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1
THE WRITINGS
OF
GEORGE WASHINGTON
VOL. xm.
i 794-1 798
Of this Letter-press Edition j 50 Copies ha ve been Printed for Sale
No
jL
July, i8g2
J5.G
THE WRITINGS
OF
GEORGE WASHINGTON
COLLECTED AND EDITED
WORTHINGTON CHAUNCEY FORD
Vol. XIII.
I 794-1 798
NEW YORK AND LONDON
G. P. PUTNAM'S SONS
&be Jiniclurbocker |te8 1892
Press of
G. P. Putnam's Sons
New York
CONTENTS OF VOL. XIII.
1794.
PAGE
To Tobias Lear, December 21st . . . . 1
The Virginia legislature and the navigation company — Weston and Claiborne on locks — His tobacco in the warehouses.
To Henry Knox, December 30th .... 5
His retirement from office.
To William Pearce, January-December ... 6
Restoring lands — A break in the rotation — Meal and flour — Carpenters' and Green's unfitness — Increase of lambs — Neglect of overseers— The renting of the fisheries — Prices of provisions and the embargo — Green's rascally conduct — Corn supply — Grasses — Drilled wheat — Sickness of the hands — Disappoint- ments and losses — The care of lambs — Stuart's conduct — Quarry- ing stone at Mount Vernon — Abuse of mules and horses — Death — His objects in conducting the plantation — Bonus to John — Deceit of the hands — Policy in caring for the land — Small re- sults of carpenters' work — A granny — Sale and rental of his lands — Erection of a still — A road through the estate — Green and his family — Serving wine at Mount Vernon — Matter of accounts — Clearing woodland — Consumption of corn on the estate.
1795.
To Daniel Carroll, January 7th 24
Greenleaf's purchases in the federal city intended as specula- tions— Is opposed to any more large sales — Profit should be reaped by the commissioners.
To Tobias Lear, January 12th 26
Finances of the navigation company — Measures to be taken for their adjustment — Claiborne's engineers — His tobacco.
To Eleanor Parke Custis, January 16th ... 29
The Georgetown ball — A hint on assumed insensibility — Love not an involuntary passion — Questions to be asked — The declaration must proceed from the man — Marriage of her sister.
vi CONTENTS OF VOL. XIII.
To Edmund Pendleton, January 22d ... 32
His age and desire for retirement — The spirit of anarchy in Pennsylvania subdued — Ready response of the militia — Favor- able aspects of Indian affairs — Policy towards the tribes — Land speculators, settlers, and traders at fault — Jay's mission.
To the Commissioners of the Federal District, Janu- ary 28th 36
A university in the federal city — Objects to be attained by its institution — Offers his Potomac River shares — Why he writes to them on the matter.
To Alexander Hamilton, February 2d ... 39
Final words on his retirement from the Treasury.
To Robert Lewis, February 22d .... 40
Collection of rents — Bad character of under-sheriffs — Mrs. Haynie — Purchase of leases — Leases for lives.
To Joseph Ceracchi, March 9th 43
His scheme for a national monument — His complaint of de- ception and ill-treatment — His bust of the President — Attitude of the President — Busts of Bacchus and Ariadne.
To Charles Carter, March 10th 47
Is not able to lend money — Conditions under which he will contribute.
To Thomas Jefferson, March 15th .... 48
His idea of a national university — Reasons for selecting the federal city — A second institution to be in Virginia — As to im- porting professors — The plans may be united.
To Robert Brooke, March 16th 52
The James River shares offered for a Virginian institution of learning.
To Daniel Morgan, March 27th 55
Trial of John Mitchell — Good conduct of the army — Mere agent of the civil power.
To Alexander White, May 17th . . . . 56
Desires his residence to be in the federal city — Comparison of the old board of commissioners with the new — Necessity for pressing on the work.
To the Secretaries of State, Treasury, and War, and
the Attorney-General, June 29th 59
Resolution of the Senate advising that the treaty with Great Britain be ratified — Questions suggested by the resolution.
CONTENTS OF VOL. XIII. vii
PAGE
To Alexander Hamilton, July 3d .61
Publication of the treaty — Desires the opinion of dispassionate men upon it — Asks for his views.
To Alexander Hamilton, July 13th .... 63 Has received his examination of the treaty — Articles twelve and three open to objection — The Hudson's Bay Company — Restraints on traders — If twelfth article is suspended, will it be necessary to submit again to the Senate ? — Query as to the fifteenth article.
To Alexander Hamilton, July 14th 67
His opinion on re-submission of treaty in direct opposition to those of the Cabinet — Has called for new opinions.
To Edmund Randolph, July 22d .... 68
Proceedings at Boston on the treaty — His opinion on the rati- fication— The French decrees.
To Edmund Randolph, July 24th .... 71
His readiness to return to Philadelphia — Opinions on the treaty — Monroe's introduction of Archibald Rowan Hamilton.
To Timothy Pickering, July 27th .... 72 Conference with the Indians — Higginson on the Boston meeting — Fierceness of party disputes.
Address to the Selectmen of Boston, July 28th . 74
His policy in the matter of the treaty.
To Alexander Hamilton, July 29th ... 76
Wishes to know the real temper of the people towards the treaty — Difference in opinions displayed — Alleged violation of our engagements with France — The essays of Camillus — Activity of the opposition.
To Edmund Randolph, July 29th .... 79
His intention to return to Philadelphia — Importance of the public papers on the treaty requires it — Serious aspect of the opposition in its relation to France — Never was a crisis so pregnant of interesting events — Reply to the Boston selectmen — Chancellor Livingston's letter.
To Edmund Randolph, July 31st . . . . 82
Return of some letters — His journey to Philadelphia — Prejudices against the treaty more extensive than is generally imagined — Ratification or rejection brings dangers — A full examination of the subject necessary — The memorial on the treaty.
viii CONTENTS OF VOL. XIII.
To Edmund Randolph, August 3d .... 85
Interruption of the mails — Baltimore and Richmond resolu- tions— His determination unshaken.
To Oliver Wolcott, August .... 87
Questions on the intercepted despatch of Fauchet.
To Edmund Randolph, August 20th ... 90
The story»of Fauchet's despatch — Its contents will not be divulged by him — A copy of the despatch will be sent to him.
To John Adams, August 20th 91
Prospects of John Quincy Adams — Reply to the Boston re- monstrance— Meetings in opposition to the constituted authori- ties useless, dangerous, and improper.
To Robert R. Livingston, August 20th ... 93
His objections to the treaty — Reasons of his polity.
To James Ross, August 22d 94
Opposition of the seaport towns to the treaty — Logical result of the meetings.
To Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, August 24th . 95
An offer of the Secretaryship of State — Duty should impel him to accept.
To Alexander Hamilton, August 31st . . . 96
The British provision order — No reply given to questions for information — Matters to be considered in a new negotiation — Wishes an expression of his views.
To John Jay, August 31st 99
Treaty ratified by him as far as is in his power — Unfortunate revival of the domineering spirit in Great Britain — What points should be covered in a future friendly negotiation.
To George Cabot, September 7th .... 100
Arrival of young Lafayette and his tutor — Will be the friend of Lafayette — Regard for his official position will prevent an open recognition — Suggests his entrance to the university at Cambridge — Inclination to serve him will be evidenced by his conduct — An assumed name.
To Timothy Pickering, September 9th . . . 103
Sailing of the French and English vessels — Interpretation that may be put upon the order — Necessity of counteracting the story to be told by Fauchet.
CONTENTS OF VOL. XIII. ix
PAGE
To Henry Knox, September 20th .... 105
His settlement in Maine — No infallible opinion among mortals — Upright intentions and close investigation his rule of conduct — Results of misrepresentation on the public view of the treaty.
To Timothy Pickering, September 27th . . . 106
The Directorship of the Mint — Samuel Dexter and the office of Attorney-General — To bring into office one opposed to the measures of the government, a sort of political suicide.
To Edmund Randolph, September 27th . . . 108
His signature necessary — Some questions on Fauchet's de- spatch answered.
To Oliver Wolcott, October 2d 109
Delay in Randolph's statement — Some correspondence that has passed between them — His questions framed with an in- sidious tendency — A hint that might be thrown out to him.
To Thomas Jefferson, October 4th . . . . in
Madame de Chastellux's application misplaced — Difficulty of introducing a new crop — Agricultural matters — Buckwheat dressing — Potatoes as an improving crop — The weavil and rains.
To Edward Carrington, October 9th . . . .114
Difficulty met in filling the office of State — Where it has been offered — Reasons for not having offered it to Mr. Henry — Innes for Attorney-General — A letter to Henry — Marshall to be con- sulted— Contingency of Henry's refusing to serve.
To Patrick Henry, October 9th 118
The office of State — Wishes him to take it — His wishes in the conduct of the foreign relations of the government — An Ameri- can character.
To Timothy Pickering, October 1 2th . . . .120
Fatality attending Pinckney's negotiations — An extraordinary inattention to ciphers — Undignified and insulting course of the Spanish court — His return to Philadelphia.
To Edmund Randolph, October 21st . . . 122
His letter to the Philadelphia Gazette — Full permission to use private and confidential, written and oral communications — His conduct on the treaty — Will receive his vindication through the press — A request that this letter be included — The public will decide between them.
CONTENTS OF VOL. XIII.
To Edmund Randolph, October 25th . . . 125
No apprehension from any disclosure whatsoever — Posing as a martyr to partisan spirit — Motive for giving him the papers he requires — Can see no relation between the treaty with Great Britain and the intercepted letter of Fauchet — Has created no necessity for his disclosures.
To Alexander Hamilton, October 29th . . . 127
Randolph's publication daily expected — His conduct to be proved inconsistent — Papers in the department copied without his consent — Who shall be Secretary of State? — Rufus King suggested — The Attorney-General — Names of candidates re- viewed— His message to Congress — The treaty with Great Britain — A firm, manly, and dignified conduct essential — The negotiations with Spain — The Barbary Powers — Peace with the Indians — The military establishment — The departments.
To Alexander Hamilton, November 23d . . .136
Young Lafayette and his tutor — His dilemma respecting them —The attitude of Adet.
To John H. Stone, December 6th . . . .138
Declaration of the Maryland Assembly — His attitude towards his calumniators.
Speech to Congress, December 8th . . . . 140 To Alexander Hamilton, December 22d . . . 146
The matter of young Lafayette — Randolph's Vindication.
To Gouverneur Morris, December 22d . . . 147
A poor correspondent — Policy of Great Britain — Report of troubles in Kentucky — Outrageous behavior of British agents — Result of Remonstrances — Indifference of Great Britain to advances of commercial intercourse — Difficulty of maintaining neutrality — His policy has been one of peace — A liberal policy on the part of Great Britain the best one — Allowance should be made for imprudent expression of sentiments — Has received much abuse, but will not swerve — Cause of the opposition to the treaty.
To William Pearce, January-December . . .154
The need of oats for his visits — Real and pretended sickness of the hands — Planting of seeds — French Will — Donaldson's son — Difficulty of training negroes — Re-survey of lands — The wheat crop — Idleness of his carpenters — Absconding of French's Paul — Betty Davis' ailments — The sowing of grasses — The market for flour — Death and ill-treatment of farm-hands — Lost lambs — Shirking of work — Hedging and cedar berries — General policy in farming.
CONTENTS OF VOL. XIII. xi
1796.
PAGE
To James McHenry, January 20th .... 163
A tender of the office of Secretary of War — Samuel Chase suggested for a seat on the Supreme bench.
To Bushrod Washington, February 10th . . .164 His connection with the estate of Thomas Colvill.
To Dr. James Anderson, February 15th . . . 167
Iron bridges — Wooden bridges in the United States — Renting and selling his lands — An offer to immigrants — Quality of tenants wanted.
To Thomas Pinckney, February 20th . . . 169
His request to be recalled — The treaty he has negotiated with Spain — The situation of Lafayette, and his desire to secure his release — His neglect of abuse.
To Gouverneur Morris, March 4th . . . .172
Delay in receiving a ratification of the treaty — A change in the public sentiment — Causes for thanksgiving.
To Timothy Pickering, March 6th . . . .174
Instructions to the Minister in London — Should be accom- panied with powers — Proclaiming treaties.
To the Cabinet, March 25th 176
The call of the House for papers on the treaty.
Message to the House of Representatives, March 30th, 1 yj To Alexander Hamilton, March 31st . . . 180
The call for papers — Doubts upon the proper course to be pursued — Delay in replying — His own draft sent in.
To Henry Knox, April 4th 182
Nominated on the Boundary Commission — Abused for not giving the treaty papers.
To George Lewis, April 7th 183
Mr. Parks aspires to marry Harriot Washington — Desires to know something of his character.
To Edward Carrington, May 1st . . . .184
Public expression of opinions contrary to the utterances of the peoples' representatives — The blow aimed at the funda- mental principles of the Constitution — Purity of motive in the attack.
xii CONTENTS OF VOL. XIII.
To John Jay, May 8th 187
Good intention of the people, and mal-conduct of their repre- sentatives— His concern and anxiety.
To Alexander Hamilton, May 15th .... 190
Sending of the draft of address — What is to be done to it — Reasons for retaining the quotation — Anticipated criticism— - Changes made — A successor to Pinckney — Inclosure.
To Thomas Pinckney, May 220! .... 208
Influence working for the treaty — Ames' speech — Rufus King to succeed him — The situation of Lafayette — Seeds from Eng- land.
To Cyrus Griffin, June 8th 210
No charge made — Considerations in making nomination to office.
To Timothy Pickering, June 9th . . . .211
Instructions for Rufus King — Compensation for an accomptant.
To David Humphreys, June 12th .... 212
The attacks made upon him will not induce him to swerve from his policy — Has not been guilty of a wilful error — The private station.
To Timothy Pickering, June 24th . . . .214
The case of the Flying Fish — Information upon the intentions of France upon the commerce of America — The Cabinet to advise what measures should be taken.
To Alexander Hamilton, June 26th . . . .217
Measures towards France — Has the President authority to send a special envoy to France to demand explanations ? — Con- vening the Senate — What is to be done with Monroe — Wishes his sentiments, and those of Jay — Regrets not having published his Valedictory Address — The best time for making it public.
To James McHenry, July 1st 222
The western posts and Indians — Charges against Wayne — Incroachments on Indian territory.
To Timothy Pickering, July 4th .... 224
Arrival of the Spanish Minister — Quarantine regulations — Appointment of an Indian agent in the place of Blount.
To Gustavus Scott, July 4th ..... 225
His residence as commissioner — Altered conditions — Reasons why he should be in the federal city.
CONTENTS OF VOL. XIII. xiii
PAGE
To Thomas Jefferson, July 6th ..... 229
Publication of a Cabinet paper — Attempts to weaken the confidence of the people in the administration — Truth and right decisions the sole objects of his pursuit — Not a party man — The charge of being the enemy of one nation and subject to the in- fluence of another — The case of the Little Sarah — His Experi- ence with clover — Field peas and winter vetch — Chicorium — A movable threshing machine.
To Charles Lee, July 6th 234
As to the recall of Monroe — What is to be done under the circumstances.
To Timothy Pickering, July 8th .... 235
On executing an act of Congress — Monroe's recall determined upon — The question of his successor — An offer to General Pinckney — An error in dates.
To Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, July 8th . . 237
Reasons for making a change in the mission to France — Greatest embarrassment experienced from home opposition — Qualities necessary in the appointee.
To James McHenry, July 13th 240
The frigate for the Dey of Algiers — No other alternative but to comply — The manner of carrying into effect the decision — Maxim for the executive officers.
To Timothy Pickering, July 13th .... 242
Dawson's journey to Philadelphia — Probable mission to Monroe.
To Timothy Pickering, July 18th .... 243
What remains to be done towards fulfilling treaties — The Dey's demand — Attacks on the administration — Necessity for giving the public a clear and comprehensive view of facts — Desires the whole of the transactions with France to be examined as critically as would have been done by Bache — The message for Congress.
To James McHenry, July 18th 246
Boundary lines with the Indians — Incommoded by a visit of Indians — Executing the acts relating to tribes — The frigate and materials. To Timothy Pickering, July 25th . . . . 249
Dawson's mission once more — Obtaining a cannon-founder from France — Appointment of a surveyor-general — Broken seal on Monroe's letter — Opposition to the treaty — Plain road for the executive to pursue.
xiv CONTENTS OF VOL. XIII.
To Timothy Pickering, July 27th . . . .251
French discontents — Origination of the charges and Monroe's neglect — Recognition of Van Polanen.
To Timothy Pickering, July 27th . . . .253
Monroe's version of French discontent always incomplete — Inconsistencies in his statements — Guarantee of the French West India Islands.
To the Duke de Liancourt, August 8th . . . 254
Men in public life cannot be governed solely by the dictates of their own inclinations — Rumored discontent in France be- cause of the countenance said to have been given by him to young Lafayette — His attitude towards the father.
To Timothy Pickering, August 10th .... 256
Instructions for Pinckney — What facts on Monroe's recall can be spoken of unofficially by the officers of government — Monroe should be apprized of the reasons for his recall.
To James Anderson, August 18th .... 257
His want of a manager — Pearce's character and conditions of service — General outline of his business — Requirements.
To James Monroe, August 25th .... 260
His letter to Gouverneur Morris and the French Directory — Can see nothing exceptional in it — The notice of Col. Innes' report — Ought not to have produced an ill-effect — One nation should not interfere with the concerns of another.
To Alexander Hamilton, August 25th . . . 264
Draft of the Farewell Address — Notice of personal abuse — Returned for revision — How shall it be published.
To Alexander Hamilton, September 1st . . . 266
Regrets having omitted a reference to education in the Address — Advantages to be derived from a university — Not a new idea with him — A personal contribution.
To John Quincy Adams, September 12th . . . 269
Wishes information upon a sword — How it reached his hands.
To Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, September 12th. . 272
Copies of letters sent to him — An answer intended to meet the eyes of Lord Grenville.
Farewell Address, September 17th . . . . 275
CONTENTS OF VOL. XIII. xv
To Alexander Hamilton, November 2d 326
Publication of Adet's letter — Its object — Should any difference be made in receiving him — No grounds for complaint on his part — Should the reply be published — Reasons for and against such a step — Bringing the subject before Congress — Sinclair's letter — Government encouragement of agriculture — Jay's opinion to be taken — Dignity of the country, not personal feelings, in- volved in Adet's conduct — Inconsistency of the French govern- ment.
To Alexander Hamilton, November 3d 330
Publication of the reply to Adet — Reasons for it.
To Alexander Hamilton, November 12th . . 331
Some intelligence of a French fleet — His speech to Congress — Criticism of McHenry's recommendations — The Mediter- ranean commerce, and a navy.
To Charles Lee, November 14th .... 334
His continued absence from the seat of government.
To George Washington Parke Custis, November 15th, 335
Distinction of classes by dress — Some advice.
To Alexander Hamilton, November 21st . . . 337
Anxiety as to papers — Adet's letter a proof that the French government are disposed to play a high game — Bache's agency and the full publication.
To George Washington Parke Custis, November 28th, 339
A letter of advice.
To the Commissioners of the City of Washington,
December 1st 341
Discontents irksome and disagreeable — Corachichi and his contract — Upon what the establishment of a university depends — Unreasonableness of his demands.
Speech to Congress, December 7th .... 344 To George Washington Parke Custis, December 19th 354
His correspondence and course of reading — Consequence of inconstancy and want of steadiness.
To John H. Stone, December 23d .... 355
Resolutions of the Maryland House of Delegates — The aims of his military and civil endeavor.
xvi CONTENTS OF VOL. XIII.
1797.
PAGE
To Timothy Pickering, January 4th . . . • 357 Laying the French matter before Congress — Care to be exer- cised in expression.
To David Stuart, January 8th . . ' . . 358
His first care on reaching Mount Vernon — Objects of Adet's movements — Wish of French to influence the policy of the United States — Various steps to exert this influence — Paine's letter — Is confident of being upheld.
To Timothy Pickering, January 9th .... 362
Suggestions for his statement for Pinckney — Attitude of the government towards France.
To George Washington Parke Custis, January nth . 363
Advice. To Benjamin Walker, January 12th .... 365
Falsehoods of the Aurora — Republication of the spurious letters — Desires to learn the author's name — Rivington may know.
Message to Congress on the Depredations of French
Cruisers, January 19th ..... 368
To Alexander Hamilton, January 22d . . . 369
The claim of M. de Neufville — Conduct of France towards the United States outrageous beyond conception — Wishes his views on the Pinckney statement — As to an envoy extraordinary.
To the Commissioners of the City of Washington,
February 15th 371
Sentiments as to the public buildings.
To Henry Knox, March 2d . . . . 374
His losses — The attacks made upon him to destroy his in- fluence— No wish to mix again in the world of politics — End of his service.
To Jonathan Trumbull, March 3d ... 376
Pressure under which he writes — Foreign interference in politics to be reprobated.
To Timothy Pickering, March 3d . . . 378
The spurious letters — Object of the original publication — No part of his baggage and none of his attendants captured during the war — A solemn declaration of their being forgeries.
CONTENTS OF VOL. XIII. xvii
PAGE
To James McHenry, April 3d 381
The gazettes confusing — Rejection of Pinckney by the French — Demonstrations on his journey — Much to be done at Mount Vernon.
To Oliver Wolcott, May 15th 384
Causes assigned for convening Congress — His labors for the coming years — Desires his correspondence.
To William Heath, May 20th 385
A former letter not misinterpreted — Threatening clouds on the political horizon — Idea of disinterested favors or friendship from any nation too novel to be calculated on — His forthcoming memoirs.
To Rev. Samuel Stanhope Smith, May 24th . . 388
Disquieting information about young Custis — His indolence marked.
To Thomas Pinckney, May 28th .... 389
Congratulations on his return to America — Danger in politics — The new President to work upon the old lines of foreign policy.
To James McHenry, May 29th ..... 391
How he passes his days — Visits of curiosity.
To Oliver Wolcott, May 29th . ... . . 392
The President's speech an unequivocal expression of the pub- lic mind — Solicitude on the reply of the House — The situation in Europe.
To George Washington Parke Custis, June 4th . 394
His sorrow and repentance acceptable — Must not be a mo- mentary impulse — Advice.
To David Humphreys, June 26th .... 397
Embarrassment occasioned by presents — The forged letters — Ought not to withdraw from public life — His marriage — Only a general peace in Europe will produce tranquillity in America — Buildings at Mount Vernon and the federal city — Alexandria.
To James McHenry, July 7th 400
The intercepted letter of William Blount — Enormity of the crime.
To Samuel Washington, July 12th .... 402
No money at his command — Compelled to sell land to defray expenses of his station — Why he will accommodate him — Dangers of borrowing.
xviii CONTENTS OF VOL. XIII.
To William Strickland, July 15th .... 404 His preoccupations — Tenants from Great Britain — Occupiers and proprietors — Grazing — Bad state of agriculture in America — Experiments in crops and in rotations — Fencing.
To Timothy Pickering, August 4th . . . .412
The opinion of the Attorney-General on the recall of Monroe — Is unable to find it among his papers.
To James McHenry, August 14th .... 413
The affair of Senator Blount — Monroe has opened his bat- teries— Table coolers and other articles — Porcupine's Gazette.
To Timothy Pickering, August 29th . . . .415
Col. Monroe did not call in his passage — A change of senti- ment in France towards America — The tone will be lowered by degrees — Has never been alarmed by any fears of a war with France.
To George Washington Parke Custis, August 29th . 417
The approaching end of the term — Vacation and advice.
To General Lafayette, October 8th .... 419
Return of his son — Congratulations upon his release — His delicate situation — Conduct of young Lafayette — His own occupations — Domestic politics.
To Bushrod Washington, October 9th . . . 422
A suit which interests him — Evidence of Grafton Kirk — Some points to be examined.
To Rev. William Gordon, October 15th . . . 425
Why his correspondence has slackened — Difficulties in keep- ing workmen to their tasks — Publication of the Epistles — Has never sought a vindication — The Carey compilation.
To John Langhorne, October 15th .... 428
Reply to a friendly letter.
To Bushrod Washington, November 3d . . . 430
Wants a housekeeper, and specifies requirements.
To John Marshall, December 4th .... 432
Wishes success to his embassy — A change in the public mind — Inconsistency of American upholders of the French Directory — The summit of despotism — Severity of the winter and crops — Young Lafayette.
CONTENTS OF VOL. XIII. xix
1798.
PACK
To George Washington Parke Custis, January 7th . 436
System and daily conduct.
To James McHenry, January 28th .... 438
His lands in the Northwest — Harmony in Congress — Silence of the envoys — Monroe and Fauchet.
To Timothy Pickering, February 6th . . . 439
Monroe's view — The Aurora's attack upon his honesty — His relations with Talon — The publication of his letter to Morris and charges brought against him
To William Augustine Washington, February 27th. 442
Death of his wife — Mr. Ashton's wish — Has engaged a clerk — Education of sons — His distillery business — Inquiries about the Washington family.
To Alexander White, March 1st . . . . 446
The memorial to Congress — Disappointed in the attitude of parties towards France — Monroe's work.
To Bushrod Washington, March 8th .... 448
Attempt of Nicholas to draw him into a correspondence — Who Nicholas is.
To John Nicholas, March 8th 449
Sincerity of Jefferson's friendship for him — Attacks upon character becoming systematized — The letter of John Lang- home — Monroe's view and the propriety of publishing it.
Remarks on Monroe's " View of the Conduct of the
Executive of the United States "... 452
To James McHenry, March 27th .... 491
Rumored treasonable correspondence between a member of Congress and the French Directory — Trusts and believes machinations will recoil on the heads of the plotters.
To Alexander White, March 25th .... 492
Proprietors of Washington its worst enemies — The loan will inspire confidence — Sites of the buildings.
To Ferdinand Ferot, April 15th .... 494
No gentleman has been treated by him with incivility or even with indifference.
xx CONTENTS OF VOL. XIII.
To Timothy Pickering, April 16th .... 495
Corruption and profligacy in system of the French Directory must open the eyes of the blindest — No changes to be expected in the leaders of opposition.
To George Washington Parke Custis, May 10th . 496
His suggested need for money.
To Mrs. Sarah Fairfax, May 16th .... 497
Has never forgot the moments spent in her company — Trouble in store — Regret in seeing Belvoir in ruins — Why she should return to America — The great future of the federal city — Growth of Alexandria.
Mrs. Washington to Mrs. Fairfax, May 17th . . 500
Assurances of undiminished affectionate regard — Personal intelligence.
THE WRITINGS OF
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
TO TOBIAS LEAR.
Philadelphia, 21 December, 1794.
My dear Sir,
Your letter of the 1 7th instant was received yester- day, and I am glad to find, that an act of the Virginia Assembly has been obtained for prolonging the term for the completion of the inland navigation of the Potomac. The like I hope has been or will be ob- tained this session in the Assembly of Maryland.
A good opportunity presenting itself on Thursday last, I embraced it to inquire of Mr. Morris if the directors of that company might entertain any hope of deriving aid from Mr. Weston's opinion, respecting the lock-seats at the Great Falls of that river. His answer was ; " Mr. Weston, from some peculiar circumstances attending their own concerns, had been prevented from visiting that spot, as was in- tended ; but that he was now expected to be in this city in a few days (as I understood), when he would propose and urge his going thither."
The plan of Mr. Claiborne's engineer, as far as I understand it, is to avoid locks altogether. The vessels are received into a basket, or cradle, and let down by means of a lever and pulleys, and raised
2 THE WRITINGS OF [1794
again by weights at the hinder extremity of the lever, which works on an axis at the top of a substantial post fixed about the centre of the lever. On this principle, but differently constructed, Mr. Greenleaf a few months ago showed me a model, the efficacy of which he seemed to entertain the most exalted opin- ion. My doubts of the utility of both arise, first, from the insufficiency of any machinery of this sort to bear the weight of the cradle, when charged with water and a loaded boat therein, and its aptness to get out of order by means thereof ; secondly, I do not find that they are in general use ; and thirdly, because, if I recollect rightly, Mr. Weston has told me, (but of this I am not certain,) that no method of raising and lowering boats had been found equal to that of locks. Still, as I observed in my last, I should be for hearing the opinions and explanations of any and every scientific and practical character, that could be easily got at, on this subject, and therefore would hear Claiborne's engineer, as well as Mr. Weston ; especially as he professes to be par- ticularly well skilled in the application of them in propelling boats, (in an easy and cheap manner,) against the stream, and in conducting of water to cities or for any other purpose whatsoever.
The bill you allude to has not passed, nor do I know what shape it will take if it does, and therefore can say nothing more on the subject at this time, than that there will be no precipitancy in engaging either the agents or the means of carrying the law into effect. If the measure, which I have recom-
1794] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 3
mended, should be adopted, with the importance of it I am strongly impressed ; consequently, if anything should be required of the President towards carrying it into execution, I shall feel it in a particular manner my duty to set it a going under the most favorable auspices.
I now have and for some considerable time have had, twenty five Hogsheads Tobo. in the Ware- houses in Alexandria, which at some times I have forgot, and at other times have been indisposed to take the prices which were given for Potomac Tobacco on the Virginia side. Originally this Tobacco was of the best sort put up dry — and the quality of it reported to be exceedingly good. If the latter is the case still it will in some respects, and for some purposes, have the advantage of New Tobacco — but what to do with it I know not. In Alexandria it might not bring me 18/ per 100 — when in George Town (I mean in the Warehouses at these places) it might bring a guinea. — I have thought, but whether it be practicable to accomplish it without difficulty I am unable to decide, that if the Tobacco could be removed from the Warehouses in which it now is, to those in George Town, and be reinspected at the latter, that I might be a considera- ble gainer by it. But admitting that this can be done without encountering impediments which might involve inconveniences ; or that would excite notice or remarks, neither of which I should incline to subject myself to ; it would be previously necessary to know whether the Tobacco would pass at the
4 THE WRITINGS OF [1794
latter place ; for if it should be brought there and be condemned, I should lose the whole and sustain an expence besides, whereas in its present situation, it will, I presume, command the price currant in Alexa. If the suggestion here mentioned can be accom- plished (without involving the consequences ex- pressed above) the best expedient that occurs to me to effect it, is under the idea of its being pur- chased by, or rather offered for sale to a Maryland Merchant, to have it re-examined where it is, in presence of the George Town Inspectors, who should be paid for their attendance and who should declare to the supposed purchaser whether they would pass it, were it brought to the Warehouses in George Town. If in the affirmative, and there is no other impediment to the measure the whole business might be easily accomplished by the removal — reinspection — and issu- ing of new notes ; either in my name, or in that of the supposed purchaser — the last of which for several reasons I think would have the best appearance. Whether this project can be carried into execution or not, is, to me, uncertain ; but, to avoid delay, and in order to enable you to do it if it should be thought eligable, I send you the notes for this purpose, or to know what the Tobacco would sell for where it is, if it be not eligable to remove it. They may be kept, or returned, according to circumstances. In the Ware- houses at George Town — I have — or ought to have by this time 9,000 lbs. of Crop Tobacco, as you will perceive by the enclosed letter to me, from Colo. Deakins ; the same by this also. —
1794] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 5
I return Dr. Currie's letter, with thanks for the perusal of it. The picture drawn in it of the state of things in his own country, and the details which he gives of those of the belligerent powers, are gloomy for them indeed. All here are well, and all join in best regards for you, with, dear Sir, your affection- ate, &c.
TO HENRY KNOX, SECRETARY OF WAR.
Philadelphia, 30 December, 1794.
Sir,
The considerations, which you have often suggested to me, and which are repeated in your letter of the 28th instant, as requiring your departure from your present office, are such as to preclude the possibility of my urging your continuance in it. This being the case, I can only wish that it was otherwise.1
I cannot suffer you, however, to close your public service, without uniting with the satisfaction, which
I From General Knox's Letter. — " Sir ; In pursuance of the verbal communi- cations heretofore submitted, it is with the utmost respect, that I beg leave officially to request you will please to consider, that, after the last day of the present month and year, my services as the Secretary for the Department of War will cease. I have endeavored to place the business of the department in such a train, that my successor may without much difficulty commence the duties of his station. Any explanations or assistance, which he may require, shall be cordially afforded by me. *
II After having served my country nearly twenty years, the greatest portion of which under your immediate auspices, it is with extreme reluctance, that I find myself constrained to withdraw from so honorable a station. But the natural and powerful claims of a numerous family will no longer permit me to neglect their essential interests. In whatever situation I shall be, I shall recollect your confidence and kindness with all the fervor and purity of affec- tion, of which a grateful heart is susceptible." — December 28th.
Timothy Pickering, at this time Postmaster-General, was appointed to succeed Henry Knox as Secretary of War on the 2d of January, I7q5-
6 THE WRITINGS OF [1794
must arise in your own mind from a conscious recti- tude, my most perfect persuasion, that you have deserved well of your country.
My personal knowledge of your exertions, whilst it authorizes me to hold this language, justifies the sin- cere friendship, which I have ever borne for you, and which will accompany you in every situation of life ; being, with affectionate regard, always yours, &c.
LETTERS TO WILLIAM PEARCE, 1 794. *
The reason why I preferred increasing the quantity of Corn ground in these fields is, that nothing might interrupt the manur- ings of one field, at each farm, every year with green manure ; while the Cowpens, and dung from the farm yards would do the like to the poor parts of a second field, annually. By this means, and a judicious rotation, I am not without hope of bringing my land, in time, into a profitable state of cultivation ; and unless some such practice as this prevails, my fields will be growing worse and worse every year until the crops will not defray the expence of the culture of them.
By the report of the week before last, it appeared that Stuart was plowing in No. 7 ; but as that field, according to the rotation which I have by me, was to remain this year in Pasture I could not account for it, otherwise than as a mistake in him, or a direc- tion of mine which I had forgotten ; — the reason however, of my mentioning the matter again, in this letter, is, that if that field is designed for oats and buck wheat, the part or such proportion thereof (as you like) which was designed for the latter, may go into corn in like manner as is allowed at the other farms ; but if it has not been touched, nor intended to be touched this year, (and I again desire that you will not undertake more than you can execute well) then such part of No. 1 as you may deem proper : or you may do what Stuart suggested to me before I left
1 Jn continuation of Vol. XII., page 401.
1794] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 7
home, namely, to plant all the good ground in both No. 1 and No. 3 with corn and sow all the broken and poor parts of them with buck wheat for manure. * * *
You may continue to eat of my meat, as the white people will take it after it goes from your table, until your family arrives, and afterwards also if it shall be found more convenient than to keep separate stocks, as I believe it will. I perceive Thomas Green draws fine flour from the mill, when the miller and others are content with middlings, and which I am sure is good enough for him. Does his agreement in this respect differ from others ? * * * 26 January, 1794.
My intention, with respect to the repairs of my house in Alexandria and inclosing the lot, was, that every particle of the work, except putting it together, should be prepared at Mount Vernon, and carried thither by water ; for sure I am if the whole was to be executed in town that four faithful workmen would do more there in one week than any four of mine would do in a month. I expected that Green, or some one that was a judge of work, would examine critically what was to be done, that the whole might be carried on in the manner I have just mentioned. This, as far as the dwelling house is concerned, has been done already, but not I believe with the accuracy that is necessary to prevent mistakes. * * *
I am so well satisfied of Thomas Green's unfitness to look after my Carpenters, that nothing but the helpless situation in which you find his family, has prevailed on me to retain him till this time : but if you perceive more and more, as your opportunities encrease, that he is not to be entrusted, you had better be looking out in time to supply his place another year, if there should not be cause to turn him sooner off. * * *
I perceive my overseers are beginning to report the increase of lambs this year as they did last, by which I never know what they lose. Let them know it is my expectation, that every lamb that falls, and every one that dies in the week, and what are actually in being at the time, is to be precisely set down. It is from hence only I can form a judgment of their care and attention to them. According to their mode of rendering the account, I may, if an hundred lambs fall in a week, and fifty of them die, have an in-
8 THE WRITINGS OF [1794
crease of 50 only in the report ; and although this is true in fact, it is by no means a fair or satisfactory state of the case. * * * 16 February, 1794.
The insufferable neglects of my overseers in not plowing as they ought to have done in the fall, begins now to be manifest ; for I perceive by the account given of the plowing, that I am driven to the alternative of putting my oats into ground not half plowed and prepared, and thereby little to expect from it ; — or, in order to do this, be so late in sowing, as to hazard an entire loss of the crop, if the Spring is not very moist and dripping ; for I have seldom succeeded with oats unless they were sown before the middle of March.
It did not occur to me in time, to advise running the rollers over your grass grounds, and even the wheat, after the frost had come fairly out of the earth ; nothing would have recovered both more. The roots (even of that which had been thrown entirely out) would have been pressed in such a manner to the earth as to have shot forth fibers to restore the plant. Now, I presume, it is too late. * * *
Mr. Smith has, I believe, been furnished with fish from my landing, and if he will give as much as another, ought to have the preference ; — but before you positively engage, enquire what the other fisheries are disposed to sell at. 4/ per thousand for Herrings, and 10/ per hundred for shad, is very low. I am, at this moment, paying 6 / a piece for every shad I buy. I am en- tirely against any waggons coming to my landing ; but there is one thing which Mr. Smith, or any other with whom you engage, must perfectly understand, if they agree to take all (over what I want for my own use), that is, when the glut of fish runs, he must be provided to take every one I do not want, or have them thrown on his hands : the truth of the case is, that in the height of the fishery, they are not prepared to cure, or otherwise to dispose of them, as fast as they could he caught j of course the seins slacken in their work, or the fish lye and spoil, when that is the only time I can make anything by the sein ; for small hauls will hardly pay the ware and tare of the sein and the hire of the hands. Your account of the deficiency of sein rope would have surprised me if it had not been of a piece with the rest of the conduct which
794] GEORGE WASHINGTON.
has waisted everything I had, almost. Whatever is necessary must be got, and I shall depend upon your care and attention, now to guard me against destruction of my property, while it is entrusted to your management.
Secure a sufficiency of fish for the use of my own people from the first that comes, otherwise they may be left in the lurch, as has been the case heretofore, by depending on what is called the glut. * * * 23 March, 1794.
I have no doubt but that the late capture of our vessels by the British cruisers, followed by the embargo which has been laid on the shipping in our ports, would naturally occasion a temporary fall in the article of provisions ; yet, as there are the same mouths to feed as before, as the demand consequently will be as great, and as the crops in other parts of the world will not be increased by these means, I have no doubt at all, but that, as soon as the present impediments are removed the prices of flour will rise to what it has been (at least) ; for which reason hold mine up to the prices mentioned in my last ; and if they are offered, make a provisory agreement, to be ratified, or not, by me. * * *
The imposition with respect to the garden seeds is very un- justifiable ; 'tis infinitely worse than simple robbery, for there you lose your money only ; but when it is given for bad seed you lose your money, your labor in preparing for the reception of them, and a whole season. * * * 6 April, 1794.
I wish you had discharged Green without any ceremony, when you found him drinking and idling his time away ; as to any re- liance on his promise to amend, there can be no sort of depend- ance ; for it has been found that he is growing worse and worse. The consequence of which is, that he dare not find fault with those who are entrusted to his care, lest they should retort, and disclose his rascally conduct ; by which means work that the same number of hands would perform in a week, takes mine a month. Nothing but compassion for his helpless family, has hitherto induced me to keep him a moment in my service (so bad in the example he sets) ; but if he has no regard for them him- self, it is not to be expected that I am to be a continual sufferer on this account for his misconduct.
io THE WRITINGS OF [1794
I never could get an account of the corn made on my estate last year, consequently can form no idea of the quantity now on hand, nor of the prospect there is of its carrying me through the year. At any rate it should be used with great care, but if it is likely to run short, as much parsimony should be observed as can comport with the absolute calls for it, on the farms, as I know not where to get more ; and should find it inconvenient to pay for it if I did. * * * 4 May, 1794.
Whether you will depend upon the first or second crop of clover for seed, will be left to yourself ; but I desire (if it be practicable) that of this, of buck wheat, timothy, and in short of every other seed which you may have occasion for next year, may be saved ; as the cost of these things in the markets of this city falls too heavy upon me besides being bad very often. I also request you will be particularly careful in saving seeds from the several kinds of grass, which, from time to time, have been sown in (what is called) the Vineyard, and other places, for the purpose of experiments ; or because they were given to me as curiosities, or for the real value of them. And I hope you have been, and will be attentive to such as I have sent you myself. Is that which I forwarded to you some time ago (directing it to be sown in some part of one of the meadows) come up well ? It was given to me for a grass of more value than timothy. If so, all the seed that can ought to be raised from it ; the same of St. Foin ; which my gardener neglected last year until the seed was almost lost. If cattle or horses will eat the fancy grass in its green state, or made into hay, it certainly must be very valuable, as it grows rank, stands thick on the ground, does not require strong land, and will remain forever on it. Save what seed you can from this. Some grows in the vineyard inclosure, and some I believe in the little garden by the salt house. Several other grasses, of valuable sorts, which had been given to me, were sown in this place and the vine yard ; but like most other things on my estate, have been lost for want of attention hitherto, but I hope your care will guard me against such neglects in future.
I presume you are well enough acquainted with clover to know how it is to be managed ; both for seed and hay. Last year none of the first (or very little) was saved ; and of the latter,
1794] GEORGE WASHINGTON. n
that is hay, none was made good, and a great deal of it was entirely spoiled. It ought to be well cured before stacking, but not much stirred ; especially in the sun, or it will lose the leaf. Let there be a hollow in the middle of each stack (by way of ventulater) occasioned by drawing a basket, or stuffed bag through the middle, whilst the stack is making. * * *
In what state of forwardness is the drilled wheat, when com- pared with the common wheat ? from the character and descrip- tion of it, it ought to be ripe for cutting by the 8th or ioth of June. You will have been told, or will have discovered, that there are two kinds of wheat in drills, at the Union farm. One is a double headed sort, whether of much value or not I am unable to say ; nor do I know whether it ripens sooner or later than the common kind. Take care of the seeds of both, and cautiously guard against their mixing in the seed loft. As there will not be much of the double headed wheat, it might be well (in order to prevent this) to put it into tight casks, and head it up securely. The early wheat I set great value on, as it is an acquisition, in the farming line, of great magnitude in many points of view. * * *
I find by the reports that Sam is, in a manner, always returned sick ; Doll at the Ferry, and several of the spinners very fre- quently so, for a week at a stretch ; and ditcher Charles often laid up with a lameness. I never wish my people to work when they are really sick, or unfit for it ; on the contrary, that all necessary care should be taken of them when they are so ; but if you do not examine into their complaints, they will lay by when no more ails them, than all those who stick to their business, and are not complaining from the fatigue and drowsiness which they feel as the effect of night walking and other practices which unfit them for the duties of the day. * * *
As Congress have determined that the Embargo shall not be renewed, I expect the price of flour will be at least as high as it has been in Alexandria. In this city it has already risen to 50/ for superfine and 46/6 for fine. * * *" 18 May, 1794.
