1Enclosure: Extract from GW’s Will, 1794 (Washington Papers)
It has always been a source of serious reflection, and of sincere regret with me, to see the youth of these United States sent to foreign countries for the purpose of education (perhaps, before their minds are formed, or they have any correct ideas of the blessings of the country they leave)—Where, besides contracting habits of dissipation and extravagance—principles unfriendly to republican...
2Enclosure: John Jay to Edmund Randolph, 21 August 1794 (Washington Papers)
I have received the Letter you did me the honor to write on the 9th June, enclosing the Case of the Snow Sukey, and of the Brigantine Maria. That letter begins thus “Since writing of my Letter yesterday, I have received” &c. That letter has never come to my hands. A few days ago I was favored with yours of the 9th July, on the subject of the american Vessel carried into Bermuda, and on Board...
3Enclosure: John Jay to Edmund Randolph, 22 August 1794 (Washington Papers)
When you shall have received my letter enclosing copies of my Representation to Lord Grenville on the subject of Captures, and of his Answer; and a subsequent Letter enclosing a Copy of the order of Council, respecting Appeals and Claims; you will perceive that they who wish to prosecute either, should without Delay appoint Agents here to manage their Business; and to whom I may deliver such...
4Enclosure II: Israel Chapin to Henry Knox, 17 September 1794 (Washington Papers)
Since my last I have endeavored to obtain every information from the Westward in my power Mr Wm Ewing having been employed in that quarter returned last evening and the minutes he has made are enclosed, and also the Copy of a letter from Captain Brant. I have had the accounts respecting Genl Waynes Action with the hostile Indians several ways, the particulars are mentioned in Mr Ewings...
5Enclosure I: Timothy Pickering to Henry Knox, 20 September 1794 (Washington Papers)
I arrived here yesterday. Two or three hours before, two runners arrived from the Indian Council at Buffaloe Creek, with their answer to your invitation to meet me at Kanandaiguay for the purposes therein mentioned. They apologized for the delay in sending their answer, by saying that they had waited the arrival of the Chief (meaning Cornplanter) by whom their former speech on the subject had...
6Enclosure: Timothy Pickering to Henry Knox, 27 September 1794 (Washington Papers)
On the 20th I wrote you, that two runners had arrived the day before from Buffaloe Creek with a message urging me to hold the treaty there, that I had answered them that I had no authority to remove the Council fire and that the Treaty must be held at Kanandaigua. That upon receiving this answer, the runners replied that they were directed by the Chiefs to inform me that if I could not go to...
7To George Washington from Alexander Fulton, October 1794–November 1794 (Washington Papers)
The petition of Alexander Fulton humbly sheweth, that your Petitioner considers himself guilty of many offences, which he does not pretend to justify, and as your Petitioner only relies on the sovereign and unmerited mercy of his Country so—he hopes that the particular circumstances attending his almost hopeless case may point him out as a penitent object of that mercy. After the law commonly...
8From George Washington to William Pearce, 1 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
I am thus far (55 miles from Philadelphia) on my way to Carlisle agreably to what I wrote you on sunday last. As I am not much accustomed to the management of Buck Wheat—and think I have heard you declare the Same—the purpose of my writing to you now, is to inform you that this Crop on the whole road I have travelled, is cut down (although I should have thought it much too green) and remains...
9To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 2–3 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
The line of Expresses, which I had the honor of mentioning to you before your departure, will begin to move to-morrow at 10 oClock in the morning as far as Carlisle. They will start from hence every day except Sundays, and even on Sundays, if it should be necessary. The same routine will be observed from Carlisle to this City; and the whole will continue, until you shall be pleased to order...
10To George Washington from Western Pennsylvania Delegates, 2 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
A meeting of the Delegates of Townships of the 14th of August at Parkison’s ferry having been advertised in the Pittsburgh Gazette of last Saturday to be held here this day for the purpose of taking under consideration whether it be necessary that any armed force should advance on the part of government for the purpose of assisting the civil authority in suppressing insurrection and preserving...
11To George Washington from Hugh Henry Brackenridge, 3 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
arriving this moment with the haste of an express from what is called Parkinson’s ferry, where a meeting has been held on the Subject of the late disturbances, in haste I say to reach this place before the departure of the Post, I have Just time before the Closing of the mail to inclose your excellency a rough draught of a Copy of resolutions of that meeting; It is Just as it was Copied Under...
