, that Mr Johnson would have seen you long ago, and laid before you many particulars which could not be done so satisfactorily by letter—As he was well prepared to have given you a comprehensive knowledge of the many untoward circumstances which have befallen us, I considered it as unnecessary in me to occupy your time. I am just...
15From George Washington to Henry Knox, 25 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
I have given the enclosed draught of a letter to Captn Brandt a careful perusal. Such additions as are made with a pencil may be advisable—but, after you have given them an attentive consideration, they may stand or fall as you shall think best. Yours &ca ALS , PHi : Society Collection; Df , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW
16To George Washington from James McCallmont, 25 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
Disappointed in my first application for Office, I hope your Excellency will excuse a second direction of my wishes to it, tho’ they are not pointed to any one in particular; and as there are some claims, Individuals may have ’on Government, which may be considered operating as secondary motives in the disposal of them, I would beg leave, in order to state mine, to be indulged in giving a few...
17From George Washington to David Shepherd, 25 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
I thank you for the information which you have given me in your letter of the 30th of Decr respecting the intention of the Tomlinsons and others to dispute my title to a tract of land called the Round Bottom. I wish these persons, and any others who may be disposed to dispute my title to that land, to be informed in the most explicit and pointed manner, that it is my fixed determination to...
18From George Washington to Ruben Slaughter, 25 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
I thank you for the information given me in your letter of the 21st of November last, of your claiming 200 Acres of the land within the limits of my Survey on the Great Kanhawa; as it gives me an opportunity of letting you know my fixed determination to defend my title to all that land within the lines of my patent, and to warn you in the most pointed manner not to make any Settlements...
19To George Washington from George Clinton, 24 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
Confidential Sir New York, 24th February 1792 It is reported here that Colo. Smith either has or intends to resign the Office of Supervisor of the Excise for this District; Under this Impression and a Conviction that from the Nature of that Office there is none that it is more necessary should be filled with a Man of Discretion, Integrity and weight in the Community I begg leave to mention for...
20From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 24 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
The President desires Mr Jefferson will give the enclosed Papers an attentive perusal, & return them to him as soon as he has done it; that Colo. Hamilton may have an opportunity of doing it also. At 10 ’oclock tomorrow the P——will speak with the heads of departments upon the subject of them and requests their attendance accordingly. AL , DLC : Thomas Jefferson Papers. Jefferson endorsed this...
21To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 23 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
Treasury Department, Philadelphia, 23 Feb. 1792. Submits a contract made by the superintendent of the New Castle Island lighthouse in New Hampshire with Titus Salter for supplying, keeping, lighting, and superintending the occasional repairs of that building and humbly opines that it is not disadvantageous to the United States, as its terms are the same as those in the last agreement for the...
22To George Washington from James Iredell, 23 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
In consequence of the letter you did the Judges of the Supreme Court the honour to write to them on the 3d April 1790, I presume it is not only proper for a single Judge, but his express duty when he deems it of importance to the public service, to state any particular circumstances that occur to him in the course of his personal experience which occasion unexpected difficulties or...
23To George Washington from John Brown Cutting, 22 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
I take the liberty to inclose to You a few stanzas which several persons, eminent in polite literature—and who have moreover the honor of a more intimate acquaintance with you than myself—affirm to be neither inelegant unjust nor unworthy of the subject on the occasion. I rejoice in this opportunity of testifying the fervency of that attachment and patriotic homage with which I am, your very...
24From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 22 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
The enclosed meets my approbation. Did Walker accord willingly, or reluctantly? The Plan I think, ought to appear as the Work of L’Enfont. The one prepared for engraving not doing so, is, I presume, one cause of his dissatisfaction. If he consents to act upon the conditions proposed, and can point out any radical defects, or others to amend which will be a gratification to him—not improper in...
25Edmund Randolph to Tobias Lear, 22 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
Philadelphia, 22 Feb. 1792. “The visit of respect, which is due to-day, it was my most earnest intention to have paid. For I connect with it a personal attachment, not dependent on any official relation. But I am unfortunately deprived of this gratification by the continuance of the disorder, which I mentioned to you in my note of yesterday. Permit me, therefore, to request you to communicate...
26From George Washington to Charles Pinckney, 31 January–20 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
(Private) Dear Sir, Philadelphia Jany 31st[–20 February] 1792. I had the pleasure to receive your letter of the 22d of Novr last, with the enclosures from Genl Pickens & Colo. Anderson to yourself, respecting the deputation from the Cherokee Nation. I have likewise the pleasure to acknowldge the rect of your letter of the 6th of the same month. The Cherokees arrived in this City after a...