I learn with concern from your letter of the 18th instant, that your crops are still laboring under a drought, and most of them very much injured. At disappointments and losses which
12 THE WRITINGS OF [1794
are the effects of providential acts, I never repine, because I am sure the alwise disposer of events knows better than we do, what is best for us, or what we deserve. * * * 25 May, 1794.
The deception with respect to the potatoes (210 instead of 418 bushels) is of a piece with other practices of a similar kind by which I have suffered hitherto ; and may serve to evince to you, in strong colors, first how little confidence can be placed in any one round you ; and secondly the necessity of an accurate in- spection into these things yourself, — for to be plain, Alexandria is such a recepticle for every thing that can be filched from the right owners, by either blacks or whites ; and I have such an opinion of my negros (two or three only excepted), and not much better of some of the whites, that I am perfectly sure not a single thing that can be disposed of at any price, at that place, that will not, and is not stolen, where it is possible ; and carried thither to some of the underlying shop keepers, who support themselves by this kind of traffick. * * * 1 June, 1794.
If lambs of any kind have been sold from my flocks of sheep, it has not only been done without my consent, but ex- pressly contrary to my orders. And sure I am, the money for which they were sold never found its way into my pockets ; nor is there credit for it in any accounts I have seen. So far has it been from my practice, or policy to sell off the forward ewe lambs, that, in order to prevent it, I would not suffer any lambs to be disposed of at all, unless it was the very latest runts. My plan, while it was in my power to attend to these matters myself was, to be sparing of the lambs even for my own table, and never to kill the females ; to keep the ewe lambs (especially the latter ones) from the rams the first year — to sepa- rate the rams from the ewes at shearing time (to be returned at a proper season) — and, at shearing time also, to cull over, and re- move to a pasture by themselves, all the sheep above a certain age, and all such as appeared to be upon the decline, that, after receiving the summer's run, and such aid as could otherwise be afforded them, they might be disposed of to the butchers, reserv- ing enough for the use of the family. If lambs have been dis- posed of contrary to this plan, it has been done by the knavery of those who have availed themselves of the opportunity my
1794] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 13
absence has afforded them, to do it. It might be well therefore for you to enquire by whom lambs have been sold ; and as you will see by the written agreements with my overseers that they are not allowed to sell even a fowl, to charge them in explicit terms, not to depart from it. The granting them this indulgence was for their comfort on the farm ; but they have no right to raise anything thereon, of any sort, or kind whatsoever, for sale. If therefore, as the practice of this sort is contrary to agreement, they presume to sell one thing, they may and will be suspected of selling every thing they can do with impunity. This reminds me of what has often been in my intention to write about, and that is Mr. Stuart's selling butter. He is, I well remember, allowed a certain part of the butter that is made on the farm, [and] of course is entitled to the butter or the value of it ; but to avoid suspicion he had better, both on his own account and mine, after taking out what he uses in his own family (and what he ought to account for) send all that is made besides to the Mansion house ; and, as it will go from thence to market, let him be allowed for his pro- portion the price it sells at. Besides avoiding suspicion and evil reports, another good will be derived from this practice, and that is, that it will supercede the necessity of his wife's, or any other person's, running to Alexandria to dispose of this article, or to enquire into the price of it. That Mr. Stuart's conduct in this business has not escaped censure you will see by the enclosed ; but as I never entertained an unfavorable opinion of him, and always a very bad one of Green, I never mentioned the report to the former, although, when the latter gave the information, I told him to commit what he had to say to writing, — charging him at the same time to say nothing that he could not prove, as he might bring himself into a scrape if he did. I have no doubt of Mrs. Stuart's having furnished butter for McKnight's tavern, and if the quantity bears any proportion to what is asserted in the paper, that it has been fraudulently done. The account, I presume, is exaggerated, otherwise instead of being content with one fourth (which, if my memory serves me, is the part allowed him) he must have taken three fourths of it at least. But be the report true or false, it still shews the necessity of the measure I have advised ; in the first case, to guard me against such impositions ;
i4 THE WRITINGS OF [1794
and in the second, to secure his own character against suspicion and calumny. * * *
Mr. O'Neil, from Chester County in this State, will be at Mt. Vernon by the time, or soon after this letter will have reached you. He has a great opinion of a freestone quarry near my lime- kiln, but a little up the Branch called Hell hole ; and I have authorised him to open it at his own expence ; but have told him that if you have a hand or two that could be spared, and he would allow the same for them by the day, or month, that he gives to others, I had no objection to your doing it. I am to be at no expence or trouble with him, and he has assured me that the hands he takes from hence with him shall be sober, honest and well-behaved. If Tom Davis and Neuclus could be spared from necessary work, they had best go ; for numbers will add nothing to the despatch of my work, whilst it is under the im- mediate inspection and direction of Thomas Green ; who, it appears indispensably necessary to me, should be superceded the moment you can get a good workman in whom confidence can be placed, to overlook them ; for the manner in which my carpenters idle away their time, is beyond all forbearance. Twelve car- penters in this city would have built every house which is on my lot in Alexandria (from the foundation) in less time than mine were employed in the few repairs they received ; but from the habits of idleness which they have contracted, and the bad examples of Green, nothing better I am sure is to be expected from them while they are under his management. 8 June, 1794.
I either misunderstood Peter, or he told me that several of the mules which are returned in the Mansion House report, and which I did not intend should be used without previously com- municating the matter to me, has actually been put to the plough ; although no longer ago than last October I supplied every Farm with a complete set of plow beasts (horses or mules). If the mules are to be taken in this manner, I shall never raise them to be of any value — for to take them at two or three years old and work them until they can hardly walk alone, is ruining of them to all intents and purposes, and I desire a stop may be put to the practice. Especially as I see no prospect of keeping up my stock of them, notwithstanding the immense expence I have
1794] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 15
run myself to in providing mares for the purpose of breeding them. From Peter also, I was told (but this might be by way of excuse for his own neglect in not attending properly to them in the covering season) that almost all the mares had slunk their foals ; — and he mentioned an instance of this happening to a valuable mare sent from the Mansion house to Dogue run, and rid by McKoy into the forest, doing it the night he quitted her back. My hurry the morning I left home (for it was just before that 1 received this information upon enquiring what prospect I had for colts this year) prevented my mentioning the matter to you. Night rides and treading wheat will forever deprive me of foals. But a few years ago I bought, and sent from Lancaster and other places in this State, &c, 27 large mares for the sole purpose of breeding mules — never intending that one of them should be put to work — having in the year 1789 before I left home for New York, compleatly stocked all my farms with work horses, and left many mares besides for breeding. Since that period (not more than five years) it has taken all the surplus of the old stock, just mentioned — the 27 mares bought for breeding, and for no other purpose, and all the mules (for at that time there was not one in use) to supply the deficiencies which have been occasioned by the rascally treatment I have experienced from my overseers ; and the want of attention in my managers, during my absence from home since the period of 1789 above mentioned. This I know does not apply to you, and it is only mentioned to shew in what manner I have been abused, and how necessary it is that you guard me against the like in future. * * *
I hear with concern, but not unexpectedly, of the illness of your eldest daughter. That she could not without a change for the better survive the indisposition with which she has been afflicted long, was the opinion of all who saw her ; and, in a degree, I presume must have been your own. So far then you must be prepared for the unfortunate event ; and tho' nature, at so awful a trial, must shrink for a time, reason and reflection will produce resignation to a degree, against which there is no control.
It is but justice to acknowledge to you, that so far as I was able, from the hurt which confined me whilst I was at Mount
16 THE WRITINGS OF [1794
Vernon, to look into my business, I was well satisfied with your conduct, and I am persuaded I shall have no cause to complain of it in future. Good judgment and experimental knowledge properly exerted never can, when accompanied with integrity and zeal, go wrong. These qualifications you have the character of possessing, and I place confidence therein. My favorite objects, as I have often repeated to you, are to recover my land from the gullied and exhausted state into which it has been unfortunately thrown for some years back — To lay down all the low and swampy lands to grass, and be it little or much, to do it well — To have clover lots sufficient for soiling work horses and cattle, and for other purposes — To substitute as fast as possible hedges and live fences in place of dead ones, and of anything that will make them — To be attentive to my stock of all species and descriptions, taking care to improve and increase them to the full extent of your pasturage, beyond which, although you might raise food for their winter support, it would be folly to go — And lastly, to look as much as possible into the little, as well as ye greater concerns of ye farms ; for more is wasted and lost from an omission in not doing the first than any one is aware of, when they examine the aggregate amount of trifles — To improve also every thing into manure that will make it — is among the considerations to be attended to. 13 July, 1794.
Remember to give John a dollar the last day of every month, provided he behaves well — letting him know that it is on that express condition he is to receive it. And if a suit of cloaths of tolerable good cloth, made to his own taste, will keep him in good humor, let him be indulged with them. If by his conduct he merits these things, I shall not begrudge them to him. * * * 20 July, 1794.
Is there anything particular in the cases of Ruth, Hannah and Pegg, that they have been returned sick for several weeks together ? Ruth I know is extremely deceitful ; she has been aiming for some time past to get into the house, exempt from work ; but if they are not made to do what their age and strength will enable them, it will be a very bad example for others — none of whom would work if by pretexts they can avoid it. 27 July, 1794.
1794] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 17
If your corn ground has got foul by the rains which have fallen, or even if they are not perfectly clean, I had rather, although it will inevitably delay your seeding, put off sowing wheat — or any thing else indeed — until it is clean, bright and in good order for the reception of them : — for I never found anything but disap- pointed hopes from a contrary practice ; — which has long decided me in an opinion that to aim at the cultivation of more ground than one can, under almost any circumstances, master completely is not the certain way to make sure, or even large crops ; but an infallible one to destroy the land. I have long been convinced moreover, that if the same labor, and expense of manure, &c, (which is the common mode of management in Virginia) was be- stowed of 50 acres of land, that is now scattered over 100, that the former would be more profitable and productive to the owner. What I would be understood to mean by this, is that a field not more than half prepared for a crop, the crop not more than half tilled, and the ground but indifferently manured, will not produce as much as the half of it would, if these were bestowed in full proportion to the requirements of the land. If one's means is equal to the accomplishment of the whole there can be no doubt, in that case, but that the whole will double the half. All I mean to express is, that whatever is attempted, should be well executed as it respects crops, and as it respects meadows and other improvements, to complete and make good as one goes. It was not my intention to apply what I have here said to the state in which you have described your corn ground to be under from so much rain, or to any particular case ; but as general observations which I am persuaded will hold good in all cases. An essential object with every farmer ought to be the destruction of weeds. His arable and pasture grounds should produce nothing but grain, pulse, if he raises them, vegitables of different sorts, according to his designs, and grasses. Nothing then but deep and frequent plowing, hoeing and hand weeding, can eradicate weeds, and such other trash as foul and exhaust the fields, and diminish the crops : and these, neither in season, in quantity, or quality can be given, if more is undertaken than the force and means are competent to. I am glad to hear that the young timothy is beginning to shew itself in the new meadows. It
18 THE WRITINGS OF [1794
is an ardent wish of mine to have the whole well covered with grass, free from sprouts and weeds, and smooth for the scythe. * * *
It seems to me to be indispensably necessary that some person should be engaged in place of Thomas Green, to look after my carpenters ; for in the manner they conduct [themselves] under his superintendency, it would be for my interest to set them free, rather than give them victuals and cloaths. James, by the reports, has been 9 days I perceive in plaining the floors of the house in town ; Neuclus (besides what was done to it before) six days' paving, and sanding the cellar which a man in Philadelphia would have done in less than as many hours ; Davis, eight or nine days' papering, and so on : — whilst Green himself, and the others, appear determined (as it would seem to me) to make the new house at Union farm a standing job for the summer, as the chimney and underpinning will more than probably be for Davis the same time. When this last work is done, that is, underpin- ning the house, it must be remembered that air holes is left in it, to prevent the sleepers from rotting.
It may not be amiss to say beforehand, that no trifling charac- ter (unless he means to tread in the footsteps of Green) will do for an overlooker of these workmen. Besides the usual requisites of skill, honesty, sobriety and industry, be must be a man of tem- per, firmness and resolution, — for it is not to be expected that men who have been in the habits of such extreme idleness so long, probably of a great deal of villainy, can be recovered from it without prudent management, and much resolution, properly tempered. * * * 3 August, 1794.
When I was at home, an application was made to me by Kate at Muddy hole (through her husband, Will) to serve the negro women (as a Grany) on my estate ; intimating that she was full as well qualified for this purpose as those into whose hands it was entrusted; and to whom I was paying twelve or ^15 a year; and why she should not be so, I know not ; but wish you to cause some enquiry to be made into this matter, and commit this busi- ness to her, if thereupon you shall be satisfied of her qualifica- tions. This service, formerly, was always performed by a negro woman belonging to the estate — but latterly, until now, none seemed disposed to undertake it. * * * 17 August, 1794.
1794] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 19
The land Mr. Gunnel speaks of, lyes in Loudoun County, although it is within 18 or 20 miles of Alexandria. But if the facts which he relates with respect to the trespass thereon can be clearly proved, request Col. Simms, of Alexandria, or any other who practices in Loudoun court, and is well recommended to you, to bring suit against them : for it is really shameful to be treated in the manner I am by people who take such liberties with my timber and wood during my absence — under a supposition they may do it with impunity.
You may inform Mr. Pierce Bailey that my selling, or not selling that tract, depends upon getting the terms of my asking complied with. These are fifteen hundred pounds (Virginia cur- rency)— five hundred of which to be paid down, and interest on the other two thirds until discharged — the credit to be agreed on, which may be 3, four, or more years ; provided the land and a bond is given as security for payment of the principal ; and some unquestionable surety for the regular discharge of the interest on the day it becomes due. Mr. Gill of Alexandria came up to my price, but we differed with respect to the interest. There is about 300 acres of it, with two good mill seats on it — one wholly mine, the other on Difficult run, which divides my land from others. There is also a good deal of meadow land on the tract.
I have no objection to your putting up the still which is at Mount Vernon, if any advantage from it can be derived under the tax, which is laid upon it. * * * 31 August, 1794.
There cannot, in my opinion, be the smallest occasion for opening the new road, which under different circumstances than those which exist at present, was ordered by the Court at my particular request. Nor would it be, if opened, of the least bene- fit to any one except Mr. Thomson Mason, and very little to him, as he has the free use of all the roads (though with gates to them) that he ever travelled before that order was obtained. It is to be observed that, when I applied for, and the court granted that road, the design was to relieve me from a great hardship, without doing any injury to the public ; for at that time the Ferry called Posey's (where Crow lives) was a public one — of course, the road from the Gumspring to it, and from my mill to it, were public roads ; and by the laws of Virginia gates were forbid on them.
20 THE WRITINGS OF [1794
This prevented me from enclosing my land, as the expence of lanes on both sides those roads would have been too heavy for the advantage which would have resulted. Under this view of the case, and because very few who passed the ferry travelled the Alexandria road, I was led to form the plan of having but one public road through my Mount Vernon tract, which would have been from my mill, by the barn on Union farm, along the string of fence that divides the upper from the lower fields, until it came to the gate on the hill, by a lane, that distance. All, in that case, who would have crossed the ferry going to, or returning from Maryland, would pass the mill ; at which place, if going down the country, they would take the road to Colchester ; if going towards the Mountains or Alexandria, they would have to pass by Mr. Lund Washington's. This was the real situation of things when the Court, on my petition, was pleased to afford me the relief I asked, by permitting me to stop up the old, and to open new public roads. But the thing has now taken an entire new shape ; for finding after this permission was obtained that the Ferry had become so unproductive as not even to furnish the boats which were required, I petitioned the Assembly to discon- tinue it by law, as it was established by law ; hence the roads to it, I presume, ceased to be public ; — and the new ones unneces- sary— at least for the present — as the old ones (with the differ- ence of gates only) serve all the purposes they ever did. Upon this representation, which I am sure is a candid and just one, I persuade myself that the court will not compel me to open the road you say you have been required to do, when no person, half as much as myself, would be benefitted by it. In fact, with my force, the thing is impracticable this fall ; for the greater part of two miles, from the levelness of the ground, and water (knee deep at times) standing thereon, would require a high causeway to render it passable in the winter. If this was done, I should de- rive more benefit from it than any other person, for there would be no pretext then for passing through my farms, and leaving the gates open for my own stock to get out and others in. These sentiments may be communicated to the Court, if the order with which you are served is positive — and to Mr. Mason, who I am confident is not disposed to run me to such an expence at this
i794] GEORGE WASHINGTON, 21
season, for so trifling (if any) an advantage to himself. 28 Sep- tember, 1794.
The demand for workmen at the federal city is such, and their wages consequently so high, that if Donaldson,1 as an overlooker, should prove incompetent, I know not how, or where you will get supplied. If he understands what he professes to have been bred to, and is sober and industrious, he may prove a very useful man to me, although he is unfit to have the care of my carpen- ters. But what have you done with him, if Green's family still occupy the house ? By my agreement with him, he is entitled to the use of that house, and Garden, and may consider it as a breach of contract to be deprived of it. What then is to be done with the other family ? I cannot bear the thought of adding to the distress I know they must be in, by turning them adrift ; and it would be as disagreeable to let them come into that part of the Green house adjoining the shoemaker's room ; — their habits are not good ; — and to mix them among the negros would be attended with many evils as it respected themselves, and no good as it respected me. It would be better therefore on all accounts if they were removed to some other place, even if [I] was to pay the rent, provided it was low, or make some allowance towards it. Donaldson and family will get disgusted by living among the negros, if he is still in the Green house. * * * 2 November, 1794.
Speaking of gentlemen's servants it calls to my mind, that in a letter from Mrs. Fanny Washington to Mrs. Washington (her aunt) she mentions, that since I left Mount Vernon she has given out four dozen and eight bottles of wine. Whether they are used, or not, she does not say ; but I am led by it to observe, that it is not my intention that it should be given to every one who may incline to make a convenience of the house in travelling, or who may be induced to visit it from motives of curiosity. There are but three descriptions of people to whom I think it ought to be given : first, vay particular and intimate acquaintance, in case business should call them there, such for instance as Doctor Craik. 2dly, some of the most respectable foreigners
1 James Donaldson.
22 THE WRITINGS OF [1794
who may, perchance, be in Alexandria or the federal city ; and be either brought down, or introduced by letter, from some of my particular acquaintance as before mentioned ; or thirdly, to per- sons of some distinction (such as members of Congress, &c.) who may be travelling through the country from North to South, or from South to North ; to the first of which, I should not fail to give letters, where I conceive them entitled. Unless some cau- tion of this sort governs, I should be run to an expence as improper, as it would be considerable ; — for the duty upon Madeira wine makes it one of the most expensive liquors that is now used, while my stock of it is small, and old wine (of which that is) is not to be had upon any terms : for which reason, and for the limited purposes already mentioned, I had rather you would provide claret, or other wine on which the duty is not so high, than to use my Madeira, unless it be on very extraordinary occasions.
I have no objection to any sober, or orderly person's gratifying their curiosity in viewing the buildings, gardens, &c, about Mt. Vernon ; but it is only to such persons as I have described that I ought to be run to any expence on account of these visits of curiosity, beyond common civility and hospitality. No gentle- man who has a proper respect for his own character (except rela- tions and intimates) would use the house in my absence for the sake of conveniency (as it is far removed from the public roads), unless invited to do so by me or some friend ; nor do I suppose any of this description would go there without a personal, or written introduction.
I have been thus particular, that you may have a full view of my ideas on this subject, and conform to them ; and because the knowledge I have of my servants is such, as to believe, that if opportunities are given them, they will take off two glasses of wine for every one that is drank by such visitors, and tell you they were used by them, — without such a watch over them as the other business you are employed in, would not allow you to employ. * * * 23 November, 1794.
By mistake, the sum of ^300 was omitted in the charges against my bond to Mr. Lund Washington ; as you have dis- covered in the above letter. By my mode of settling the bonded
1794] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 23
account, he will be ^7, 10, 8 in my debt, and by the mode he proposes, I shall be ^51, 12, 11 in his debt. Which of these is the mode by which a court of law, or equity, would settle it, I neither know, nor shall try ; all that I can say on the subject, I have already said in my letter to him, viz., that Mr. John Mercer settled my account with his father's and brother's estate by charging me interest on all his payments ; and when I objected thereto, he said it was the method by which the Chancellor in Virginia settled matters of a like nature ; which was confirmed by Mr. Randolph, who was well acquainted with the practice of that court. However, as I am determined to have no dispute on the subject, Mr. Washington may settle it by which account he pleases (both are enclosed), or by striking a medium between the two methods, as shall be most agreeable to his own ideas of justice. Take up my bond, and after tareing my name from it, send it to me ; — Let all the accounts between him and me be finally closed, and unless there is an absolute occasion for it, do not run me to the expence of smiths' work there, or elsewhere, in future.
After you have discharged this account, and such others as are known to be due, from me, place the surplus of the money in the bank of Alexandria, and give me the amount of the sum. But on second thoughts, there will be your own wages, the wages of the overseers, &c, which will be due in a very little time. Let all be paid, for I never like to be in debt to any one, or have any money in my possession that another has a right to call for. * * * 7 December, 1794.
I approve your idea of clearing up the wood between the fence and the road, and letting it lay over to another year ; but quere, would it not be better, instead of cleaning the ground thoroughly, and exposing the earth to the rays of the summer's sun, to have it well grubbed, and lye with all the brush on it until the proper period arrives for breaking it up for corn ? In many places, this is the universal practice ; and in the opinion of some, (especially in the Northern and Eastern States) an indispensable one. They have two ways of doing this. — The one is, by letting the brush lye on the ground until the leaves, and small twigs have fallen, and are beginning to rot ; which, when plowed in, occasions putrefac- tion and fermentation, and of course more product, after these
24 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
have happened. The other is, to let the brush lye (not in heaps by piling it up, but as it is cut off) until the spring — and then set fire to it ; which spreading over the whole surface, equally warms the earth, while the ashes serve as manure. Which of these is the best, or whether either of them are better than to expose the soil to the sun (as it is of a cold and sour nature) deserves considera- tion. * * * 14 December, 1794.
The whole amount of the corn crop I perceive is 1639 barrels. I perceive also by the reports of last week, and I believe it has been as much for several weeks preceeding, your weekly consump- tion of this article is 22 barrels to the stock, and about 14 to the negros ; amounting together to 36 barrels, which multiplied by 52, the number of weeks in a year makes 1872, and is 233 barrels more than is made. How far this extraordinary consumption has been occasioned by the hogs which have been fatting, and how far it is capable of reduction, it is more than I am able at this distance to determine. It would, if continued, be using consider- ably more than ever was expended on the estate ; for which reason, as I observed in one of my late letters to you, at the same time that I wish nothing to be starved thereon, I would have the corn, and indeed every thing else, administered with the utmost ceconomy ; for hard indeed will it be upon me, if I can make no more from my estate, wheat alone excepted, than is consumed thereon ; and from the produce of that article, overseers' wages and every thing that is bought, is to be paid for. * * * 21 December, 1794.
TO DANIEL CARROLL.
Philadelphia, 7 January, 1795.
Dear Sir,
You will consider this letter as coming from me in my private capacity, at the same time I do not object to the communication of the sentiments to your col- leagues in office.
You will recollect no doubt that I yielded my assent to Mr. Greenleaf's first proposition to purchase a
795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 25
number of lots in the Federal City (altho' I thought the price he offered for them was too low) because matters at that time seemed to be in a stagnant state, and something was necessary to put the wheels in motion again. To the second Sale which was made to him, my repugnance was greater, in as much as the necessity for making it was not so apparent to my view — and because another thing had become quite evident — Viz : that he was speculating deeply — was aiming to monopolize deeply, and was thereby laying the foundation of immense profit to himself and those with whom he was concerned.
Viewing the matter in this light, you will readily perceive, at the first glance, how much my sentiments are opposed to any more large sales, if there be any other resource by which money can be obtained to carry on your operations.
The sum which will be necessary to compleat the public buildings and other improvements in the City, is very considerable. You have already, if I mistake not, disposed of more than a moiety of the Lots which appertain to the Public ; and I fear not a fourth part of the Money necessary for that purpose, is yet provided. The persons to whom you have sold are reselling to others (subjecting them to the conditions to which they are made liable themselves) and this they are doing to an immense profit. Lately, a Gen- tleman from England, has paid, or is to pay ,£50,000 for 500 Lots. — Will it not be asked, why are specu- lators to pocket so much money ? Are not the Commissioners as competent to make bargains ?
26 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
The business, I conceive, is now fairly on its legs — to sell therefore by wholesale faster than is indis- pensably necessary to keep the machine in proper motion will, probably (as property is rising there), be deemed impolitic. And to part with the legal title to the lots (especially in large sales of them) on per- sonal security, may be hazarding more than prudence will warrant.
For a variety of reasons, unnecessary to be enume- rated, tho' some of them are very important, I could wish to see the force of your means directed toward the capitol in preference to the other public buildings.
With great esteem &c.
TO TOBIAS LEAR.
Philadelphia, 12 January, 1795.
My dear Sir,
On friday last I wrote you a few lines and assigned reasons for not writing more fully.
In addition to what I then said, which was only to inform you that permission had been given by the Canal Company of this state for Mr. Weston to visit the falls of potomac, and that he might be expected at the federal city about the first of next month, I shall notice with concern it being contrary to the heretofore entertained opinion — that the funds for carrying on that navigation are from your view of them likely to fall short ^10,000 Stg. of the object.
What expedient had best be adopted for supplying the deficiency, merits serious consideration under
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 27
existing circumstances. — On an abstract view of the case I should give it as my opinion without hesitation, that the present stockholders ought to continue their advances until the final completion — and for this plain and interesting reason, with me — that no spec- ulation to which money can be applied will be more productive with so much honor and so little risque. But how far the majority of the Company (many of whom probably never bestowed a thought on the subject) may be of this sentiment — or how far their inclination and abilities might induce the adoption of the measure if they were, is not for me to decide — and as individuals of the Company will be as free as others to become purchasers if the shares are increased, it does not appear to be a matter of much moment which of these modes is prefered, or whether by loan, if the money is to be obtained.
No doubt remains in my mind of what will be the productiveness of the tolls when the navigation is in full operation — To the best of my recollection they were calculated to amount (at the time of passing the Acts of incorporation) to 15 p ct on the capital, by an estimate which was then made of the several articles which from their contiguity, it was known, would be water borne. • Since that period the popu- lation of the Counties bordering on the River, and of course, the produce arising therefrom, has encreased greatly, and when the Shenandoah is added thereto (which formed no part of the original estimate) it must be equal to the most sanguine expectation.
Mr. Claiborne's Engineers (for it seems he has two
28 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
for different purposes) are fixed in this City ; either of which according to the use for which you want one might be had at any time ; but as I am not strongly impressed with a belief that men of eminence would come to this Country in the manner and under the circumstances they have done (but this I say without having any knowledge of the real characters of these Gentlemen — and without design to injure them) might it not be politic to obtain the opinion of the most competent of them, before Mr. Weston, (who is known to be a scientific and experienced engineer gives his ? He will not adopt their opinions contrary to his experience and judgment ; but if his opinion is first taken, and transpires, it may be given into by them from the want of these in themselves, endeav- oring thereby to erect a character on his foundation.
I am much obliged by the trouble of your enquiries respecting my Tobacco in the Warehouses at Alexan- dria and George Town ; and as the disposal of it is somewhat out of my way at present, and in truth is a matter that rarely occurs to me, except when I am reminded of it by Mrs. Washington, you would add to the favor by making sale of it on such terms, and whensoever in your judgment the moment is favor- able. I am in no hurry nor under any necessity to precipitate the sale ; and to your judgment also it is left, to continue where it is, or to remove the Tobacco from Alexa. to Georgetown.
We are all tolerably well and join in good wishes, and the compliments of the season to you. With regard and affection I^am, &c.
i795l GEORGE WASHINGTON. 29
TO ELEANOR PARKE CUSTIS.
Philadelphia, 16 January, 1795.
Your letter, the receipt of which I am now acknowl- edging, is written correctly and in fair characters, which is an evidence that you command, when you please, a fair hand. Possessed of these advantages, it will be your own fault if you do not avail yourself of them, and attention being paid to the choice of your subjects, you can have nothing to fear from the malignancy of criticism, as your ideas are lively, and your descriptions agreeable. Let me touch a little now on your Georgetown ball, and happy, thrice happy, for the fair who were assembled on the occa- sion, that there was a man to spare ; for had there been 79 ladies and only 78 gentlemen, there might, in the course of the evening, have been some disorder among the caps ; notwithstanding the apathy which one of the company entertains for the "youth " of the present day, and her determination " never to give her- self a moment's uneasiness on account of any of them." A hint here ; men and women feel the same inclinations towards each other now that they always have done, and which they will continue to do until there is a new order of things, and you, as others have done, may find, perhaps, that the passions of your sex are easier raised than allayed. Do not therefore boast too soon or too strongly of your insensibility to, or resistance of, its powers. In the composition of the human frame there is a good deal of inflammable matter, however dormant it may lie for a time, and like an intimate acquaintance of yours, when the torch
30 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
is put to it, that which is within you may burst into a blaze ; for which reason and especially too, as I have entered upon the chapter of advices, I will read you a lecture drawn from this text.
Love is said to be an involuntary passion, and it is, therefore, contended that it cannot be resisted. This is true in part only, for like all things else, when nourished and supplied plentifully with aliment, it is rapid in its progress ; but let these be withdrawn and it may be stifled in its birth or much stinted in its growth. For example, a woman (the same may be said of the other sex) all beautiful and accomplished, will, while her hand and heart are undisposed of, turn the heads and set the circle in which she moves on fire. Let her marry, and what is the consequence? The madness ceases and all is quiet again. Why ? not because there is any diminution in the charms of the lady, but because there is an end of hope. Hence it follows, that love may and therefore ought to be under the guidance of reason, for although we cannot avoid first impressions, we may assuredly place them under guard ; and my motives for treating on this subject are to show you, while you remain Eleanor Parke Custis, spinster, and retain the resolution to love with moderation, the propriety of adhering to the latter resolution, at least until you have secured your game, and the way by which it may be accomplished.
When the fire is beginning to kindle, and your heart growing warm, propound these questions to it. Who is this invader ? Have I a competent knowledge of him ? Is he a man of good character ; a man of sense ? For, be assured, a sensible woman can never
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 31
be happy with a fool ? What has been his walk in life ? Is he a gambler, a spendthrift, or drunkard ? Is his fortune sufficient to maintain me in the manner I have been accustomed to live, and my sisters live, and is he one to whom my friends can have no reason- able objection? If these interrogatories can be satis- factorily answered, there will remain but one more to be asked, that, however, is an important one. Have I sufficient ground to conclude that his affections are engaged by me ? Without this the heart of sensi- bility will struggle against a passion that is not re- ciprocated— delicacy, custom, or call it by what epithet you will, having precluded all advances on your part. The declaration, without the most indirect invitation of yours, must proceed from the man, to render it permanent and valuable, and nothing short of good sense and an easy unaffected conduct can draw the line between prudery and coquetry. It would be no great departure from truth to say, that it rarely hap- pens otherwise than that a thorough-faced coquette dies in celibacy, as a punishment for her attempts to mislead others, by encouraging looks, words, or ac- tions, given for no other purpose than to draw men on to make overtures that they may be rejected.
This day, according to our information, gives a hus- band to your elder sister, and consummates, it is to be presumed, her fondest desires. The dawn with us is bright, and propitious, I hope, of her future hap- piness, for a full measure of which she and Mr. Law have my earnest wishes.1 Compliments and con- gratulations on this occasion, and best regards are
1 Elizabeth Parke Custis married Mr. Law, a nephew of Lord Ellenborough.
32 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
presented to your mamma, Dr. Stuart and family ; and every blessing, among which a good husband when you want and deserve one, is bestowed on you by yours, affectionately.
TO EDMUND PENDLETON.
Philadelphia, 22 January, 1795.
Dear Sir,
From a long acquaintance with and sincere regard for you, I always feel pleasure in hearing from you and of you. Consequently your letter of the 30th ultimo was an acceptable annuity.1
1 From Mr. Pendleton's Letter. — " Lest I should suffer the year to expire, I take up the pen to congratulate you on your safe return from the westward, and on your having, as we hope, quelled the spirit of anarchy and disorder in that quarter, without shedding other blood than what shall be found on a legal trial to have been justly forfeited to the laws, a circumstance which affords considerable consolation under the enormous expense incurred on the occasion, which, though inevitable, is yet grievous in the present situation of America.
** The success of our army under General Wayne is also gratifying, affording a fair prospect of peace in that quarter with the Indians. I fear a radical peace with those to the southward will only be attained by a similar proceed- ing. Will you permit me, Sir, to suggest a doubt, whether the policy of con- tracting to pay an annual tribute to neighboring Indians be sound, and adapted to the genius and temper of that people. It conveys an idea of inferiority, which most nations indeed will take advantage of ; but these people, having been in a train of beneficial plunder upon us, will only be restrained by their fear of offending our government, and not by concessions. The old counsel- lors will profess to be at peace, and continue to receive their annuity, whilst their young men continue their depredations, and the others will say they can- not restrain them. A fair and well-supplied trade with them, a strict adherence to treaties on our part, and a demand of the same on theirs, a fair purchase of their lands when they choose to sell, a prohibition of all speculations upon them, either in trade or buying their lands, and occasional presents in their necessity, which they will consider as a bounty, and not view it in the light of the other, as a stipulated price of peace with them, seem tome the true system.
" I hope we are to continue at peace with the nations of Europe, though they shall be mad enough to continue their war. But if the papers retail the truth, is it not strange that the Bermudian privateers should yet be capturing American vessels ? " — December 30th.
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 33
Notwithstanding you have passed your seventy- third year, whilst you enjoy tolerable health, and retain your faculties in the vigor they are, I wish, as well on public as on private account, that length of days may be added to those which you have already numbered. A month from this day, if I should live to see the completion of it, will place me on the wrong (perhaps it would be better to say on the advanced) side of my grand climacteric ; and, although I have no cause to complain of the want of health, I can religiously aver, that no man was ever more tired of public life, or more devoutly wished for retirement than I do.
I hope and believe, that the spirit of anarchy in the western counties of this State, (to quell which the force of the Union was called for,) is entirely subdued ; and although, to effect it, the community has been saddled with a considerable expense, yet I trust no money could have been more advantageously expended, both as it respects the internal peace and welfare of this country, and the impression it will make on others. The spirit with which the militia turned out in support of the constitution and the laws of our country, at the same time that it does them immortal honor, is the most conclusive refu- tation, that could have been given to the assertions of Lord Sheffield,1 that, without the protection of
1 In his Observations on the Commerce of the American States. This tract was published shortly after the peace at the end of the revolution, and within two years it passed through six editions. Its object was to disparage the im- portance of the English trade with the United States, and to prevent a com- mercial treaty. It contained an elaborate array of details respecting the
American trade, stated and arranged in such a manner as to give the author's 3
34 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
Great Britain, we should be unable to govern our- selves, and would soon be involved in confusion. They will see, that republicanism is not the phantom of a deluded imagination. On the contrary, that, under no form of government, will laws be better supported, liberty and property better secured, or happiness be more effectually dispensed to mankind.
The successes of our army to the westward have already been productive of good consequences. They have dispelled a cloud, which lowered very heavily in the northern hemisphere (the Six Nations) ; and, though we have received no direct advices from General Wayne since November, there is reason to believe, that the Indians, with whom we are or were at war in that quarter, together with their abettors, begin to see things in a different point of view. But what effect these favorable changes may have on the southern Indians, it is not easy at this moment to decide.
I accord fully in opinion with yourself, that the plan of annual presents, in an abstract view, unac- companied with other measures, is not the best mode of treating ignorant savages, from whose hostile con- duct we experience much distress ; but it is not to be forgotten, that they in turn are not without serious causes of complaint, from the encroachments which are made on their lands by our people, who are not to be restrained by any law now in being, or likely to be enacted. They, poor wretches, have no press
reasoning a plausible aspect, and to produce a considerable influence on the public mind, especially as his views accorded with the prevalent feeling in Eng- land. Several pamphlets were written in reply to Lord Sheffield's Observations.
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 35
through which their grievances are related ; and it is well known, that, when one side only of a story is heard and often repeated, the human mind becomes impressed with it insensibly. The annual presents, however, to which you allude, are not given so much with a view to purchase peace, as by way of contri- bution for injuries not otherwise to be redressed. These people are very much irritated by the continual pressure of land speculators and settlers on one hand, and by the impositions of unauthorized and unprin- cipled traders, who rob them, in a manner, of their hunting, on the other. Nothing but the strong arm of the Union, or, in other words, adequate laws can correct these abuses. But here jealousies and preju- dices, (from which I apprehend more fatal conse- quences to this government, than from any other source,) aided by local situations, and perhaps by interested considerations, always oppose themselves to efficient measures.
My communications to Congress, at the last and present sessions, have proceeded upon ideas similar to those expressed in your letter, namely, to make fair treaties with the savage tribes, (by this I mean, that they shall perfectly understand every article and clause of them, from correct and repeated interpreta- tions ;) that these treaties shall be held sacred, and the infractors on either side punished exemplarily ; and to furnish them plentifully with goods, under wholesome regulations, without aiming at higher prices than are adequate to cover the cost and charges. If measures like these were adopted, we might hope to live in peace and amity with these borderers ; but not
36 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
whilst our citizens, in violation of law and justice, are guilty of the offences I have mentioned, and are carrying on unauthorized expeditions against them ; and when, for the most atrocious murders, even of those of whom we have the least cause of complaint, a jury on the frontiers can hardly be got to listen to a charge, much less to convict a culprit.
The madness of the European powers, and the calamitous situation into which all of them are thrown by the present ruinous war, ought to be a serious warning to us to avoid a similar catastrophe, so long as we can with honor and justice to our national character. What will be the result of Mr. Jay's mission is more than I am able, at this moment, to disclose. Charged as he has been with all matters in dispute between the two countries, (not, as has been insinuated in some of the gazettes, merely with that of spoliation,) it may easily be conceived, that there would be a large field of discussion. But upon what principle (except that of piracy,) to account for the conduct of the Bermudian privateers, at this stage of the negotiation, is beyond my comprehension on any fair ground of conjecture, as it must swell the bill. With very great esteem and regard, I am, dear Sir, &c.
TO THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE FEDERAL DISTRICT.
Philadelphia, 28 January, 1795.
Gentlemen,
A plan for the establishment of an university in the Federal City has frequently been the subject of conversation ; but, in what manner it is proposed to
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 37
commence this important institution, on how ex- tensive a scale, the means by which it is to be effected, how it is to be supported, or what progress is made in it, are matters altogether unknown to me.
It has always been a source of serious reflection and sincere regret with me, that the youth of the United States should be sent to foreign countries for the purpose of education. Although there are doubtless many, under these circumstances, who escape the danger of contracting principles unfavor- able to republican government, yet we ought to deprecate the hazard attending ardent and sus- ceptible minds, from being too strongly and too early prepossessed in favor of other political systems, before they are capable of appreciating their own.
For this reason I have greatly wished to see a plan adopted, by which the arts, sciences, and belles-lettres could be taught in their fullest extent, thereby em- bracing all the advantages of European tuition, with the means of acquiring the liberal knowledge, which is necessary to qualify our citizens for the exigencies of public as well as private life ; and (which with me is a consideration of great magnitude) by assembling the youth from the different parts of this rising republic, contributing . from their intercourse and interchange of information to the removal of preju- dices, which might perhaps sometimes arise from local circumstances.
The Federal City, from its centrality and the ad- vantages, which in other respects it must have over any other place in the United States, ought to be
38 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
preferred, as a proper site for such an university. And if a plan can be adopted upon a scale as exten- sive as I have described, and the execution of it should commence under favorable auspices in a reasonable time, with a fair prospect of success, I will grant in perpetuity fifty shares in the navigation of Potomac River towards the endowment of it.
What annuity will arise from these fifty shares, when the navigation is in full operation, can at this time be only conjectured ; and those, who are ac- quainted with the nature of it, can form as good a judgment as myself.
As the design of this university has assumed no form with which I am acquainted, and as I am equally ignorant who the persons are, that have taken or are disposed to take the maturation of the plan upon themselves, I have been at a loss to whom I should make this communication of my intentions. If the Commissioners of the Federal City have any particu- lar agency in bringing the matter forward, then the information, I now give to them, is in its proper course. If, on the other hand, they have no more to do in it than others, who may be desirous of seeing so important a measure carried into effect, they will be so good as to excuse my using them as the medi- um for disclosing these intentions ; because it appears necessary, that the funds for the establishment and support of the institution should be known to the promoters of it ; and I see no mode more eligible for announcing my purpose. For these reasons, I give you the trouble of this address, and the assurance of being, Gentlemen, &c.
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 39
TO ALEXANDER HAMILTON.
Philadelphia, 2 February, 1795.
Dear Sir,
After so long an experience of your public services, I am naturally led, at this moment of your departure from office (which it has always been my wish to pre- vent), to review them. In every relation, which you have borne to me, I have found that my confidence in your talents, exertions, and integrity has been well placed. I the more freely render this testimony of my approbation, because I speak from opportunities of information, which cannot deceive me, and which fur- nish satisfactory proof of your title to public regard.1
My most earnest wishes for your happiness will attend you in your retirement, and you may assure yourself of the sincere esteem, regard, and friendship of, dear Sir, your affectionate, &c.
1 Mr. Hamilton resigned the office of Secretary of the Treasury on the 31st of January. The following is his answer to the above letter :
"Philadelphia, February 3d, 1795. Sir: My particular acknowledgments are due for your very kind letter of yesterday. As often as I may recall the vexations I have endured, your approbation will be a great and precious con- solation. It was not without a struggle, that I yielded to the very urgent motives, which impelled me to relinquish a station, in which I could hope to be in any degree instrumental in promoting the success of an administration under your direction ; a struggle, which would have been far greater, had I supposed that the prospect of future usefulness was proportioned to the sacrifices to be made.