12To George Washington from Harrisburg, Pa., Burgesses and Citizens, 3 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
While we, the Burgesses and Citizens of Harrisburg rejoice in the opportunity of presenting our Respects to a Character so justly revered and dear to Americans, we sincerely lament that we should owe it to an interruption of the Peace and prosperity of our Country those constant objects of your public Cares. We trust however that the just Indignation which fires the Breasts of all virtuous...
13To George Washington from John Jay, 3 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
I have written to Mr Randolph by this opportunity, rather because I make it a Rule to write frequently, than because I have any thing of much Importance to communicate. and I should have omitted writing to you at present, had not the Intelligence contained in this morning’s Papers induced me to endeavour to send them to you by Capn morgan. He was to have left Town last Eveng, but I am told is...
14From George Washington to William Pearce, 3 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
If this letter should reach your hands, it will be delivered by Mr Weston, who with his lady may take a ride from Alexandria to Mount Vernon. Should this happen, I request you will make their visit as agreeable as your situation will enable you to do. I am Your friend &ca ALS (photocopy), reproduced in Historical Review of Berks County , vol. III, no. 2 (January 1938). GW probably was...
15To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 3 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
You know well, how much success turns the popular tide. So it has happened with General Wayne. Many, whom I have heard speaking in derogatory terms of his talents, now change their tone and say; that they were always certain, that the President would never appoint an incompetent man to the command of the army. There is one circumstance, however, which appears to me to demand his attention. His...
16To George Washington from Martha Washington, c.3 Oct. 1794 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from Martha Washington, c.3 Oct. 1794. On 3 Oct., Edmund Randolph wrote to GW: “Mrs Washington’s letter is inclosed in the packet.”
17To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 4 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
No public dispatches, or public events have appeared, since I had the honor of writing to you yesterday. Mr Brown, the senator of Kentucky, who has been in town about three days, called upon me yesterday. He was not explicit, whether he had received letters from the western army; but I am convinced from the manner of his sounding me to discover, if I was prepared to listen with indulgence to...
18To George Washington from William Pearce, 5 Oct. 1794 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: from William Pearce, 5 Oct. 1794. On 2 Nov., GW wrote Pearce: “I have received your several letters of the 28th of Septr—and 5th 17th and 23d of last month.”
19From George Washington to Carlisle, Pa., Citizens, 6 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
I thank you sincerely for your affectionate address. I feel as I ought, what is personal to me, and I cannot but be particularly pleased with the enlightened and pa⟨trioti⟩c attachment which is manifested ⟨towa⟩rds our happy constitution and the laws. When we look round and behold the universally acknowledged prosperity which blesses every part of the United States facts no less unequivocal...
20From George Washington to John Clark, 6 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
Your favor of the 27th ulto was put into my hands in the moment I was leaving the City of Philadelphia, and I have had neither leizure or opportunity of acknowledging the receipt of it since, till now. I thank you for your polite offer of attending me to the field, but my going thither, or returning to the Seat of Government in time for the meeting of Congress, depends upon circumstances not...
21Alexander James Dallas to Alexander Hamilton, 6 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
6 Oct. 1794 . Transmits for GW’s “perusal” documents received from Fayette County, Pa., and a copy of the governor’s reply to them. ADf , PHarH , Executive Correspondence, 1790–99; LB , PHarH , Executive Letterbooks. Dallas transmitted the enclosures sent with Albert Gallatin’s letter to Thomas Mifflin of 17 Sept. (and probably a copy of the letter itself) and a copy of Dallas’s letter to...
22To George Washington from Henry Knox, 6 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
I arrived here the last Evening. It has been a circumstance of inexpressible regret to me, tha[t] an extraordinary course of contrary winds detained me longer than I expected. Permit me to request the favor by the return of the express, that I may wait upon you at Carlile or elsewhere, until the painful task upon which you are shall be adjusted. I am with perfect respect and affection Your...
23From George Washington to William Pearce, 6 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
I wrote you a few lines from Reading the first instant—and the only design of writing to you now is, to inform you that I clearly see that it will not be in my power to visit Mount Vernon before the meeting of Congress, and of course not ’till the Spring. I mention this matter that you may not, whenever the situation of your business will permit you to be absent, delay your journey to the...
24From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 6 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
Your private letter of the 3d instt; accompanying the public dispatches, was received yesterday; & I rejoice exceedingly that the apprehensions on acct of the yellow fever have vanished. It would have given great alarm to all those in this Camp who left families in the City, if Mrs Washington had retired from it; & on the other hand it would have been a source of continual uneasiness to me in...
25To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 6 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
The Portuguese Minister has announced himself; excusing the past omission by the hourly expectation of departing from New-York for this city, and assigning for the reason of his not coming on, that he is deterred by the reports of the yellow fever, being in full havoc here. He has been answered with the civility, usual on such occasions. Mr Rawle and Mr Peters will leave town on Wednesday or...