27To George Washington from James Mercer, 20 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
The Necessity of the Case will I hope be a sufficient appollogy for my addressing your Excellency on the following Subject. You Sir may recollect that Ld Dunmore in Novr 1774 purchased of you & Colo. Tayloe Trustees for the Creditors of George Mercer, under a decretal order of the General Court, certain Slaves to the value of 436£ Va. Currency on twelve months Credit—for which (circumstanced...
28From George Washington to James Madison, 19 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
If Mr Madison could make it convenient to spare half an hour from other matters, G. W. would be glad to see him at 11 oclock to day. AL (photocopy), NjP : Armstrong Photostats; AL , sold by Christie, Manson & Woods, International, Inc, 1993. No evidence has been found confirming the subject of this meeting.
29To George Washington from William Stoy, 19 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
If your Excellency will condescend to read the following it will do you no harm: if not I can’t be hurt by it. Congress have miscarried in an expedition against the Indians, the original, the absolutely rightful and under god the primitive owners of the land. their territories have been ceded to North America: by whom? by great Brittain. What right and title had Great Brittain to their land?...
30To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 18 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
The Secretary of the Treasury has the honor to communicate for the information of the President a letter which he has just received from the Supervisor of North Carolina. The complexion of things there tho’ not pleasing is rather better than worse. LB , DLC:GW . For the background to this letter, which probably involved difficulties in collecting the excise tax on distilled spirits, see GW to...
31To George Washington from Henry Knox, 18 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
I propose to send a duplicate of McGillivrays letter to Seagrove, and conform his instructions thereto. I submit you a motions of Colo. Guns. The division to day was 15 for inserting the additional regiments to 13 against it. Colo. Burr, voted for it under some restrictions. The bill is recommitted to Mr Elsworth Mr Read[,] Hawkins, Mr Burr, and Mr Gun. The object of the amendment is not...
32To George Washington from the Maryland Executive Council, 18 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
Presuming that the defence of the frontiers will require an augmented force, and that Military promotions will of course take place, we beg leave to address you in favor of Mr Henry Carbery who served in the late expedition against the Indians as Senior Captain in the Battalion of levies from this State, and has returned with the reputation of having exhibited an exemplary Conduct as well in...
33Henry Knox to Tobias Lear, 17 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
Philadelphia, 17 Feb. 1792. Submits a draft of a letter to Alexander McGillivray for the president’s approval or correction; “please to return it as it is necessary to be given to Mr Shaw.” ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . Leonard Shaw was about to leave for the Southwest with the departing Cherokee delegation (see Knox to Lear, 16 Feb. 1792, source note ). Tobias Lear returned to the secretary of...
34Henry Knox to Tobias Lear, 16 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
I will wait upon the President after Breakfast, and at half past eight tomorrow Morning being desirous of finishing all things relative to the cherokees this evening—They will depart on Saturday, will it be Convenient for the President to bid them farewell at 12 oClock tomorrow? I am Yours sincerely ALS , DLC:GW ; LB , DLC:GW . For the background to this letter, see Henry Knox to GW, 17 Jan....
35To George Washington from Henry Lee, 16 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
Richmond, Va., 16 Feb. 1792. Transmits an extract of a letter from Mr. Taylor, one of the commissioners of the marine hospital at Norfolk, Virginia. LS , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , Vi : Executive Letter Book. The enclosed extract has not been found. On 8 Dec. 1791 James Taylor sent Gov. Henry Lee a statement of the accounts of the commissioners of the marine hospital at Norfolk,...
36To George Washington from George Eimbeck, 15 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
I Am Under the Disagreeable Necessity of Informing your Excellency that Fort Wayne is in A very Defenceless Situation having Neither Men Nor Amunition and as I have Frequently made Application to the Goverment of the State of Georgia without Redress. Humbly beg your Excellency to Honor me with your Orders Respecting the Business—your Honor will Please Send Orders for A Flag Staff and that the...
37From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 15 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
Before I give any decided opinion upon the letter you have written to Majr L’Enfant—or on the alterations proposed for the engraved plan, I wish to converse with you on several matters which relate to this business. This may be, if nothing on your part renders it inconvenient, immediately after 8 Oclock to morrow—at wch hour I breakfast, and at which if agreeable to yourself I should be glad...
38To George Washington from Isaac Smith, 14 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
Being informed that the Office of Attorney general in the western Territory is at present vacant, I beg leave to introduce to your Notice my Son John Penington Smith, who is already settled in the Practice of the Law in Fort-Washington. He is 27 Years of Age, served his Clerkship under Mr Houston and our present Governour Mr Paterson, and, from the Recommendation of the Supreme Court, was...