" Whatever may be my destination hereafter, I entreat you to be persuaded, (not the less for my having been sparing in professions,) that I shall never cease to render a just tribute to those eminent and excellent qualities, which have been already productive of so many blessings to your country ; that you will always have my fervent wishes for your public and personal felicity, and that it will be my pride to cultivate a continuance of that esteem, regard, and friendship, of which you do me the honor to assure me. With true respect and affectionate attachment, I have the honor to be, &c."
Oliver Wolcott, Jr., was appointed as successor to Mr. Hamilton on the 3d of February.
4o THE WRITINGS OF [1795
TO ROBERT LEWIS.
Philad'a, 22 February, 1795.
Dear Sir :
Your letter of the 1 7th Ult. came duly to hand — but the pressure of business in which I am always involved whilst Congress are in session has pre- vented my acknowledging the receipt of it at an earlier date ; and now, I may not be so full as you might wish ; but shall touch upon the several points of your letter and in the order they stand there.
If the tenants are not punctual in the discharge of their Rents, when they become due, destrain for them without delay, or hesitation ; unless their disa- bility to pay proceeds from some providential inter- position, or from some other obvious cause which entitles them to indulgence, for it may be depended upon, if the failure proceeds from idleness, the man who is unable to pay one rent, will never pay two, willingly ; and generally, when it goes beyond that the score is wiped out.
With respect to the Sheriffs, shew them no indul- gence ; of all descriptions of men in this Country, I think them ( tho' there may, and undoubtedly there are exceptions ) the least entitled to favor ; I mean to be understood as speaking of under sheriffs, and those who farm the office, merely to grind the people and get money into their hands, for speculative and other purposes of their own, instead of rendering it where due.
I shall expect the accounts of all the monies col- lected, and of the arrearages as soon as you can
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 41
make it out, that I may know precisely how the matter stands on this and on the replevy bonds.
Mrs. Haney1 should endeavor to do what she can for herself — this is a duty incumbent on every one ; but you must not let her suffer, as she has thrown herself upon me ; your advances on this account will be allowed always, at settlement ; and I agree readily to furnish her with provisions and for the good char- acter you give of her daughter make the latter a present in my name of a handsome but not costly gown, and other things which she may stand mostly in need of. — You may charge me also with the worth of your tenement on which she is placed, and where perhaps it is better she should be, than at a great distance from your attentions to her.
I have already given you my ideas with respect to the purchasing of leases ; but to these I will add, that if you can make advantageous bargains, conclude them ; as far as you have means in your own hands to carry them into effect. — Beyond this, make them conditionally only leaving the ratification to me ; that I may decide from the prospect I have of command- ing money ; whether to carry them into execution or not. In conducting this business, there are two things which you should never loose sight of. The first is, that the sum given to purchase in the lease, is fixed and certain ; and the rent which can be had for the tenement is often uncertain. To go upon
1 Elizabeth Haynie, who died 29 April 1796. I have not been able to trace her relationship to Washington. A daughter, Sally Ball Haynie, is mentioned in his will.
42 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
the supposition, therefore, that it will rent for this or that sum, is fallacious ground unless there is un- equivocal evidence on which to form an opinion. The second thing is, that the rent, whatever it may be, must be more than will afford 6 pr. ct. interest for the sum advanced for the purchase, in addition to the rent — first, because 6 pr. ct. is the legal interest of the United States. — Secondly because any person who has money to lend, and will adopt the usual modes, may obtain much more ; and thirdly because the rent which is received, and which I am entitled to without any advance, is equivalent to a certain principal — for instance, if I was to give an hundred pounds for a lease, the rent of which was £6, if I did not receive £12 rent, the deficiency would be lost upon legal ground, because the land is equal to £6, and the ^"ioo paid by way of purchase is equal to ;£ioo more. But those who possess money, can turn it (where they are disposed to do it) to more profit than lending it at 6 pr. ct. — I have no inclina- tion however to fall into those practices — therefore after this explanation of my ideas, go on and pur- chase as far as you have means, absolutely ; and conditionally, afterwards, for the reasons given.
I had no conception that at this day my leases were so full of lives as would appear from your account of them ; I wish my confidence in placing blank leases signed into the hands of Mr. Muse may not have been abused. I have not to the best of my recollection, sanctioned more than the rental for lives of two leases — one to Mr. Aires ; and another to a
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 43
person who was formerly an overseer to my brother John ; the rest were formed for a term of years which must have expired. I am, &c.
TO JOSEPH CERACCHI.1
Philadelphia, 9 March, 1795.
Sir :
I am directed by the President of the United States to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 7th inst., and that of the present date ; — and to express to you his regret at your despair of bringing your plan of a national monument to a fortunate issue.
Whether there are sufficient grounds for despair, or whether more time may not be necessary to give the subscription papers a fair trial, and to ascertain
1 Although signed by his secretary, this letter was one of Washington's, and the draft is entirely in his writing. Joseph Ceracchi was a sculptor of some pretensions, who, in 1795, sought the aid of Congress in the erection of a monument to the American Revolution. Failing to secure the recognition of that body, he was advised to attempt a popular subscription, and in June, 1796, prepared an elaborate circular descriptive of the intended work, with a letter of recommendation signed by the President, the members of the Cabi- net, and many leading members of both houses of Congress. — Historical Mag- azine, 1859, 234. " Just as the circular address was about to be despatched, it was put into his head that the scheme was merely to get rid of his importu- nities, and being of the genus irritabile, he suddenly went off in anger and disgust, leaving behind him heavy drafts on General Washington, Mr. Jeffer- son, &c, &c, for the busts, &c, he had presented to them. His drafts were not the effect of avarice, but of his wants, all his resources having been exhausted in the tedious pursuit of his object. He was an enthusiastic wor- shipper of Liberty and Fame ; and his whole soul was bent on securing the latter by rearing a monument to the former, which he considered as personified in the American Republic. Attempts were made to engage him for a statue of General W., but he would not stoop to that." — Madison to St. George Tucker, 30 April, 1830. Ceracchi was guillotined for a supposed connection with an attempt on Bonaparte's life.
44 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
the result with more precision ; you can decide with more accuracy than he, who has not taken and can- not take, any active part in this business. He has formed no Opinion thereon, much less is he enabled to offer you any advice on this subject.
But as you hold out strong indications of decep- tion, and complain of ill treatment without pointing to the instances, he thinks it necessary that an ex- planation should be had between you and himself ; that no charges hereafter may lie at his door. — To do this it requires nothing more than to draw your attention to circumstances which cannot have escaped your recollection.
Of your intention of coming to this Country orig- inally, the President could have had no knowledge — and you had been in the City some time before he was informed of it.1 Whilst here your name was frequently mentioned to him in very advantageous terms. — He was told of a design you had projected for the erection of a National Monument ; — that you were preparing the Busts of particular characters in this City ; and that you had expressed an earnest desire to take his. This request being reiterated he, with the reluctance which he has always felt on these occasions, yielded his assent ; and accordingly sat for you ; without having any other motive than to ac- commodate your views, or without perceiving any other object on your part, than a desire to take cop- ies from it, if, thereafter, any advantages were likely to result therefrom.
1 Ceracchi came to Philadelphia in 1791.
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 45
What more (if any thing) might have passed be- tween you and others, on this occasion he knows not ; — and with respect to the public edifice, he does not now recollect whether a memorial, which you had prepared for congress, was ever presented ; or if presented, what the reception of it was ; — much less does he know of any specific encouragement that could have induced you to return to this country in expectation of prosecuting the plan.
As a public character he had no power to offer any, because the means of accomplishment were to flow from legislative authority ; and as a private man he never could, or would have committed himself in this affair further than as a Subscriber. — Thus much relates to the first part of this transaction. — With respect to the subsequent part, that is, your return to this Country, and what has happened since ; the President desires me to remark, that these are events which were adopted without any consultation with him or his knowledge, and he heard thro' a variety of channels of the model of the proposed monument, the likenesses of the Busts, &c, &c. — before the pressure of business in which he was engaged, would permit him to see them ; — or to comply with a second request that he would set for some alteration in the Bust which was intended for himself, and with which he complied, on the same principle which had pro- duced the first sitting ; — always conceiving it was for purposes of your own it was wanted, untill hints were given that it was designed to be presented to Mrs. Washington. Then for the first time he knew, [he]
46 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
declared, that he could not, and would not accept it as a present.
The preceeding facts are necessary to acquit the President of having had any agency in your decep- tion (if you have been deceived,) or of involving you in a situation which seems to have become irksome and inconvenient. What follows will shew the ground on which he declines to discharge the account which is inclosed in your letter of the 7th before mentioned.
You cannot have forgot, Sir, that when you sent the busts of Bacchus and Ariadne to the President in 1792, and requested his acceptance of them, that they were refused, and returned to you. — Upon which with earnestness (being on the point of your departure and not knowing what to do with them) you requested that they might be permitted to remain in his house. — To this he assented. — And supposing the object was that they might be exhibited as specimens of your abilities, as a sculptor, he had temporary pedestals made for them to stand on ; — and always announced them as your workmanship and your property.
On Monday next they will be sent to you ; — this would have been done to-day, but company will occupy the servants and prevent their being taken
down. — The Bust intended for the P. is also at
your disposal. — Or if you incline to receive for it the highest value that the best artist, or the most skilful connoiseurs in the city will say is the intrinsic worth, he will, notwithstanding this true recital of the case, pay the amount : although it is just to observe, and it may well be supposed he would have been desirous
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 47
of knowing the cost, and consulting his own inclina- tion and convenience, before it was undertaken, if he had not conceived that it was intended for your own use, and not for his. —
He desires me to add, that it is with real concern he finds the abilities of our infant republic, will not afford employment for a person of your talents. The cause probably is that the United States are just emerging from the difficulties and expenses of a long and bloody war — and cannot spare money for those gratifications and ornamental figures, — as in the wealthy countries of Europe. — He is sorry also that you should quit them under any embarrassments or with discontent. — For myself, I am, &c,
B. Dandridge.
TO CHARLES CARTER.
Philadelphia, 10 March, 1795.
Dear Sir,
Your favor of the 23d ulto. came duly to hand. — I wish, sincerely it was in my power to comply with your request in behalf of your son, but it really is not, to the extent of it.
My friends entertain a very erroneous idea of my pecuniary resources, when they set me down for a money lender, or one who (now) has a command of it. You may believe me when I assert that the bonds which were due to me before the Revolution, were discharged during the progress of it— with a few ex- ceptions in depreciated paper (in some instances as low as a shilling in the pound.) That such has been
48 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
the management of my Estate, for many years past, especially since my absence from home, now six years, as scarcely to support itself. That my public allow- ance (whatever the world may think of it) is inade- quate to the expence of living in this City ; to such an extravagant height has the necessaries as well as the conveniences of life arisen.— And, moreover that to keep myself out of debt ; I have found it expedient now and then to sell Lands, or something else to effect this purpose.
These are facts I have no inclination to publish to the World, nor should I have disclosed them on this occasion, had it not been due to friendship, to give you some explanation of my inability to comply with your request. If, however by joining with nine others, the sum required can be obtained — notwithstanding my being under these circumstances — and notwith- standing the money will be to be withdrawn from an- other purpose — I will contribute one hundred pounds towards the accommodation of your son's wants, without any view to the receipt of interest therefrom.
With very great esteem and regard, I am, &c.
TO THOMAS JEFFERSON, ■r^ ~ Philadelphia, 15 March, 1795.
Dear Sir,
I received your letter of the 23d ultimo1; but not at so early a period as might have been expected from the date of it. My mind has always been more
1 Respecting a plan of several professors of Geneva for migrating to the United States.
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 49
disposed to apply the shares in the inland navigation of Potomac and James Rivers, which were left to my disposal by the legislature of Virginia, towards the endowment of an university in the United States, than to any other object it had contemplated. In pursuance of this idea, and understanding that other means are in embryo for establishing so useful a seminary in the Federal City, I did, on the 28th of January last, announce to the commissioners thereof my intention of vesting in perpetuity the fifty shares I hold under that act in the navigation of Potomac, as an additional mean of carrying the plan into effect, provided it should be adopted upon a scale so liberal as to extend to and embrace a complete system of education.
I had little hesitation in giving the Federal City a preference of all other places for the institution, for the following reasons. 1st, on account of its being the permanent seat of the government of this Union, and where the laws and policy of it must be better understood than in any local part thereof. 2d, because of its centrality. 3d, because one half (or near it) of the District of Columbia is within the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the whole of the State not inconven- ient thereto. 4th, because, as a part of the endow- ment, it would be useful, but alone would be inadequate to the end. 5th, because many advantages, I con- ceive, would result from the jurisdiction, which the general government will have over it, which no other spot would possess. And, lastly, as this seminary is contemplated for the completion of education and
50 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
study of the sciences, (not for boys in their rudi- ments,) it will afford the students an opportunity of attending the debates in Congress, and thereby be- coming more liberally and better acquainted with the principles of law and government.
My judgment and my wishes point equally strong to the application of the James River shares to the same object at the same place ; but, considering the source from whence they were derived, I have, in a letter I am writing to the executive of Virginia on this subject, left the application of them to a seminary within the State, to be located by the legislature.
Hence you will perceive, that I have in a degree anticipated your proposition. I was restrained from going the whole length of the suggestion by the following considerations. 1st, I did not know to what extent or when any plan would be so matured for the establishment of an university, as would enable any assurances to be given to the application of M. D'lvernois. 2d, the propriety of transplanting the professors in a body might be questioned for several reasons ; among others, because they might not be all good characters, nor all sufficiently acquainted with our language. And again, having been at variance with the levelling party of their own coun- try, the measure might be considered as an aristo- cratical movement by more than those, who, without any just cause that I can discover, are continually sounding the bell of aristocracy. And, 3d, because it might preclude some of the first professors in other countries from a participation, among whom some of
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 51
the most celebrated characters in Scotland, in this line, might be obtained.
Something, but of what nature I am unable to inform you, has been written by Mr. Adams to M. D'lvernois. Never having viewed my intended dona- tion as more than a part of the means, that were to set this establishment afloat, I did not incline to go too far in the encouragement of professors, before the plan should assume a more formal shape, much less to induce an entire college to migrate. The enclosed is the answer I have received from the com- missioners ; from which, and the ideas I have here expressed, you will be enabled to decide on the best communication to be made to M. D'lvernois.
My letter to the commissioners has bound me to the fulfilment of what is therein engaged ; and if the legislature of Virginia, in considering the subject, should view it in the same light I do, the James River shares will be added thereto ; for I think one good institution of this sort is to be preferred to two imperfect ones, which, without other aid than the shares in both navigations, is more likely to fall through, than to succeed upon the plan I contemplate ; which, in a few words, is to supersede the necessity of send- ing the youth of this country abroad for the purpose of education, (where too often principles and habits unfriendly to republican government are imbibed, and not easily discarded,) by instituting such an one of our own, as will answer the end, and associating them in the same seminary, will contribute to wear off those prejudices and unreasonable jealousies, which prevent
52 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
or weaken friendships and impair the harmony of the Union. With very great esteem, I am, &c.
P. S. Mr. Adams laid before me the communica- tions of M. D'lvernois ; but I said nothing to him of my intended donation towards the establishment of an university in the Federal District. My wishes would be to fix this on the Virginia side of the Potomac River ; but this would not embrace or accord with those other means, which are proposed for the establishment.
TO ROBERT BROOKE, GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA.
Philadelphia, 16 March, 1795.
Sir,
Ever since the General Assembly of Virginia were pleased to submit to my disposal fifty shares in the Potomac, and one hundred in the James River Com- pany, it has been my anxious desire to appropriate them to an object most worthy of public regard.
It is with indescribable regret, that I have seen the youth of the United States migrating to foreign countries, in order to acquire the higher branches of erudition, and to obtain a knowledge of the sciences. Although it would be injustice to many to pronounce the certainty of their imbibing maxims not congenial with republicanism, it must nevertheless be admitted, that a serious danger is encountered by sending abroad among other political systems those, who have not well learned the value of their own.
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 53
The time is therefore come, when a plan of univer- sal education ought to be adopted in the United States. Not only do the exigencies of public and private life demand it, but, if it should ever be appre- hended, that prejudice would be entertained in one part of the Union against another, an efficacious remedy will be, to assemble the youth of every part under such circumstances as will, by the freedom of intercourse and collision of sentiment, give to their minds the direction of truth, philanthropy, and mu- tual conciliation.
It has been represented, that a university corre- sponding with these ideas is contemplated to be built in the Federal City, and that it will receive considera- ble endowments. This position is so eligible from its centrality, so convenient to Virginia, by whose legis- lature the shares were granted and in which part of the Federal District stands, and combines so many other conveniences, that I have determined to vest the Potomac shares in that university.
Presuming it to be more agreeable to the General Assembly of Virginia, that the shares in the James River Company should be reserved for a similar ob- ject in some part of that State, I intend to allot them for a seminary to be erected at such place as they shall deem most proper. I am disposed to believe, that a seminary of learning upon an enlarged plan, but yet not coming up to the full idea of an univer- sity, is an institution to be preferred for the position which is to be chosen. The students who wish to pursue the whole range of science, may pass with
54 THE WRITINGS OF [I795
advantage from the seminary to the university, and the former by a due relation may be rendered co- operative with the latter.
I cannot however dissemble my opinion, that if all the shares were conferred on an university, it would become far more important, than when they are divided ; and I have been constrained from concen- tring them in the same place, merely by my anxiety to reconcile a particular attention to Virginia with a great good, in which she will abundantly share in common with the rest of the United States.
I must beg the favor of your Excellency to lay this letter before that honorable body, at their next ses- sion, in order that I may appropriate the James River shares to the place which they may prefer. They will at the same time again accept my acknowl- edgments for the opportunity, with which they have favored me, of attempting to supply so important a desideratum in the United States as an university adequate to our necessity, and a preparatory semi- nary. With great consideration and respect, I am, Sir, &C.1
I This letter was accordingly communicated by the Governor of Virginia to the Assembly at their next session, when the following resolves were passed : —
" In the House of Delegates, I December, 1795.
II Whereas the migration of American youth to foreign countries, for the completion of their education, exposes them to the danger of imbibing politi- cal prejudices disadvantageous to their own republican forms of government, and ought therefore to be rendered unnecessary and avoided ;
" Resolved, that the plan contemplated of erecting a university in the Federal City, where the youth of the several States may be assembled, and their course of education finished, deserves the countenance and support of each State.
" And whereas, when the General Assembly presented sundry shares in the
1 795 J GEORGE WASHINGTON. 55
TO MAJOR-GENERAL DANIEL MORGAN.
Philadelphia, 27 March, 1795.
Dear Sir,
The interest which you have taken in the safety of John Mitchell, as expressed in your letter of the 19th of January last, would be an inducement to me to go as far, in relieving him, as public propriety will ad- mit. But, the attorney-general having made a re- port, of which the enclosed is a copy, I think it advisable to postpone the further consideration until his trial shall have taken place.
It has afforded me great pleasure to learn, that the general conduct and character of the army have been temperate and indulgent, and that your attention to the quiet and comfort of the western inhabitants has been well received by them. Still it may be proper constantly and strongly to impress upon the army, that they are mere agents of civil power ; that, out of camp, they have no other authority than other citizens ; that offences against the laws are to be ex-
James River and Potomac Companies to George Washington, as a small token of their gratitude for the great, eminent, and unrivalled services he had rendered to this commonwealth, to the United States, and the world at large, in support of the principles of liberty and equal government, it was their wish and desire that he should appropriate them as he might think best ; and whereas, the present General Assembly retain the same high sense of his virtues, wisdom, and patriotism ;
"Resolved, therefore, that the appropriation by the said George Washington of the aforesaid shares in the Potomac Company to the university, intended to be erected in the Federal City, is made in a manner most worthy of public regard, and of the approbation of this commonwealth.
" Resolved, also, that he be requested to appropriate the aforesaid shares in the James River Company to a seminary at such place in the upper country, as he may deem most convenient to a majority of the inhabitants thereof."
56 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
amined, not by a military officer, but by a magistrate ; that they are not exempt from arrests and indict- ments for violations of the laws ; that officers ought to be careful not to give orders, which may lead the agents into infractions of law ; that no compulsion be used towards the inhabitants in the traffic carried on between them and the army ; that disputes be avoided, as much as possible, and be adjusted as quickly as may be, without urging them to an ex- treme ; and that the whole country is not to be con- sidered as within the limits of the camp.
I do not communicate these things to you for any other purpose, than that you may weigh them, and, without referring to any instructions from me, adopt the measures necessary for accomplishing the fore- going objects. With great regard and esteem, I am, dear Sir, &c.
TO ALEXANDER WHITE. [private.]
Philadelphia, 17th May, 1795.
Dear Sir :
Your letter of the nth inst. came to hand by the post of yesterday.
With pleasure I received your acceptance of the office of Commissioner of the Federal City. The commission will be forwarded to you from the de- partment of State, and the sooner you can enter upon the duties of the trust, the more convenient and agreeable it will be.
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 57
With the candor which I am sure will be agreeable to you, I shall intimate (for reasons which I shall not at this time enumerate, but which will appear evident after you have been there a while) that a residence in the City, if a house is to be had, will be more pro- motive of its welfare, than your abode in George Town. — I shall add, that the motives which induced a fixed salary (which the first commissioner did not receive) were, that they should reside on the spot ; — that they were not only to plan and regulate the affairs of the City, — but to look to the execution of them also ; to accomplish which with the greatest ease to themselves, and best advantage to the public ; I presumed that after measures were decided on by the board they would have been so arranged as that each member would have attended to the execution of a particular part ; or if found more convenient, that in rotation each would have superintended the whole. — I could not perceive however when in the City last, (the only time since the change in the Board) that any such arrangement had been adopted. — In short, the only difference I could perceive be- tween the proceedings of the old and the new Com- missioners resulted from the following comparison. — The old met not oftener than once a month, except on particular occasions ; the new meet once or twice a week. — In the interval the old resided at their houses in the Country ; the new resided at their houses in George Town. The old had too much of the business done by daily wages, and were obliged to trust to Overseers and Superintendants to look to
58 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
the execution ; the new have gone more into the execution of it by contracts, and piece work, but rely equally, I fear, on others to see to the performance. These changes (tho' for the better) by no means apply a radical cure to the evils that were com- plained of ; nor will they justify the difference of compensation from six dollars per diem for every day's attendance in the City and sixteen hundred per annum.
My time will not permit me to go more into detail on this subject ; — nor is it necessary ; your own good judgment will supply all, and more than I could add.—
The year 1800 will be soon upon us ; The neces- sity therefore of hurrying on the public buildings, and other works of a public nature, and executing of them with economy ; the propriety of preventing idleness in those who have day or monthly wages, and imposi- tion by others, who work by measure — by the piece, or by contract — and seeing that all contracts are ful- filled with good faith, are too obvious to be dwelt on, — and are not less important than to form plans, and establish rules, for conducting, and bringing to a speedy and happy conclusion this great and arduous business.1 I am, &c.
1 Alexander White was appointed to succeed Daniel Carroll. While seeking a man for the office Washington wrote to William Deakins : " That the duties of a commissioner of the Federal City would have been discharged with ability and fidelity by the gentleman whose name you have mentioned to me, I can- not harbor a doubt ; but the An[ge]l Gab[rie]l, in his situation, would have been charged with partiality. From a thorough conviction of this, I have never turned my attention to a character who, at the time of his appointment, was a resident either in George Town, or the Federal City."
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 59
TO SECRETARIES OF STATE, TREASURY, AND WAR, AND THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL.1
Q Philadelphia, 29 June, 1795.
I enclose to you a copy of the resolution of the Senate, advis- ing that the late treaty with Great Britain be ratified. Upon this resolution two questions arise.
First, is or is not that resolution intended to be the final act of the Senate ; or do they expect, that the new article which is pro- posed shall be submitted to them before the treaty takes effect ?
1 Jay had closed his English mission by signing a treaty on 19 November, 1794. Of the objects of that mission, but one was secured — that of a surrender of the western posts; and even this was not to be until June, 1796. The treaty instead of recognizing the maxim "free ships make free goods," agreed that French goods in American vessels should be liable to seizure by Great Britain — in direct contravention of the treaty with France. It also extended the list of contraband ; the right of impressment was not surrendered by Great Britain ; and finally what concessions were obtained in the trade with the British West Indies were neutralized, and in some cases made oppressive, by subsequent events. The full text may be found in American State Papers, Foreign Relations, i., 520. The treaty was long on its passage, for it was not received by the President till 7 March, 1795, a few days after the adjournment of Congress. Washington summoned the Senate to convene on Monday, the 8th of June, and on that day laid before it the treaty and accompanying documents. The French Minister, Fauchet, then awaiting his successor, wrote to Randolph, asking that the Senate should not vote on the treaty until Adet should arrive and make known his instructions (June 8th). Such a delay could hardly have been made by the President with propriety ; and the Senate entered into a consideration of the treaty, while Adet, who arrived on the 13th, amused the Executive by a promise of certain French acts relative to commerce with the United States, a promise that was not fulfilled when the Senate rose on June 26th.
The proceedings of the Senate was held behind closed doors, but this did not prevent an agitation, chiefly hostile to the document, from being carried on in the newspapers and in public meetings. In the Senate, Aaron Burr wished a further negotiation with Great Britain, while Henry Tazewell moved that the President be advised not to sign. Compensation for negroes and other property carried away during the war was also urged, but all opposition was voted down, and on the 24th of June, by a vote of twenty to ten, the Senate advised and con- sented to its conditional ratification. "An insuperable objection existed to an article regulating the intercourse with the British West Indies, founded on a fact which is understood to have been unknown to Mr. Jay. The intention
60 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
Secondly, does or does not the constitution permit the Presi- dent to ratify the treaty, without submitting the new article, after it shall be agreed to by the British King, to the Senate for their further advice and consent?
I wish you to consider this subject as soon as possible, and transmit to me your opinion in writing, that I may without delay take some definitive step upon the treaty. I am, &c.x
of the contracting parties was to admit the direct intercourse between the United States and those Islands, but not to permit the productions of the latter to be carried to Europe in the vessels of the former. To give effect to this intention, the exportation from the United States of those articles, which were the principal productions of the Islands, was to be relinquished. Among these was cotton. This article, which a few years before was scarcely raised in sufficient quantity for domestic consumption, was becoming one of the rich- est staples of the southern States. The Senate, being informed of this fact, advised and consented that the treaty should be ratified on condition that an article be added thereto, suspending that part of the twelfth article which relates to the intercourse with the West Indies." — Chief -Justice Marshall.
The Senate had agreed to keep the treaty a secret ; but a few days after its rising, a sketch of the document appeared in the Aurora, and led Senator Stevens Thomson Mason, a strong opponent of the treaty, to send to that paper his copy, and on July 1st it was issued by Bache in a pamphlet.
In the meantime 4< the English papers contained an account, which, though not official, was deemed worthy of credit, that the order of the 8th of June, 1793, for the seizure of provisions going to French ports, was renewed. In the apprehension, that this order might be construed and intended as a practi- cal construction of that article in the treaty, which seemed to favor the idea, that provisions, though not generally contraband, might occasionally become so, a construction in which he had determined not to acquiesce, the President thought it wise to reconsider his decision. Of the result of this reconsidera- tion there is no conclusive testimony. A strong memorial against this objec- tionable order was directed ; and the propositions to withhold the ratifications of the treaty until the order should be repealed, to make the exchange of ratifications dependent upon that event, and to adhere to his original purpose of pursuing the advice of the Senate, connecting with that measure the mem- orial which had been mentioned, as an act explanatory of the sense in which his ratification was made, were severally reviewed by him. In conformity with his practice of withholding his opinion on controverted points, until it should become necessary to decide them, he suspended his determination on these propositions until the memorial should be prepared and laid before him." — Marshall 's Life of Washington, 2d edition, vol. ii., p. 361.
1 " On Monday the 8th of June," says Chief-Justice Marshall, " the Senate, in conformity with the summons of the President, convened in the Senate-
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 61
TO ALEXANDER HAMILTON. [PRIVATE AND PERFECTLY CONFIDENTIAL.]
Philadelphia, 3 July, 1795.
My dear Sir,
The treaty of Amity, Commerce and Navigation, which has lately been before the Senate, has, as you will perceive, made its public entry into the Gazettes of this City. — Of course the merits, and demerits of it will (especially in its unfinished state), be freely discussed.
It is not the opinion of those who were determined (before it was promulgated) to support or oppose it, that I am sollicitous to obtain ; for these I well know rarely do more than examine the side to which they lean ; without giving the reverse the consideration it deserves ; — possibly without a wish to be apprised of the reasons on which the objections are founded. — My desire is to learn from dispassionate men, who have a knowledge of the subject, and abilities to judge of it, the genuine opinion they entertain of each article of the instrument ; and the result of it in the aggregate. In a word, placed on the footing the matter now stands, it is, more than ever, an incum- bent duty on me to do what propriety, and the true interest of this country shall appear to require at my hands, on so important a subject, under such delicate circumstances.
chamber, and the treaty, with the documents connected with it, were submitted to their consideration.
" On the 24th of June, after a minute and laborious investigation, the Senate, by precisely a constitutional majority, advised and consented to its conditional ratification."
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You will be at no loss to perceive from what I have already said, that my wishes are to have the favorable and unfavorable side of each article stated and compared together ; that I may see the bearing and tendency of them ; — and ultimately, on which side the balance is to be found.
This treaty has, I am sensible, many relations, which, in deciding thereon ought to be attended to ; — some of them too are of an important nature. — I know also, that to judge with precision of its com- mercial arrangements, there ought likewise to be an intimate acquaintance with the various branches of commerce between this country and Great Britain as it now stands ; — as it will be placed by the treaty, — and as it may affect our present, or restrain our future treaties with other nations. — All these things I am persuaded you have given as much attention to as most men ; and I believe that your late employ- ment under the General government afforded you more opportunities of deriving knowledge therein, than most of them who have not studied and prac- ticed it scientifically, upon a large and comprehensive scale.
I do not know how you may be occupied at pres- ent ; — or how incompatible this request of mine may be to the business you have in hand. All I can say is, that however desirous I may be of availing myself of your sentiments on the points I have enumerated, and such others as are involved in the treaty, and the resolution of the Senate ; (both of which I send you, lest they should not be at
i795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 63
hand) it is not my intention to interrupt you in that business ; or, if you are disinclined to go into the in- vestigation I have requested, to press the matter upon you : for of this you may be assured, that with the most unfeigned regard — and with every good wish for your health and prosperity
I am, Your Affectc. friend &c
P. S. — Admitting that his B: Majesty will consent to the suspension of the 12th Article of the treaty, is it necessary that the treaty should again go to the Senate? or is the President authorized by the reso- lution of that body to ratify it without.1
TO ALEXANDER HAMILTON.
[private.]
Philadelphia, 13th July, 1795.
My dear Sir,
I have, in the regular course of the Posts, been duly favoured with your letters of the 9th, accompa- nying your observations on the several articles of the treaty, with Great Britain, — and of the 10th supple- mentary thereto. —
For both, I offer you my sincere thanks, as they have afforded me great satisfaction. Altho' it was my wish that your observations on each article should be diffusive, yet I am really ashamed when I behold the trouble it has given you, to explore and to explain so fully as you have done, the whole of them.
1 Hamilton's reply is printed in his Writings (Lodge's edition), iv., 322. It was not, however, a " cabinet paper," as Mr. Lodge describes it.
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The most obnoxious article (the 12th) being sus- pended by the Senate, there is no occasion to express any sentiment thereon. — I wish, however, it had ap- peared in a different form. — And altho' it is but fair to presume that, no further advantage could have been obtained in the 3d article, yet the exclusion of the vessels belonging to the United States from all the " Seaports, Harbours, Bays, or Creeks of His Majesty," when theirs are admitted into all ours, to the highest Ports of entry, is not marked with reci- procity.— It may be urged and truly, that under the existing regulations of the B. government, we are not, at this time, allowed those privileges ; except when they are made to subserve their own purposes : whilst from Quebec (but how we are to get there I know not,) and upwards, — the lakes, and the waters on their side of the line, are open to our commerce, and that we have equal advantages in the Indian trade on both sides ; except within the limits of the Hudson's bay company.
All this looks very well on paper ; but I much question whether in its operation it will not be found to work very much against us.
1 st. What are the limits of that company? — are they so defined, and so clearly understood, as that our traders when they are in the Wilderness can with precision say, thus far I may of right go, without let or hindrance ?
2nd. Admitting the fact, will they not, having pos- session of the trade, and the Indians being in their interest, by every artifice of their traders, prevent
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 65
ours from extending themselves into the country — sharing in the profit, and thereby bringing on dis- putes which may terminate seriously. —
3d. Does not the hitherto (I might add present) improper interference of the British, within our terri- tory, and the sollicitude that that government has manifested upon all occasions to get a footing on the Mississippi ; and on the waters and carrying places leading thereto, evince, in a most unequivocal man- ner, that disputes may be expected to arise within our territory as well as their own, from the attempts of their Traders to monopolize the trade ; and from the overbearing support, or underhand countenance, they will give, not only in what is right, but in what is convenient, to its views also. —
My opinion of this article therefore is, that it would have been more for our peace, if not for our interest, to have restrained the traders of both na- tions to their own side of the line, leaving the Indians on each, to go to whichsoever their interest, convenience, or inclination, might prompt them. This would have thwarted the views of the British on the Mississippi, whilst all the doors into upper Canada, and the Western Country would have been as wide open then, as they are now made by the treaty ; — and no difficulty I am persuaded would have been found by our people, of introducing goods across the line, after they had got them to it, and the Posts possessed by us, if this avenue should be found the most convenient and cheapest.
I wish too the 2nd article had been more defi-
66 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
nite with respect to the terms " Precincts or Jurisdic- tion."— Except that the shortness of its duration for operation may afford a remedy, I should expect many disputes would arise therefrom.
I asked, or intended to ask in my letter of the 3d whether you conceived (admitting the suspension of the 1 2th Article should be agreed to by the B. gov- ernment) there would be a necessity for the treaty going before the Senate again for their advice and consent ? This question takes its birth from a declaration of the minority of that body, to that
effect.
With much truth and sincerity
I am always your affectionate &c P. S. I was almost in the act of sending the en- closed letter to the Post Office when your favor of the 1 ith was put into my hands.
Query — Whether the passage, which you have quoted from the 15th article in your letter of the above date does not mean that no prohibition shall be imposed on the exportation or importation of any articles to or from the U. S. which shall not be also imposed on the like exportation or importation to or from other foreign nations ? That is : — that the U. S. shall be under no other disability, than any other foreign nations. — If so, there would seem to be no privilege granted, but only an engagement, that other nations shall not be rivals to the U. S. by being freed from the prohibition. — For example — Your idea is, that whatever of its own produce Spain may carry from their territory ; that is, they may re-export to
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 67
England Spanish produce. — I wish this could be made clear ; for I readily see the advantage of it in one sense ; tho' I am not sure that we can bring any Country, except the East Indies, into our own, the produce of it, and reexport it to England so as to make a profit from this circuitous voyage.
TO ALEXANDER HAMILTON.
Philadelphia, 14 July, 1795.
My dear Sir,
I received your favor of yesterday, this moment, when I am on the eve of a journey to Virginia.1
The opinion which you have given as to its being necessary to submit the new article to the Senate, being in direct opposition to that of the Secretaries and the Attorney-general, has occasioned some em- barrassment with me. — For I always understood it to be the sense of the majority of the Senate, that they were not to pass their judgment upon the new article further than they have done. — But as I shall be ab- sent, and Mr. Randolph has before him the bringing of this business to a close ; I wish you to write to him your ideas, if upon mature reflection you shall think differently from the gentlemen around me ; or you find the sense of the Senate to be different from what I have been led to expect. — I have told Mr. Randolph that your sentiments do not agree with those which I received from the Officers of govern- ment ; and have desired him to revise them. —
1 He set out for Mt. Vernon on the next day.
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I have also told him that I have requested the favor of you to write to him on this subject.
Very affectionately &c.
P. S. Notwithstanding one great object of my visit to Mount Vernon, is relaxation ; yet, to hear from you, the sentimts. entertained of the treaty — and in short on any other interesting subject, with which the public mind is occupied would be a consid- erable gratification. — The state of our pecuniary matters in Holland, at this time, is a bar to Mr. Adams's leaving that country — but the next best step
will be adopted. —
Yours as before.
TO EDMUND RANDOLPH, SECRETARY OF STATE.
Mount Vernon, 22 July, 1795.
Dear Sir,
Both your letters, dated the 17th instant, found me at this place, where I arrived on Monday. The letter from the commissioners to you, I return, as I also do the gazettes of Pittsburg and Boston. The proceedings at the latter place are of a very unpleas- ant nature. The result I forwarded to you from Baltimore, accompanied with a few hasty lines, writ- ten at the moment I was departing from thence ; with a request that it might be considered by the confidential officers of government, and returned to me with an answer thereto, if an answer should be deemed advisable.1
1 He had written : " The application is of an unusual and disagreeable nature, and moreover is intended, I have no doubt, to place me in an embar- rassed situation, from whence an advantage may be taken."
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 69
In my hurry, I did not signify the propriety of letting those gentlemen know fully my determination with respect to the ratification of the treaty, and the train it was in ; but as this was necessary, in order to enable them to form their opinions on the subject submitted, I take it for granted that both were com- municated to them by you as a matter of course. The first, that is, the conditional ratification (if the late order, which we have heard of, respecting provi- sion vessels, is not in operation,) may, on all fit occa- sions, be spoken of as my determination, unless from any thing you have heard or met with since I left you, it should be thought more advisable to communicate further with me on the subject. My opinion respect- ing the treaty is the same now that it was, namely, not favorable to it, but that it is better to ratify it in the manner the Senate have advised, and with the reser- vation already mentioned, than to suffer matters to remain as they are, unsettled. Little has been said to me on the subject of this treaty along the road I passed, and I have seen no one since, from whom I could hear much concerning it ; but, from indirect dis- courses, I find endeavors are not wanting to place it in all the odious points of view, of which it is suscepti- ble, and in some, which.it will not admit. * * *
As you have discovered your mistake, with respect to the dates of the French decrees, I shall add nothing on that, nor on any other subject at this time, further than a desire to know if you have heard any thing more from M. Adet on the treaty with Great Britain ; and whether Mr. Jaudenes has replied
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to your letter to him on the score of his inconsistency. I am, &C.1
P. S. A Solomon is not necessary to interpret the design of the oration of Mr. Brackenridge.
I A few days previous to the date of the above letter, a conversation had taken place between M. Adet and the Secretary of State, which was reported by the latter to the President as follows :
" M. Adet came to the office and told me, that he had come to express to me in an amiable manner the uneasiness, which the treaty with Great Britain had excited in him. Professing not to have seen it, I promised him a copy,, and that day delivered it to him. He stated some days afterwards in writing three objections. I. That we had granted to Great Britain liberty to seize our naval stores going to France ; while France, by her commercial treaty with the United States, could not seize naval stores of the United States going to Eng- land. 2. That Engish privateers may find an asylum in our ports, even during the present war with France. 3. That France could not open a new negotiation with us, as we were prevented from departing, in a new treaty, from this stipulation in favor of British privateers ; and France would not give up her prior right.
M In answer to the first objection, I have written to him, that contraband is left unchanged, where it stands by the law of nations ; that the working of our treaty with France is reciprocal, inasmuch as if we were at war with Eng- land, France would be just where we are now ; and that this working of our treaty was plainly foreseen, when it was made. Still I tell him, that, upon the principles of hardship, or injury to a friend, it shall be a subject of our new negotiation ; shall not wait for the general treaty ; and I doubt not that some modification may be devised.
II In answer to the second, I have written to him, that English privateers will not be admitted into our ports, during this or any other war with France ; that our stipulation is exactly the same with that in the treaty of France with England in 1786 ; that the French treaty is protected from infraction by a positive clause in the treaty with Great Britain, and that it never shall be violated.
" In answer to the third objection, I have written to him, that we would not ask him to renounce the advantages given to French privateers, in exclusion of the enemies of France ; and that the old treaty might be continued in force respecting this particular, so as still to give this right a priority to the like right, stipulated by the treaty with Great Britain.
"In the last paragraph of my letter I desire, that, if any embarrassment still hangs upon these points, he may afford me an opportunity of meeting them, before his communications are despatched to the Committee of Public Safety. While I was transcribing my letter, he came to see me ; and I read
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 71
TO EDMUND RANDOLPH, SECRETARY OF STATE.
Mount Vernon, 24 July, 1795.
Dear Sir,
My letter from Baltimore, and the one written by Friday's post, dated the 2 2d instant, renders it in a manner unnecessary for me to add more on the score of the treaty with Great Britain, or on the movements which are taking place thereupon in different parts, than to inform you, that, if circumstances should make it more eligible for me to repair to Philadelphia, than for you to come to this place, I can set out as well on a day's as a month's notice for the seat of government ; where, if matters are peculiarly embarrassed, I should be on the theatre of information, with documents and other aids about me, that could not be had here.
I have not, as I mentioned to you in my last, heard much respecting the treaty since I left Philadelphia. At Baltimore I remained no longer than to breakfast. In Georgetown my whole time was spent on business with the commissioners ; and in Alexandria I did not stop. Yet the same leaven, that fermented a part of the town of Boston, is at work, I am informed, in other places ; but whether it will produce the same fruit remains to be decided.
to him the observations on the last point. He exclaimed that they were very good, very good ; and, I inferred, satisfactory. I met him at the President's some time afterwards, and asked him if he had received my letter. He said, ' Yes.' I told him that I hoped I had placed the subject upon a satisfactory footing. He expressed a degree of satisfaction ; but not so pointed, as what he had said to me as to the part of the letter relative to the third objection. He added something about his not intending to discuss the law of the 23d of March ; but he spoke in so low a voice, that I did not catch his meaning." — July 14th.
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I shall expect, agreeably to the assurances you have given me, to be well and regularly advised of the pros and cons in this business, and the preponderancy thereof. * * *
The introduction of A. R. H.1 to you was, I con- ceive, more the effect of design, than of ignorance or inadvertency. The impropriety of the measure was too palpable, even if instances in abundance had not announced, that characters in the predicament that gentleman was could not be noticed by the offi- cers of government without giving umbrage. The conduct of Mr. M. is of a piece with that of the other ; and one can scarcely forbear thinking, that these acts are part of a premeditated system to em- barrass the executive government. I am, &c.
