George Washington Papers

To George Washington from Samuel Hanson, 3 April 1789

From Samuel Hanson

Alexa. 3d April 1789

Sir

I do myself the honour to forward to you a Package, enclosing some Cloth & Buttons, which was put under my care by Genl Knox.1

When I left N. York (which was this day week) there were wanting, to make a House, two Senators & four Delegates. Mr Ellmer & Mr Gale left Brunswick the same day I came from N. York. On Monday I was informed at Wilmington that Mr Read had set out that day, to go to Philadelphia by water. Three of the Jersey Delegates were expected in on Monday, and 3 of those from Pennsylvania were to leave Phila. on that day: So that there is little doubt that a House is made by this time.2

Should The Package have received any slight injury, I must beg you will not impute it to any want of care or attention in me, but to the constant rains & a very crouded Stage (to the number of Eleven Passengers). With the utmost respect & esteem I have the honour to be Sir Your most obedient & most humble Sert

S. Hanson of Sam⟨l⟩

P.S. Mr R. Henry Lee crossed the Susquehannah on Monday last.

ALS, DLC:GW.

2For Congress’s delay in convening, see Knox to GW, 5 Mar. 1789, n.1. Hanson, who had written GW in January concerning a position under the new government and received a noncommittal reply, went to New York in mid-March to pursue his quest in person, carrying with him supporting letters for his application. See Hanson to GW, 7 Jan., and GW to Hanson, 10 Jan. 1789; and Tench Coxe to James Madison, 16 and 18 Mar. 1789, in Rutland, Madison Papers, description begins William T. Hutchinson et al., eds. The Papers of James Madison, Congressional Series. 17 vols. Chicago and Charlottesville, Va., 1962–91. description ends 12:17–18, 20–22.

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