26To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 6 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
E: Randolph has the honor of informing the President, that Mr Seagrove just now has learned from good authority, that General Clarke has abandoned his expedition in Georgia; and, under the influence of General Gunn and Mr Carnes, has come in, with all his followers. AL , DNA : RG 59, Miscellaneous Letters; LB , DNA : RG 59, George Washington’s Correspondence with His Secretaries of State. The...
27To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 6 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
The letter of Colo. Nicholas, which I mentioned in mine of the day before yesterday is so lengthy that I must reserve it for you until your return; as I am confident, that the inclosing of such an almost illegible scrawl would answer little purpose, and I might not be justified in having a copy taken even by one of the clerks. However, the substance is, an answer to my various observations;...
28From George Washington to Martha Washington, c.6 Oct. 1794 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: to Martha Washington, c.6 Oct. 1794. On 8 Oct., Edmund Randolph wrote GW: “I was honored by your private letter of the 6th instant, about half an hour ago; and immediately delivered to Mrs Washington the one, addressed to her.”
29From George Washington to Anthony Walton White, 6 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
The President of the U. States requests the pleasure of Genl Whites and Aids company to dine tomorrow at Mr Pollock’s tavern at 3 o’Clock. D , NjP : Von Hemert Autograph Collection. Anthony Walton White of New Jersey was serving as a brigadier general of cavalry during the Whiskey Insurrection campaign. James Pollock (d. 1800) kept a tavern at the southwest corner of High and Pitt streets in...
30To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 7 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
E. Randolph, with affectionate wishes for the President’s health, has the honor of informing him, that Mrs Washington and the family were well this morning: that altho’ it is suspected by some, that Mrs Lenox, who now lies very ill in the house adjoining E.R.’s office, labours under the yellow fever; yet there does not seem to be any grounds for the apprehension. At least his clerks and...
31To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 7 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
The express has been waiting, in expectation of the return of the messenger sent from hence on friday last and from the probability, that your dispatches might require an immediate Answer. He will be detained, however, until a late hour in the day, in order that Mr Jay’s communications may be copied, and forwarded to you. They grow extremely interesting, and assume a considerable degree of...
32Enclosure: Richard Peters to Edmund Randolph, 7 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
Not having at the time of the receipt of your letter requesting me to proceed to the westward, when it would be practicable for me to sett off consistently with my duty here, I forbore answering it till now—I shall begin the journey tomorrow or the next day at furthest. I depend on every facility being given by the proper orders to the commanding officers of the troops, when it shall be found...
33To George Washington from Bernard Hubley, Jr., 8 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
This part of the Country, has been in the Utmost consternation & confusion, every Appearance of Bloodshed & Murder, the Interposition of Providence only prevented, there are Characters in this County, who have industriously sown discord & dissention among the People, it was carried to such height, that on Tuesday 30th septemr last, in this little Village, it arose to a Riot, I think it was on...
34To George Washington from Henry Knox, 8 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
I had the honor on the 6th to mention my arrival and the cause of my detention longer than the time I had specified. I am occupied in the affairs of the department, until I shall receive your orders whether to join you or not. If you should progress westward, and should be of opinion I could be serviceable I shall fly to join your standard. I have the satisfaction to say, that at the eastward...
35From George Washington to Daniel Morgan, 8 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
In the moment I was leaving the City of Philadelphia for this place, your letter of the 24th ulto was put into my hands. Although I regret the occasion which has called you into the field, I rejoice to hear you are there; and because it is probable I may meet you at Fort Cumberland, whither I shall proceed, so soon as I see the Troops at this rendezvous in condition to advance. At that place,...
36To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 8 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
I was honored by your private letter of the 6th instant, about half an hour ago; and immediately delivered to Mrs Washington the one, addressed to her. Mr Butler and Mr Brown, of the Senate, called to learn the intelligence from Europe. I considered their title to read the dispatches, as being no better, than that of other men; and I told them verbally only what I have told others. With the...
37To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 8 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
I have the honor to acknowledge Colonel Hamilton’s letter of the 6. current written by your direction. Judge Peters and Mr Rawle intend to proceed tomorrow. They will carry with them copies of all the subscriptions. Some of the names indeed are so badly written; that mistakes are inevitable. If therefore any individuals, whose names do not appear, or may be inaccurately transcribed, should...