TO TIMOTHY PICKERING, SECRETARY OF WAR.
Mount Vernon, 27 July, 1795.
Dear Sir,
On Saturday morning I received your letter of the 2 1 st instant with its enclosures. The post of to- morrow from Alexandria is the first by which I could answer it.
If the meeting of the commissioners appointed to treat with the Onondaga, Cayuga, and Oneida Indians
1 The person here alluded to, Archibald Hamilton Rowan, Mr. Randolph describes as having been convicted of sedition in Ireland, and just arrived in Philadelphia from France. Senator Butler, Mr. Randolph adds, "brought him to my office to introduce him. This inaccuracy of this member of the Senate did not surprise me, nor did it betray me into more than decent civility to a man, who brought a recommendatory letter from Mr. Monroe, dated in April."
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 73
took place at Albany the 15th instant, as was ex- pected, by the extract from General Schuyler's letter to the Governor of New York, any further sentiment now on the unconstitutionality of the measure would be received too late. If it did not take place accord- ing to expectation, it is my desire that you would obtain the best advice you can on the case, and do what prudence, with a due regard to the constitution and laws, shall dictate.1
With respect to the meeting, which is proposed to be held with the St. Regis Indians, the proposition of Governor Jay is regular, and I can think of no better character than Colonel Wadsworth, or Mr. Boudinot, to attend it on the part of the United States. If both should decline the service, any other respectable and well-known disinterested char- acter would meet my approbation equally.
The extract from Mr. Higginson's' letter, which you were so obliging as to send to me, places the proceedings of the town of Boston in a different point of view, from what might have been enter- tained from the resolutions, which were sent to me by express, accompanied with a letter from the select- men of that place. But, much indeed to be re- gretted, party disputes are now carried to such a
1 The legislature of New York had authorized the governor to appoint com- missioners to treat with those Indians respecting the purchase of their lands. It was a question whether such a negotiation could be legally held without the intervention of the United States. The attorney-general had given an opinion that such a measure would be unconstitutional.
2 Mr. Stephen Higginson of Boston, formerly a member of Congress. The extracts are printed in Life of Pickering, iii., 177.
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length, and truth is so enveloped in mist and false representation, that it is extremely difficult to know- through what channel to seek it. This difficulty to one, who is of no party, and whose sole wish is to pursue with undeviating steps a path, which would lead this country to respectability, wealth, and happi- ness, is exceedingly to be lamented. But such, for wise purposes it is presumed, is the turbulence of human passions in party disputes, when victory more than truth is the palm contended for, that "the post of honor is a private station." With much esteem and regard, I am, &c.
TO EZEKIEL PRICE, THOMAS WALLEY, WILLIAM BOARD- MAN, EBENEZER SEAVER, THOMAS CRAFTS, THOMAS EDWARDS, WILLIAM LITTLE, WILLIAM SCOLLAY, AND JESSE PUTNAM, SELECTMEN OF THE TOWN OF BOSTON.
United States, 28 July, 1795. Gentlemen,
In every act of my administration, I have sought the happiness of my fellow citizens. My system for the attainment of this ob- ject has uniformly been to overlook all personal, local, and par- tial considerations ; to contemplate the United States as one great whole ; to confide, that sudden impressions, when errone- ous, would yield to candid reflection ; and to consult only the substantial and permanent interests of our country
Nor have I departed from this line of conduct, on the occasion which has produced the resolutions contained in your letter of the 13th instant.
Without a predilection for my own judgment, I have weighed with attention every argument, which has at any time been brought into view. But the constitution is the guide, which I never can abandon. It has assigned to the President the power
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 75
of making treaties, with the advice and consent of the Senate. It was doubtless supposed that these two branches of government would combine, without passion, and with the best means of in- formation, those facts and principles upon which the success of our foreign relations will always depend ; that they ought not to substitute for their own conviction the opinions of others, or to seek truth through any channel but that of a temperate and well-informed investigation.
Under this persuasion, I have resolved on the manner of exe- cuting the duty before me. To the high responsibility attached to it, I freely submit ; and you, Gentlemen, are at liberty to make these sentiments known as the grounds of my procedure. While I feel the most lively gratitude for the many instances of appro- bation from my country, I can no otherwise deserve it, than by obeying the dictates of my conscience. With due respect, I am, Gentlemen, &C.1
1 The same letter, in substance, was sent in reply to several addresses similar to that from the selectmen of Boston.
" Not willing to lose a post day, I hasten to send these resolutions above al- luded to, late as it is, to Alexandria, to go on to-morrow, with a request similar to the one made from Baltimore. A day or two more will, I presume, bring to me the result of the meeting proposed to be held in Philadelphia, which prob- ably will be followed by one from Baltimore and other towns ; although I have no advice thereof further than the papers contained, as being in agitation at Baltimore before I left Philadelphia. If one comes from the last mentioned place, and is immediately published, as the others have been, before delivery, let an answer thereto, if answers are advisable, follow it without waiting for my request. I have no time to add more, than that the commercial part of the treaty, as far as my information goes, is generally disliked." — Washington to Randolph, 27 July, 1795.
There had lately been a public meeting in Philadelphia for the purpose of passing resolves against the treaty. After the business of the meeting was closed, a copy of the treaty was suspended on a pole and carried about the streets by a company of people, who at length stopped in front of the British minister's house, and there burnt the treaty, and also before the door of the British consul, amidst the huzzas and acclamations of the multitude. Mr. Hammond, the British minister, complained of this indignity to the Secre- tary of State. "I have sent this representation," said Mr. Randolph, in a letter to the President, " for the opinion of the attorney-general. But I am convinced, that neither law nor expediency will support any movement of the government. Indeed, in the conversation which I had with him, he was
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TO ALEXANDER HAMILTON. [private.]
Mount Vernon, 29 July, 1795.
My dear Sir,
Your letters of the 20th and 21st Instt. found me at this place, after a hot and disagreeable ride.
As the measures of the government respecting the treaty were taken before I left Philadelphia, some- thing more imperious than has yet appeared, must turn up to occasion a change. — Still, it is very desir- able to ascertain, if possible, after the paroxysm of the fever is a little abated, what the real temper of the people is, concerning it ; for at present the cry against the Treaty is like that against a mad-dog ; and every one, in a manner, seems engaged in running it down. —
That it has received the most tortured interpreta- tion, and that the writings against it (which are very industriously circulated) are pregnant of the most abominable mis-representations, admits of no doubt ; — yet, there are to be found, so far as my information extends, many well disposed men who conceive, that in the settlement of old disputes, a proper regard to
very calm, and appeared to concur in the impossibility of a public measure in relation to the event." He had written two days previously : " Mr. Ham- mond yesterday received his letters of recall. He came over to state to me, that he had several things to communicate by order, relative to the treaty, on the supposition of its being ratified, and that he would impart them to me in a few days ; as he expects to be ready for his departure in about a fortnight or three weeks. We entered into some conversation on the occurrences at Charleston, upon which he spoke with moderation, and declared that he should represent, when he returned to England, the sincerity of this government in the business of the treaty." — July 29th. — Sparks.
i795l GEORGE WASHINGTON. 77
reciprocal justice does not appear in the Treaty ; whilst others, also well enough affected to the gov- ernment, are of opinion that to have had no com- mercial treaty would have been better, for this country than the restricted one, agreed to ; in as much, say they, the nature of our Exports and im- ports (without any extra, or violent measures) would have forced or led to a more adequate intercourse between the two nations without any of those shackles which the treaty has imposed. In a word, that as our exports consist chiefly of provisions and raw materials, which to the manufacturers in G. Britain, and to their Islands in the West Indies, affords em- ployment and food ; they must have had them on our terms, if they were not to be obtained on their own ; whilst the imports of this country, offers the best mart for their fabrics ; and of course, is the principal support of their manufacturers ; but the string which is most played on, because it strikes with most force the popular ear, is the violation, as they term it, of our engagements with France ; or in other words the predilection shown by that instrument to G. Britain at the expence of the French nation.
The consequences of which are more to be appre- hended than any, which are likely to flow from other causes, as ground of opposition ; because, whether the fact is, in any degree true or not, it is the inter- est of the French (whilst the animosity, or jealousies between the two nations exist) to avail themselves of such a spirit to keep us and G. Britain at variance ; and they will in my opinion accordingly do it. — To
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what length their policy may induce them to carry matters, is too much in embryo at this moment to decide : — but I predict much embarrassment to the government therefrom — and in my opinion, too much pains cannot be taken by those who speak, or write, in favor of the treaty, to place this matter in its true light. —
I have seen with pleasure, that a writer in one of the New York papers under the signature of Camil- lus, has promised to answer, — or rather to defend the treaty — which has been made with G. Britain. — To judge of this work from the first number, which I have seen, I auger well of the performance and shall expect to see the subject handled in a clear, distinct and satisfactory manner : — but if measures are not adopted for its dissemination a few only will derive lights from the knowledge or labor of the au- thor ; whilst the opposition pieces will spread their poison in all directions ; and Congress, more than probable, will assemble with the unfavorable impres- sions of their constituents. The difference of con- duct between the friends and foes of order and good government, is in nothing more striking than that the latter are always working like bees, to distil their poison ; whilst the former, depending often times too much and too long upon the sense and good dis- positions of the people to work conviction, neglect the means of effecting it.
With sincere esteem & regard
I am, your Affecte.1
1 Camillus was Hamilton himself.
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 79
TO EDMUND RANDOLPH, SECRETARY OF STATE.
[private.]
Mount Vernon, 29 July, 1795.
My dear Sir,
Your private letters of the 24th and 25th instant have been received, and you will learn by the official letter of this date my determination of returning to Philadelphia after Monday, if nothing in the interim casts up to render it unnecessary.
I am excited to this resolution by the violent and extraordinary proceedings, which have and are about taking place in the northern parts of the Union, and may be expected in the southern ; because I think that the Memorial, the Ratification, and the Instruc- tions, which are framing, are of that vast magnitude as not only to require great individual consideration, but a solemn conjunct revision. The latter could not take place if you were to come here ; nor would there be that source of information, which is to be found at, and is continually flowing to the seat of government ; and besides, in the course of deliber- ation on these great objects, the examination of official papers may more than probable be found essential, which could be resorted to at no other place than Philadelphia. .
To leave home so soon will be inconvenient. A month hence it would have been otherwise ; and was, as I hinted to you before I left the city, in contem- plation by me for the purpose of Mrs. Washington's remaining here till November, when I intended to come back for her. But whilst I am in office, I shall
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never suffer private convenience to interfere with what I conceive to be my official duty.
I view the opposition, which the treaty is receiving from the meetings in different parts of the Union, in a very serious light ; not because there is more weight in any of the objections, which are made to it, than was foreseen at first, for there are none in some of them, and gross misrepresentations in others; nor as it respects myself personally, for this shall have no influence on my conduct, plainly perceiving, and I am accordingly preparing my mind for it, the obloquy which disappointment and malice are collecting to heap upon me. But I am alarmed on account of the effect it may have on, and the advantage the French government may be disposed to make of, the spirit which is at work to cherish a belief in them, that the treaty is calculated to favor Great Britain at their expense. Whether they believe or disbelieve these tales, the effect it will have upon the nation will be nearly the same ; for, whilst they are at war with that power, or so long as the animosity between the two nations exists, it will, no matter at whose expense, be their policy, and it is to be feared will be their con- duct to prevent us from being on good terms with Great Britain, or from her deriving any advantages from our trade, which they can hinder, however much we may be benefited thereby ourselves. To what length this policy and interest may carry them is problematical ; but, when they see the people of this country divided, and such a violent opposition given to the measures of their own government pre-
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 81
tendedly in their favor, it may be extremely embar- rassing, to say no more of it.
To sum the whole up in a few words, I have never, since I have been in the administration of the govern- ment, seen a crisis, which in my judgment has been so pregnant of interesting events, nor one from which more is to be apprehended, whether viewed on one side or the other. From New York there is, and I am told will further be, a counter current ; but how formidable it may appear, I know not. If the same does not take place at Boston and other towns, it will afford but too strong evidence, that the opposition is in a manner universal, and would make the ratification a very serious business indeed. But, as it respects the French, counter resolutions, even would, for the reasons I have already mentioned, do little more than weaken, in a small degree, the effect the other side would have.
I have written and do now enclose the letter, the draft of which was approved by the heads of depart- ments, to the selectmen of the town of Boston ; but if new lights have been had upon the subject, since it was agreed to, or if upon reconsideration any alteration should be deemed necessary, I request you to detain it until I see you. Let me also request, that the same attention may be given to the draft of a letter to Portsmouth and the Chamber of Com- merce at New York, as was recommended on that occasion. I am, &c.
P.S. I add to the paper sent, Chancellor Living- ston's letter,1 and wish, if it is best to give it an an-
1 Expressing disapprobation of the treaty. See the answer, dated August 20th. 6
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swer, that one may be prepared. Although this letter is a hurried as well as a private one, I have no objection to the confidential officers seeing it, and wish them to prepare their minds on the several sub- jects mentioned therein against I arrive.
TO EDMUND RANDOLPH, SECRETARY OF STATE.
[private.]
Mount Vernon, 31 July, 1795.
My dear Sir,
On Wednesday evening I sent the packet, now under cover with this, to the post-office in Alexandria, to be forwarded next morning at the usual hour, four o'clock, by the Baltimore mail. But, behold ! when my letter-bag was brought back from the office and emptied, I not only got those which were addressed to me, among which yours of the 27th was one, but those also which I had sent up the evening before.
I have to regret this blunder of the postmaster, on account of the enclosures, some of which I wished to have got to your hands without delay, that they might have undergone the consideration and acting upon, which was suggested in the letter accompanying them. On another account I am not sorry for the return of the packet to you, as I resolved thereupon, and reading some letters, which I received at the same time, to wait your acknowledgment of the receipt of my letter of the 24th instant, before I would set out ; as I should thereby be placed on a certainty whether your journey hither, or mine to Philadelphia,
1795J GEORGE WASHINGTON. 83
would under all circumstances be deemed most eligi- ble ; or whether the business could not be equally well done without either : repeating now, what I did in my letter of the 24th, that I do not require more than a day's notice to repair to the seat of govern- ment, and that, if you and the confidential officers with you are not clear in the measures which are best to be pursued in the several matters mentioned in my last, my own opinion is, and for the reasons there given, that difficult and intricate or delicate questions had better be settled there, where the streams of information are continually flowing in, and that I would set out accordingly.
To be wise and temperate, as well as firm, the present crisis most eminently calls for. There is too much reason to believe, from the pains which have been taken before, at, and since the advice of the Senate respecting the treaty, that the prejudices against it are more extensive than is generally im- agined. This I have lately understood to be the case in this quarter, from men, who are of no party, but well-disposed to the present administration. How should it be otherwise, when no stone has been left unturned, that could impress on the minds of the people the most arrant misrepresentation of facts ; that their rights have not only been neglected, but absolutely sold ; that there are no reciprocal advan- tages in the treaty ; that the benefits are all on the side of Great Britain ; and, what seems to have had more weight with them than all the rest, and most pressed, that the treaty is made with the design to
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oppress the French, in open violation of our treaty with that nation, and contrary, too, to every principle of gratitude and sound policy ? In time, when pas- sion shall have yielded to sober reason, the current may possibly turn ; but, in the mean while, this gov- ernment in relation to France and England may be compared to a ship between the rocks of Scylla and Charybdis. If the treaty is ratified, the partisans of the French, (or rather of war and confusion,) will excite them to hostile measures, or at least to un- friendly sentiments ; if it is not, there is no foreseeing all the consequences, which may follow, as it respects Great Britain.
It is not to be inferred from hence, that I am or shall be disposed to quit the ground I have taken, unless circumstances more imperious than have yet come to my knowledge should compel it ; for there is but one straight course, and that is to seek truth and pursue it steadily. But these things are men- tioned to show, that a close investigation of the sub- ject is more than ever necessary, and that they are strong evidences of the necessity of the most circum- spect conduct in carrying the determination of gov- ernment into effect, with prudence as it respects our own people, and with every exertion to produce a change for the better from Great Britain.
The memorial seems well designed to answer the end proposed ; and by the time it is revised and new- dressed, you will probably (either in the resolutions, which are or will be handed to me, or in the news- paper publications, which you promised to be attentive
795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 85
to,) have seen all the objections against the treaty, which have any real force in them, and which may be fit subjects for representation in the memorial, or in the instructions, or both. But how much longer the presentation of the memorial can be delayed without exciting unpleasant sensations here, or involving seri- ous evils elsewhere, you, who are at the scene of information and action, can decide better than I. In a matter, however, so interesting and pregnant of consequences as this treaty, there ought to be no precipitation ; but, on the contrary, every step should be explored before it is taken, and every word weighed before it is uttered or delivered in writing.
The form of the ratification requires more diplo- matic experience and legal knowledge than I possess, or have the means of acquiring at this place, and therefore I shall say nothing about it. I am, &c.
TO EDMUND RANDOLPH, SECRETARY OF STATE.
Mount Vernon, 3 August, 1795.
Dear Sir,
No mail at two o'clock yesterday had been received in Alexandria from Philadelphia since the 29th ultimo. I am sending up this afternoon to see if the expected mail of this day is in ; although I have little hope of it, as the violence and continuance of the rains since Thursday last has been such, as to sweep every thing before them, and to do great damage to the gathered and growing grain, as well as other things. Of course, by swelling the waters and carry-
86 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
ing away bridges, the intercourse between one place and another, where these were, has been entirely cut off. This circumstance, added to the inexcusable blunder of the postmaster in Alexandria, will prevent my despatches, which ought to have been in Phila- delphia on Saturday last, from getting to your hands until Thursday next at soonest.
To these impediments is to be attributed, I presume, the non-reception of the Baltimore resolutions, for resolutions I am told have been passed at that place. And the like may be expected from Richmond, a meeting having been had there also, at which Mr. Wythe, it is said, was seated as moderator ; by chance more than design, it is added. A queer chance this for the chancellor of a State.1
All these things do not shake my determination with respect to the proposed ratification, nor will they, unless something more imperious and unknown to me should, in the judgment of yourself and the gentle- men with you, make it advisable for me to pause. But let me again repeat my desire, that, as fast as these kind of resolutions or addresses (call them what you will) appear in the papers pro or con, answers if thought advisable may be drafted and sent to me, approved by all of you, without waiting for individual applications on each one separately ; for this would
1 "Some hours after my messenger was despatched for Alexandria, the Rich- mond production was delivered to me by the express sent for that purpose. They have outdone all that has gone before them ; but, according to the account given by the express, the meeting was not numerous, and some of the principal characters not in town. I send the proceedings to Alexandria to-day, to go on by the first mail, to be acted upon as mentioned in former letters." — Washington to Randolph, 4 August, 1795.
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 87
occasion a considerable lapse of time, in the first place ; and, in the second, would be saving me from some writing on this subject, which is an object, as I have no aid (Mr. Dandridge being with his friends in New Kent). I am, &c.
TO OLIVER WOLCOTT, SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY.
August, 1795. x
At what time should Mr. F's. letter be made known to Mr. R. ?
What will be the best mode of doing it? In presence of the Secretaries and Attorney-General ?
1 Late in March, 1795, a French corvette was captured by a British man-of- war off Pesmarque, and some of Fauchet's despatches to his government were taken. These despatches were sent to the British minister in the United States, Hammond, and by him were given to Wolcott, 28 July, 1795. On the same day Wolcott showed one despatch to Pickering, and on the next day to the Attorney-General, when a decision was reached to summon Washington to Philadelphia. On the 31st Wolcott and Pickering waited upon Randolph, and urged him to write to Washington requesting his return. On this Ran- dolph, voicing the opinion of the Cabinet, thought it expedient for the President to return to Philadelphia, at the earliest possible day, as some de- cisive step might be necessary in consequence of the communications from Mr. Hammond, then about to sail for England. And not satisfied with that, Pickering wrote a letter for Washington's " own eye alone," saying : " On the subject of the treaty I confess that I feel extreme solicitude ; and for a special reason, which can be communicated to you only in person. I entreat, there- fore, that you will return, with all convenient speed, to the seat of government. In the meantime, for the reason above referred to, I pray you to decide on no important political measure, in whatever form it may be presented to you."
Washington reached the city on August nth, and Pickering gave him an ac- count of the intercepted despatch, and a translation of it made by Pickering was left with him. For some days the President considered the matter, and the best manner of bringing it before Randolph, and submitted to Wolcott, and probably to the other members of the Cabinet, the questions printed in the text.
The intercepted despatch was No. 10, dated 10 Brumaire (31 October, 1794), and purported to give some " precieuses confessions " of Mr. Randolph
88 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
If the explanations given by the latter are not satisfactory, whether, besides removal, are any other measures proper to be taken, and what ?
Would an application to Mr. A. to see the para- graphs in Nos. 3 and 6, alluded to in Fauchet's letter, be proper ? These might condemn or acquit un- equivocally, and if innocent, whether R. will not apply for them if I do not ?
on the Western insurrection. After giving an account of the two political parties — the federalist and the anti-federalist — the fiscal interest and the agricultural — he asserted the preponderance of the treasury in government and in legislation. Under the influence of the French Revolution the anti-federalists became the republicans or patriots, and, attacking the treasury and its policy, suffered a momentary check. The popular societies formed a point of union and centralization, strengthened by the commercial stress, the subjection of navigation, and the audacity of Great Britain ; and resolutions of censure were passed against the government. The growing complaints of the repub- licans came to a head on the passage of the excise law ; and by the measures of repression, under the pretext of giving energy to the government, as Ran- dolph had said, it was intended to introduce absolute power and mislead the President into paths that would conduct him to unpopularity. Of the measures of repression Hamilton was the adviser ; Randolph favored pacific negotiation. "Two or three days before the proclamation was published, and of course before the Cabinet had resolved on its measures, Mr. Randolph came to see me with an air of great eagerness, and made to me the overtures of which I have given you an account in my No. 6. Thus with some thousands of dol- lars, the republic could have decided on civil war or on peace ! Thus the con- sciences of the pretended patriots of America already have their prices ! It is very true that the certainty of these conclusions, painful to be drawn, will forever exist in our archives ! What will be the old age of this government if it is thus early decrepit ! " The cause of all this was laid at Hamilton's door, who had made of the whole nation a stock-jobbing, speculating, selfish people. Some patriots might be found, like Monroe, Madison, and Jefferson. The true question to be settled was the destruction or the triumph of the treasury policy. The President's marching against the insurrection was an act of wisdom ; the conduct of Hamilton was a piece of deep policy, to establish a more perfect intimacy with the President, whose name was alone a sufficient shield against attack.
The despatch is printed in full in Conway, Edmund Randolph, 272.
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 89
If upon the investigation of the subject, it should appear less dark than at present, but not so clear as to restore confidence, in what light, and on what ground is the removal to appear before the public ?
What immediate steps are necessary to be taken as soon as R. is resolved on, if that should be the case, with respect to the archives in that office ?
If the letter of F. is the only evidence and that thought sufficient to the removal, what would be the consequence of giving the letter to the public with- out any comments, on the ground on which the measure of the Executive respecting the removal is founded ? It would speak for itself ; a part, without the whole, might be charged with unfairness. The public would expect reasons for the sudden removal of so high an officer, and it will be found not easy to avoid saying too little or too much upon such an occasion, as it is not to be expected that the removed officer will acquiesce without attempting a justifica- tion, or at least to do away by explanation the sting of the letter of accusation ; unless he was let down easily, to do which I see no way ; for if guilty of what is charged, he merits no favor, and if he is not, he will accept none ; and it is not difficult to perceive what turn he and his friends will give to the act, namely, that his friendship for the French nation, and his opposition to a complete ratification have been the
cause.1
1 On August 19th, in the presence of Wolcott, Pickering, and Bradford, Washington gave to Randolph the intercepted despatch, and the Secretary requested an opportunity to throw his ideas on paper. Instead of so doing, he
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TO EDMUND RANDOLPH.
Philadelphia, 20 August, 1795.
Sir,
Your resignation of the office of State is received. Candor induces me to give you in a few words the following narrative of facts.
The letter from Mr. Fauchet, with the contents of which you were made acquainted yesterday, was, as you supposed, an intercepted one. It was sent by Lord Grenville to Mr. Hammond, by him put into the hands of the Secretary of the Treasury, by him shewn to the Secretary of War and the Attorney-General ; and a translation thereof was made by the former for me.
At the time Mr. Hammond delivered the letter, he requested of Mr. Wolcott an attested copy, which was accordingly made by Mr. Thornton, his late secretary, and which is understood to remain at pres- ent with Mr. Bond. Whether it is known to others I am unable to decide.
Whilst you are in pursuit of means to remove the strong suspicions arising from this letter, no disclos- ure of its contents will be made by me ; and I will enjoin the same on the public officers, who are
sent in his resignation that evening. On the 22d Washington gave him a copy of Fauchet's No. 10, and the ex-Secretary at once set out for Newport to see Fauchet, and obtain from him a denial of the insinuations contained in that despatch. In this he claimed to have succeeded. " I trust that I am in pos- session of such materials, not only from Mr. Fauchet, but also from other sources, as will convince every unprejudiced mind that my resignation was dictated by considerations which ought not to have been resisted for a mo- ment ; and that everything connected with it, stands upon a footing perfectly honorable to myself." — Randolph to Washington, 15 September, 1795.
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 91
acquainted with the purport of it ; unless something shall appear to render an explanation necessary on the part of the government ; of which I will be the judge. A copy of Mr. Fauchet's letter shall be sent to you. No. 6, referred to therein, I have never seen.
I am, &c.
TO JOHN ADAMS, VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED
STATES.
Philadelphia, 20 August, 1795.
Dear Sir,
I have received your favor of the 10th instant with its enclosures. They contain a great deal of interest- ing matter, and No. 9 discloses much important infor- mation and political foresight. For this proof of your kindness and confidence, I pray you to accept my best and most cordial thanks.
Mr. John Adams,1 your son, must not think of retiring from the walk he is now in. His prospects, if he pursues it, are fair ; and I shall be much mis- taken if, in as short a time as can well be expected, he is not found at the head of the diplomatic corps, let the government be administered by whomsoever the people may choose.
The embarrassment into which he was thrown by the unforeseen events, which so soon took place in Holland after he had received his first instructions and had arrived in that country, have long since been removed, and he can be at no loss now as to the course to pursue.
1 John Quincy Adams, then Minister from the United States in Holland.
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Long before this letter can have reached you, my answer to the Boston resolutions will, I presume, have been published in the gazettes of that place, notwithstanding the delays it met with in getting thither ; first, from a mistake of the postmaster in Alexandria, who, mixing it with the despatches that were addressed to me, returned it by the messenger, who carried my letters to his office, which necessarily detained it three days ; and the immense falls of rain and destruction of bridges which followed, and pre- vented all travelling for at least three days more.
Whether it was from the spark, which kindled the fire in Boston, that the flames have spread so exten- sively, or whether the torch by a preconcerted plan was lit ready for the explosion in all parts, so soon as the advice to ratify the treaty should be announced, remains to be developed ; but, as the ratification thereof, agreeably to the advice of the Senate, has passed from me, the meetings in opposition to the constituted authorities are as useless at all times, as they are improper and dangerous.1 My best respects to Mrs. Adams, and, with sincere regard, I am, &c.
1 The ratification of the treaty was signed by the President on the 18th of August. The question was brought before the cabinet the day after his arrival in Philadelphia, and discussed anew. " The Secretary of State maintained singly the opinion, that, during the existence of the provision order, and during the war between England and France, this step ought not to be taken. This opinion did not prevail. The resolution was adopted to ratify the treaty imme- diately, and to accompany the ratification with a strong memorial against the provision order, which should convey in explicit terms the sense of the Ameri- can government on that subject. By this course the views of the executive were happily accomplished. The order was revoked, and the ratifications of the treaty were happily exchanged." — Marshall's Life of Washington, 2d edit., vol. ii., p. 368.
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 93
TO ROBERT R. LIVINGSTON.
Philadelphia, 20 August, 1795.
Dear Sir,
I received your favor dated the 8th of July, on the subject of the treaty with Great Britain, the day pre- ceding my departure for Mount Vernon, from whence I intended to have acknowledged the receipt of it ; but so many letters of a public nature were poured upon me at that place, and the urgency of the busi- ness in which I have since been engaged, have pre- vented my doing it till now.
Aiming only to promote and secure the true inter- ests of my country, I willingly receive information concerning those interests from my fellow-citizens. The opinions and reasonings of enlightened men are particularly acceptable ; but, as it happens in other matters, so in this, they are extremely variant. You deem the treaty palpably defective and pregnant with evils ; others think it contains substantial good. For myself, I freely own, that I cannot discern in it the mischiefs you anticipate. On the contrary, although it does not rise to all our wishes, yet it appears to me calculated to procure to the United States such advantages, as entitle it to our ac- ceptance. My final act of course conforms to this opinion.
I feel myself greatly obliged by your expressions of respect, esteem, and attachment, and, if the unvary- ing integrity of my views have deserved them, they will not now be withdrawn ; for I can merit your good opinion, and the general approbation of my
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fellow-citizens, only by a conscientious discharge of what I conceive to be my duty. With great esteem and regard, I am, &c.
TO JAMES ROSS.
Philadelphia, 22 August, 1795.
Dear Sir,
I have been favored with your letter of the 3d instant. I am perfectly satisfied with all your trans- actions with Colonel Shreve, and will ratify them whensoever the papers shall be produced.
The seaport towns, or rather parts of them, are involved, and are endeavoring as much as in them lies to involve the community at large, in a violent opposition to the treaty with Great Britain, which is ratified as far as the measure depends upon me. The general opinion, however, as far as I am able to come at it is, that the current is turning.
The consequences of such proceedings are more easily foreseen than prevented, if no act of the con- stituted authorities is suffered to go into execution unaccompanied with the poison of malignant opposi- tion. If one could believe that the meetings, which have taken place, spoke the general sense of the people on the measure they condemned, it might with truth be pronounced, that it is as difficult to bear prosperity as adversity, and that no situation or con- dition in life can make them happy. But, being hurried, I shall not dwell on this subject, and only add, that with much truth I am, dear Sir, yours, &c.
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 95
TO CHARLES COTESWORTH PINCKNEY.1
Philadelphia, 24 August, 1795.
My dear Sir,
The office of Secretary of State has become vacant by the resignation of Mr. Randolph. Is the period yet arrived when the situation of your private con- cerns would permit you to accept it ? As a prelimi- nary mean of information, I have resorted to your letter of the 24th of February, 1 794 ; and, though the time there allotted for arranging them is not quite accomplished, there-is not much wanting of it. And I have heard, besides, that you were in a man- ner retiring from the pursuits of your profession.
It is unnecessary for me to repeat sentiments, which you have so often heard me express, respecting my wishes to see you in the administration of the general government ; the sincerity of which you can have no doubt. Equally unnecessary is it for me to ob- serve to you, that the affairs of this country are in a violent paroxysm, and that it is the duty of its old and uniform friends to assist in piloting the vessel in which we are all embarked between the rocks of Scylla and Charybdis ; for more pains never were taken, I believe, than at this moment, to throw it upon one or the other, and to embroil us in the disputes of Europe.
I shall add nothing further, however, on this sub- ject ; for nothing, I am certain, I could say, would be new to a person of your observation and information. I will come, therefore, to the point at once. Can
1 The position was first tendered to Thomas Johnson.
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you, or can you not, make it comport with your con- venience and inclination to accept the appointment of Secretary of State ? If you answer in the affirm- ative, it will occur to you instantly, that an office of such dignity and high importance ought not to be without a head at such a crisis as this a moment, if it could well be avoided. If (which I should sincerely regret) your answer should be in the negative, the less there is said of the offer the better, (for reasons which will readily occur to you.) In either case, be so good as to favor me with an answer as soon as your mind is made up relative thereto. With very sincere esteem and regard, I am, &C.1
TO ALEXANDER HAMILTON. [private.]
Philadelphia, 31 August, 1795.
My dear Sir,
Since my return to this city, I have received a letter from you dated August.
We know officially, as well as from the effects, that an order for seizing all provision vessels going to France has been issued by the British goverment ; but so secretly, that as late as the 27th of June it
1 After a brief statement of his private affairs, Mr. Pinckney added in reply :
" Under these circumstances it is not in my power to accept the elevated station, in which you have so obligingly offered to place me ; and while I de- cline this reiterated instance of your friendship and partiality, I confess I do it with regret ; for stormy clouds overhanging the political horizon, so far from preventing me from coming forward in public office, would rather induce me
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 97
had not been published in London : It was com- municated to the cruisers only, and not known until the captures brought it to light. — By these high handed measures of that government, and the out- rageous, and insulting conduct of its officers, it would seem next to impossible to keep peace between the United States and G. Britain.
To this moment we have received no explanation of Home's conduct from their charge des affaires here ; altho' application was made for it before the departure of Mr. Hammond ; on the statement of Govr. Fenner, and complaint of the French Minister. — Conduct like this, disarm the friends of Peace and order, while they are the very things which those of a contrary description are wishing to see practiced. —
I meant no more than barely to touch upon these subjects, in this letter, the object of it being, to request the favor of you to give me the points on which, in your opinion, our new Negociator is to dwell ; when we come into the field of negociation again, — agreeably to the recommendation of the Senate ; — agreeably to what appears to have been contemplated by Mr. Jay and Lord Grenville at the close of the treaty subscribed by them ; and agreeably also to what you conceive ought to
to accept one, did not the reasons mentioned in the letter I have above referred to still operate. I lament they do so ; but, thus circumstanced, I can only repeat my thanks for your many favors, and offer my best wishes for the pros- perity of our happy constitution, and for him who, I doubt not, will with his usual ability pilot safely the vessel in which we are all embarked." — Charles- ton, September 16th.
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be brought forward, and insisted upon, on this occasion.
I am sorry I have been so late in applying for this opinion ; but a coincidence of unexpected events have involved me in more than usual business ; and some of it not of a very pleasant nature. This has occa- sioned the delay : — but the pro's and con's relative to the Treaty that is and the treaty that ought to be, in the judgment of the opponents, are so much in your view, that if you wanted a remembrancer, you would be at no loss from these discussions to advert to them ; and you will require but little time to furnish me with what I have here asked. This I press with more earnestness, inasmuch as circumstances will render it very inconvenient for me to remain here longer than the present week, (before I return to Mount Vernon for my family) but which I must do, until the Instructions for the new Negociator is compleated.
Altho' you are not in the Administration — a thing I sincerely regret — I must, nevertheless (knowing how intimately acquainted you are with all the con- cerns of this country) request the favor of you to note down such occurrences, as in your opinion are proper subjects for communication to Congress at their next session ; and particularly as to the manner in which this treaty should be brought forward to that body ; as it will in any aspect it is susceptible of receiving be the source of much declamation ; and will I have no doubt produce a hot session. With sincere regard I am, my dear Sir, your affecte. and obedt.
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 99
TO JOHN JAY. [private.] My DEAR SlR, Philadelphia, 31 August, 1795.
You will have learnt from the public gazettes, and through other more authentic channels, that all that rested with me to do to give ratification to the treaty between this country and Great Britain is already accomplished. Mr. Pinckney's absence from the court of London, the information and aids it was expected he would derive from Mr. Short's presence and acquaintance with matters at that of Madrid, the pecuniary situation of our affairs in Holland requiring the attention of Mr. Adams in that country, and the little knowledge we had of the character and qualifi- cations of Mr. Deas/have occasioned no little embar- rassment in this business. However, a mode is adopted which I hope will be effectual.
It has not been the smallest of these embarrass- ments, that the domineering spirit of Great Britain should revive again just at this crisis, and the out- rageous and insulting conduct of some of her officers should combine therewith to play into the hands of the discontented, and sour the minds of those, who are friends to peace, order, and friendship with all the world ; but this by the by.
The object of this letter is to pray you to aid me with such hints, relative to those points, which you conceive to be fit subjects for the further friendly negotia- tions on the trade with Great Britain, agreeably to the recommendation of the Senate ; and which appear
1 Charge d'Aflaires in London, during Mr. Pinckney's absence at Madrid.
ioo THE WRITINGS OF [1795
to have been in contemplation by the concluding part of the treaty signed by yourself and Lord Grenville. I intended to have asked this favor of you at an earlier day ; but a coincidence of unexpected circum- stances has involved me in so much business and per- plexity, that it has been delayed from time to time, (since my arrival in this city), until the present moment. But as nothing is now asked, that you have not, I am sure, revolved over and over again during your negotiation, and since the decision of the Senate thereupon, I persuade myself it will require but very little time for the digest I ask, and which I beg to receive as soon as you can make it convenient to give it to me — Circumstances making it necessary for me to leave this place if possible on Monday next for Vir- ginia, in order to bring back my family ; but instruc- tions for the new negotiation must be prepared before I go. With very great esteem and regard, I am, &c.
TO GEORGE CABOT. [private and confidential.] DEAR SlR Philadelphia, 7 September, 1795.
The enclosed letters, which, after reading, be so good as to return to me, will be the best apology I can offer for the liberty I am about to take, and for the trouble, which, if you comply with my request, it must necessarily give.1
1 The letters here alluded to were from George Washington Lafayette, the son of General Lafayette, and from M. Frestel, who had recently arrived together in Boston from France, and had written to President Washington, giving notice of their arrival.
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 101
To express all the sensibility, which has been excited in my breast by the receipt of young Lafay- ette's letter, from the recollection of his father's merits, services, and sufferings, from my friendship for him, and from my wishes to become a friend and father to his son is unnecessary. Let me in a few words declare, that I will be his friend ; but the man- ner of becoming so, considering the obnoxious light in which his father is viewed by the French govern- ment, and my own situation as the executive of the United States, requires more time to consider in all its relations, than I can bestow on it at present, the letters not having been in my hands more than an hour, and I myself on the point of setting out for Virginia to fetch my family back, whom I left there about the ist of August.
The mode, which at the first view strikes me as the most eligable to answer his purposes and to save appearances, is, first, to administer all the consolation to the young gentleman, that he can derive from the most unequivocal assurances of my standing in the place of and becoming to him a father, friend, pro- tector, and supporter. But, secondly, for prudential motives, as they may relate to himself, his mother and friends, whom he has left behind, and to my offi- cial character, it would be best not to make these sentiments public ; and of course it would be ineliga- ble, that he should come to the seat of the general government, where all the foreign characters (particu- larly that of his own nation) are residents, until it is seen what opinions will be excited by his arrival ;
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especially, too, as I shall be necessarily absent five or six weeks from it on business in several places. Thirdly, considering how important it is to avoid idleness and dissipation, to improve his mind, and to give him all the advantages, which education can be- stow, my opinion and my advice to him are, if he is qualified for admission, that he should enter as a student at the university in Cambridge, although it should be for a short time only ; the expense of which, as also of every other means for his support, I will pay. And I now authorize you, my dear Sir, to draw upon me accordingly ; and, if it is in any de- gree necessary or desired, that M. Frestel, his tutor, should accompany him to the university in that char- acter, any arrangements which you shall make for the purpose, and any expense thereby incurred for the same, shall be borne by me in like manner.
One thing more, and I will conclude. Let me pray you, my dear Sir, to impress upon young Lafayette's mind, and indeed upon that of his tutor, that the reasons why I do not urge him to come to me have been frankly related, and that their prudence must appreciate them with caution. My friendship for his father, so far from being diminished, has increased in the ratio of his misfortunes ; and my inclination to serve the son will be evidenced by my conduct. Reasons, which will readily occur to you, and which can easily be explained to him, will account for my not acknowledging the receipt of his or M. Frestel's letter. With sincere esteem and regard, I am, dear Sir, &c.
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 103
P. S. You will perceive, that young Lafayette has taken the name of Motier. Whether it is best he should retain it, and aim at perfect concealment, or not, depends upon a better knowledge of circum- stances than I am possessed of ; and therefore I leave this matter to your own judgment, after a consulta- tion with the parties.1
TO TIMOTHY PICKERING, SECRETARY OF WAR.
[private.]
Elkton, 9 September, 1795.
Dear Sir,
I had no time yesterday morning to look into the gazettes, nor did I know until the evening that the French frigate Medusa had slipped her cables, and put to sea on the 31st ultimo, and was followed in a few hours by the Africa.
1 Lafayette and his tutor determined to go to New York, where they expected to reside with a friend, M. La Colombe, until further directions might be received from Washington. »
" It was at this moment of solicitude, that I arrived to testify to them the benignity of your intentions, by expressing those unequivocal assurances of friendship, which your goodness had dictated, and which were received with every emotion of the most lively sensibility. A conversation succeeded, which had for its object a relief from their present perplexity with the least possible deviation from the path you had proposed. In addition to the motives already explained for removing further than Cambridge, it was urged that the studies now actually pursuing by M. Motier are entirely different from those prescribed in any of our universities, and that your desires therefore will be best accom- plished by a continuance in his present course under M. Frestel. It was admitted, however, that other aids would be requisite in those branches of education, which M. Frestel does not profess. With a view to these, and to combine with them abstinence from society, it is thought best to seek a position near some principal town, where all the desiderata can be found." — George Cabot to Washington, 16 September, 1795.
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This circumstance, be the result what it may, I re- gret exceedingly, because the effect of the order for the departure of the latter will be the same, as to the British, as if she had been in the harbor of Newport, and we shall obtain no credit for it from the French and their partisans. For as the appearance, how- ever false, is susceptible of the interpretation, so it will be said, that the order was never intended to be issued until it was known there would be nothing for it to operate upon.
The purpose, however, of my writing you this let- ter is to request, that Mr. Monroe may be immedi- ately and fully informed of facts, and directed to represent them truly as they are ; for it may be re- lied upon, if the Medusa escapes being captured, M. Fauchet (whose mind is ardent, and who does not leave this country with the most favorable impres- sions of the views of the government towards his own) will paint this transaction in very high colors ; and among other things will say, that, after waiting in vain a month to see if the executive would take effectual notice of the indignity offered to him, and the insult to its own sovereignty, he was obliged to forego his passage, or run the hazards he did to ac- complish it. Being in a hurry, and just upon the point of proceeding, I will only add, that, with sin- cerity and truth, I am, &C.1
1 The Medusa was blockaded in the harbor of Newport by the British frigate Africa. A storm drove the Africa from her position near the shore, and the commander of the Medusa took advantage of this circumstance, cut his cables, and put to sea. M. Fauchet embarked for France on board this vessel. She was chased by the Africa^ but not overtaken.