39To George Washington from Jacob Welsh, 14 February 1792 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Jacob Welsh, 14 Feb. 1792. GW wrote Thomas Jefferson on 15 Feb. : “I send for your perusal an address from Mr Welsh, which, (though dated yesterday) is but just received.”
40To George Washington from Alexander Hamilton, 13 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
Philadelphia, 13 Feb. 1792. Communicates “some letters which have recently come to hand respecting the execution of the Excise Law in Kentuckey.” LB , DLC:GW . The enclosures have not been identified. Residents of the Kentucky District of Virginia earlier had petitioned the U.S. House of Representatives to suspend collection of the federal excise tax on distilled spirits in the district until...
41To George Washington from Thomas Paine, 13 February 1792 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Thomas Paine, 13 Feb. 1792. GW wrote Paine on 6 May 1792 : “I have received your letter of the 13th of February.” According to the 6th Report of the British Historical MSS Commission, Appendix, 474, Paine’s letter to GW of 13 Feb. 1792 was sold in 1891.
42Tobias Lear to Alexander Hamilton, 12 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
Philadelphia, 12 Feb. 1792. Transmits the president’s command that the secretary of the treasury make inquiries about a letter from Congressman Abraham Baldwin of Georgia (not found) mentioning the death of Cornelius Collins, collector at Sunbury, and recommending Francis Coddington for the vacancy. LB , DLC:GW . GW appointed John Lawson, not Francis Coddington, as collector for Sunbury, Ga.,...
43To George Washington from Edward Newenham, 12 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
I wrote to your Excellency last December, which I hope you receved; it contained the account of the Violent Proceedings of the Popish Party in this Kingdom; they demand Equal rights in Every thing with the Protestants—if they obtained half of what they asked, they would, at once, become our Rulers; & overturn our Constitution in Church & state; they are grown bold from their Numbers & late...
44From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 11 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
If you & Mr Madison could make it convenient to take a family dinner with me to day—or, if engagements prevent this—wd come, at any hour in the afternoon most convenient to yourselves we would converse fully, and try to fix on some plan for carrying the Affairs of the Federal district into execution. Under present appearances it is difficult, but it is nevertheless necessary to resolve on some...
45Tobias Lear to James Pemberton, 11 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
Philadelphia, 11 Feb. 1792. Returns “the enclosed paper which was submitted to the Consideration of the President last evening, containing the sentiments proposed to be delivered, in writing, by the Quakers to the deputation from the Cherokee nation of Indians now in this City —and [is commanded] to inform, that the President, upon a due consideration of the subject, does not see any...
46To George Washington from Benjamin Hawkins, 10 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
Prompted by the free and candid manner you expressed yourself on political affairs to me some days past, I shall without reserve, communicate to you the reasons which enduced me yesterday to vote for striking out the second section in the bill which I enclose to you. That I may be understood throughout I must take a retrospect on indian affairs for some years back. During the war we...
47To George Washington from Jan Adriaan de Lange, 10 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
I See with the greatest satisfaction from the public papers, the great prosperity and blessings, which happy america enjoys, as the consequences of the liberty which you have given it, under the assistance of the King of Kings; but particularly my attention was fixed on the extent of the manufatories. and at several times I was contemplating if my manufactory could be of Use in those regions,...
48Tobias Lear to Edmund Randolph, 10 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
The President directs me to offer you his sincere condolence for the loss of your sister—to which permit me, my dear sir to add mine. The President thinks it would be best for you to take an opportunity of conversing with Mr Ellicot respecting Mr Carroll’s house, before you send him your opinion on the subject, as he wishes every information to be had that can be obtained respecting it. The...
49From George Washington to William Stephens Smith, 10 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
I was sorry to learn from your letter of the 7th instant, that you propose to resign the Office which you hold under the United States. Presuming that this determination is the result of a due reflection upon the subject, and a conviction that the measure is for your best interest, I acquiesce in it, altho’ I regret the loss of your services to the public. And, while I express my approbation...
50From George Washington to Thomas Jefferson, 9 February 1792 (Washington Papers)
The P——requests that Mr J——would give the enclosed letter & papers a reading between this and dinner—and come an hour before it, that he may have an opportunity of conversing with him on the subject of them. Mr Walker of George Town is in this City—from him, if Mr J——could contrive to get him to his house, he might learn the sentiments of the people of the place, Carrolsburg &ca—with respect...