38Enclosure: Timothy Pickering to Henry Knox, 8 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
On the 23d Ulto I sent Horatio Jones the Interpreter to Buffaloe Creek to hasten the departure of the Indians and to give them any necessary assistance on the way. I thought also that he would be able to remove any little obstructions which the British Agents might continue to throw in the way. He went directly to their principal village, assembled the Chiefs and delivered my message. The...
39From George Washington to Henry Knox, 9 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 6th came to hand last night. It would have given me pleasure to have had you with me & advantages might have resulted from it on my present tour, if your return, in time, would have allowed it. It is now too late, as we shall be in the Act of crossing the mountains, or I shall be on my return to Phila. (according to circumstances & the information I shall receive) at the...
40Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., to Henry Knox, 9 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
Before the Presidents departure from Philada he requested Mr Hodgdon to prepare & hold in readiness for his use sundry articles such as tents, &c. &c. which wou’d be necessary for him in case he should find it expedient to go into the western counties with the troops. These things were to be got ready by Mr Hodgdon & the President was to let him know from this place whether they should be sent...
41From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 9 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
Yesterday at 11 Oclock your dispatches of the 7th were delivered to me in less than 23 hours from the rect of them by the Express in Philadelphia. Little, of moment, has occurred since mine of the 6th. A meeting of the Committee of 60, at Parkinson’s ferry the 2d instt have resolved that if the signature of the submission, be not universal, it is not so much owing to any existing disposition...
42To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 9 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
The expectations, expressed by Judge Peters, in the letter of which I have the honor to inclose a copy, being reasonable in themselves; I did not hesitate to say to him, that I did not doubt , that they would appear so to you. Mr Jaudenes, having called upon me yesterday upon some other business, I took occasion to inquire, whether he had received any late dispatches from Spain. Upon his...
43To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 9 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
By the Atlantic, which arrived from Liverpool last evening, papers have been received from London, as low down as the 16th of August. Two of them the Sun , and the Star , which are supposed to be rivals, accord nearly in the same story of Robespierre’s fall. While I lament, that this, which is my only fear for the French Revolution, seems to be growing rapidly, and that the want of confidence...
44To George Washington from Henry Knox, 10 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
Brigadier General Bloomfield is of opinion that by the 12th he shall be able to march with about 400 men from Trenton, this would make up the whole number who have marched from New Jersey 1700. The remainder hes is of opinion may not be collected until a fortnight owing to the defect of the militia Laws —I beleive General Freelinghausens volunteers have not turned out so well as he expected....
45From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 11 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
When I wrote to you yesterday, I did not expect to be in this village at this hour. But finding it difficult to get even part of the Troops off, that were ordered to March yesterday, I resolved to see the residue in motion to day before I left this place, myself. This dilatoriness does not proceed from any disinclination in the Troops themselves, to proceed; but for want of arrangement, and...
46To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 11 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
I communicated to Mrs Washington the route, which you marked out in your favor of the 9th current. All under your roof were in their usual good health this morning; and she desired me to say to you, that she will write by the express of Monday. Mr Fauchet certainly believes the destruction of Robespierre; and from circumstances, independent of those, which have been published, he had foreseen...
47To George Washington from Edmund Randolph, 11 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
The express of yesterday was suspended; from the probability, that by going off to-day he might arrive at Williamsport almost as soon as you should reach it. General Knox has promised me his memoranda to-morrow, when they shall be incorporated in mine, and the various subjects shall be digested in the order, which appears to me best. I do not understand, that you wish me to clothe in language...
48Bartholomew Dandridge, Jr., to Henry Knox, 12 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
Taking into consideration all circumstances, the President has determined that there will be no occasion for him to proceed with the troops further than Bedford, & that he will return from that place to Philada. He therefore directs me to request you to countermand any orders you may have given in consequence of my letter of the 9 Inst. & to desire that the waggon with Tents &c. &c. for him...
49To George Washington from Harriot Washington, 12 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
Mr Madison’s going to Philadelphia has afforded me an opportunity of writing to my dear and Honor’d Uncle, which I have with pleasure accepted. I wrote to you a few days before I left Fredericksburg, to beg your permission to visit brother George, but having a conveyance sooner than I expected, was obleiged to leave it without receiving an answer, which I hope has not met with your...
50To George Washington from James McHenry, 13 October 1794 (Washington Papers)
Mr John Kirwan has renewed to me his request upon learning of a vacancy in the office of Marshal and collectors office at Annapolis to mention him again to your Excellency. I can safely assure you that Mr Kirwan has talents competent to the discharge of the duties of either office, and I dare say should he be appointed to either will give full satisfaction. He has been an unfortunate man in...