795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 105
TO HENRY KNOX.
Mount Vernon, 20 September, 1795.
My dear Sir,
I received with great pleasure the letter you wrote to me from Boston, dated the 2d of this month, as I always shall do any others you may favor me with. This pleasure was increased by hearing of the good health of Mrs. Knox and your family, and the agreeableness of your establishment at St. George's, in the Province of Maine. I may add, also, that the account given of the favorable disposition of the people generally in your hemisphere relatively to the treaty with Great Britain, contributed not a little to the satisfaction I derived in hearing from you.
Next to a conscientious discharge of my public duties, to carry along with me the approbation of my constituents would be the highest gratification my mind is susceptible of ; but, the latter being a second- ary, I cannot make the former yield to it, unless some criterion more infallible than partial (if they are not party) meetings can be discovered, as the touchstone of public sentiment. If any power on earth could, or the Great Power above would, erect the standard of infallibility in political opinions, there is no being that inhabits this terrestrial globe, that would resort to it with more eagerness than myself, so long as I remain a servant of the public. But as I have found no better guide hitherto, than upright intentions and close investigation, I shall adhere to those maxims, while I keep the watch ; leaving it to those who will
io6 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
come after me, to explore new ways, if they like or think them better.
The temper of the people of this State, particularly the southern parts of it, and of South Carolina and Georgia, as far as it is discoverable from the several meetings and resolutions, which have been published, is adverse to the treaty with Great Britain ; and yet I doubt much whether the great body of yeomanry have formed any opinion on the subject, and whether, if their sense could be fairly taken under a plain and simple statement of facts, nine tenths of them would not advocate the measure. But with such abominable misrepresentations as appear in most of the proceed- ings, it is not to be wondered at, that uninformed minds should be affrighted at the dreadful consequen- ces that are predicted, and which they are taught to expect from the ratification of such a diabolical in- strument, as the treaty is denominated. From North Carolina we hear little concerning it, and from Ken- tucky nothing. * * *
TO TIMOTHY PICKERING, SECRETARY OF WAR.
[PRIVATE.]
Mount Vernon, 27 September, 1795.
Dear Sir,
Your private letter of the 2 1st instant did not reach me until yesterday. A late letter of mine to you will have fixed the directorship of the mint upon Mr. Boudinot. The application, therefore, of Major Jackson, however fit he may have been for the office,
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 107
is too late. But, besides the reasons assigned in your letter against such an appointment at present, I should have preferred a character from another State, if one equally suitable could have been found, for the reasons you have often heard me mention, although they do not apply with the same force now as formerly.
With respect to Mr. D l for the office of at- torney-general, although I have a very good opinion of his abilities, and know nothing in his moral char- acter or connexions that is objectionable, yet the reason I assigned when his name was first mentioned to me has still weight in my mind ; that is, after a long and severely contested election, he could not obtain a majority of suffrages in the district he formerly represented. In this instance, then, the sense of his constituents respecting him personally has been fairly taken ; and one of the charges against me relative to the treaty, you know, is, that I have disregarded the voice of the people, although that voice has never yet been heard, unless the misrepresentations of party, or at best partial meetings, can be called so.
I shall not, whilst I have the honor to administer the government, bring a man into any office of con- sequence knowingly, whose political tenets are ad- verse to the measures, which the general government are pursuing ; for this, in my opinion, would be a sort of political suicide. That it would embarrass its movements is most certain. But of two men equally well affected to the true interests of their
1 Samuel Dexter. The office was eventually filled by Charles Lee.
108 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
country, of equal abilities, and equally disposed to lend their support, it is the part of prudence to give a preference to him, against whom the least clamor can be excited. For such a one my inquiries have been made, and are still making. How far I shall succeed, is at this moment problematical.
I have not relinquished my intention of being in Philadelphia about the middle of next month. With great esteem and regard, I am, &c.
TO EDMUND RANDOLPH.
Mount Vernon, 27 September, 1795.
Sir,
I have lately received three letters from you, two bearing date the 15th instant, the other the 21st. One of the former came to hand the 19th, the other the 2 2d, and the last yesterday.
Your signature as Secretary of State to the ratifica- tion of the treaty having been given on the 14th of August, and your resignation not taking place until the 19th, it became necessary in order to be con- sistent, (the original being despatched,) that the same countersign should appear to the copies, other- wise this act would not have been required of you.
It is not in my power to inform you at what time Mr. Hammond put the intercepted letter of M. Fauchet into the hands of Mr. Wolcott. I had no intimation of the existence of such a letter until after my arrival in Philadelphia the nth of August. When Lord Grenville first obtained that letter, and when
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 109
the British minister here received it from him, are facts with which I am entirely unacquainted. I have never seen in whole or in part M. Fauchet's de- spatches numbered 3 and 6 ; nor do I possess any document, or knowledge of papers, which have affinity to the subject in question.
No man would rejoice more than I should to find, that the suspicions which have resulted from the in- tercepted letter were unequivocally and honorably removed. I am, &c.
TO OLIVER WOLCOTT, SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY.
[private.]
Mount Vernon, 2 October, 1795.
Dear Sir,
Your letter of the 26th ultimo was received yester- day. It is not wonderful, that Mr. Randolph's late conduct, and the publication of his letter to me, should have excited an anxious curiosity to know what his explanations will be ; but it is wonderful, that so much time should be required to give them birth.
Embarrassed, as it is to be apprehended he is in this business, his object, I conceive, must be to gain time, to puzzle, and to try if he cannot discover in- consistencies in the conduct of others relative to it. On no other ground can I account for his letter to me, dated the 21st ultimo, which with his other two of the 15th, and my answer to the whole, I here- with enclose for the information of yourself and Colonel Pickering only.
no THE WRITINGS OF [1795
His letters of the 15th received no acknowledg- ment, and at first I hesitated whether to give any to that of the 2 1st. After a while I thought of referring him to you for information on those points, which it was evidently as much or more in your power than in mine to give him ; but finally I conceived it most eligible to furnish him with no pretexts, and there- fore wrote what you will see. I did it, because, if delay was his object, it would be promoted by my silence ; and because (which probably would have answered his purposes still better), it might have afforded him some ground for saying he was doomed to be a victim, and, with a view to accomplish it, the means to his vindication were denied or withheld.
These reasons, added to a disposition to do him all manner of justice, induced me to give him concise answers to all his queries, as far as the means were within my knowledge, although fully convinced in my own mind of the insidious tendency of them.
Whether similar inquiries have been made of you of Colonel Pickering, or of both, by him, I know not. If they have, to see if he could involve inconsistency in the answers has been his aim. And to know what kind of superstructure he might build on information, he has, if any, obtained from M. Fauchet, it was necessary to ascertain in the first place, whether the government was in possession of any part of that gentlemen's letters, numbered 3 and 6, by which this superstructure might be endangered. I was on the point once of hinting to him, that I hoped nothing in his vindication would render it necessary to publish
1 795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 1 1 1
the whole of M. Fauchet's letter ; but, on second thoughts I declined it, lest he should consider it as a threat, and make an improper use of it.
As I shall shortly be in Philadalphia, I will not add on this subject ; but from you, if any thing more transpires, I should be glad to hear. The present enclosures may remain in your hands until my re- turn to the city. I am, &c.
TO THOMAS JEFFERSON. DEAR SlR Mount Vernon, 4 October, 1795.
Your letter of the 12th ulto. after travelling to Phil- adelphia and back again was received by me at this place, the 1st Instant.
The letter from Madame de Chastellux to me is short, referring to the one she has written to you, for particulars respecting herself and infant son. Her application to me is unquestionably misplaced, and to Congress it would certainly be unavailing, as the Chevalier Chastellux's pretensions (on which her's must be founded) to any allowance from this country were no greater than that of any and every other Officer of the French army who served in America the last war. To grant to one therefore would open a wide door to applications of a similar nature, and to con- sequent embarrassments. Probably the sum granted at the last session of Congress to the daughter of the Count de Grasse, has given rise to this application — that it has done so in other instances I have good reasons to believe.
ii2 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
I am much pleased with the account you have of the succory. This, like all other things of the sort with me since my absence, from home, have come to nothing : for neither my Overseers, nor Manager will attend properly, to anything but the crops they have usually cultivated ; and in spite of all I can say, if there is the smallest discretionary power allowed them, they will fill the land with Indian Corn, altho' even to themselves there are the most obvious traces of its baneful effects. — I am resolved however, as soon as it shall be in my power, to attend a little more closely to my own concerns, to make this Crop yield in a degree to other grain, — to pulses — and to grasses. — I am beginning again with Chicory, from a handful of seed given to me by Mr. Strickland ; which though flourishing at present, has no appearance of seeding this year. Lucern has not succeeded better with me than with you ; but I will give it another and a fairer tryal before it is abandoned altogether. Clover, when I can dress lots well, succeeds with me, to my full expectation, but not on the fields in rota- tion. Altho' I have been at much cost in seeding them, — this has greatly disconcerted the system of rotation on which I had decided ; — I wish you may succeed in getting good seed of the winter Vetch ; — I have often imported it but the seed never vegitated or in so small a proportion as to be destroyed by weeds — believe it wou'd be an acquisition if it was once introduced properly, in our farms. — The Albany pea which is the same as the field pea, of Europe, I have tried and found it will grow well, but is subject to the same bug which perforates the Garden pea, and
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 113
eats out the Kernel ; — so it will happen I fear with the pea you propose to import, — I had great expectation from a green dressing with Buck-wheat as a prepara- tory fallow for a crop of wheat ; but it has not answered my expectation yet ; I ascribe this, however, more to mismanagement in the times of seeding and plowing in, than any defect in the system. The first ought to be so ordered in point of time, as to meet a convenient season for ploughing it in while the plant is in its most succulent state, but this has never been done on my farms, and consequently has drawn as much from as it has given to the earth. — It has always appeared to me that there were two modes in which Buck wheat might be used advantageously as a manure. — One to sow early and as soon as a suffi- ciency of seed ripened, to stock the ground a second time, to turn the whole in, and when the succeeding growth is getting in full bloom, to turn that in also (before the seed begins to ripen) and when the fer- mentation and putrefaction ceases to sow the ground in that state and plow in the wheat. — The other mode is to sow the Buck wheat so late as that it shall be generally about a foot high, at the usual seeding of wheat, then turn it in, and sow thereon immediately, as on a clover lay, harrowing in the seed lightly to avoid disturbing the buried Buckwheat — I have never tryed the last method but see no reason against its succeeding. — The other, as I observed above, I have prosecuted, but the Buck wheat has always stood too long, and consequently had got too dry and sticky to answer the end of a succulent plant.
But of all the improving and ameliorating crops,
ii4 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
none in my opinion, are equal to Potatoes on stiff and hard bound land (as mine is). I am satisfied from a variety of instances, that on such land a crop of pota- toes is equal to an ordinary dressing. In no instance have I failed of good wheat, Oats or clover that fol- lowed potatoes ; — and I conceive they give the soil a darker hue. — I shall thank you for the result of your proposed experiment relatively, the winter Vetch and pea ; when they are made.
I am sorry to hear of the depredation committed by the Weavil in your parts, it is a great calamity at all times, and this year when the demand for wheat is so great and the price so high, must be a mortifying one to the farmer ; — The rains have been very general, and more abundant, since the first of August than ever happened in a summer within the memory of man. Scarsely a mill dam or bridge between this and Philadelphia, was able to resist them and some were carried off a second and third time.
Mrs. Washington is thankful for your kind remem- brance of her, and unites with me in best wishes for you. With very great esteem and regard, &c.
TO EDWARD CARRINGTON.
[private and confidential.]
Mount Vernon, 9 October, 1795.
Dear Sir,
Your letter of the 2d instant came duly to hand, and I shall wait the result of the proposed inquiries.
One request frequently begets another, and that is the case at present. You know full well, that the
795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 115
office of State is vacant, but you may not know, that I find difficulty in filling it. In the appointments to the great offices of the government, my aim has been to combine geographical situation, and some- times other considerations, with abilities and fitness of known characters. In pursuance of this system, I have tried to bring Judge Patterson, Mr. Johnson (of Maryland), and Charles Cotesworth Pinckney of South Carolina into this office, all have declined ; the latter by the post of Wednesday.1 I would have made an offer of it to Mr. Henry in the first instance- but two reasons were opposed to it; 1st, ignorance of his political sentiments (for I should consider it an act of governmental suicide to bring a man into so high a office, who was unfriendly to the constitu- tion and laws, which are to be his guide ; and, 2d, be, cause I had no idea, that he would accept the office, until General (late Governor) Lee gave some rea- sons, which have induced me (in a degree) to draw a different conclusion, assuring me at the same time, that he believed Mr. Henry's sentiments relative to the constitution were changed, and that his opinion of the government was friendly. Of these matters, however, (so important in their nature,) I wish to learn the opinion of ethers. And of whom can I inquire more likely to know than yourself?
Let me then come to the point. If, in the judg- ment of yourself and General Marshall, Colonel Innes is a fit character for Attorney-General of the
1 On November 19th a tender was made to John Eager Howard of the War Department, Pickering becoming Secretary of State.
u6 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
United States, will accept the office, and enter upon the duties of it without delay, no application is to be made to Mr. Henry, be his sentiments what they may.1 If. on the contrary, that event does not take place, I impose upon you the task, and pray you to have the goodness to forward the enclosed letter to him by express (the cost of which I will pay), pro- vided you accord in sentiment with General Lee, with respect to the political opinions of that gentle man, and have reason to believe, he has expressed no opinions adverse to the treaty with Great Britain, but is disposed to the adoption of it ; for, other- wise, it would place both him and me in embarrassed situations.
From the instances, which have fallen within your own knowledge, you can form some idea of the dif- ficulties I experience in finding out, and prevailing on, fit characters to fill offices of importance. In the case before us, I am sensible that I am im- posing a delicate task upon you ; but, from the peculiar circumstances thereof, it is in some measure a necessary one ; and, having a high opinion of General Marshall's honor, prudence, and judgment, I consent to your consulting him on this occasion, as you did in the case of Colonel Innes.
I have, I must confess, but little expectation that
1 A previous letter had been written to Mr. Carrington making inquiry about Colonel James Innes, in relation to the office of Attorney-General. The rea- son why the President did not wish any advances to be made to Mr. Henry, if Colonel Innes concluded to accept that office, doubtless was, that two of the high officers of state could not with propriety be taken from Virginia. Colonel Innes declined the appointment.
i795 ] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 117
Mr. Henry will accept the offer if it gets to him, and therefore I must look forward to the conse- quence of his refusal. Let me ask, therefore, if another trial should be made, and a refusal ensue, and ultimately it should be found eligible to remove the present Secretary of War to the office of State, if it should be agreeable to himself, would you fill his place as Secretary of War ?
You will, my dear Sir, perceive, that the whole of this letter is perfectly confidential, written perhaps with more candor than prudence ; but I rely on your goodness and prudence to appreciate my motives. My letter to Mr. Henry is left open for your perusal, that the whole matter may be before you. If it goes forward, seal it ; if not, return it to, dear Sir, your friend, &C.1
1 From Mr. Carringtori s Reply. — " I have been honored with yours of the 9th instant, and immediately consulted General Marshall thereon. As to a change in Mr. Henry's opinions upon the constitution, he has been so little within the circle of our movements, that we must rather rely on the intelli- gence of General Lee, who has had much communication with him, than our own observations. Mr. Henry has for several years been in a degree silent on public topics ; nor have we heard of anything whatever as coming from him relating to the treaty. We are not without apprehensions, that General Lee estimates too highly the affections of Mr. Henry towards the constitution. General Marshall being, however, decidedly of opinion, in which I cordially joined, that your letter should be forwarded to him, I have this morning despatched it by express. In this determination we were governed by the following reasons.
" First, his non-acceptance, from domestic considerations, maybe calculated on. In this event, be his sentiments on either point what they may, he will properly estimate your letter, and, if he has any asperities, it must tend to soften them, and render him, instead of a silent observer of the present ten- dency of things, in some degree active on the side of government and order.
" Secondly, should he feel an inclination to go into the office proposed, we are confident, very confident, he has too high a sense of honor to do so with
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TO PATRICK HENRY.
Mount Vernon, 9 October, 1795.
Dear Sir,
Whatever may be the reception of this letter, truth and candor shall mark its steps. You doubtless know, that the office of State is vacant ; and no one can be more sensible, than yourself, of the importance of filling it with a person of abilities, and one in whom the public would have confidence.
It would be uncandid not to inform you, that this office has been offered to others ; but it is as true, that it was from a conviction in my own mind, that you would not accept it, (until Tuesday last, in a conversation with General, late Governor, Lee, he dropped sentiments which made it less doubtful,) that it was not offered first to you.
I need scarcely add, that if this appointment could be made to comport with your own inclination, it would be as pleasing to me, as I believe it would be
sentiments hostile to either of the points in view. This we should rely on, upon general grounds ; but under your letter a different conduct is, we conceive from our knowledge of Mr. Henry, impossible.
" Thirdly, we are fully persuaded that a more deadly blow could not be given the faction in Virginia, and perhaps elsewhere, than that gentleman's accept- ance of the office in question, convinced as we are of the sentiments he must carry with him. So much have the opposers of the government held him up as their oracle, even since he has ceased to respond to them, that any event, demonstrating his active support to government, could not but give the party a severe shock.
" To these reasons we think it not inapplicable to add, that, in the present crisis, Mr. Henry may reasonably be calculated on as taking the side of gov- ernment, even though he may retain his old prejudices against the Constitu- tion. He has indubitably an abhorrence of anarchy ; to be at the head of a popular assembly we know is his delight ; but there is much difference between that situation, and scrambling for pre-eminence in a state of confusion, for
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acceptable to the public. With this assurance, and with this belief, I make you the offer of it. My first wish is, that you would accept it ; the next is, that you would be so good as to give me an answer as soon as you conveniently can, as the public business in that department is now suffering for want of a Secretary.
I persuade myself, Sir, it has not escaped your ob- servation, that a crisis is approaching, that must, if it cannot be arrested, soon decide whether order and good government shall be preserved, or anarchy and confusion ensue. I can most religiously aver I have no wish, that is incompatible with the dignity, happi- ness, and true interest of the people of this country. My ardent desire is, and my aim has been, (as far as depended upon the executive department,) to comply strictly with all our engagements, foreign and domes- tic ; but to keep the United States free from political connexions with every other country, to see them
which he is ill fitted. This we know Mr. Henry is fully sensible of. We know, too, that he is improving his fortune fast, which must additionally attract him to the existing government and order, the only guarantees of property. Add to this, that he has no affection for the present leaders of the opposition in Virginia.
" You will perceive, Sir, that we have changed the order in which you directed the propositions to Colonel Innes and Mr. Henry to stand. The fact is, we have as yet had no opportunity of acting with respect to the first gentle- man, nor do we know when we shall. This was likely to suspend operations longer than the nature and importance of the objects admitted, even had we supposed you particularly attached to the order directed ; this consideration, together with the observations made in regard to Mr. Henry, appeared natu- rally to dictate the course we have taken. Should Colonel Innes arrive before the return of the express, General Marshall will hold his preliminary conversa- tions, as preparatory to a proposition, incase of a refusal in the other instance." — Richmond, October 13th.
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independent of all and under the influence of none. In a word, I want an American character, that the powers of Europe may be convinced we act for our- selves, and not for others. This, in my judgment, is the only way to be respected abroad and happy at home ; and not, by becoming the partisans of Great Britain or France, create dissensions, disturb the pub- lic tranquillity, and destroy, perhaps for ever, the cement which binds the union.
I am satisfied these sentiments cannot be other- wise than congenial to your own. Your aid there- fore in carrying them into effect would be flattering and pleasing to, dear Sir, &c. *
TO TIMOTHY PICKERING, SECRETARY OF WAR.
Mount Vernon, 12 October, 1795.
Sir,
Your letters of the 2d and 5th instant came to my hands on Thursday last ; but it was not in my power conveniently to acknowledge the receipt of them by
1 Mr. Henry declined the offer. His opinions may be inferred from the following extract from Mr. Carrington's letter, which accompanied Mr. Henry's answer. '* It gives us pleasure to find that, although Mr. Henry is rather to be understood as probably not an approver of the treaty, his conduct and senti- ments generally, both as to the government and yourself, are such as we calcu- lated on, and that he received your letter with impressions, which assure us of his discountenancing calumny and disorder of every description." — Richmond, October 20th. Henry's reply is printed in Henry, Life, Correspondence, and Speeches of Patrick Henry, ii., 558.
"The offer of the Secretaryship of State to P. Henry is a circumstance which I should not have believed, without the most unquestionable testimony. Col. Coles tells me Mr. Henry read the letter to him on that subject." — Madi- son to Jefferson, 6 December, 1795.
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the succeeding post.1 It is a very singular occur- rence, that Mr. Pinckney should make use of a cipher to which there is no counterpart in the office of State. A kind of fatality seems to have pursued this negotiation, and, in short, all our concerns with Spain, from the appointment of Mr. Carmichael under the new government, as minister to that coun- try, up to the present day. If the ciphers, which have been furnished Mr. Gouverneur Morris, Mr. Jay, Mr. Adams, and Colonel Humphreys, or any of them, are different from those, by which the letter of Mr. Pinckney has been tried, let them also be resorted to. Otherwise, as the business has commenced in error, the continuance therein is highly probable, until that gentleman is informed of this extraordi- nary inattention, and is thereby led to correct it, and of course the most material and interesting parts of his communications will be lost. Enough, however, appears already, to show the temper and policy of the Spanish court, and its undignified conduct, as it respects themselves, and insulting as it relates to us ; and I fear will prove, that the late treaty of peace with France portends nothing favorable to these United States.
1 At this time, Mr. Pickering, though Secretary of War, discharged the duties also of Secretary of State. The letters above referred to related to Mr. Pinckney's negotiations in Spain. "Mr. Pinckney had obtained," said he, " two interviews with the Duke de Alcudia, but to no purpose. That court appears to be playing the old game of delay. The Duke said he could not negotiate until he received from Mr. Jaudenes the answers of this government to the propositions he was directed to make. Mr. Pinckney assured the Duke, that no such propositions had been made. A number of passages are in a cipher, which Mr. Taylor could find no key to explain." — October 2d.
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I am glad to find, however, that matters are going on well in Morocco, but much concerned to hear of the unfavorable decision in the High Court of Ap- peals, on one of the spoliation cases in London.1
I shall (as mentioned in one of my last letters) set out for Philadelphia this day ; but business with the commissioners of the Federal City will detain me in Georgetown to-morrow, and of course keep me a day longer from the seat of government than I expected. I am, &c.
TO EDMUND RANDOLPH.
Philadelphia, 21 October, 1795.
Sir,
In several of the public gazettes I had read your note to the editor of the Philadelphia Gazette, with an extract from a letter, addressed to me, of the 8th instant ; but it was not until yesterday that the letter itself was received.2
It is not difficult from the tenor of the letter to perceive what your objects are ; but, that you may
1 " A letter from Mr. Simpson," said Mr. Pickering, " promises well for the treaty he is negotiating with the Emperor of Morocco. The military presents were delivered in the presence of an army of ten thousand men, and were well received."
3 Mr. Randolph's note to the editor of the Philadelphia Gazette was as fol- lows. " Sir, the letter, from which the enclosed is an extract, relates princi- pally to the requisition of a particular paper. My only view at present is to show my fellow citizens what is the state of my vindication." — October 10th.
Extract — " You must be sensible, Sir, that I am inevitably driven to the discussion of many confidential and delicate points. I could with safety im- mediately appeal to the people of the United States, who can be of no party. But I shall wait for your answer to this letter, so far as it respects the paper desired, before I forward to you my general letter, which is delayed for no
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have no cause to complain of the withholding any paper (however private and confidential) which you shall think necessary in a case of so serious a nature, I have directed that you should have the inspection of my letter of the 2 2d of July, agreeably to your request, and you are at full liberty to publish without reserve any and every private and confidential letter I ever wrote to you ; nay, more, every word I ever uttered to or in your hearing, from whence you can derive any advantage in your vindication. [I grant this permission, inasmuch as the extract alluded to manifestly tends to impress on the public mind an opinion, that something has passed between us which you should disclose with reluctance, from motives of delicacy with respect to me.] l
You know, Sir, even before the treaty was laid before the Senate, that I had difficulties with respect to the commercial part of it, with which I professed to be the least acquainted, and that I had no means of acquiring information thereon without disclosing its contents, not to do which until it was submitted to the Senate had been resolved on. You know, too,
other cause. I shall also rely, that any supposed error in the general letter, in regard to facts, will be made known to me, that I may correct it if necessary ; and that you will consent to the whole of the affair, howsoever confidential and delicate, being exhibited to the world: At the same time I prescribe to myself the condition not to mingle any thing, which I do not sincerely conceive to be- long to the subject." — Randolph to Washington, 8 October, 1795.
The delay of Mr. Randolph's letter in coming to the President's hands was occasioned by its passing the latter on his way from Mount Vernon to Philadel- phia, where he arrived on the 20th. But the extract was sent to the printer on the ioth, two days after the letter was written, and before it could,* in any event, have reached the President. — Sparks.
1 Sentences enclosed in brackets were suggested by Pickering.
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that it was my determination, previous to this sub- mission, to ratify the treaty, if it should be so ad- vised and consented to by that body ; and that the doubts, which afterwards arose and were communi- cated verbally to Mr. Hammond, proceeded from more authentic information of the existence of what is commonly called the " Provision Order" of the British Government. [And finally, you know the grounds on which my ultimate decision was taken, as the same were expressed to you, the other Secreta- ries of departments, and the late Attorney-General, after a thorough investigation of the subject in all the aspects in which it could be placed.] '
As you are no longer an officer of the government, and propose to submit your vindication to the public, it is not my desire, nor is it my intention, to receive it otherwise than through the medium of the press. Facts you cannot mistake, and, if they are fairly and candidly stated, they will invite no comments.
The extract of your letter to me, dated the 8th instant, being published in all the gazettes, I request that this letter may be inserted in the compilation you are now making ; as well to show my disposition to furnish you with every means I possess towards your vindication, as that I have no wish to conceal any part of my conduct from the public. ! That public will judge, when it comes to see your vindication,
1 Pickering's suggestions.
2 The following was a sentence of the draft, but omitted in the letter as sent : V I am induced to make this request inasmuch as the extract above alluded to appears to me to have a manifest tendency to impress on the public mind an opinion that something misterious has passed between us which you reluctantly bring forward whilst others are kept back."
i795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 125
how far and how proper it has been for you to pub- lish private and confidential communications, which oftentimes have been written in a hurry, and some- times without even copies being taken ; and it will, I hope, appreciate my motives, even if it should con- demn my prudence, in allowing you the unlimited license herein contained. I am, &c.
TO EDMUND RANDOLPH.1
~ Philadelphia, 25 October, 1795.
oIR,
Your letter of the 24th has been received. It is full of innuendoes. I shall, therefore, once more, and for the last time, repeat, in the most unequivocal terms, that you are at full liberty to publish any thing that ever passed between us, written or oral, that you think will subserve your purposes. A conscious rectitude, and an invariable endeavor to promote the honor, welfare, and happiness of this country, by every means in the power of the executive, and within the compass of my abilities, leaves no apprehension on my mind from any disclosure whatsoever.
To whom, or for what purpose, you mean to apply the following words of your letter, " / have been the meditated victim of party spirit" will be found, I pre- sume, in your defence ; without which I shall never understand them. I cannot conceive they are aimed at me ; because an hundred and an hundred times
1 Memorandum attached to this letter, as recorded in the letter-book. 4 The following is the rough draft of a letter to Edmund Randolph, but, upon reconsideration, it was not sent."
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you have heard me lament, from the bottom of my soul, that difference of sentiments should have occa- sioned those heats, which are disquieting a country, otherwise the happiest in the world ; and you have heard me express the most ardent wish, that some expedient could be devised to heal them. The dis- closure to me, by an officer of government, of M. Fauchet's intercepted letter, after the contents were communicated to him, was an act of such evident propriety, that no man of candor, entertaining a proper sense of duty, can possibly condemn. I do not see, then, how this will apply to the case, more than the first.
You have, Sir, entirely mistaken the principle, upon which (in contravention of the opinion of the gentle- man, who is discharging the duties of Secretary of State,) I gave you the inspection of what you declared to be the only paper you were in want of, to com- plete your defence. My sole motive in furnishing it was, that it might not be imputed that any thing, which you conceived necessary to your vindication, was withheld ; for, however differently the matter may appear in the sequel, I am free to declare, that I cannot, at this moment, see what relation there is between the treaty with Great Britain and the details and suggestions, which are contained in the inter- cepted letter of M. Fauchet. I am still more at a loss to understand the meaning of these other words in your letter : " But I shall disclose even what I am compelled to disclose, under the operation of the neces- sity\ which you yourself have created" Can these ex- pressions allude to my having put M. Fauchet's letter
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 127
into your hands, in presence of the heads of depart- ments, for explanation of the passages which related to your conversations with him ? Or to the accept- ance of your resignation, voluntarily and unexpect- edly offered ? Or to the assurance, given in my letter of the [20th] of August in answer to yours of the [19th] (and most religiously observed on my part), not to mention any thing of the matter, until you had had an opportunity of clearing it up ; whilst you, on the other hand, were making free communications thereof in all quarters, and intimating to your friends, that, in the course of your vindication, you should bring things to view, which would affect me more than any thing, which had yet appeared ? If neither of these, nor an expectation that I should have passed the matter over unnoticed, or in a private explana- tion only between ourselves, I know nothing to which the sentiment can have the least reference. But I do not write from a desire to obtain explanations ; for it is not my meaning, nor shall I proceed any far- ther in discussions of this sort, unless necessity should call for a simple and candid statement of the business, to be laid before the public. I am, &c.
TO ALEXANDER HAMILTON. [private and confidential.]
Philadelphia, 29 October, 1795.
My dear Sir :
A voluminous publication is daily expected from Mr. R[andolph]. The paper alluded to in the ex- tract of his letter to me of the 8th inst, and inserted
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in all the gazettes, is a letter of my own to him, from which he intends (as far as I can collect from a com- bination of circumstances) to prove an inconsistency in my conduct, in ratifying the Treaty with G. Brit- ain, without making a rescinding (by the British government) of what is commonly called the Provi- sion order, equally with the exception of the 12th article by the Senate, a condition of that ratification, intending thereby to show, that my final decision thereon was the result of party advice ; and that that party was under British influence. It being a letter of my own which he has asked for, I did not hesitate a moment to furnish him therewith, and to authorize him to publish every private letter I ever wrote, and every word I ever uttered, if he thought they would contribute to his vindication. But the paper he asked for is but a mite of the volume that is to appear ; for without any previous knowledge of mine, he had compiled every official paper (before this was asked) for publication, the knowledge of which can subserve the purposes he has in view ; and why they have not made their appearance before this, I know not, as it was estimated in the published extract of his letter to me, that nothing retarded it but the want of the paper then applied for, which was furnished the day after my arrival in this city, where (on the 20th inst.) I found his letter, after it had gone to Alexandria, and had returned.1
1 The paper referred to was Washington's letter to Randolph of July 22d. On applying at the Department of State for a sight of it Randolph was de- nied by Pickering on the ground that it could have no relation to the inter- cepted despatch of Fauchet ; " and Mr. Randolph perfectly well knows that
i795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 129
I shall now touch upon another subject as unpleas- ant as the one I have just quitted. What am I to do for a Secretary of State ? I ask frankly, and with solicitude ; and shall receive kindly any sentiments you may express on the occasion. That there may be no concealment, and that the non-occupancy of the office until this time may be accounted for, (I tell you in confidence that,) Mr. Patterson, of New Jer-
his resignation was occasioned solely by the evidence of his criminal conduct exhibited in Mr. Fauchet's letter. The inspection of the President's letter then cannot be necessary for Mr. Randolph's vindication."
In December a pamphlet was published, entitled A Vindication of Mr. Randolph's Resignation. In this pamphlet are contained a narrative of the principal events relating to the case, the correspondence between the President and Mr. Randolph, the whole of Fauchet's letter, and Mr. Randolph's remarks upon the parts touching his conduct. Some parts of the pamphlet show a bitterness of feeling, and a warmth of temper, which weaken the force of the author's statements, and render it at least doubtful in the reader's mind whether candor in every instance prevailed over resentment.
"As the asperity," says Chief Justice Marshall, "with which Mr. Ran- dolph spoke of the President on other occasions as well as in his * Vindication,' was censured by many, it may rescue the reputation of that gentleman from imputations, which might be injurious to it, to say, that, some time before his death, he had the magnanimity to acknowledge the injustice of those imputa- tions. A letter to the Honorable Bushrod Washington, of July 2d, 1810, a copy of which was transmitted by Mr. Randolph to the author, contains the following declarations among others of similar import. ' I do not retain the smallest degree of that feeling, which roused me fifteen years ago against some individuals. For the world contains no treasure, deception, or charm, which can seduce me from the consolation of being in a state of good-will towards all mankind ; and I should not be mortified to ask pardon of any man with whom I have been at variance for any injury, which I may have done him. If I could now present myself before your venerated uncle, it would be my pride to confess my contrition, that I suffered my irritation, let the cause be what it might, to use some of those expressions respecting him, which, at this moment of my indifference to the ideas of the world, I wish to recall, as being incon- sistent with my subsequent conviction. My life will I hope be sufficiently ex- tended for the recording of my sincere opinion of his virtues and merit, in a style which is not the result of a mind merely debilitated by misfortune, but of that Christian philosophy, on which alone I depend for inward tranquillity."' — Marshall's Life of Washington, 2d edition, vol. ii., note. 9
i3o THE WRITINGS OF [1795
sey ; Mr. Thomas Johnson, of Maryland; General Pinckney, of South Carolina ; and Mr. Patrick Henry, of Virginia ; in the order they are men- tioned, have all been applied to, and refused. Would Mr. King accept it ? You know the objec- tions I have had to the nomination, to office, of any person from either branch of the Legislature, and you will be at no loss to perceive, that at the present crisis, another reason might be adduced against this appointment. But maugre all objections, if Mr. King would accept, I would look no further. Can you sound, and let me know soon, his sentiments on this occasion ? If he should feel disposed to listen to the proposition, tell him candidly, all that I have done in this matter ; that neither he nor I may be made uneasy thereafter from the discovery of it ; he will, I am confident, perceive the ground upon which I have acted, in making these essays ; and will, I am persuaded, appreciate my motives. If he should decline also,1 pray learn with precision from him, what the qualifications of Mr. Potts, the Senator,2 are, and be as diffusive as you can with respect to others, and I will decide on nothing until I hear from you — pressing as the case is.
1 King declined. " Circumstances of the moment conspire with the disgust which a virtuous and independent mind feels at placing itself en but to the foul and venomous shafts of calumny which are continually shot by an odious confederacy against virtue, to give Mr. King a decided disinclination to the office." — Hamilton to Washington, 5 November, 1795.
2 Richard Potts. " We both think well of his principles and consider him as a man of good sense. But he is of a cast of character ill-suited to such an appointment, and is not extensive either as to talents or information. It is also a serious question whether the Senate at this time ought to be weakened." — Hamilton 's Reply.
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 131
To enable you to judge of this matter with more lights still ; I add, that Mr. Marshall, of Virginia, has declined the office of Attorney General, and I am pretty certain, would accept of no other, and I know that Col. Carrington would not come into the War Department (if a vacancy should happen therein.) Mr. Dexter, it is said, would accept the office of Attorney General.1 No person is yet absolutely fixed on for that office. Mr. Smith of South Caro- lina, some time ago, would have had no objection to filling a respectable office under the General Govern- ment, but what his views might lead to, or his abilities particularly fit him for, I am an incompetent judge ; and besides, on the ground of popularity, his preten- sions would, I fear, be small.2 Mr. Chase, of Mary- land, is, unquestionably, a man of abilities ; and it is supposed by some that he would accept the appoint- ment of Attorney-General. Though opposed to the adoption of the constitution, it is said, he has been a
1 " Either Mr. Dexter or Mr. Gore would answer [for Attorney General]. They are both men of undoubted probity. Mr. Dexter has most natural talent, and is strong in his particular profession. Mr. Gore, I believe, is equally considered in his profession, and has more various information. No good man doubts Mr. Gore's purity, but he has made money by agencies for British houses in the recovery of debts, etc., and by operations in the funds, which a certain party object to him. I believe Mr. Dexter is free from every- thing of this kind. Mr. King thinks Gore on the whole preferable. I hesitate between them." — Hamilton's Reply.
1 '■'Smith, though not of full size, is very respectable for talent, and has pretty various information. I think he has more real talent than the last in- cumbent of the office [Randolph]. But there are strong objections to his appointment. I fear he is of an uncomfortable temper. He is popular with no description of men, from a certain hardness of character ; and he, more than most other men, is considered as tinctured with prejudices towards the British." — Hamilton's Reply.
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steady friend to the general government since it has been in operation. But he is violently opposed in his own State by a party, and is besides, or to speak more correctly, has been accused of some impurity in his conduct.1 I might add to this catalogue that Col. Innes is among the number of those who have passed in review ; but his extreme indolence renders his abilities (great as they are said to be) of little use. In short, what with the non-acceptance of some, — the known dereliction of those who are most fit ; the exceptionable drawbacks from others ; — and a wish (if it were practicable) to make a geographical distribution of the great offices of the administration, I find the selection of proper characters an arduous duty.
The period is approaching, indeed is already come, for selecting the proper subjects for my communica- tions to Congress at the opening of next session — and the manner of treating them merits more than the consideration of a moment. The crisis, and the incomplete state in which most of the important affairs of this country are at present, make the first more difficult, and the latter more delicate than usual.
The treaty with Great Britain is not yet concluded. After every consideration, however, I could bestow
1 Samuel Chase, when in Congress, had speculated upon the necessities of the Continental army, using the information of its needs he acquired as a mem- ber of Congress for his own pecuniary advantage. It is not a little remarkable that it was Hamilton who had publicly exposed this abuse, for the Publius let- ters of 1778 were written against Chase, and were instrumental in having him dropped from the Maryland delegation in Congress. In his reply Hamilton took no notice of this suggestion of Chase's appointment.
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on it (and after entertaining very serious doubts of the propriety of doing it on account of the provision order), it has been ratified by me ; what has been or will be done by the government of Great Britain, relative to it, is not now, and probably will not be known by the meeting of Congress. Yet such per- haps is the state of that business, as to make com- munication thereof to the legislature necessary ; whether in the precise form, or to accompany it with some expression of my sense of the thing itself, and the manner in which it has been treated, merits deep reflection. If good would flow from the latter, by a just and temperate communication of my ideas to the community at large, through this medium, guarded so as not to add fuel to passions prepared to blaze, and at the same time so expressed as not to excite the criticisms or animadversions of European powers, I would readily embrace it. But, I would decidedly avoid every expression which could be construed into a dereliction of the powers of the President with the advice and consent of the Senate to make treaties, — or into a shrinking from any act of mine relative to it. — In a word, if a conciliatory plan can be assimilated with a firm, manly, and dignified con- duct in this business, it. would be desirable; but the latter I will never yield. On this head it may not be amiss to add, that no official (nor indeed any other) accounts have been received from France of the reception of the treaty with Great Britain, by the National Convention. Perhaps it is too early to expect any.
134 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
Our negotiations with Spain, as far as accounts have been received from Mr. Pinckney (soon after his arrival there, but after a conference with the Duke de la Alcudia on the subject, before, however, the peace between France and that country was publicly known), stand upon the same procrasti- nating, trifling, undignified (as it respects that gov- ernment), and insulting as it relates to this country, ground as they did at the commencement of them. Under circumstances like these, I shall be at a loss (if nothing more decisive shall arrive between this and the assembling of Congress) what to say on this subject, especially as this procrastination and trifling has been accompanied by encroachments on our territorial rights. There is no doubt of this fact ; but persons have, nevertheless, been sent both by Gov. Blount and Gen. Wayne, to know by what au- thority it is done. The conduct of Spain (after having herself invited this negotiation, and throughout the whole of its progress) has been such, that I have, at times, thought it best to express this sentiment at once in the speech, and refer to the proceedings. At other times, to say only that matters are in the same inconclusive state they have been ; and that if no alteration for the better, or a conclusion of it, should take place before the session is drawing to a close, that the proceedings will be laid fully before Congress.
From Algiers, no late accounts have been re- ceived ; and little favorable, it is to be feared, is to be expected from that quarter.
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 135
From Morocco, the first communications, after our agent arrived there, were pleasing ; but the final result, if any has taken place, is yet unknown — and are more clouded.
Our concerns with the Indians will tell well. I hope, and believe, the peace with the Western Indians will be permanent, unless renewed difficulties with Great Britain should produce (as it very likely would do) a change in their conduct. But whether this matter can be mentioned in the speech with propriety, before it is advised and consented to by the Senate, is questionable ; and nothing, I am sure, that is so, and is susceptible of cavil or criticism, will escape the anonymous writers, if it should go unnoticed elsewhere. It will be denominated by these gentry a bolster. All the hostile Indians to the southward have renewed the treaties of amity and friendship with the United States, and have given the best proof in their power of their sincerity, to wit, a return of prisoners and property ; and peace prevails from one end of our frontier to the other. Peace also has been produced between the Creeks and Chickasaws by the intervention of this government ; but something untoward and unknown here has occasioned a renewal of hostilities on the part of the Creeks.
The military establishment is of sufficient import- ance to claim a place in the general communication, at the opening of the session ; and my opinion is, that circumstanced as things are at present, and the uncertainty of what they may be next year, it would
136 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
be impolitic to reduce it, but whether to express any opinion thereon, or leave it entirely to their own decision, may be considered.
Whether a report from the Secretary of the Treas- ury, relative to fiscal matters, particularly on the loans of money, and another from the Secretary of War respecting the frigates, arsenals, military stores directed to be provided ; and the train in which the trade with the Indians is, agreeably to the several acts of Legislature, may not be proper, and to be referred to in the speech.
Having desired the late Secretary of State to note down every matter as it occurred, proper either for the speech at the opening of the session, or for messages afterwards, the inclosed paper contains everything I could extract from that office. Aid me, I pray you, with your sentiments on these points, and such others as may have occurred to you relative to my communications to Congress.
With affectionate regard, I am always yours.
TO ALEXANDER HAMILTON.
Philadelphia, 23 November, 1795.
My dear Sir,
Enclosed are letters for Mr. de la Fayette, and his Tutor. I leave them open for your perusal ; and notwithstanding the request in my letter of the 18th I shall cheerfully acquiesce in any measures respecting them which you (and others with whom you may be disposed to consult) may deem most eligable. —
As there can be no doubt, that the feelings of both
i795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 137
are alive to every thing which may have the semblance of neglect or slight ; — and indeed, expectant as they must have been, (without adverting perhaps to the impediments) of an invitation to fly to me without delay — and distressing and forlorn as the situation of one of them is — it is necessary that every assurance and consolation should be administered to them. — For these reasons I pray you to send my letters to them by Express, the expence of which I will repay with thankfulness.
The doubt which you have expressed of the propriety of an open and avowed conduct in me towards the son of Mr. de la Fayette, and the subject it might afford to malignancy to misinterpret the cause, has so much weight that I am distrustful of my own judgment in deciding on this business lest my feelings should carry me further than prudence (while I am a public character) will warrant. —
It has, however, like many other things in which I have been involved, two edges, neither of which can be avoided without falling on the other.
On one side, I may be charged with countenancing those who have been denounced the enemies of France ; — on the other with not countenancing the son of a man who is dear to America. —
When I wrote to you last x I had resolved to take both the pupil and Tutor into my own family, sup- posing it would be most agreeable to the young gentlemen, and congenial with friendship. — At the same time that it would have given me more com- mand over him — been more convenient — and less
1 On the 1 8th of November.
138 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
expensive to myself than to board them out. — But now, as I have intimated before, I confide the matter entirely to your decision, after seeing, and conversing with them. —
Mr. Adet has been indirectly sounded on the coming over of the family of Fayette generally y but not as to the exact point — His answer was, that as France did not make war upon women and children, he did not suppose their emigration could excite any notice. The case, however, might be different, if one of them (with his Tutor, whose character, con- duct and principles may, for aught I know to the contrary, be very obnoxious) was brought into my family, and of course, into the company that visited it. — But as all these things will be taken into consid- eration by you I shall not dwell upon them, and only add that with esteem, regard, and sincere affn. I am ever yours.
P. S. I have no doubt but that young Fayette and his Tutor might be boarded at German Town — or in the vicinity of this City, and would be at hand to receive assistance and advice as occasion might require although he might not be a resident under my roof.
TO JOHN H. STONE, GOVERNOR OF MARYLAND. DEAR SlR : Philadelphia, 6 December, 1795.
By Thursday's post I was favored with your letter of the 27th ultimo, enclosing a Declaration of the General Assembly of Maryland. At any time the
i795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 139
expression of such a sentiment would have been con- sidered as highly honorable and flattering. At the present, when the voice of malignancy is so high- toned, and no attempts are left unessayed to destroy all confidence in the constituted authorities of this country, it is peculiarly grateful to my sensibility ; and, coming spontaneously, and with the unanimity it has done from so respectable a representation of the people, it adds weight as well as pleasure to the act.
I have long since resolved, for the present time at least, to let my calumniators proceed without any notice being taken of their invectives by myself, or by any others with my participation or knowledge. Their views, I dare say, are readily perceived by all the enlightened and well-disposed part of the com- munity ; and by the records of my administration, and not by the voice of faction, I expect to be ac- quitted or condemned hereafter.
For your politeness in making the unofficial and friendly communication of this act, I pray you to receive my thanks, and assurances at the same time of my being, with very great esteem and regard, dear Sir, &C.1
1 The Declaration of the General Assembly of Maryland, referred to in this letter, was expressed in the following language, and was unanimously adopted by the House of Delegates and the Senate : —
14 Resolved unanimously, that the General Assembly of Maryland, impressed with the liveliest sense of the important and disinterested services rendered to his country by the President of the United States ; convinced that the prosperity of every free government is promoted by the existence of rational confidence between the people and their trustees, and is injured by misplaced suspicion and ill-founded jealousy ; considering that public virtue receives its best reward
.
140 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
SPEECH TO BOTH HOUSES OF CONGRESS, DECEMBER 8TH,
I795.1
Fellow-Citizens of the Senate
and House of Representatives :
I trust I do not deceive myself, while I indulge the persuasion, that I have never met you at any period, when, more than at the present, the situation of our public affairs has afforded just cause for mutual congratulation, and for inviting you to join with me in profound gratitude to the Author of all good, for the numerous and extraordinary blessings we enjoy.
The termination of the long, expensive, and distressing war, in which we have been engaged with certain Indians, northwest of the Ohio, is placed in the option of the United States, by a treaty, which the commander of our army has concluded provisionally with the hostile tribes in that region.
In the adjustment of the terms, the satisfaction of the Indians was deemed an object worthy no less of the policy, than of the liberality of the United States, as the necessary basis of durable tranquillity. This object, it is believed, has been fully attained. The articles agreed upon will immediately be laid before the Senate for their consideration.
The Creek and Cherokee Indians, who alone of the southern tribes had annoyed our frontier, have lately confirmed their pre-
in the approving voice of a grateful people, and that, when this reward is denied to it, the noblest incentive to great and honorable actions, to generous zeal and magnanimous perseverance, is destroyed ; observing, with deep con- cern, a series of efforts, by indirect insinuation, or open invective, to detach from the first magistrate of the Union the well-earned confidence of his fellow citizens ; think it their duty to declare, and they do hereby declare, their unabated reliance on the integrity, judg?nent, and patriotism of the President of the United States."
This Declaration was brought forward in the House of Delegates by William Pinckney. Mr. McHenry, in a letter giving an account of the matter to the President, wrote : "Mr. Pinckney, a man of real talents and genius, and a fas- cinating speaker, took charge of the Declaration. He originated it in the House, and supported it beautifully and irresistibly. His influence and conduct on the occasion overawed some restless spirits, and reached even into the Senate." — Annapolis, December 5th.
1 This speech was written by Hamilton.
i795l GEORGE WASHINGTON. 141
existing treaties with us ; and were giving evidence of a sincere disposition to carry them into effect, by the surrender of the prisoners and property they had taken. But we have to lament, that the fair prospect in this quarter has been once more clouded by wanton murders, which some citizens of Georgia are repre- sented to have recently perpetrated on hunting parties of the Creeks, which have again subjected that frontier to disquietude and danger ; which will be productive of further expense, and may occasion more effusion of blood. Measures are pursuing to prevent or mitigate the usual consequences of such outrages, and with the hope of their succeeding, at least to avert general hostility.
A letter from the Emperor of Morocco announces to me his recognition of our treaty made with his father the late Emperor ; and, consequently, the continuance of peace with that power. With peculiar satisfaction I add, that information has been re- ceived from an agent deputed on our part to Algiers, importing, that the terms of a treaty with the Dey and Regency of that country had been adjusted in such a manner, as to authorize the expectation of a speedy peace, and the restoration of our unfortunate fellow-citizens from a grievous captivity.
The latest advices from our envoy at the court of Madrid give, moreover, the pleasing information, that he had received assur- ances of a speedy and satisfactory conclusion of his negotiation. While the event, depending upon unadjusted particulars, cannot be regarded as ascertained, it is agreeable to cherish the expecta- tion of an issue, which, securing amicably very essential interests of the United States, will at the same time lay the foundation of lasting harmony with a power, whose friendship we have uni- formly and sincerely desired to cultivate.
Though not before officially disclosed to the House of Repre- sentatives, you, Gentlemen, are all apprized, that a treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation has been negotiated with Great Britain ; and that the Senate have advised and consented to its ratification, upon a condition which excepts part of one article. Agreeably thereto, and to the best judgment I was able to form of the public interest, after full and mature deliberation, I have added my sanction. The result on the part of his Britannic Ma-
i42 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
: ~t~
jesty is unknown. When received, the subject will, without delay, be placed before Congress.
This interesting summary of our affairs, with regard to the foreign powers, between whom and the United States contro- versies have subsisted ; and with regard also to those of our Indian neighbors, with whom we have been in a state of enmity or misunderstanding, opens a wide field for consoling and gratify- ing reflections. If, by prudence and moderation on every side, the extinguishment of all the causes of external discord, which have heretofore menaced our tranquillity, on terms compatible with our national rights and honor, shall be the happy result ; how firm and how precious a foundation will have been laid for accelerating, maturing, and establishing the prosperity of our country.
Contemplating the internal situation, as well as the external re- lations, of the United States, we discover equal cause for content- ment and satisfaction. While many of the nations of Europe, with their American dependencies, have been involved in a con- test unusually bloody, exhausting, and calamitous ; in which the evils of foreign war have been aggravated by domestic convulsion and insurrection ; in which many of the arts most useful to society have been exposed to discouragement and decay ; in which scarcity of subsistence has embittered other sufferings ; while even the anticipations of a return of the blessings of peace and repose are alloyed by the sense of heavy and accumulating burthens, which press upon all the departments of industry, and threaten to clog the future springs of government ; our favored country, happy in a striking contrast, has enjoyed general tran- quillity ; a tranquillity the more satisfactory, because maintained at the expense of no duty. Faithful to ourselves, we have vio- lated no obligation to others. Our agriculture, commerce, and manufactures prosper beyond former example ; the molestations of our trade (to prevent a continuance of which, however, very pointed remonstrances have been made) being overbalanced by the aggregate benefits which it derives from a neutral position. Our population advances with a celerity, which, exceeding the most sanguine calculations, proportionally augments our strength and resources, and guarantees our future security. Every part
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 143
of the Union displays indications of rapid and various improve- ment ; and with burthens so light as scarcely to be perceived, with resources fully adequate to our present exigencies, with governments founded on the genuine principles of rational lib- erty, and with mild and wholesome laws, is it too much to say, that our country exhibits a spectacle of national happiness never surpassed, if ever before equalled ?
Placed in a situation every way so auspicious, motives of com- manding force impel us, with sincere acknowledgment to Heaven, and pure love to our country, to unite our efforts to preserve, prolong, and improve our immense advantages. To cooperate with you in this desirable work is a fervent and favorite wish of my heart.
It is a valuable ingredient in the general estimate of our welfare, that the part of our country, which was lately the scene of dis- order and insurrection, now enjoys the blessings of quiet and order. The misled have abandoned their errors, and pay the re- spect to our constitution and laws, which is due from good citi- zens to the public authorities of the society. These circumstances have induced me to pardon, generally, the offenders here referred to ; and to extend forgiveness to those, who had been adjudged to capital punishment. For, though I shall always think it a sacred duty, to exercise with firmness and energy the constitu- tional powers with which I am vested, yet it appears to me no less consistent with the public good, than it is with my per- sonal feelings, to mingle in the operations of government every degree of moderation and tenderness, which the national justice, dignity, and safety may permit.
Gentlemen, Among the objects, which will claim your attention in the course of the session, a review of our military establish- ment is not the least important. It is called for by the events which have changed, and may be expected still further to change, the relative situation of our frontiers. In this review, you will doubtless allow due weight to the considerations, that the ques- tions between us and certain foreign powers are not yet finally adjusted ; that the war in Europe is not yet terminated ; and that our western posts, when recovered, will demand provision for garrisoning and securing them. A statement of our present
144 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
military force will be laid before you by the department of war.
With the review of our army establishment is naturally con- nected that of the militia. It will merit inquiry, what imperfec- tions in the existing plan further experience may have unfolded. The subject is of so much moment in my estimation, as to excite a constant solicitude, that the consideration of it may be re- newed, till the greatest attainable perfection shall be accom- plished. Time is wearing away some advantages for forwarding the object, while none better deserves the persevering attention of the public councils.
While we indulge the satisfaction, which the actual condition of our western borders so well authorizes, it is necessary that we should not lose sight of an important truth, which continually receives new confirmations, namely, that the provisions hereto- fore made with a view to the protection of the Indians from the violences of the lawless part of our frontier inhabitants are insuf- ficient. It is demonstrated that these violences can now be per- petrated with impunity ; and it can need no argument to prove, that, unless the murdering of Indians can be restrained by bring- ing the murderers to condign punishment, all the exertions of the government to prevent destructive retaliations by the Indians will prove fruitless, and all our present agreeable prospects illu- sory. The frequent destruction of innocent women and children, who are chiefly the victims of retaliation, must continue to shock humanity ; and an enormous expense, to drain the treasury of the Union.
To enforce upon the Indians the observance of justice, it is indispensable that there shall be competent means of rendering justice to them. If these means can be devised by the wisdom of Congress, and especially if there can be added an adequate pro- vision for supplying the necessities of the Indians on reasonable terms, (a measure, the mention of which I the more readily repeat, as in all the conferences with them they urge it with solicitude,) I should not hesitate to entertain a strong hope of rendering our tranquillity permanent. I add, with pleasure, that the probability even of their civilization is not diminished by the experiments which have been thus far made, under the auspices
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 145
of government. The accomplishment of this work, if practicable, will reflect undecaying lustre on our national character, and administer the most grateful consolations that virtuous minds can know.
Gentlemen of the House of Representatives :
The state of our revenue, with the sums which have been bor- rowed and reimbursed, pursuant to different acts of Congress, will be submitted from the proper department ; together with an estimate of the appropriations necessary to be made for the service of the ensuing year.
Whether measures may not be advisable to reinforce the pro- vision for the redemption of the public debt, will naturally engage your examination. Congress have demonstrated their sense to be, and it were superfluous to repeat mine, that whatsoever will tend to accelerate the honorable extinction of our public debt, accords as much with the true interest of our country as with the general sense of our constituents.
Gentlemen of the Senate
and House of Representatives :
The statements, which will be laid before you, relative to the mint, will show the situation of that institution, and the necessity of some further legislative provisions for carrying the business of it more completely into effect, and for checking abuses which appear to be arising in particular quarters.
The progress in providing materials for the frigates, and in building them ; the state of the fortifications of our harbors ; the measures which have been pursued for obtaining proper sites for arsenals, and for replenishing our magazines with military stores ; and the steps which have been taken towards the execution of the law for opening a trade with the Indians, will likewise be presented for the information of Congress.
Temperate discussion of the important subjects, which may arise in the course of the session, and mutual forbearance where there is a difference of opinion, are too obvious and necessary for the peace, happiness, and welfare of our country to need any recommendation of mine.
146 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
TO ALEXANDER HAMILTON.
Philadelphia, 22 December, 1795.
My dear Sir,
Have you seen or heard more of young Fayette since you last wrote to me on that subject ? Where did he go to ? Did you deliver him the letter I sent under cover to you for him? His case gives me pain, and I do not know how to get relieved from it. — His sensibility I fear is hurt, by his not acknowl- edging the receipt of my letter to him ; and yet, if considerations of a higher nature are opposed to a more uncovert countenance, it must be submitted to. — If he wants money, I am ready to furnish it.
'Ere this, I presume you have seen the long prom- ised vindication, or rather accusation. What do you think of it ? and what notice should be taken of it. You are fully acquainted with my Sentiments relative to the rival and warring powers of F[rance] and E[ngland] ; and have heard as strong sentiments from me with respect to both, as ever he did. His declaration that he was always opposed to the Com- mercial part of the Negociation is as impudent and insolent an assertion as it is false, if he means more than that it was contingent (as the Instructions to Mr. Jay declare), and to apply the knowledge of it to me. But if you have seen his performance, I shall leave you to judge of it, without any comments of mine.1
With much sincerity and truth
I am always and affect'ly Yours.
1 " I have read with care Mr. Randolph's pamphlet. It does not surprise me. I consider it as amounting to a confession of guilt ; and I am persuaded
1795J GEORGE WASHINGTON. 147
TO GOUVERNEUR MORRIS.
Philadelphia, 22 December, 1795.
My dear Sir,
I am become so unprofitable a correspondent, and so remiss in my correspondencies, that nothing but the kindness of my friends, in overlooking these deficiencies, could induce them to favor me with a continuance of their letters ; which to me are at once pleasing, interesting, and useful. To a man immersed in debt, and seeing no prospect of extrica- tion but by an act of insolvency (perhaps absolvency would be a better word), I compare myself ; and like him, too, afraid to examine the items of the account, I will at once make a lumping acknowledgment of the receipt of many interesting private letters from you, previous to your last arrival in England, and will begin with those subsequent thereto of the 3d of July and 22d of August.
As the British government has repealed the order for seizing our provision vessels, little more need be said on that head, than that it was the principle, which constituted the most obnoxious and exception- able part thereof, and the predicament in which this country was thereby placed in her relations with France. Admitting, therefore, that the compensation to some individuals was adequate to what it might have been in another quarter, yet the exceptions to it on these grounds remained the same.
this will be the universal opinion. His attempts against you are viewed by all whom I have seen, as base. They will certainly fail of their aim, and will do good, rather than harm, to the public cause and to yourself. It appears to me that, by you, no notice can be, or ought to be, taken of the publication. It contains its own antidote." — Hamilton to Washington, 24 December, 1795.
148 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
I do not think Colonel Innes's report to the gov- ernor of Kentucky was entirely free from exceptions. But let the report be accompanied with the following remarks. 1, that the one, which Lord Grenville might have seen published, was disclaimed by Colonel Innes, as soon as it appeared in the public gazettes, on account of its incorrectness. 2, an irritable spirit at that time pervaded all our people at the westward, arising from a combination of causes (but from none more powerful, than the analogous proceedings of Great Britain in the north, with those of Spain in the south, towards the United States and their In- dian borderers), which spirit required some manage- ment and soothing. But, 3d and principally, Lord Grenville if he had adverted to the many remon- strances, which have gone from this country against the conduct of his own, which I will take the liberty to say has been as impolitic for their nation, (if peace and a good understanding with this was its object,) as it has been irritating to us. And, that it may not be conceived I am speaking at random, let his Lord- ship be asked, if we have not complained, — That some of their naval officers have insulted and menaced us in our own ports ? That they have violated our national rights, by searching vessels and impressing seamen within our acknowledged jurisdiction, and in an outrageous manner have seized the latter by entire crews in the West Indies, and done the like, but not so extensively, in all parts of the world ? That the Bermudian privateers, or to speak more correctly, pirates, and the admiralty court of that island, have
i795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 149
committed the most atrocious depredations and vio- lences on our commerce, in capturing, and in their adjudications afterwards, as were never tolerated in any well-organized or efficient government ? That their governor of Upper Canada has ordered in an official and formal manner settlers within our own territory, (and far removed from the posts they have withheld from us,) to withdraw, and forbid others to settle on the same ? That the persons, to whom their Indian affairs are intrusted, have taken unwearied pains and practised every deception to keep those people in a state of irritation and disquietude with us ; and, to the latest moment, exerted every nerve to prevent the treaty, which has lately been concluded between the United States and them from taking effect?
These complaints were not founded in vague and idle reports, but on indubitable facts ; facts, not only known to the government, but so notorious as to be known to the people also, who charge to the last item of the above enumeration the expenditure of a million or more of dollars annually for the purpose of self- defence against Indian tribes thus stimulated, and for chastising them for the ravages and cruel murders, which they had committed on our frontier inhabitants. Our minister at the court of London has been directed to remonstrate against these things with force and energy. The answer, it is true, has been (particularly with respect to the interferences with the Indians) a disavowal. Why then are not the agents of such unauthorized, offensive, and injurious measures made examples of ? For wherein, let me ask, consists the
i5°
THE WRITINGS OF
l>795
difference to us between their being the acts of gov- ernment, or the acts of unauthorized officers or agents of the government, if we are to sustain all the evils, which flow from such measures ?
To this catalogue may be added the indifference, nay, more than indifference, with which the govern- ment of Great Britain received the advances of this country towards a friendly intercourse with it, even after the adoption of the present constitution, and since the operation of the government ; and, also, the ungracious and obnoxious characters, (rancorous refu- gees, as if done with design to insult the country,) which they have sent among us as their agents, who, retaining all their former enmity, could see nothing through a proper medium, and becoming the earwigs of their minister (who, by the by, does not possess a mind capacious enough, or a temper sufficiently con- ciliatory, to view things and act upon a great and liberal scale), were always laboring under some unfa- vorable information and impression, and probably not communicating them in a less exceptionable manner than they received or conceived them themselves.
I give you these details (and, if you should again converse with Lord Grenville on the subject you are at liberty, unofficially to mention them, or any of them, according to circumstances), as evidences of the im- politic conduct (for so it strikes me) of the British government towards these United States ; that it may be seen how difficult it has been for the executive, under such an accumulation of irritating circumstan- ces, to maintain the ground of neutrality, which had
i795j GEORGE WASHINGTON. 151
been taken ; at a time when the remembrance of the aid we had received from France in the revolution was fresh in every mind, and when the partisans of that country were continually contrasting the affec- tions of that people with the unfriendly disposition of the British governme7tt. And that, too, as I have observed before, while the recollection of their own sufferings during the war with the latter had not been forgotten.
It is well known, that peace (to borrow a modern phrase) has been the order of the day with me since the disturbances in Europe first commenced, My policy has been, and will continue to be, while I have the honor to remain in the administration of the government, to be upon friendly terms with, but in- dependent of, all the nations of the earth ; to share in the broils of none ; to fulfil our own engagements ; to supply the wants and be carrier for them all ; being thoroughly convinced, that it is our policy and inter- est to do so. Nothing short of self-respect, and that justice which is essential to a national character, ought to involve us in war ; for sure I am, if this country is preserved in tranquillity twenty years longer, it may bid defiance in a just cause to any power whatever ; such in that time will be its population, wealth, and resources.
If Lord Grenville conceives, that the United States are not well disposed towards Great Britain, his can- dor, I am persuaded, will seek for the causes, and his researches will fix them, as I have done. If this should be the case, his policy will I am persuaded be
iS2 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
opposed to the continuance or renewal of the irritating measures, which I have enumerated ; for he may be assured, (though the assurance will not, it is probable, carry conviction with it from me to a member of the British administration,) that a liberal policy will be one of the most effectual means of deriving advantages to their trade and manufactures from the people of the United States, and will contribute, more than any thing else, to obliterate the impressions, which have been made by their late conduct towards us.
In a government as free as ours, where the people are at liberty, and will express their sentiments often- times imprudently, and, for want of information, sometimes unjustly, allowances must be made for occasional effervescences ; but, after the declaration which I have here made of my political creed, you can run no hazard in asserting, that the executive branch of this government never has, or will suffer, while I preside, any improper conduct of its officers to escape with impunity, or will give its sanctions to any disorderly proceedings of its citizens.
By a firm adherence to these principles, and to the neutral policy which has been adopted, I have brought on myself a torrent of abuse in the factious papers in this country, and from the enmity of the discontented of all descriptions therein. But, having no sinister objects in view, I shall not be diverted from my course by these, nor any attempts which are, or shall be made to withdraw the confidence of my constituents from me. I have nothing to ask ; and, discharging my duty, I have nothing to fear from invective. The acts
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 153
of my administration will appear when I am no more, and the intelligent and candid part of mankind will not condemn my conduct without recurring to them. The treaty entered into with Great Britain has, as you have been informed, undergone much and severe animadversion ; and, though a more favorable one were to have been wished, which the policy perhaps of Great Britain might have granted, yet the de- merits thereof are not to be estimated by the opposi- tion it has received; nor is the opposition sanctioned by the great body of the yeomanry in these States. For they, whatever their opinions of it may be, are disposed to leave the decision where the constitution has placed it. But an occasion was wanting, and the instrument, by those who required it, was deemed well calculated, for the purpose of working upon the affections of the people of this country towards those of France, whose interests and rights under our treaty with them they represented as being violated ; and, with the aid of the provision order, and other irritating conduct of the British ships of war and agents, as mentioned before, the means were furnished, and more pains taken, than upon any former occasion, to raise a general ferment with a view to defeat the treaty.1
1 On the 14th of December, Mr. Jay wrote as follows to President Washing- ton : "I have lately received much intelligence from several quarters. Some allowances are to be made for zeal ; but all my accounts agree in representing the public mind as becoming more and more composed, and that certain viru- lent publications have caused great and general indignation, even among many who had been misled into intemperate proceedings, and had given too much countenance to factious leaders. The latter, however, persevere with great activity, though with less noise and clamor. These are political evils, which in all ages have grown out of such a state of things, as naturally as certain physical combinations produce whirlwinds and meteors "
154 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
But knowing that you have other correspondents, who have more leisure, and equally capable of detail- ing these matters, I will leave you to them and the gazettes for fuller information there and a more minute account of the prevailing politics. And thanking you for the interesting intelligence and opinions contained in your letter of the 2 2d of August, I shall only add, that, with sincere esteem and regard, I am, dear Sir, your affectionate friend.
P. S. We have not heard through any other chan- nel than your Letter, of the intended resignation of Mr. Skipwith and of the proposed recommendation of Mr. Montflorence.
LETTERS TO WILLIAM PEARCE, 1 795. *
* * * After getting out as many of your best qualified Oats for seed as the ground by the rotations, and such other as you shall allot for them, may require, — take care that the residue is not used so near as to disfurnish my horses when I may come to Mount Vernon ; which, probably, will be twice between the adjournment of Congress on the 3d of March, and their meeting again in autumn. — The first for a flying trip (as soon as the roads will permit me to travel after the adjournment ) with not more than five horses ; — the other, during the hot weather, for a longer term ; and with more than double that number of horses ; as Mrs. Washington and the family will accompany me. —
What chimney has fallen, by which negro children were hurt, and how are they now ? — Under real or pretended sickness, I perceive Doll, at the Ferry, rarely does any work ; — it would be well to place her in a situation where her ways can be attended to — if she is really unable to work, none will be required of her ;
1 In continuation of page 24.
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 155
if she is able, deceitful complaints, which she is very capable of making, ought not to avail her. * * * 4 January, 1795.
* * * As it is my wish to plant many Irish potatoes this year, be sure to reserve enough for seed, by making ample allowance for thefts, waste, and rotting. — I shall send you by the first vessel a bushel and half of clean honey locust seed ; which I would have raised in a nursery for the purpose of hedging. — By an experiment I have made a (large) quart contains 4,000 seed ; this, allowing ten seed to a foot, would sow, or plant, four rows of 500 feet each; — at this rate, 40 quarts (which I think you may count upon, at least) would require 160 rows ; ground for which I would have you prepare whenever you shall find most convenient, that the seed may be put in as soon as it arrives : — two feet apart will be enough for the rows, as to weed the plants until they are fit to transplant is all that will be required — and this will be done in two years.
I am sorry to hear that French Will is resuming his old tricks again. — The lye he tells, respecting my promise of freedom to him, after seven years of service, carries its conviction along with it ; — inasmuch as I had no certainty of holding him an hour after Mrs. French's death ; which might have happened within the year I hired him ; how then could I promise freedom to a person I held under such tenure? — Harsh treatment will not do with him ; you had better, therefore, let him piddle, and in this way ( though I believe little trust is to be placed in him ) get what you can out of him. * * * 11 January, 1795.
* * * I never saw Donaldson's son, but from what you have said respecting him, I am very willing to allow him his victuals and coarse cloathing : — but ascertain the quantum, and sort of both, in writing, to prevent mistakes and grumbling hereafter. — I am always ready, and willing, to fulfil every engage- ment I enter into ; — and hating disputes, I wish always that contracts may be clearly understood ; — for this reason also, it is necessary he should know that the boy must work duly and truely. — And whilst I am on this subject, I would repeat my expectation that he will take pains to teach those who work with him (especially Isaac and the boy Jem) in the principles of the several kinds of work they are employed in ; — particularly]
156 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
in carts, wheels, Plows, harrows, wheel barrows, and such kinds of implements as are used about a farm, or dwelling house. — I would also have him cautioned against an error which I have felt no small inconvenience from ; — and that is, that rather than persevere in doing things right themselves, and being at the trouble of making others do the like, they will fall into the slovenly mode of executing work which is practiced by those among whom they are. — I have experienced this not only from European tradesmen, — but from farmers also, who have come from England ; and from none in a greater degree than from Mr. Whiting, and one Bloxham, who preceeded him ; — and who, tho' perfectly acquainted with every part of a farmer's business ; — and peculiarly so (the latter, I mean) in the management and use of Oxen for the Cart or plow, double or single, with yokes or with harness ; yet, finding it a little troublesome to instruct the Negros, and to compel them to the practice of his modes, he slided into theirs; and at length ( which I adduce as a proof ) instead of using proper flails for threshing the grain, I have found my people at this work with hoop polls — and other things similar thereto. * * * 25 January, 1795.
* * * It is my earnest wish to have my land on four-mile run re-surveyed, and the bounds thereof ascertained ; that the pretence of not knowing the lines may no longer be an excuse for the trespasses which are committed thereon, to the great diminution of its value ; — the wood being the more important, as the land is of a mean quality. — For the purpose of surveying, it was that I left the papers with you ; and more than once have called your attention to this business. — It might be well to agree upon some day with Mr [Lund] Washington and others, (amongst whom a Mr. Terret joins) that are knowing to the lines and interested in the business ; that it may be effectually done if everything is clear, and no difficulties should arise with respect to title, or bounds. — If these, or either of them, should happen, enter into no agreement that will be obligatory on me. — I attempted, as will appear by some notes amongst the papers I left with you, to survey this land myself ; but having no person with me who was acquainted with the lines, I was unable to find more than two or three of the corners. — A Moses Ball, if living,
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 157
must have some knowledge of the lines: — Mr. Terret also, but as he is interested in this business, and is accused of being a pretty considerable trespasser on the part which joins him, it would not be strange if corner and line trees both are cut down ; nor very strange, if it has not happened from entire ignorance, if he should not endeavor to perplex and mislead thereabouts. — As the survey is not in consequence of a law suit, and made by order of the court, there is no necessity of employing the County Sur- veyor, unless he possesses more skill than any other who can readily be got ; and will do it upon as moderate terms, as any other. — Do not let my papers go out of your hands — or any copies be taken from them. — The Surveyor, if he is a man of science, will know what the variation of the compass is, and what allowance to make for it, if any difficulty should arise from the want of the corner and line trees. * * * 15 February,
1795.
I was afraid the open weather we have had, with frost, would
have injured the Wheat. — A short crop of this article two years running, would fall heavy on me ; as it seems to be the only thing, to any sort of amount, from which the means is derived, by which the various, and heavy expences of my estate, is borne. — If the Wheat is thrown much out of the ground, and the roots exposed, try the roller thereon — repeatedly — as soon as the earth is a little settled, and the roller will pass over it without its stick- ing thereto ; — over the parts I mean (of the fields) that are injured. I tried this method one year with very good success ; and it is a practice strongly recommended by all the Books on farming. — I have, myself, seen bunches of wheat the roots of which have been entirely out of the ground, take again by the Roller's compressing them to the earth : and the chance of doing it is well worth the expence and time which is required by the Roller, drawn with Oxen. * * *
I am sorry my letter was so long getting to the hands of my nephew Colo. Washington ; — for if I have not formed a very erroneous, and unjust opinion of the conduct of my negro car- penters— there is not to be found so idle a set of Rascals. — In short, it appears to me, that to make even a chicken coop, would employ all of them a week ; — buildings that are run up here in
158 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
two or three days (with not more hands) employ them a month or more. * * * 22 February, 1795.
* * * If the absconding of French's Paul did not proceed from a quarrel with, or threats from, his overseer, it will be found, I expect, that he has been guilty of some piece of roguery ; of the discovery of which he was afraid : — pains therefore ought to be taken to apprehend and bring him to punishment.
What sort of lameness is Dick's (at D. Run) ; that he should have been confined with it for so many weeks ? — and what kind of sickness is Betty Davis's, that it should have had a similar effect upon her ? — If pretended ailments, without apparent causes, or visible effects, will screen her from work, I shall get no service at all from her ; for a more lazy, deceitful and impudent huzzy, is not to be found in the United States than she is. * * * 8 March, 1795.
* * * All grasses ought to be sown on clean and well prepared ground, especially those near a dwelling house, which attract the eyes of all visitors. — This observation applies to grain as well as grass ; — for which reason, however desirable it might have been, to have got the oats in the ground soon, I had rather hear it was delayed than that it should be sown before every thing was in perfect order for it ; for it is a fixed principle with me, that whatever is done should be well done. Unless this maxim is attended to, our labor is but in vain, and our expectation of a return, is always deceptious ; whilst we are ascribing our dis- appointments to anything rather than the true cause, namely — not laying (by proper preparations) a good foundation on which to build our hopes.
I observe what you say of Betty Davis, &ct. — but I never found so much difficulty as you seem to apprehend, in dis- tinguishing between real and feigned sickness ; — or when a person is much afflicted with pain. Nobody can be very sick without having a fever, nor will a fever or any other disorder continue long upon any one without reducing them. Pain also, if it be such as to yield entirely to its force, week after week, will appear by its effects ; but my people (many of them) will lay up a month, at the end of which no visible change in their countenance, nor the loss of an oz. of flesh, is discoverable ; and their allowance
i795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 159
of provision is going on as if nothing ailed them. — There cannot, surely be any real sickness under such circumstances as I have described ; nor ought such people to be improperly endulged. — It should be made one of the primary duties of every Overseer to attend closely, and particularly to those under his care who really are, or pretend to be, sick ; to see that they first receive aid and comfort in time, and before it is too late to apply them ; and that the others do not impose upon him. In the first case you ought to be immediately notified, as delay is often dangerous ; and in the second, where the matter is at all doubtful, you ought to be the judge, for I am as unwilling to have any person, in my service, forced to work when they are unable, as I am to have them skulk from it, when they are fit for it. — * * * 22 March, 1795.
* * * Considering the quality of my flour this year, and the smallness of the quantity, I am very well satisfied that you have got it off your hands at the prices it sold ; altho' flour at this market is at 12 dollars a barrel and rising. — In short, the scarcity of this article in Europe, and demand for it ; added, to the failure of the last wheat crop in this Country will enable the holders to get any price they please. — Let me know the quan- tity of the midlings and ship-stuff you disposed of. — And tell Davenport to make out, and to have sent to me, the mill account for last year, that I may see what wheat has gone into, and what flour has come out of, the mill. — I have no reason to suspect that Davenport is otherwise than an honest man ; but regular and fair accounts should be stated, and rendered by all men. — In doing this with him, the Overseers' accounts of the wheat sent to, and his of what is received in the mill, should agree ; so likewise ought his charges of the flour, Bran, &c, sent to Mansion House, the Overseers, &c, to agree with what is reported and credited. — This being done, and added to the different kinds of flour that are sold, and the shorts and Bran used, will (account- ing also for the Toll Wheat) show the state of the manufacturing business — which is not only satisfactory, but absolutely neces- sary ; — for I strongly suspect, notwithstanding it would appear by the experiments which have been made of an hundred bushels that the balance is in favor of flour, — that the case is
Id
::
it
160 THE WRITINGS OF [1791
.
otherwise on the aggregate quantity which is ground. — That it is so this year, can admit of no doubt ; — it would be inconceivable otherwise that the [ ] of my last year's crop of wheat, and
] that of the year before, should yield only [ ] barrels of flour, besides what was consumed in the family.
If the boy at the Mill is to go into the Garden, at Mansion house, the sooner it happens the better ; — and I really (consider- ing the little work my Mill does) see no reason why he should not. — I am sorry to find by your last reports that there has beei two deaths in the family since I left Mount Vernon ; — and one of them a young fellow. — I hope every necessary care and atten- tion was afforded him. — I expect little of this from McKoy, — or indeed from most of his class ; for they seem to consider a Negro much in the same light as they do the brute beasts, on the farms ; and often times treat them as inhumanly. * * * 10 May,
1795.
* * * Davy's lost lambs carry with them a very suspicious
appearance ; — and it will be to be regretted, if he betakes himself
to Rogueries of that sort ; — for in that case, nothing will escape,
if he can avoid detection ; and grain will be less liable to it than
animals. — If the lambs had been poisoned, or had died a natural
death, or their deaths had been occasioned by any accident, their
bones would have been forth coming, and his not being able to
produce them, is an argument, both of his guilt, and of his not
expecting to be called upon for that evidence of the truth of his
assertion, and fair dealing. — This circumstance will make it
necessary to watch him a little closer. — He has some very sly,
cunning and roguish negroes under him ; among whom none has
a greater disposition to be so, or who he can make a more useful
agent of, than Nathan ; his mother and father. — * * *
What is the matter with Ruth and Ben, (not the Ben that cut
himself) at River farm, that week after week they are returned
sick ? — The first of them, Ruth, has been aiming, for some time,
to get herself excused from work. — More than they are able to do
in reason, I do not expect ; — but I have no idea of their being
totally exempted, whilst work proportioned, and adapted to their
strength and situation, can be found for them. — The example is
bad, and will be too readily (as is the case at present with several
1795] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 161
more of them) attempted ; if, under the plea of pains, &c, &c , they find they can carry their point. — * * * 5 July, 1795.
* * * At the proper season let all the English thorn, in the vineyard, be transplanted (I do not care where, so it be) to places where the strongest inner fences are required. — Let the long string of fence from the gate at Union Farm (going into No. I) quite through to the branch be planted with the honey locust, if they are of a size proper for it. — Continue the Cedar hedge from the barn at that place, to the Mill road ; or as far as you have plants for that purpose : — and then (on both sides of that lane) in ground properly spaded, or well hoed up, and formed into a bed, sow the Cedar berries in a single straight row ; after rubbing off the skin, or glutinous substance which surrounds the seed, in the manner which has been mentioned to you ; and which, it is said, is necessary to their vegitation. — But with respect to these, and other berries, the vegitation of which is said to be promoted by their passing through the body of an animal, I have often thought, that if they were put into a pot with water sufficient to moisten the whole mass of them, and kept warm (but not hot), from morning until night, and then to have the skin rubbed off as before mentioned, it would answer as well as the heat of the animal body. — The only danger would be from carelessness, in letting them get so hot as to destroy vegitation altogether. * * *
No hedge, alone, will, I am persuaded, do for an outer inclo- sure, where two, or four footed hogs find it convenient to open a passage ; but I am equally satisfied, that any hedge will do for partition fences, where no hogs are suffered to run ; con- sequently those that can be quickest raised, will answer my purposes best ; if I am even obliged to have a double hedge, in the manner before mentioned,- to be ready for the decline of the first. * * * 22 November, 1795.
I wish you to make the most you can of the materials you have within yourself, for hedging ; for I do not believe you will get any berries of the white thorn from Newcastle ; for the reason given in one of my letters after I arrived at this place from Mount Vernon last. — I hope the Cedar berries will prove better than you expect, that you may, as soon as possible, get the lane
i62 THE WRITINGS OF [1795
from the New barn (at Union farm) to the Mill road compleated with that kind of hedge on both sides. — Make good the hedges as you proceed, in this business ; otherwise you will have incom- plete ones, that will render no service. — Anxious as you perceive I am, to substitute hedges instead of dead fences, I have full confidence in your exertion to raise them ; — and as I have ob- served in a former letter, those for inner and cross fences, where no hogs are suffered to run, may, in the first instance, be made of anything that suits the soil, and will grow quick, — altho' they should be doubled hereafter. — When I speak of tilling too much land, and add that a less quantity would be more productive than the greater quantity, which is now tended in order to produce an adequate quantity of Corn ; I would not be understood to mean that half of one of your fields in the condition they now are, would produce you as much corn (or other things) as the whole of it would do ; — that would be absurd ; — but for example, sup- pose ten hands are necessary to cultivate a field of 100 acres (more or less) and that this quantity, in common seasons, can be cultivated as well as usually is done, but will allow no spare time, or labor for any extra work — my idea then is, that by turning half that field out, or rather let it be enclosed, and nothing suf- fered to run upon it, (that all the grass and weeds it produces may fall, rot, and ameliorate the soil) — Cultivate the other half better than you could do the whole ; — and bestow all the spare labor of the ten hands in raking — scraping, — collecting and carrying out all the manure that can be obtained from swamps, ponds, trash about the house, and in the lanes, — and even leaves and rotten trees from the woods ; that more would be produced in a year or two from the 50 acres, than is now got from the hun- dred : — and by this means gullies might be filled up — and many other improvements made on the farms that are not, nor cannot be done with a full crop. — Is it not better to get 20 bushels of Wheat (and other things in proportion) from one acre of ground, than from two acres ? — That worn land, undressed and unim- proved will not produce the latter, that is 20 bushels, and when well cultivated and manured, will produce the former, is known to every man who has attended to these things ; — and yet, such is the force of habit, that people will not quit the path their
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 163
fathers have trod in. — Besides, I am so well persuaded of the in- jury land sustains from the growth of Indian Corn, I never desire to raise more than enough for my Negros (who cannot do with- out it ;) substituting other species of food for Horses, Hogs, &c. — or even buying from the sales of other crops, if I cannot do this. * * * 6 December, 1795.
to james Mchenry.
[private.]
Philadelphia, 20 January, 1796.
My dear Sir,
Let this letter be received with the same friendship and frankness with which it is written. Nothing would add more to the satisfaction this would give me, than your acceptance of the offer I am going to make you.
Without further preface then, will you suffer me to nominate you to the office of Secretary of War ? That I may give evidence of the candor I have pro- fessed above, I shall inform you, that, for particular reasons, (more fit for an oral than a written communi- cation,) this office has been offered to Genl. Pinckney of So. Carolina, Colo. Carrington of Virginia, and Govr. Howard of Maryland, and that it would now give me sincere pleasure if you would fill it.
After making this declaration, I can press you no farther ; but I press for an immediate answer, as the public service is suffering much for want of a head to the department of War. If you consent to this nomination, prepare to come on as soon as it is made, (for the reason just mentioned,) altho' at this season, and in the present state of the roads, you should not
164 THE WRITINGS OF [1796
find it convenient to bring Mrs. Mctienry and your family along with you.
Sound, I pray you, and let me know without de- lay, if Mr. Saml. Chase would accept a seat on the Supreme Judicial bench of the United States, made vacant by the resignation of Mr. Blair. If his de- cision is in the affirmative, he will at once perceive the necessity of being here by the first Monday (if possible) in next month, at which time that court is to sit in this city. Altho' these subjects are both of an interesting nature, I will add no more on them at present ; but assure you of the sincere friendship and affectionate regard of &c.
TO BUSHROD WASHINGTON.
Philadelphia, 10 February, 1796.
Dear Sir,
On Saturday last I received your letter of the 24th Ulto.
Presuming that Mr. Keith has sent you all the at- tested accounts of my Executorship of the Estate of Colo. Thomas Colvill, in which the affairs of John Colvill, his brother (to whom he was executor) were involved — together with the will of the former, and the claims originating from an extraordinary devise which you will find therein, I am at a loss to know, what more you require than is contained in those papers, when you wish I would give you the general out lines of the business ; that you may be enabled thereby to frame the Bill.
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 165
I have no papers now by me except copies of the accounts, which have been settled with the court, authentic copies of which I presume you have re- ceived ; — and having very little knowledge in chan- cery proceedings I hardly know where to begin or end a story, that may subserve your purpose. I will however, attempt to detail some facts relative to the business, which has involved me in much unex- pected vexation and trouble in order that I may as soon as possible be rid of it.
You must know then that in a visit to Colo. Thomas Colvill, on his death bed, (an unlucky one I have ever since deemed it) he informed me, that he had appointed me, one of his Executors. I told him that my numerous engagements, of a simi- lar kind, would not permit me to discharge the duties of one. — He urged — I refused — he pressed again, assuring me that all the trouble would be taken off my hands, by his wife and Mr. John West (who married his niece) that he wished only for my name, — and that I would now and then only inquire how Matters were conducted by those first named. Un- willing to make the last moments of a worthy and respectable character uneasy, I yielded to his re- quest ; and having so done I would not be worse than my word, and qualified accordingly : — and when it suited my convenience, occasionally assisted ; until my services were required by the county in which I lived, to attend the State convention, at Williams- burg and Richmond — by these conventions, to attend the Congresses which were held in this City, — and by
166 THE WRITINGS OF [1796
the latter to take the command of the Army, which, and my continuance with the latter comprehended a period of more than ten years, at the expiration of which and my return to private life, I found that Mrs. Colvill, and Jno. West both were dead — that no final settlement of the Estate had been made. That every thing relative to it was enveloped in darkness, and that instead of being a mere auxiliary in the business I was compelled for my own security, to become the sole actor.
Under these circumstances, and knowledge of Mr. Keith's fitness, from being a professional man ; — from having been once, a clerk of a Court and well acquainted with proceedings of this kind ; and from his knowledge of incidents ; I employed him to col- lect, and digest the materials which were to be found among the papers of Mrs. Colvill, and West into a final settlement ; and nothing short of his assiduity, and knowledge of the subject, cou'd have exhibited the accounts in the manner they have appeared. Sure I am that I could not have framed the accounts from the materials which were exhibited.
I ought to have mentioned in an earlier part of this detail, that one of the first acts of the Executors was — to publish in the English papers an extract of the Will of Colo. Thomas Colvill, making the nearest relations of his mother his residuary Legatees. — This bequest and publication raised a host of claim- ants, one of whom through the medium of General Howe, while he commanded the B. forces in America demanded in an open impudent and imperious letter,
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 167
which passed through the hands of that officer, the restitution, of an Estate worth forty thousand pounds which he says was the surplus of the Estate and due to him, — altho' the very clause under which he claimed expressed a doubt of there being any surplus at all. — If this concise account is inadequate to the pur- poses of a Bill, I pray you to propound specific ques- tions, and they shall receive immediate answers. — My objects, are, simply these, — 1st, as the surplus after paying the debt and Legacies, is not precisely ascertained ; after many law suits and much diffi- culty ; I wish that those who have the best right to it, may receive the benefit of the donation ; — and 2d, that I may know where and in what manner to dis- pose of the money ; not being willing to hold it, nor to have anything to do with those who may claim it, I accordingly, as I have been advised turn the whole matter over to the Chancellor ; who at the same time that he affords relief to me, will do justice to others. With sincere friendship I am
Your affectionate Uncle.
TO DR. JAMES ANDERSON.
Philadelphia, 15 February, 1796.
Sir :
Since my last to you in Deer. I have been favored with your letter of the 15th of Septr., on the sub- ject of Iron Bridges.
The invention is ingenious, and if it answers as well in practice, as it appears in theory, it will be a valuable and useful discovery. — I see no reason why
168 THE WRITINGS OF [1796
it should not, as the construction is upon mathemati- cal principles. — I should fear however if you have not been correct in your estimates and comparison, that a Bridge formed of Iron must cost more than one of stone, — both having the same span. But as I have had no leisure to examine the matter accu- rately, this may be a very erroneous opinion of mine.
The mechanics of these United States, are in the practice of building bridges of wood, that are not exceeded any where, for span of arch, convenience, appearance and cheapness, — one lately erected over Piscataqua river in the State of New Hampshire, has a span of 244 feet in one arch, — but the want of durability in bridges built of such perishable materials, is a serious objection to them.
The more I have revolved the plan of renting the farms of my Mount Vernon Estate, the more inclined I am to the measure, — and that being my inten- tion in this respect, as well as in the sale of certain lands which I possess on the western waters, may be known, I have caused a notification (as you will perceive by the enclosed hand bills, which are copies thereof) to be inserted in some of the public Gazettes of this Country; — but without much expectation of carrying it into effect the ensuing year.
Having taken the liberty of bringing you acquaint- ed with the preliminary steps to this measure, I now offer the plan in a more advanced stage ; but upon the same principle, and under the same restrictions contained in my last, — namely, that it may be com- municated (not by way of public notification, — nor
i796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 169
at all if it militates in any degree with the declared policy of the British Government) to any man or set of men, who you may have reason to believe are dis- posed to migrate to this Country ; and would wish to avail themselves of the information therein contained.
As it relates to tenants, I should wish for peace- able, industrious and skilful farmers ; to obtain such, I must resort to some other country than this, where little knowledge of husbandry is possessed, and less care used in the practice of it, to keep the land from a ruinous course. — For many reasons, the similarity of language not least, — I would prefer those of yours.
Numbers come daily by individual families ; and more from habit, than any advantage I ever could discover, arrive at this city, and New York. But in- dividuals who have not capitals equal to my undivided farms, would not answer my views, forasmuch as it would not be convenient, or agreeable to me, to let a part, and retain a part of the same farm. With esteem and regard, I am &c.
P. S. Enclosed also are the terms on which I propose to give leases.
TO THOMAS PINCKNEY. rv cTR * Philadelphia, 20 February, 1796.
Your letter of the 10th of October from Madrid has been duly received.1 With regret I read the request, which is contained in it ; but the footing on which
1 From Mr. Pinckney's Letter. — " The situation of my family and the atten- tion necessary to my other domestic concerns requiring my return home, I take the liberty of requesting the favor, that you will direct my letters of recall to
170 THE WRITINGS OF [1796
you have placed the matter forbids opposition, or even persuasion on my part that you would recede from it ; although the difficulty of supplying your place to my satisfaction, or to the satisfaction of your country, or of the court you will leave, will not be found easy.
Having heard through different channels, that you had concluded a treaty with Spain, and that the vessel which had it on board was spoke at sea, we are in daily and anxious expectation of its arrival. The information has diffused general pleasure, and will be soothing to the inhabitants of the Western waters, who were beginning to grow restive and clamorous to obtain the navigation.1
Since the re-confinement of M. de Lafayette, (after the attempt made by Dr. Bollman and Mr. Huger,
be expedited so as to reach England by the middle of the month of June next, unless you should intend to recall me at an earlier period. Before that time arrives, I shall have served four years in the diplomatic line ; a period which I have always contemplated as the longest I could with propriety dedicate to this employment, and which I also consider as sufficiently extensive for the in- terest of the United States that the same person should continue in mission, unless very peculiar circumstances should require a prolongation of the term.
" I have sincerely felt for the unpleasantly delicate situation in which late events have placed you as our chief magistrate, and it would give me infinite concern to think, that I had in any degree contributed to occasion these embar- rassments. I can only say, that I have in every thing acted according to my best judgment, and, in what concerns yourself, by the dictates of the sincerest friendship and grateful respect." — Madrid, October 10th, 1795.
1 ' ■ The ship Favorite, by which these despatches are sent, having been delayed much longer in this port than was expected, affords me an opportunity of in- forming you, that the Spanish treaty arrived here on the 22d ultimo, that it was laid before the Senate as soon after as the accompanying papers could be copied, and that, on the 3d instant, the ratification of it was advised and con- sented to by a unanimous vote of that body. Hence you may form an opinion of the general approbation of your negotiation." — Washington to Pine kney, 5 March, 1796.
2 Doctor Eric Bollman and Francis Kinloch Huger.
I796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 171
both of whom are now in this city, to effect his escape), we have heard nothing further respecting him, than that his confinement is more rigorous than before. We know, indeed, that Madame de Lafayette and his two daughters have been at Hamburg ; that it was reported they were coming to America, but that in- stead of doing it, they went to Vienna to try the effect of personal solicitation to obtain his release- ment. Newspaper accounts go farther and say they were permitted to proceed to Olmutz. But how far the latter information is to be depended upon, and, if true, what has or will be the result, is altogether unknown to me.
I need hardly mention how much my sensibility has been hurt by the treatment this gentleman has met with, or how anxious I am to see him liberated therefrom ; but what course to pursue, as most likely and proper to aid the measure, is not quite so easy to decide on. As President of the United States, there must be a commitment of the government by any interference of mine ; and it is no easy matter in a transaction of this nature for a public character to assume the garb of a private citizen, in a case that does not relate to himself. Yet such is my wish to contribute my mite to accomplish this desirable ob- ject, that I have no objection to its being made known to the Imperial ambassador in London, (who, if he thinks proper, may communicate it to his court,) that this event is an ardent wish of the people of the United States, in which I sincerely add mine. The time, the manner, and even the measure itself, I leave
:
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to your discretion ; as circumstances, and every matter which concerns this gentleman, are better known on that, than they are on this side of the Atlantic.
I shall add no more on this, and but little on any other subject at present. The gazettes, which I pre- sume you receive, will show you in what manner the public functionaries are treated here. The abuse, however, which some of them contain, has excited no reply from me. I have a consolation which no earthly power can deprive me of, that of acting from my best judgment ; and I shall be very much mis- taken, if I do not soon find, that the public mind is recovering fast from the disquietude into which it has been thrown by the most wilful, artful, and malignant misrepresentations that can be imagined. The cur- rent is certainly turned, and is beginning to run strong the other way. But I am proceeding farther than I intended, and will therefore conclude with assurances of the esteem and regard with which I am, dear Sir, &c.
TO GOUVERNEUR MORRIS.
Philadelphia, 4 March, 1796.
My dear Sir,
Altho' I have but little expectation (from the infor- mation which I have received from your sister Mrs. Ogden) that this letter with a copy of my last to you, will reach London before you will have embarked for America, I have determined nevertheless to take the chance of it ; and accordingly have put it under cover to Mr. Pinckney.
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 173
Hitherto the business of the session tho slow in its progress, has been tranquil in discussion. — By some misconception of Mr. Deas,1 or some strange fatality attending his dispatches, the formal ratification of the treaty by his Britannic Majesty, has never yet been received ; but having sufficient and official evi- dence of the fact, both from Mr. Deas and the British charge des affaires residing here ; it was proclaimed on the 29th ulto. as the law of the land : and being before the House of Representatives, their proceed- ings thereon must soon appear. — The conjecture is that an attempt (how successful I am unable to inform you) will be made to censure it in several points; and for being disadvantageous to these United States on the whole ; but will make provision for carrying it into effect. — The debates relative to this Treaty, will be I presume animated ; and if heats are occa- sioned in the course of the session, they will proceed from this cause. But as it is not my intention to anticipate the debates or the votes, I shall say nothing further relatively thereto.
That a great change has been wrought in the public mind with, respect to this Treaty within the last two months, is apparent to every one.
But in the body politic, as in the body natural, when one of its members are disordered (I confine it to members because I do not believe the whole mass has been at all attainted) it requires some time to effect a perfect cure ; especially while there remains a morbid tumor always working and difficult to eradicate.
1 William Allen Deas, Secretary of Legation at London.
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If the people of this country have not abun- dant cause to rejoice at the happiness they enjoy, I know of no country that has. We have settled all our disputes, and are at peace with all nations. We supply their wants with our superfluities, and are well paid for doing so. — The earth generally, for years past, has yielded its fruits bountifully. No City, Town, Village, or even farm but what exhibits evidences of increasing wealth and prosperity ; while Taxes are hardly known but in name. Yet by the second sight, — extraordinary foresight, or some other sight attainable by a few only, evils afar off are dis- covered by these, alarming to themselves ; and as far as they are able to render them so, disquieting to others. * * *
TO TIMOTHY PICKERING, SECRETARY OF STATE.
Philadelphia, 6 March, 1796.
Sir,
I have given your letter of instructions to our minister at the court of London attentive consid- eration, and approve them ; unless the last clause but one should give rise to the negotiation of an article, which may not accord with the result of a motion pending in the House of Representatives, (intro- duced, if my memory serves me, by Mr. Smith of Baltimore,) of which, however, I have but an imper- fect recollection.
I think, too, (even with the advantages proposed to be obtained by the reduction,) that our negoti-
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 175
ator should adhere, even to the hazard of the treaty- altogether, to vessels of one hundred tons' burthen for the West India trade.
These things, and a general view of the subject as comprised in the instructions, added to matters which have been, and may yet be introduced into Congress, which may have relation to the proposed negotia- tion, incline me to think, that it would be better to forbear sending the despatches for Mr. Pinckney by the ship Favorite (as other conveyances will, no doubt, soon offer), and to take more time in consult- ing the most intelligent mercantile characters within your reach, on the principles and heads of the several articles, which are the subject of them.
The instructions ought, in my opinion, to be ac- companied with powers. They may be offered or not, as occasion shall require. They can, with this alter- native, do no harm ; whereas the want of them, if called for, may occasion a suspension of the measure. Mr. Adams's letter, and Lord Grenville's propositions, relative to captured vessels of a certain description, and with respect to the pay of the commissioners, require immediate attention.
Proclamations of the treaties with Spain and Al- giers should issue as soon as they can be prepared, and the ratification of the former despatched as soon as possible. Measures also for carrying these, and the other treaties which have been ratified and pro- claimed, into effect, ought to meet with no delay that can be avoided.
And I request you would concert measures with
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the Secretaries of War and the Treasury, if neces- sary, for proceeding vigorously and securely with the arsenal at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenan- doah. I am, &c.
TO THE SECRETARIES OF STATE, THE TREASURY, WAR, AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL.
Philadelphia, 25 March, 1796. Sir,
The resolution moved in the House of Representatives, for the
papers relative to the negotiation of the treaty with Great Britain,1
having passed in the affirmative, I request your opinion,
1. Whether that branch of Congress has or has not a right, by the constitution, to call for those papers ?
2. Whether, if it does not possess the right, it would be ex- pedient under the circumstances of this particular case to furnish them ?
3. And, in either case, in what terms would it be most proper to comply with, or to refuse, the request of the House ?
These opinions in writing, and your attendance, will be ex- pected at ten o'clock tomorrow. I am, &c.
1 The treaty with Great Britain, commonly called Jay's Treaty, having been ratified in London on the 28th day of October, 1795, and returned to the United States, a copy of it was laid before Congress, by the President, on the 1st of March. It now became the duty of the House of Representatives to make appropriations for carrying the treaty into effect. The party in the House, opposed to the treaty, were not satisfied with the course pursued by the President in promulgating it by a proclamation, before the sense of the House of Representatives had been in any manner obtained upon the subject. A resolution was brought forward by Mr. Livingston, which, after an amend- ment by the original mover, assumed the following shape :
" Resolved, that the President of the United States be requested to lay before this House a copy of the instructions given to the minister of the United States, who negotiated the treaty with Great Britain communicated by his message of the 1st instant, together with the correspondence and docu- ments relating to the said treaty, excepting such of said papers as any existing negotiation may render improper to be disclosed."
A debate arose which did not terminate till the 24th of March, when the
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 177
MESSAGE TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
March 30th, 1796.
Gentlemen of the House of Representatives :
With the utmost attention I have considered your resolution of the 24th instant, requesting me to lay before your House a copy of the instructions to the minister of the United States, who negotiated the treaty with the King of Great Britain, together with the correspondence and other documents relative to that treaty, excepting such of the said papers as any existing negotia- tion may render improper to be disclosed.
In deliberating upon this subject, it was impossible for me to lose sight of the principle, which some have avowed in its discus- sion, or to avoid extending my views to the consequences, which must flow from the admission of that principle.
I trust that no part of my conduct has ever indicated a disposition to withhold any information which the constitution has enjoined upon the President as a duty to give, or which could be required of him by either House of Congress as a right ; and with truth I affirm, that it has been, as it will continue to be while I have the honor to preside in the government, my con- stant endeavor to harmonize with the other branches thereof, so far as the trust delegated to me by the people of the United States, and my sense of the obligation it imposes to " preserve, protect, and defend the constitution," will permit.
The nature of foreign negotiations requires caution, and their
resolution passed in the affirmative by a vote of sixty-two to thirty-seven, and it was accordingly sent to the President by a committee of the House. The President replied to the committee, "that he would take the request to the House into consideration."
The members of the cabinet were unanimous in advising the President not to comply with the resolution. Each of them stated the grounds of his opinion in writing. During the progress of the debate, Chief-Justice Ellsworth drew up an argument, showing that the papers could not be constitutionally de- manded by the House of Representatives. Madison wrote to Jefferson, 4 April, 1796 : " The absolute refusal [of the President] was as unexpected as the tone and tenor of the message are improper and indelicate." He sus- pected that Hamilton was the author.
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success must often depend on secrecy ; and, even when brought to a conclusion, a full disclosure of all the measures, demands, or eventual concessions which may have been proposed or con- templated, would be extremely impolitic ; for this might have a pernicious influence on future negotiations, or produce immediate inconveniences, perhaps danger and mischief, in relation to other powers. The necessity of such caution and secrecy was one cogent reason for vesting the power of making treaties in the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate ; the prin- ciple on which that body was formed confining it to a small number of members. To admit, then, a right in the House of Representatives to demand, and to have, as a matter of course, all the papers respecting a negotiation with a foreign power, would be to establish a dangerous precedent.
It does not occur, that the inspection of the papers asked for can be relative to any purpose under the cognizance of the House of Representatives, except that of an impeachment, which the resolution has not expressed. I repeat, that I have no disposition to withhold any information which the duty of my station will permit, or the public good shall require, to be disclosed ; and, in fact, all the papers affecting the negotiation with Great Britain, were laid before the Senate, when the treaty itself was communicated for their consideration and advice.
The course, which the debate has taken on the resolution of the House, leads to some observations on the mode of making treaties under the constitution of the United States.
Having been a member of the general convention, and know- ing the principles on which the constitution was formed, I have ever entertained but one opinion on this subject ; and, from the first establishment of the government to this moment, my conduct has exemplified that opinion, that the power of making treaties is exclusively vested in the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur ; and that every treaty, so made and promulgated, thenceforward became the law of the land. It is thus that the treaty-making power has been understood by foreign nations ; and, in all the treaties made with them, we have declared, and they have believed, that, when ratified by the
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 179
President, with the advice and consent of the Senate, they became obligatory. In this construction of the constitution, every House of Representatives has heretofore acquiesced ; and, until the present time, not a doubt or suspicion has appeared, to my knowledge, that this construction was not the true one. Nay, they have more than acquiesced ; for till now, without controverting the obligation of such treaties, they have made all the requisite provisions for carrying them into effect.
There is also reason to believe that this construction agrees with the opinions entertained by the State conventions, when they were deliberating on the constitution ; especially by those who objected to it, because there was not required, in commercial treaties, the consent of two thirds of the whole number of the members of the Senate, instead of two thirds of the Senators present ; and because, in treaties respecting territorial and certain other rights and claims, the concurrence of three fourths of the whole number of the members of both Houses respectively was not made necessary.
It is a fact declared by the general convention, and universally understood, that the constitution of the United States was the result of a spirit of amity and mutual concession. And it is well known, that, under this influence, the smaller States were admitted to an equal representation in the Senate with the larger States, and that this branch of the government was invested with great powers ; for on the equal participation of those powers the sovereignty and political safety of the smaller States were deemed essentially to depend.
If other proofs than these, and the plain letter of the consti- tution itself, be necessary to ascertain the point under considera- tion, they may be found in the journals of the general convention, which I have deposited in the office of the Department of State. In those journals it will appear, that a proposition was made, " that no treaty should be binding on the United States, which was not ratified by a law " ; and that the proposition was explicitly rejected.
As, therefore, it is perfectly clear to my understanding, that the assent of the House of Representatives is not necessary to the validity of a treaty ; as the treaty with Great Britain exhibits,
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in itself, all the objects requiring legislative provision, and on these the papers called for can throw no light ; and as it is essential to the due administration of the government, that the boundaries, fixed by the constitution between the different departments, should be preserved ; a just regard to the consti- tution and to the duty of my office, under all the circumstances of this case, forbids a compliance with your request.
TO ALEXANDER HAMILTON.
[private.]
Philadelphia, 31 March, 1796.
My dear Sir,
I do not know how to thank you sufficiently, for the trouble you have taken to dilate on the request of the House of Representatives for the papers rela- tive to the British Treaty ; or how to apologize for the trouble, (much greater than I had any idea of giving,) which you have taken to show the impropri- ety of that request.
From the first moment, and from the fullest con- viction in my own mind, I had resolved to resist the principle, which was evidently intended to be estab- lished by the call of the Ho. of Representatives ; and only deliberated on the manner in which this could be done with the least bad consequences.
To effect this, three modes presented themselves to me. 1 st, a denial of the Papers in toto, assigning concise but cogent reasons for that denial ; 2d, to grant them in whole ; or, 3d, in part ; accompanied with a pointed protest against the right of the House to controul treaties, or to call for Papers without
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 181
specifying their object, and against the compliance being drawn into precedent.
I had as little hesitation in deciding, that the first was the most tenable ground ; but, from the peculiar circumstances of this case, it merited consideration, if the principle could be saved, whether facility in the provisions might not result from a compliance. An attentive examination, however, of the Papers and the subject, soon convinced me that to furnish all the Papers would be highly improper, and that a partial delivery of them would leave the door open for as much calumny as the entire refusal — perhaps more so — as it might, and I have no doubt would be said, that all such as were essential to the purposes of the House were withheld.
Under these Impressions I proceeded, with the Heads of Departments and the Attorney-Gen. to collect materials and to prepare an answer, subject however, to alteration and revision, according to cir- cumstances. This answer was ready on Monday, and proposed to be sent in on Tuesday ; but it was delayed until I should receive what was expected ; not doing it definitely on that day, the delivery of my answer was further postponed till the next, notwithstanding the anxious solicitude, which was visible in all quar- ters to learn the result of Executive decision.
Finding that the draft, I had prepared, embraced most if not all the principles, which were detailed in the paper I received yesterday, though not the reason- ings ; that it would take considerable time to copy the latter ; and, above all, having understood, that, if
182 THE WRITINGS OF [1796
the papers were refused, a fresh demand with stric- tures might be expected, I sent in the answer which was ready, reserving the other as a source for reason- ing, if my information proves true.
I could not be satisfied without giving you this concise account of the business, to express again my sincere thanks for the pains you have been at to in- vestigate the subject, and to assure you, over and over, of the warmth of my friendship, and of the affec- tionate regard, with which I am, &c.
TO HENRY KNOX.
Philadelphia, 4 April, 1796.
My dear Sir,
Before this will have reached you, you must have seen in the gazettes, that I have taken the liberty (without a previous consultation) to nominate you the commissioner for ascertaining the true St. Croix and the Eastern boundary of the United States, agreeably to the fifth article of the treaty lately entered into with Great Britain. I hope it will be convenient and agreeable for you to accept the trust, the appointment having been confirmed by the Senate.
As the gazettes will give you in detail a resolution of the House of Representatives, calling upon the President for all the papers (excepting such as might respect pending treaties) relative to that treaty ; also the debates thereupon, and my answer; it is un- necessary to repeat them. I am beginning to receive, what I had made my mind up for on this occasion,
17961 GEORGE WASHINGTON. 183
the abuse of Mr. Bache and his correspondents. The answer, which I have given, is referred to a committee of the whole House for Wednesday next, the probable result of which it is too early yet to predict or even to guess at. These are unpleasant things, but they must be met with firmness. Present me to Mrs. Knox and the family in acceptable terms, and be assured of the friendship and affectionate regard of, &c.
P. S. At a proper time, after knowing whether you accept the appointment or not, you will hear officially from the Secretary of State.1
TO GEORGE LEWIS.
Philadelphia, 7 April, 1796.
Dear Sir,
Tuesday's post brought me a letter from a Mr. Andrew Parks, of Fredeg., covering one from your mother, both on the subject of overtures of marriage made by the former to your cousin Harriot Wash- ington, which, it seems, depend upon my consent for consummation.
My sister speaks of Mr. Parks as a sober, discreet man and one who is attentive to business. Mr. Parks says of himself that his fortune at present does not much exceed three thousand pounds, but with industry and economy he has every expectation of rapidly improving his condition, being concerned with his brother-in-law, Mr. Th. Elderry, of Balti- more, in mercantile business.
1 General Knox declined the appointment, and David Howell, of Rhode Island, was nominated to the Senate in his place.
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As I am an entire stranger to Mr. Parks, to his family connexion, or his connexions in trade, his mode of living, his habits, and to his prospects in trade, I should be glad if you would ascertain them with as much precision as you can, and write me with as little delay as you can well avoid.
Harriot, having little or no fortune of her own, has no right to expect a great one in a husband, but it is desirable she should marry a gentleman, one who is well connected and can support her decently, in the life she has always moved. Otherwise she would not find matrimony, with a large family per- haps about her and scanty means, so eligible a situ- ation as she may have conceived.1
TO EDWARD CARRINGTON.
[private.]
Philadelphia, i May, 1796.
Dear Sir,
With much pleasure I received your letter of the 22d ultimo ; and, if the sense of the great body of citizens in Virginia should be expressed in the man-
1 "Your letter of the 1st inst. has been duly received. The subject on which it is written is a serious one, and it shall meet as it deserves a serious consideration.
" My niece Harriot Washington having very little fortune of her own, neither she nor her friends have a right to make that (however desirable it might be) a primary consideration in a matrimonial connection. — but there are other requisites which are equally desirable and which ought to be attended to in a union of so much importance ; — without therefore expressing at this moment either assent or dissent, to the proposal you have made, it is necessary for me to pause.
" My wish is to see my niece happy ; — one step towards which, is for her to be united with a gentleman of respectable connections ; and of good disposi-
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 185
ner you seem to expect, it would give me and, I believe, every friend to order and good government throughout the United States very great satisfaction, more so than similar sentiments from any other State in the Union ; for people living at a distance from it know not how to believe it possible, that its represen- tatives, both in the General and State legislatures, can speak a language, which is repugnant to the sense of their constituents, especially too as they seem to give the tone to all the States south of them.1
Whatever my own opinion may be on this or any other subject interesting to the community at large,
tions ; — with one who is more in the habit (by fair and honorable pursuits) of making than in spending money ; and who can support her in the way she has always lived." — Washington to Andrew Parks, 7 April, 1796. The marriage occurred 16 July, 1796.
1 From Mr. Carrington's Letter. — " The late votes of the House of Repre- sentatives, which have just reached us, and from which it appears that appro- priations are not intended to be made for giving effect to the treaty between the United States and Great Britain, have, in my opinion, brought our political maladies to a crisis. The disorganizing machinations of a faction are no longer left to be nourished and inculcated on the minds of the credulous by clamorous demagogues, while the great mass of citizens, viewing these as evils at a distance, remain inactive. The consequences of a failure of the treaty are too plain and too threatening to the unparalleled happiness and prosperity we enjoy, not to excite alarm in the minds of all, who are attached to peace and order. This class of citizens will now come forward and speak for themselves, and will be found to compose the great body of the community. I may possibly be mistaken. I however feel a confidence in an opinion, that the sense of Virginia to this purpose will shortly be extensively expressed in public meet- ings and by petitions. A meeting of the people of this city will take place on Monday next, for the purpose of expressing their opinions on the pending measures, and setting on foot a petition or remonstrance to the House of Representatives thereon. From what I can learn from various parts of the country I verily believe, that similar measures will be adopted at least in many counties. Feeling as I do a strong conviction, that the intelligence contained in this letter is well founded, I have indulged myself in the satis- faction of communicating it to you, and hope that events will realize it." — Richmond, April 22d.
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it always has been and will continue to be my earnest desire to learn, and, as far as is consistent, to com- ply with, the public sentiment ; but it is on great occasions only, and after time has been given for cool and deliberate reflection, that the real voice of the people can be known.
The present, however, is one of those great occa- sions, than which none more important has occurred, or probably may occur again to call forth their de- cision ; and to them the appeal is now made. For no candid man in the least degree acquainted with the progress of this business will believe for a moment, that the ostensible dispute was about papers, or whether the British treaty was a good one or a bad one, but whether there should be a treaty at all without the concurrence of the House of Represen- tatives, which was striking at once, and that boldly, too, at the fundamental principles of the constitution ; and, if it were established, would render the treaty- making power, not only a nullity, but such an abso- lute absurdity as to reflect disgrace on the framers of it. For will any one suppose, that they who framed, or those who adopted, that instrument ever intended to give the power to the President and Senate to make treaties, and, declaring that when made and ratified they should be the supreme law of the land, would in the same breath place it in the powers of the House of Representatives to fix their vote on them ; unless apparent marks of fraud or corruption (which in equity would set aside any contract) accompanied the measure, or such striking evidence of national in-
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 187
jury attended their adoption, as to make a war or any other evil preferable ? Every unbiassed mind will answer in the negative.
Whence the source and what the object of all this struggle is, I submit to my fellow-citizens. Charity would lead one to hope, that the motives to it have been pure. Suspicions, however, speak different lan- guage, and my tongue for the present shall be silent. Such further information on this head, or any other similar important, which may come to your knowledge, and which your leisure and inclination may enable you to give, will be very acceptable to, dear Sir, yours, &C.1
TO JOHN JAY, GOVERNOR OF NEW YORK.
Philadelphia, 8 May, 1796.
Sir,
You judged very right when, in your letter of the 1 8th ultimo, you observed, " I can have but very little time for private letter-writing " ; but, if my friends will put up with the hasty and indigested ones I can write under such circumstances, there are
1 A letter of much the same purport was written to Charles Carroll on the same day, in which occurred the following additional sentences :
" Every true friend to this country must see and feel that the policy of it is not to embroil ourselves with -any nation whatever ; — but to avoid their disputes and their politics ; and if they will harass one another, to avail ourselves of the neutral conduct we have adopted. Twenty years' peace with such an increase of population and resources as we have a right to expect, added to our remote situation from the jarring powers, will in all probability enable us in a just cause to bid defiance to any power on earth. Why then should we prematurely embarrass (for the attainment of trifles comparatively speaking) in hostilities, the issue of which is never certain, always expensive, and beneficial to a few only (the least deserving perhaps), whilst it must be
1 88
THE WRITINGS OF
[1796
a few, (among whom permit me the gratification to place you,) with whom I should feel very happy to correspond, and, while I hold my present office, to learn their sentiments upon any of the important measures, which come before the executive of the United States.1
I am sure the mass of citizens in these United States mean well, and I firmly believe they will always act well whenever they can obtain a right understanding of matters ; but in some parts of the Union, where the sentiments of their delegates and leaders are adverse to the government, and great pains are taken to inculcate a belief, that their rights are assailed and their liberties endangered, it is not easy to accomplish this ; especially, as is the case in- variably, when the inventors and abettors of perni-
distressing and ruinous to the great mass of our citizens. But enough of this — the people must decide for themselves, and probably will do so notwith- standing the vote has gone in favor of the appropriations by a majority of 51 to 48 — as the principle and assumption of power which has been contended for, remain, although the consequences by the present decision, probably will be avoided."
1 From Mr. Jay's Letter. — u Your answer to the call for papers meets with very general approbation here. I have full faith that all will end well, and that France will find us less easy to manage than Holland or Geneva. The session of our legislature is concluded, and nothing unpleasant has occurred during the course of it. I think your measures will meet with general and firm support from the great majority of this State. There is no defection among the Federalists. As to the others, they will act according to circum- stances. These contentions must give you a great deal of trouble ; but it is apparent to me, that the conclusion of them, like the conclusion of the late war, will afford a train of reflections, which will console and compensate you for it. Attachment to you, as well as to my country, urges me to hope and to pray, that you will not leave the work unfinished. Remain with us at least while the storm lasts, and until you can retire like the sun in a calm, unclouded evening. May every blessing here and hereafter attend you." — New York, April 1 8th.
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 189
cious measures use infinite more industry in dissemi- nating the poison, than the well disposed part of the community to furnish the antidote. To this source all our discontents may be traced, and from it all our embarrassments proceed. Hence serious misfor- tunes, originating in misrepresentation, frequently flow, and spread, before they can be dissipated by truth.
These things do, as you have supposed, fill my mind with much concern and with serious anxiety. Indeed, the trouble and perplexities which they occasion, added to the weight of years, which have passed over me, have worn away my mind more than my body, and render ease and retirement indispensa- bly necessary to both, during the short time I have to stay here. It would be uncandid, therefore, and would discover a want of friendship and confidence, (as you have expressed a solicitude for my at least riding out the storm,) not to add, that nothing short of events, or such imperious circumstances, (as I hope and trust will not happen,) and might render a retreat dishonorable, will prevent the public an- nunciation of it in time to obviate a misapplication of votes, at the election of President and Vice- President of the United States in December next, upon myself.
I congratulate you on the tranquil session just closed in your State, and upon the good dispositions generally, which I am informed prevail among the citizens therein. With most friendly sentiments I remain, dear Sir, &c.
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TO ALEXANDER HAMILTON.
Philadelphia, 15 May, 1796.
My dear Sir,
On this day week I wrote you a letter on the sub- ject of the information received from G[ouverneur] Morris],1 and put with it some other papers respect- ing the case of M. de La Fayette, under cover to Mr. Jay, to whom also I had occasion to write. But in my hurry (making up the despatches for the post- office next morning) I forgot to give it a super- scription ; of course it had to return from New York for one, and to encounter all the delay occasioned thereby before it could reach your hands.
Since then I have been favored with your letter of the 10th inst.,2 and inclose (in its rough state) the
1 Morris had written to Washington (March 4th), that the new French minis- ter was about to sail for America, " directed to exact in the space of fifteen days a categorical answer to certain questions. What these are I can only conjecture, but suppose that you will, in effect, be called on to take part decidedly with France. Mr. Monroe will no doubt endeavor to convince the rulers of that country that such conduct will force us into the war against them ; but it is far from impossible that the usual violence of their counsels will prevail." Morris wrote more fully to Hamilton on the same day. — Diary and Letters of Gouverneur Morris, ii., 159.
" In the French government there were persons in favor of a rupture with the United States. Monroe, who was ambassador, gave the Directory the most prudent advice on this occasion. ' War with France,' said he, ' will force the American government to throw itself into the arms of England, and submit to her influence ; aristocracy will gain supreme control in the United States and liberty will be compromised. By patiently enduring, on the con- trary, the wrongs of the present President, you will leave him without excuse, you will enlighten the Americans, and decide a contrary choice at the next election. All the wrongs of which France may have to complain will then be repaired.' This wise and provident advice had its effect upon the Directory." — Thiers' Histoire de la Revolution Francaise, tome ix., ch. i.
2 " When last in Philadelphia, you mentioned to me your wish, that I should redress a certain paper, which you had prepared. As it is important that a
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 191
paper mentioned therein, with some alteration in the first page (since you saw it) relative to the refer- ence at foot. Having no copy by me, except of the quoted part, nor of the notes from which it was drawn, I beg leave to recommend the draught now sent to your particular attention.
Even if you should think it best to throw the whole into a different form, let me request, notwith- standing, that my draught may be returned to me (along with yours) with such amendments and cor- rections as to render it as perfect as the formation is susceptible of ; curtailed if too verbose ; and re- lieved of all tautology not necessary to enforce the ideas in the original or quoted part. My wish is that the whole may appear in a plain style, and be handed to the public in an honest, unaffected, simple part.
It will be perceived, from hence, that I am attached to the quotation. My reasons for it are, that as it is not only a fact that such an address was written, and on the point of being published, but known also to one or two of those characters, who are now strongest and foremost in the opposition to the government, and consequently to the person administering of it contrary to their views, the promulgation thereof, as an evidence that it was much against my inclination that I continued in office, will cause it more readily to be believed, that I could have no view in extend- ing the powers of the Executive beyond the limits
thing of this kind should be done with great care, and much at leisure touched and retouched, I submit a wish, that as soon as you have given it the body you mean it to have, it may be sent to me." — Hamilton to Washington, 10 May, 1796.
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prescribed by the Constitution ; and will serve to lessen, in the public estimation, the pretensions of that party to the patriotic zeal and watchfulness, on which they endeavor to build their own consequence, at the expense of others who have differed from them in sentiment. And besides, it may contribute to blunt, if it does not turn aside, some of the shafts which, it may be presumed, will be aimed at my annunciation of this event ; among which, conviction of fallen popularity, and despair of being re-elected, will be levelled at me with dexterity and keenness.
Having struck out the reference to a particular character in the first page of the address, I have less (if any) objection to expunging those words which are contained within parentheses, in pages 5, 7, and 8, in the quoted part, and those in the eighteenth page of what follows ; nor to discarding the egotisms (however just they may be), if you think them liable to fair criticism, and that they had better be omitted, notwithstanding some of them relate facts which are but little known to the community.
My object has been, and must continue to be, to avoid personalities ; allusions to particular measures, which may appear pointed, and to expressions which could not fail to draw upon me attacks which I should wish to avoid, and might not find agreeable to repel.
As there will be another session of Congress before the political existence of the present House of Rep- resentatives, or my own, will expire, it was not my design to say a word to the Legislature on this subject ; but to withhold the promulgation of my intention, until the period when it shall become
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 193
indispensably necessary for the information of the Electors (which this year will be delayed until the 7th of December). This makes it a little difficult and uncertain what to say, so long beforehand, on the part marked with a pencil, in the last paragraph of the second page.
All these ideas and observations are confined, as you will readily perceive, to my draught of the Valedictory Address. If you form one anew, it will, of course, assume such a shape as you may be dis- posed to give it, predicated upon the sentiments contained in the inclosed paper.
With respect to the gentleman1 you have men- tioned as successor to Mr. P[inckney], there can be no doubt of his abilities, nor, in my mind, is there any of his fitness ; but you know, as well as I, what has been said of his political sentiments, with respect to another form of government ; and from thence can be at no loss to guess at the interpretation which would be given to the nomination of him. However, the subject shall have due consideration ; but a previous resignation would, in my opinion, carry with it too much the appearance of concert, and would have a bad, rather than a good effect. Always and sincerely, I am yours, &c. 2
1 Rufus King.
2 Although Hamilton replied on the 20th, he does not appear to have even mentioned the receipt of the draught of the Valedictory Address ; for in reply- to a letter from Washington (of the 29th), he wrote on June 1st : "I thought I had acknowledged the receipt of the paper inquired for in a letter written speedily after it — or in one which transmitted you a draft of a certain letter by Mr. Jay."
" It is now pretty certain that the President will not serve beyond his present term." — Madison to Monroe, 26 February, 1796. 13
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[iNCLOSURE.] '
Friends and Fellow-Citizens :
The quotation in this Address was composed, and intended to have been published, in the year 1792, in time to have announced to the Electors of the President and Vice-President of the United States, the determination of the former \ previous to the said election to that office could have been made ; but the solicitude of my con- fidential friends * * *2 added to the peculiar situation of our foreign affairs at that epoch, induced me to suspend the promulgation, lest, among other reasons, my retirement might be ascribed to political cowardice. In place thereof, I resolved, if it should be the pleasure of my fellow-citizens to honor me again with their suffrages, to devote such services as I could render, a year or two longer, trusting that within that period all impediments to an honorable retreat would be removed.
In this hope, as fondly entertained as it was conceived, I entered upon the execution of the duties of my second admin- istration. But if the causes which produced this postponement had any weight in them at that period, it will readily be acknowl- edged that there has been no diminution in them since, until very lately, and it will serve to account for the delay which has taken place in communicating the sentiments which were then com- mitted to writing, and are now found in the following words : —
madison, 1792.
The period which will close the appointment with which my fellow-citizens have honored me being not very distant, and the time actually arrived at
HAMILTON S ABSTRACT OF POINTS, 1796.
I. The period of a new elec- tion approaching, it is his duty to announce his intention to decline.
1 In printing the inclosure I have added Hamilton's " Abstract of Points " to show the modifications he suggested, although it is doubtful if this Abstract was ever shown to the President. On the manuscript is noted " Copy of the original draught, considerably amended " ; a note that Mr. Binney very reason- ably supposes to mean that a much altered and expanded paper was based upon this abstract, and such a paper was sent to Washington on July 30th.
2 A few sentences, containing a reference to Madison, have been erased.
1796]
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
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which their thoughts must be designating the citizen who is to administer the Executive Government of the U. S. dur- ing the ensuing term, it may be requisite to a more distinct expression of the public voice that I should apprize such of my fellow-citizens as may re- tain their partiality towards me, that I am not to be numbered among those of whom a choice is to be made.
I beg them to be assured that the resolution which dictates this intimation has not been taken without the strictest re- gard to the relation which, as a dutiful citizen, I bear to my country ; and that in with- drawing that tender of my ser- vice which silence in my situa- tion might imply, I am not influenced by the smallest defi- ciency of zeal for its future interests, or of grateful respect for its past kindness, but by the fullest persuasion that such a step is compatible with both.
The impressions under which I entered on the present ardu- ous trust were explained on the proper occasion. In discharge of this trust, I can only say that I have contributed towards the organization and adminis- tration of the Government the best exertions of which a very
II. He had hoped that long ere this it would have been in his power, and particularly had nearly come to a final resolu- tion in the year 1792 to do it, but the peculiar situation of affairs, and the advice of confi- dential friends, dissuaded.
III. In acquiescing in a fur- ther election he still hoped a year or two longer would have enabled him to withdraw, but a continuance of causes has de- layed till now, when the posi- tion of our country, abroad and at home, justify him in pursu- ing his inclination.
IV. In doing it he has not been unmindful of his relation as a dutiful citizen to his coun- try, nor is now influenced by the smallest diminution of zeal for its interest or gratitude for its past kindness, but by a be- lief that the step is compatible with both.
V. The impressions under which he first accepted were explained on the proper occa- sion.
VI. In the execution of it, he has contributed the best exertions of a very fallible judg- ment— anticipated his insuffi- ciency— experienced his dis-
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fallible judgment was capable. For any errors which may have flowed from this source, I feel all the regret which an anxiety for the public good can excite ; not without the double consola- tion, however, arising from a consciousness of their being in- voluntary, and an experience of the candor which will inter- pret them. If there were any circumstances which could give value to my inferior qualifica- tions for the trust, these cir- cumstances must have been temporary. In this light was the undertaking viewed when I ventured upon it. Being, more- over, still further advanced into the decline of life, I am every day more sensible that the in- creasing weight of years ren- ders the private walks of it in the shade of retirement as necessary as they will be accept- able to me. May I be allowed to add that it will be among the highest, as well as the purest enjoyments that can sweeten the remnant of my days, to par- take in a private station, in the midst of my fellow-citizens, of that benign influence of good laws under a free Government which has been the ultimate ob- ject of all our wishes, and in which I confide as the happy reward of our cares and labors !
qualifications for the difficult trust, and every day a stronger sentiment from that cause to yield the place — advance into the decline of life — every day more sensible of weight of years, of the necessity of repose, of the duty to seek retirement, etc. Add,
VII. It will be among the purest enjoyments which can sweeten the remnant of his days, to partake in a private station, in the midst of his fel- low-citizens, the laws of a free government, the ultimate ob- ject of his cares and wishes.
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GEORGE WASHINGTON.
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May I be allowed further to add, as a consideration far more im- portant, that an early example of rotation in an office of so high and delicate a nature may equally accord with the repub- lican spirit of our Constitution, and the ideas of liberty and safety entertained by the people.
[Here followed a paragraph of Madison that Washington omitted.]
In contemplating the moment at which the curtain is to drop forever on the public scenes of my life, my sensations antici- pate, and do not permit me to suspend, the deep acknowledg- ments required by that debt of gratitude which I owe to my beloved country for the many honors it has conferred on me, for the distinguished confi- dence it has reposed in me, and for the opportunities I have thus enjoyed of testifying my inviolable attachment by the most stedfast services which my faculties could render. All the returns I have now to make will be in those vows which I shall carry with me to my re- tirement and to my grave, that Heaven may continue to favor the people of the United States with the choicest tokens of its beneficence ; that their union and brotherly affection may be
VIII. As to rotation.
IX. In contemplating the moment of retreat, cannot for- bear to express his deep ac- knowledgments and debt of gratitude for the many honors conferred on him — the steady confidence, which, even amidst discouraging scenes and efforts to poison its source, has adhered to support him, and enabled him to be useful — marking, if well placed, the virtue and wis- dom of his countrymen. All the return he can now make must be in the vows he will carry with him to his retirement : 1st, for a continuance of the Divine beneficence to his country ; 2d, for the perpetuity of their union and brotherly affection — for a good administration insured by a happy union of watchfulness and confidence ; 3d, that happiness of people under auspices of liberty may be complete ; 4th, that by a
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prudent use of the blessing they may recommend to the affection, the praise, and the adoption of every nation yet a stranger to it.
perpetual ; that the free Con- stitution, which is the work of their own hands, may be sa- credly maintained ; that its ad- ministration in every Depart- ment maybe stamped with wis- dom and with virtue, and that this character may be ensured to it by that watchfulness over public servants and public measures which, on the one hand, will be necessary to prevent or correct a degener- acy, and that forbearance, on the other, from unfounded or indiscriminate jealousies, which would deprive the public of the best services by depriving a conscious integrity of one of the noblest incitements to per- form them ; that, in fine, the happiness of the people of America under the auspices of liberty may be made complete, by so careful a preservation and so prudent a use of this bless- ing as will acquire them the glorious satisfaction of recom- mending it to the affection, the praise, and the adoption, of every nation which is yet a stranger to it.
[Here all similarity between the two papers ceases, and I give the suggestions of each writer : — ]
MADISON.
" And may we not dwell with well-grounded hopes on this flattering prospect, when we reflect on the many ties by which
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 199
the people of America are bound together, and the many proofs they have given of an enlightened judgment and a magnanimous patriotism ?
" We may all be considered as the children of one common country. We have all been embarked in one common cause. We have all had our share in common sufferings and common successes. The portion of the earth, allotted for the theatre of our fortunes, fulfils our most sanguine desires. All its essential interests are the same ; while the diversities arising from climate, from soil, and from other local and lesser peculiarities, will natu- rally form a mutual relation of the parts, that may give to the whole a more entire independence, than has perhaps fallen to the lot of any other nation.
" To confirm these motives to an affectionate and permanent union, and to secure the great objects of it, we have established a common government, which, being free in its principles, being founded in our own choice, being intended as the guardian of our common rights, and the patron of our common interests, and wisely containing within itself a provision for its own amendment as experience may point out its errors, seems to promise every thing that can be expected from such an institution ; and, if sup- ported by wise counsels, by virtuous conduct, and by mutual and friendly allowances, must approach as near to perfection as any human work can aspire, and nearer than any which the annals of mankind have recorded.
u With these wishes and hopes I shall make my exit from civil life ; and I have taken the same liberty of expressing them, which I formerly used in offering the sentiments which were suggested by my exit from military life.
" If, in either instance, I have presumed more than I ought, on the indulgence of my fellow-citizens, they will be too gener- ous to ascribe it to any other cause, than the extreme solicitude which I am bound to feel, and which I can never cease to feel, for their liberty, their prosperity, and their happiness."
HAMILTON.
X. Perhaps here he ought to end. But an unconquerable solicitude for the happiness of his country will not permit him to
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leave the scene without availing himself of whatever confidence may remain in him, to strengthen some sentiments which he believes to be essential to their happiness, and to recommend some rules of conduct, the importance of which his own experience has more than ever impressed upon him.
XI. To consider the union as the rock of their salvation, presenting summarily these ideas :
Safety, peace l* ^he strengtn and greater security from ex-
and liberty and ternal danger.
2. Internal peace, and avoiding the necessity of establishments dangerous to liberty.
3. Avoids the effects of foreign intrigue.
4. Breaks the force of faction by rendering combinations more difficult.
Fitness of the parts for each other by their very discrimina- tions :
1. The North, by its capacity for maritime strength and manu- facture.
2. The agricultural South furnishing materials and requiring those protections.
The Atlantic board to the western country by the strong interest of peace, and
The Western, by the necessity of Atlantic maritime protection.
Cannot be secure of their great outlet otherwise — cannot trust a foreign connection.
Solid interests invite to union. Speculation of difficulty of government ought not to be indulged, nor momentary jealousies — lead to impatience.
Faction and individual ambition are the only advisers of disunion.
Let confidence be cherished. Let the recent experience of the West be a lesson against impatience and distrust.
XII. Cherish the actual government. It is the government of our own choice, free in its principles, the guardian of our com- mon rights, the patron of our common interests, and containing within itself a provision for its own amendment.
But let that provision be cautiously used — not abused ; chan- ging only in any material points as experience shall direct ; neither
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 201
indulging speculations of too much or too little force in the system ; and remembering always the extent of our country.
Time and habit of great consequence to every government, of whatever structure.
Discourage the spirit of faction, the bane of free government ; and particularly avoid founding it on geographical discrim- inations. Discountenance slander of public men. Let the departments of government avoid interfering and mutual encroachment.
XIII. Morals, religion, industry, commerce, economy. Cherish public credit — source of strength and security. Adherence to systematic views.
XIV. Cherish good faith, justice, and peace, with other nations :
1. Because religion and morality dictate it.
2. Because policy dictates it.
If these could exist, a nation invariably honest and faithful, the benefits would be immense.
But avoid national antipathies or national attachments.
Display the evils j fertile source of wars — instrument of ambi- tious rulers.
XV. Republics peculiarly exposed to foreign intrigue, those sentiments lay them open to it.
XVI. The great rule of our foreign policies ought to be to have as little political connection as possible with foreign nations.
Cultivating commerce with all by Establishing temporary and gentle and natural means, diffusing convenient rules that com- „_i j- __*x„: •*. u—4. x • j 7 mercemay be placed on asta-
and diversifying it, but forcing nolh- bie footing ; merchants know
ing — and cherish the sentiment of their commerce : how to sup- independence, taking pride in the ap- port them, not seekingyW.r. pellation of American.
XVII. Our separation from Europe renders standing alliances inexpedient — subjecting our peace and interest to the primary and complicated relations of European interests.
Keeping constantly in view to place ourselves upon a re- spectable defensive, and if forced into controversy, trusting to connections of the occasion.
XVIII. Our attitude imposing and rendering this policy safe
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But this must be with the exception of existing engagements, to be preserved but not extended.
XIX. It is not expected that these admonitions can control the course of the human passions, but if they only moderate them in some instances, and now and then excite the reflections of virtuous men heated by party spirit, my endeavor is rewarded.
XX. How far, in the administration of my present office my conduct has conformed to these principles, the public records must witness. My conscience assures me that I believed myself to be guided by them.
XXI. Particularly in relation to the present war, the procla- mation of the 22d of April, 1793, is the key to my plan. Touch sentiments with Approved by your voice and that of your
regard to conduct of bel- representatives in Congress, the spirit of
hgerent powers. A wish . '
that France may estab- that measure has continually guided me,
lish good government. uninfluenced by, and regardless of, the complaints and attempts of any of the powers at war or their partisans to change them.
I thought our country had a right under all the circumstances Time everything, to take this ground, and I was resolved as far as depended on me to maintain it firmly.
XXII. However, in reviewing the course of my administration, I may be unconscious of intentional errors, I am too sensible of my own deficiencies not to believe that I may have fallen into many. I deprecate the evils to which they may tend, and pray Heaven to avert or mitigate and abridge them. I carry with me, nevertheless, the hope that my motives will continue to be viewed with indulgence, that after forty-five years of my life de- voted to public service, with a good zeal and upright views, the faults of deficient abilities will be consigned to oblivion, and myself must soon be to the mansions of rest.
XXIII. Neither interest nor ambition has been my impelling motive. I never abused the power confided to me — I have not bettered my fortune, retiring with it, no otherwise improved than by the influence on property of the common blessings of my country : — I retire with undefiled hands and an uncorrupted heart, and with ardent vows for the welfare of that country, which has been the native soil of myself and my ancestors for four generations.
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HINTS, OR HEADS OF TOPICS.
" Had the situation of our public affairs continued to wear the same aspect they assumed at the time the foregoing address was drawn, I should not have taken the liberty of troubling you, my fellow-citizens, with any new sentiment, or with a repetition more in detail of those, which are therein contained ; but considerable changes having taken place, both at home and abroad, I shall ask your indulgence while I express, with more lively sensibility, the following most ardent wishes of my heart.
" That party disputes among all the friends and lovers of their country may subside, or, as the wisdom of Providence has ordained that men on the same subjects shall not always think alike, that charity and benevolence, when they happen to differ, may so far shed their benign influence, as to banish those invectives, which proceed from illiberal prejudices and jealousy.
" That, as the All-wise Dispenser of human blessings has favored no nation of the earth with more abundant and substantial means of happiness than United America, we may not be so ungrateful to our Creator, so wanting to ourselves, and so regardless of pos- terity, as to dash the cup of beneficence, which is thus bountifully offered to our acceptance.
" That we may fulfil with the greatest exactitude all our en- gagements, foreign and domestic, to the utmost of our abilities* whensoever and in whatsoever manner they are pledged ; for in public, as in private life, I am persuaded that honesty will for ever be found to be the best policy.
* That we may avoid connecting ourselves with the politics of any nation, farther than shall be found necessary to regulate our own trade, in order that commerce may be placed upon a stable footing, our merchants know their rights, and the government the ground on which those rights are to be supported.
" That every citizen would take pride in the name of an American, and act as if he felt the importance of the character, by considering, that we ourselves are now a distinct nation, the dignity of which will be absorbed, if not annihilated, if we enlist ourselves, farther than our obligations may require, under the banners of any other nation whatsoever. And, moreover, that
2o4 THE WRITINGS OF [1796
we should guard against the intrigues of any and every foreign nation, who shall endeavor to intermingle, however covertly and indirectly, in the internal concerns of our country, or who shall attempt to prescribe rules for our policy with any other power, if there be no infraction of our engagements with themselves, as one of the greatest evils that can befall us as a people ; for, whatever may be their professions, be assured, fellow-citizens, and the event will, as it always has, invariably prove, that nations as well as individuals act for their own benefit, and not for the benefit of others, unless both interests happen to be assimilated, and when that is the case there requires no contract to bind them together ; that all their interferences are calculated to promote the former ; and, in proportion as they succeed, will render us less independent. In a word, nothing is more certain, than that, if we receive favors we must grant favors ; and it is not easy to decide beforehand under such circumstances as we are, on which side the balance will ultimately preponderate ; but easy indeed is it to foresee, that it may involve us in disputes, and finally in war, to fulfil political alliances. Whereas, if there be no engagements on our part, we shall be unembarrassed, and at liberty at all times to act from circumstances, and the dictates of justice, sound policy, and our essential interests.
" That we maybe always prepared for war, but never unsheath the sword except in self-defence, so long as justice, and our essen- tial rights and national respectability, can be preserved without it ; for without the gift of prophecy it may safely be pronounced, that, if this country can remain in peace twenty years longer (and I devoutly pray, that it may do so to the end of time), such, in all probability, will be its population, riches, and resources, when combined with its peculiarly happy and remote situation from the other quarters of the globe, as to bid defiance, in a just cause, to any earthly power whatsoever.
" That, whensoever and so long as we profess to be neutral, our public conduct, whatever our private affections may be, may accord therewith ; without suffering partialities on one hand, or prejudices on the other, to control our actions. A contrary prac- tice is not only incompatible with our declarations, but is preg- nant with mischief, embarrassing to the administration, tending
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 205
to divide us into parties, and ultimately productive of all those evils and horrors which proceed from faction.
" That our Union may be as lasting as time ; for, while we are encircled in one band, we shall possess the strength of a giant, and there will be none who can make us afraid. Divide, and we shall become weak, a prey to foreign intrigues and internal dis- cord, and shall be as miserable and contemptible, as we are now enviable and happy.
u That the several departments of government may be preserved in their utmost constitutional purity, without any attempt of one to encroach on the rights or privileges of another ; that the gen- eral and State governments may move in their proper orbits ; and that the authorities of our own constitution may be respected by ourselves, as the most certain means of having them respected by foreigners.
" In expressing these sentiments it will readily be perceived, that I can have no other view now, whatever malevolence might have ascribed to it before, than such as results from a perfect conviction of the utility of the measure. If public servants, in the exercise of their official duties, are found incompetent, or pursuing wrong courses, discontinue them. If they are guilty of mal-practices in office, let them be more exemplarily punished. In both cases, the constitution and laws have made provision ; but do not withdraw your confidence from them, the best incen- tive to a faithful discharge of their duty, without just cause ; nor infer, because measures of a complicated nature, which time, opportunity, and close investigation alone can penetrate, for these reasons are not easily comprehended by those, who do not possess the means, that it necessarily follows they must be wrong. This would not only be doing injustice to your trustees, but be counteracting your own essential interests, rendering those trus- tees, if not contemptible in the eyes of the world, little better at least than ciphers in the administration of the government, and the constitution of your own choosing would reproach you for such conduct."
CONCLUSION.
As this Address, fellow-citizens, will be the last I shall ever make you, and as some of the gazettes of the United States have
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teemed with all the invective that disappointment, ignorance of facts, and malicious falsehoods could invent, to misrepresent my politics and affections ; to wound my reputation and feelings ; and to weaken if not entirely destroy the confidence you had been pleased to repose in me ; it might be expected at the part- ing scene of my public life, that I should take some notice of such virulent abuse. But, as heretofore, I shall pass them over in utter silence ; never having myself, nor by any other with my participation or knowledge, written, or published a scrap in answer to any of them. My politics have been unconcealed, plain and direct. They will be found (so far as they relate to the belligerent powers) in the proclamation of the 22d. of April, 1793 ; which, having met your approbation, and the confirmation of Congress, I have uniformly and steadily adhered to, uninflu- enced by and regardless of the complaints and attempts of any of those powers or their partisans to change them.
The acts of my administration are on record. By these, which will not change with circumstances nor admit of different inter- pretations I expect to be judged. If they will not acquit me, in your estimation, it will be a source of regret ; but I shall hope notwithstanding, as I did not seek the office with which you have honored me, that charity may throw her mantle over my want of abilities to do better — that the gray hairs of a man who has, excepting the interval between the close of the Revolutionary War and the organization of the new government — either in a civil, or military character, spent five and forty years — all the prime of his life — in serving his country, be suffered to pass quietly to the grave — and that his errors, however numerous, if they are not criminal, may be consigned to the tomb of oblivion, as he himself soon will be to the mansions of retirement.
To err is the lot of humanity, and never for a moment, have I ever had the presumption to suppose that I had not a full propor- portion of it. Infallibility not being the attribute of man, we ought to be cautious in censuring the opinions and conduct of one another. To avoid intentional error in my public conduct has been my constant endeavor ; and I set malice at defiance to charge me justly, with the commission of a wilful one ; or, with the neglect of any public duty, which in my opinion ought to
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have been performed, since I have been in the administration of the government, — an administration which I do not hesitate to pronounce — the infancy of the government, and all other circum- stances considered — that has been as difficult, delicate, and trying as may occur again in any future period of our history ; through the whole of which I have to the best of my judgment, and with the best information and advice I could obtain, consulted the true and permanent interest of my country without regard to local considerations — to individuals — to parties — or to nations.
To conclude, and I feel proud in having it in my power to do so with truth, that it was not from ambitious views ; it was not from ignorance of the hazard to which I knew I was exposing my reputation ; it was not from an expectation of pecuniary com- pensation, that I have yielded to the calls of my country ; and that, if my country has derived no benefit from my services, my fortune, in a pecuniary point of view, has received no augmenta- tion from my country. But in delivering this last sentiment, let me be unequivocally understood as not intending to express any discontent on my part, or to imply any reproach on my country on that account. [The first would be untrue — the other ungrate- ful. And no occasion more fit than the present may ever occur perhaps to declare, as I now do declare, that nothing but the principle upon which I set out, and from which I have in no instance departed, not to receive more from the public than my expenses, has restrained the bounty of several legislatures at the close of the war with Great Britain from adding considerably to my pecuniary resources.] ' I retire from the chair of govern- ment no otherwise benefitted in this particular than what you have all experienced from the increased value of property, flow- ing from the peace and prosperity with which our country has been blessed amidst tumults which have harrassed and involved other countries in all the horrors of war. I leave you with un- defined hands, an uncorrupted heart, and with ardent vows to Heaven for the welfare and happiness of that country in which I and my forefathers, to the third or fourth progenitor, drew our first breath.
1 In the margin of this passage Washington noted : " This may or not be omitted." The brackets do not appear in the copy of Washington's draught.
208 THE WRITINGS OF [1796
TO THOMAS PINCKNEY. [private.]
Philadelphia, 22 May, 1796.
Dear Sir :
To my letters of the 20th of February and 5th of March I beg leave to refer you for the disclosure of my sentiments on the subjects then mentioned to you. Very soon afterwards a long and animated discussion in the House of Representatives respecting the treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation with Great Britain, took place, and continued in one shape or another untill the last of April, suspending in a man- ner all other business, and agitating the public mind in a higher degree than it has been at any period since the revolution. And nothing, I believe, but the torrent of petitions and remonstrances, which were pouring in from all the eastern and middle States, and were beginning to come pretty strongly from that of Virginia, requiring the necessary pro- visions for carrying the treaty into effect, would have produced a division (fifty-one to forty-eight) in favor of the appropriation.
But as the debates, which I presume will be sent to you from the department of State, will give you a view of this business more in detail than I am able to do, I shall refer you to them. The enclosed speech, however, made by Mr. Ames at the close of the discussion, I send to you ; because, in the opinion of most, who heard it delivered or have read it since, his reasoning is unanswerable.1
1 This speech is printed in the Works of Fisher Ames.
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 209
The doubtful issue of the dispute, and the real difficulty in finding a character to supply your place at the court of London, has occasioned a longer de- lay than may have been convenient or agreeable to you. But as Mr. King of the Senate, who it seems had resolved to quit his seat at that board, has ac- cepted the appointment, and will embark as soon as matters can be arranged, you will soon be relieved.
In my letter of the 20th of February, I expressed in pretty strong terms my sensibility on account of the situation of the Marquis de Lafayette. This is increased by the visible distress of his son, who is now with me, and grieving for the unhappy fate of his parents. This circumstance, giving a poignancy to my own feelings, has induced me to go a step farther than I did in the letter above mentioned, as you will perceive by the enclosed address (a copy of which is also transmitted for your information) to the Emperor of Germany, to be forwarded by you in such a manner, and under such auspices, as in your judgment shall be deemed best ; or to arrest it, if from the evidence before you, derived from former attempts, it shall appear clear that it would be of no avail to send it.
Before I close this letter, permit me to request the favor of you to embrace some favorable occasion to thank Lord Grenville in my behalf, for his politeness in causing a special permit to be sent to Liverpool for the shipment of two sacks of the field peas, and the like quantity of winter vetches, which I had re- quested our consul at that place to send me for seed, 14
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but which it seems could not be done without an order from government ; a circumstance which did not occur to me, or I certainly should not have given it the trouble of issuing one for such a trifle. With very great esteem, I am, &c.
TO CYRUS GRIFFIN.
Philada., 8 June, 1796.
Sir,
I am sorry, that, without being accused, you should think it necessary to go into a lengthy justification of your conduct and principles.
What the entire design of your letter of the 23d ulto. may be, I am at a loss to conceive, and, pressed as I have been, and still am, on all sides, in the dis- charge of my public functions, I have no leisure to enquire. If the object of it (among other things) is to intimate that you have been overlooked in some recent appointments, I can only say, that nominations are made from the view I am able to take of the cases which come before me ; in doing which, I have often, if not always, where the appointments are not of a local nature, found it necessary to combine a variety of considerations none of which, however, have originated from a desire to serve a friend or relation ; or a wish to oblige this or that man — or set of men ; but from the information I can obtain (where I have no personal knowledge) of the fitness of characters to offices. —
That I may have erred, and in many instances made injudicious nominations, is highly probable , —
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 211
wonderful indeed would it be, if the case was other- wise ; but numerous, and chagreening as disappoint- ments may have been to individuals (and abundant they are) I can defy malignancy itself to ascribe par- tiality, or interested motives to any of my nomina- tions ; — or omissions, to prejudice or dislike. — I have naught therefore, on this score, to reproach myself with. —
For the attachment you have professed for my person and administration, I pray you to accept my best thanks, and the assurances of the esteem & regard with which I am, &c.
TO TIMOTHY PICKERING, SECRETARY OF STATE.
Philadelphia, 9 June, 1796.
Sir,
The instructions for Mr. King, herewith returned, appear to me to be proper. To them, however, I think might be added a desire, that he should attempt to remove any doubts, which may arise in the con- struction of the article relative to our trade with the East Indies ; and to get relieved, if it be practicable, from the restrictions on our vessels going from thence with their cargoes to China.
I shall not impede the forwarding of the other in- structions to the accomptant for the British spolia- tions, as they are now drawn. At the same time, I cannot forbear observing, that I think ^500 sterling would have been ample compensation for such a character.
1st, because no such officer was conceived neces-
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sary by the negotiators of the Treaty, nor provided for in the estimate to Congress.
2d, because, among other inducements to the ap- pointment of Mr. Gore, his supposed knowledge of commerce was one, (a legal and commercial charac- ter being deemed necessary for the purposes of the commission.) — Why, then, it may be asked, seek for the latter character in an accomptant of new creation, uncontemplated by the treaty ? And this question, more than probable, will be accompanied with the charge of favoritism to the wishes of the person designated and his friends.
And 3d, because our secretaries of legation are not allowed half what is proposed to be given as com- pensation to this accomptant. I am, &c.
TO DAVID HUMPHREYS.
Philadelphia, 12 June, 1796.
My dr. Humphreys —
I could not suffer Captain O'Brien to return with- out carrying along with him this evidence of my con- tinued regard and friendship for you. In expressing of which I shall be concise, for along and interesting session closed only the first day of this month — many laws which require immediate attention and execu- tion ; added to a preparation for a journey to Mount Vernon (tomorrow) for a little relaxation from the unpleasant scenes which have been and are continu- ally presenting themselves to my view, will not, how- ever well disposed I might otherwise be, permit me to be profuse.
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 213
From the office of State you will receive every thing that relates to business ; and the gazettes, which I presume accompany the despatches, will bring you pretty well acquainted with the state of politics and of parties in this country ; and shew you in what manner I am attacked for a steady opposition to every measure which has a tendency to disturb the peace and tranquillity of it. But these attacks, un- just and unpleasant as they are, will occasion no change in my conduct ; nor will they work any other effect in my mind, than to increase the anxious desire which has long possessed my breast to enjoy in the shades of retirement the consolation of having ren- dered my country every service my abilities were competent to, uninfluenced by pecuniary or ambitious considerations as they respected myself, and without any attempt to provide for my friends farther than their merits, abstractedly entitle them to — nor an at- tempt in any instance to bring a relation of mine into office. Malignity therefore may dart her shafts ; but no earthly power can deprive me of the consolation of knowing that I have not in the course of my ad- ministration been guilty of a wilful error, however numerous they may have been from other causes. When you shall think with the poet that M the post of honor is a private station," I may be inclined to enjoy yourself in my shades — (I do not mean the shades below where, if you put it off long, I may be) I can only tell you that you will meet with the same cordial reception at Mount Vernon that you have always experienced at that place, and that I am, &c.
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TO TIMOTHY PICKERING, SECRETARY OF STATE.
Mount Vernon, 24 June, 1796.
Sir,
The information contained in a letter, of which the enclosed is a correct copy, (with a reservation only of names agreeably to the request of the writer,) may serve as a comment upon the conduct of the owner of the privateer Flying-Fish, and as a development also of the intentions of the French government, so far as it relates to the commerce of the United States with Great Britain.1 The communications in the last numbers of the Aurora, (that I have seen,) afford still further evidence of this system, and are cal- culated most evidently to prepare the public mind for this event, at the same time that they labor to make it appear, that the treaty with that country is the cause of such conduct in France.
The source from which the information comes can- not, as to its authenticity and knowledge of facts, be
1 The Mount Vernon was an American vessel purchased by an Englishman, loaded in the name of Wrilling and Francis with English property, and capture'd by a French privateer, the Flying Fish. Adet would give no satisfaction, although Washington was very well disposed to favor him personally.
" Mr. Adet was as cordially, & as repeatedly asked to visit, Mount Vernon as either of the other foreign characters ; but to me he never said he would come. La Fayette and Mr. Frestel however, the day before I left Philadel- phia, understood him that he should set out on this visit in ten days after me ; since which I have heard nothing of him.
u It was my determination, and so I acted, to place them all upon precisely the same ground ; but as there are many who will not be disposed to think so, but on the contrary, will more than probably, represent it otherwise, it will be very agreeable to me, that you should see & express to him, on my behalf, the sentiments which are mentioned in your letter ; predicated on the hope, raised in me, by the Gentlemen beforementioned." — Washington to James Mc- Henry, 11 July, 1796.
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 215
■ — -
doubted ; of course, if the persons through whom it has passed to the reciter are not mistaken in their details, the most entire credit is to be given to the account. Under these impressions, and the serious aspect which they present, it is my request that you and the Secretaries of the Treasury and War would meet ; consult the treaties, the laws of nations, and of the U. States, which have any relation to the subject ; and, after mature deliberation, to report to me your opin- ions of the measures, which you conceive ought to be adopted under such information and circumstances particularly.
1. Whether immediate explanation should be asked on this subject from the minister of the French Republic in Philadelphia ; and in that case, (which I am inclined to think is right,) to proceed, without the delay of sending to me, to make the requisition accordingly, unless, from the tenor of the answer to the letter you had drafted before I left Philadelphia respecting the capture of the Mount Vernon, it should jn your judgment be unnecessary.
2. Whether there is power in the executive, and, in that case, whether it would be expedient in the recess of the Senate, to send an extra character to Paris to explain the views of this government, and to ascertain those of France ; and, in the affirmative of these, to suggest for my consideration the names of such persons as in your opinions are best qualified to subserve these purposes.
I shall expect to hear fully from you on this inter- esting subject, and shall only add, that if, in the in-
216 THE WRITINGS OF [1796
vestigation of it, my presence in Philadelphia is deemed necessary, or if any other occurrence should require my return before the time I had allotted for it, I can and will set out for that place as soon as I am advertised of the necessity. I am, &C.1
1 The Cabinet replied that a direct explanation should be demanded of the French minister. " We are also of opinion that the Executive has not the power, in the recess of the Senate, to originate the appointment of a minister extraordinary to France ; and that the recall of Mr. Monroe, by creating a vacancy, can alone authorize the sending of a new minister to that country. On the expediency of this change we are agreed. We think the great interests of the United States require that they have near the French Government some faithful organ to explain their real views and to ascertain those of the French. Our duty obliges us to be explicit. Although the present Minister plenipotentiary of the United States at Paris has been amply furnished with documents to ex- plain the views and conduct of the United States, yet his own letters authorize us to say, that he has omitted to use them, and thereby exposed the United States to all the mischiefs which could flow from jealousies and erroneous con- ceptions of their views and conduct. Whether this dangerous omission arose from such an attachment to the cause of France as rendered him too little mind- ful of the interests of his own country, or from mistaken views of the latter, or from any other cause, the evil is the same. We therefore conceive it to be indispensably necessary that the present minister plenipotentiary of the U. S. at Paris should be recalled, and another American citizen appointed in his stead. Such being our opinion, we beg leave to name for your consideration Patrick Henry and John Marshall of Virginia, and Charles Cotesworth Pinckney and William Smith of South Carolina, either of whom would, we believe, so ex- plain the conduct and views of the U. States as to gratify the French Republic and thereby remove the danger of a rupture or inconvenient controversy with that nation ; or failing of this desirable effect, to satisfy the citizens of the United States that the fault was not to be imputed to their own government.
" In confirmation of our opinion of the expediency of recalling Mr. Monroe, we think the occasion requires that we communicate a private letter from him which came to our hands since you left Philadelphia. This letter corresponds with other intelligence of his political opinions and conduct. A minister who has thus made the notorious enemies of the whole system of the government his confidential correspondents in matters which affect that government, cannot be relied on to do his duty to the latter. This private letter we received in confidence. Among other circumstances that will occur to your recollection, the anonymous letters from France to Thos. Blount and others are very notice- able. We know that Montflorence was the writer, and that he was the Chan-
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 217
TO ALEXANDER HAMILTON.
Mount Vernon, 26 June, 1796.
My Dear Sir :
Your letter without date came to my hands by Wednesday's post, and by the first post afterwards I communicated the purport of it (withholding the names) to the Secretary of State, with directions to bestow the closest attention to the subject, and, if the application which had been made to the Minister of France, consequent on the capture of the ship Mount Vernon had not produced such an answer as
cellor of the consul Skipwith ; and from the connexion of Mr. Monroe with those persons, we can entertain no doubt that the anonymous letters were written with his privity.
*' These anonymous communications from officers of the United States in a foreign country, on matters of public nature, and which deeply concern the interests of the United States, in relation to that foreign country, are proofs of sinister design, and shew that the public interests are no longer safe in the hands of such men.
" The information contained in the confidential communication you were pleased to make to us on the project of the French Government relative to the commerce of the U. States, is confirmed by the open publication of the same substantially and more minutely in the newspapers. Mr. Fenno's in which it first appeared, we now enclose. The execution of the project even appears to have been commenced. The following article is in Mr. Fenno's paper of the 28th ulto :
" ' New London, June 23d. Arrived by the Aurora, S. Wadsworth of Hart- ford, in fourteen days from Port-au paix. Left there sloop Crisis, Cook of Norwich, with mules ; sloop Scrub, Williams of Middletown ; and a brig from Philadelphia ; all carried in by French privateers. It was not pretended to make prizes of them, but their, cargoes were taken by the administration, at their own price, and due-bills given therefor. Those who go there to trade and those carried in, are all treated alike. Capt. Wadsworth received a due bill for 11,000 livres.'
• •••». • . .
. " Timothy Pickering, ** Oliver Wolcott,
" James McHenry. Phila., 2 July, 1796."
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to supersede the necessity, then to endeavor to ob- tain such explanation of the views of the French government relatively to our commerce with Great Britain, as the nature of the case appeared to require.
That the fact is as has been represented to you, I have very little if any doubt. Many, very many cir- cumstances, are continually happening in confirmation of it ; among which, it is evident, Bache's paper, which receives and gives the tone, is endeavoring to prepare the public mind for this event, by represent- ing it as the predicted and natural consequence of the ratification of the treaty with Great Britain.
Let me ask, therefore, Do you suppose that the Executive, in the recess of the Senate, has power, in such a case as the one before us, especially if the measure should not be avowed by authority, to send a special character to Paris as Envoy Extraordinary, to give and receive explanations ? And if there be a doubt, whether it is not probable, nay, more than probable that the French Directory would, in the present state of things, avail themselves of the uncon- stitutionality of the measure to decline receiving him ? The policy of delay, to avoid explanations, would induce them to adopt any pretext to accomplish it. Their reliance upon a party in this country for sup- port would stimulate them to this conduct ; and we may be assured they will not be deficient in the most minute details of every occurrence and every opinion worthy of communication. If, then, an envoy can- not be sent to Paris without the agency of the Sen- ate, will the information you have received, admitting
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 219
it should be realized, be sufficient ground for conven- ing that body ?
These are serious things ; they may be productive of serious consequences, and therefore require very serious and cool deliberation. Admitting, however, that the powers of the President during the recess were adequate to such an appointment, where is the character who would go, and unites the proper quali- fications for such a mission, and would not be obnox- ious to one party or the other ? and what should be done with Mr. M [onroe] in that case ?
As the affairs of this country, in their administra- tion, receive great embarrassment from the conduct of characters among ourselves, and as every act of the Executive is misrepresented and tortured with a view to make it appear odious, the aid of the friends to government is peculiarly necessary under such cir- cumstances and at such a crisis as the present. It is unnecessary, therefore, to add, that I should be glad, upon the present and all other important occasions, to receive yours ; and as I have great confidence in the abilities and purity of Mr. Jay's views, as well as in his experience, I should wish that his sentiments on the purport of this letter, and other interesting matters as they occur, may accompany yours ; for having no other wish than to promote the true and permanent interests of this country, I am anxious al- ways to compare the opinions of those in whom I confide with one another, and those again (without be- ing bound by them) with my own, that I may extract all the good I can.
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Having from a variety of reasons (among which a disinclination to be longer buffeted in the public prints by a set of infamous scribblers) taken my ulti- mate determination " to seek the post of honor in a private station," I regret exceedingly that I did not publish my valedictory address the day after the ad- journment of Congress. This would have preceded the canvassing for electors (which is commencing with warmth in this State). It would have been announ- cing publicly, what seems to be very well understood, and is industriously propagated privately. It would have removed doubts from the minds of all, and left the field clear for all. It would, by having preceded any unfavorable change in our foreign relations (if any should happen), render my retreat less difficult and embarrassing. And it might have prevented the remarks which, more than probable, will follow a late annunciatiation — namely, that I delayed it long enough to see that the current was turned against me, before I declared my intention to decline. This is one of the reasons which makes me a little tena- cious of the draught I furnished you with, to be modi- fied and corrected.
Having passed, however, what now I conceive would have been the precise moment to have ad- dressed my constituents, let me ask your opinion (un- der a full conviction that nothing will shake my determination to withdraw) of the next best time, considering the present, and what may, probably, be the existing state of things at different periods pre- vious to the election ; or rather the middle of Octo-
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 221
ber, beyond which the promulgation of my intentions cannot be delayed. Let me hear from you as soon as it "it convenient, and be assured always of the sin- cere esteem and affectionate regard of. 1
1 "As to your resignation, sir, it is not to be regretted that the declara- tion of your intention should be suspended as long as possible, and suffer me to add that you should really hold the thing undecided to the last mo- ment. I do not think it is in the power of party to throw any slur upon the lateness of your declaration. And you have an obvious justification in the state of things. If a storm gathers, how can you retreat? This is a most seri- ous question. The proper period now for your declaration seems to be two months before the time for the meeting of the electors. This will be sufficient. The parties will in the meantime electioneer conditionally, that is to say, if you decline ; for a serious opposition to you will, I think, hardly be risked. I have completed the first draft of a certain paper, and shall shortly transcribe, correct, and forward it. I will then also prepare and send forward without de- lay, the original paper, corrected upon the general plan of it, so that you may have both before you for a choice in full time, and for alteration if necessary." — Hamilton to Washington, 5 July, 1796.
It was on July 30th that Hamilton fulfilled the promise contained in this let- ter. " I have the pleasure to send you herewith a certain draft, which I have endeavored to make as perfect as my time and engagements would permit. It has been my object to render this act importantly and lastingly useful, and avoiding all just cause of present exception, to embrace such reflections and sentiments as will wear well, progress in approbation with time, and redound to future reputation. How far I have succeeded, you will judge. I have be- gun the second part of the task — the digesting of the supplementary remarks to the first address, — which, in a fortnight, I hope also to send you ; yet I con- fess the more I have considered the matter the less eligible this plan has appeared to me. There seems to me to be a certain awkwardness in the thing, and it seems to imply that there is a doubt whether the assurance without the evidence would be believed. Besides that, I think that there are some ideas which will not wear well in the former address, and I do not see how any part can be omitted, if it is to be given as the thing formerly prepared. Neverthe- less, when you have both before you, you can judge. If you should incline to take the draft now sent, and after perusing and noting any thing that you wish changed, will send it to me, I will, with pleasure, shape it as you desire. This may also put it in my power to improve the expression, and perhaps, in some instances condense." — Hamilton to Washington, 30 July, 1796.
u A cursory reading it has had, and the sentiments therein contained, are extremely just, and such as ought to be inculcated. The doubt that occurs at first view, is the length of it for a newspaper publication ; and how far the
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to james Mchenry, secretary of war.
[Mount Vernon, i July, 1796.]
Sir,
Your letter of the 27th ulto. by Post, with its en- closures, (the originals of which I return,) came to my hands on Wednesday ; and your other letters of the 27th and 28th, by Express, was received about five o'clock yesterday afternoon.1
The accounts brought in the latter are very pleas- ing indeed, inasmuch as they will serve to remove the doubts of the credulous (with respect to the Western Posts) ; and, when realized, be productive of that tranquillity and peace with the Indians, which in itself is so desirable, and has been so much wished and sought for by every real friend to his country.
It is my desire, that the charges exhibited against General Wayne by Brigadier Wilkinson, with the letters of crimination on both sides, should be laid before the heads of departments ; and your and their opinions reported to me on the measures necessary
occasion would countenance its appearing in any other form, without dilating more on the present state of matters, is questionable. All the columns, of a large gazette would scarcely, I believe, contain the present draught." — Washington to Hamilton, 10 August, 1796.
1 The Secretary's letter of the 28th gave an account of the reception which Major Lewis met with from the governor of Canada when he arrived in Que- bec, with despatches relative to the execution of that part of the treaty which concerned the western posts. The Secretary writes : " Major Lewis says he was treated with much civility by Lord Dorchester's family, and that the people seemed everywhere pleased with the prospect of a friendly intercourse with our citizens. Lord Dorchester was particular in his inquiries respecting your health, and seemed pleased to learn that you were well and looked well. I believe his Lordship is himself about seventy. Major Lewis could have dined out for a month at Quebec. The first toast was, The King of Great Britain ; the second invariably, The President"
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 223
to be pursued to do justice to the Public, the accused, and the accuser ; as also when and by whom the in- quiry is to be made, with the preliminary steps neces- sary thereto.
There are no Officers, I conceive, of sufficient rank to constitute a Court before whom the Commander- in-chief can be brought. Is the matter then to come before Congress? In what manner? My first im- pression relative to this business, (though not ma- turely or distinctly formed,) is, that General Wayne ought immediately to be furnished with a copy of all the charges exhibited against him by the Brigadier, in order, as many of them are of old standing, that he may have time allowed him to recollect circum- stances ; and to see what counter evidence can be produced, or what satisfactory explanations can be given, that he may not be unprepared for trial when- soever he is called upon.
It may be well, if it can be accomplished by civil expressions, to stimulate the present governor of Tennessee to an effectual repression of incroachments on Indian Territory, (secured to them by Treaties) ; but the honor of the government and the Peace of the Union require, that, if he is not decisive, the Laws relative thereto be not suspended or trifled with, but, promptly and energetically (with temper and prudence) enforced.
I will not speak upon the new model of the army now, but will take more time to consider the scheme for resolving the Legion into four Regiments, on the plan you have suggested.
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In speaking of the Generals Wayne and Wilkin- son, I omitted to add, as my opinion, that the latter, (if leave has not been given already), ought to ob- tain the furlough he has asked as soon as the former joins the Army ; for no good will result from both being with it in the irritable temper they are in at the same time.
TO TIMOTHY PICKERING, SECRETARY OF STATE.
Mount Vernon, 4 July, 1796.
Sir,
The Spanish minister, M. de Yrujo, spent two days with me, and is just gone. I caused it to be inti- mated to him, that, as I should be absent from the seat of the government until the middle or latter end of August, that I was ready to receive his letter of credence at this place. He answered, as I understood it, that his credentials were with his baggage on its passage to Philadelphia, and that his reception at that place, at the time mentioned, would be perfectly convenient and agreeable to himself. He is a young man, very free and easy in his manners, professes to be well-disposed towards the United States, and, as far as a judgment can be formed on so short an ac- quaintance, appears to be well-informed.
Enclosed are two letters from the governor of Pennsylvania, applying for the aid of the general government to execute effectually the quarantine he had proclaimed. I left Philadelphia under an im- pression, that circular letters had been written by the
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 225
Secretary of the Treasury to the collectors of the different ports, and by the Secretary of War to the officers commanding the garrisons on the sea-board, to pay proper attention to the act of Congress relative to quarantine.
From the application of Governor Mifflin the pre- sumption is, that there has been an omission some- where. Let me desire that you and the other two gentlemen would meet and see where it lies, that a remedy may be immediately applied. And I request that you will acknowledge the receipt of the Gov- ernor's letters, and inform him of what is or will be done.
I desire to be informed also, if any thing is or can be done relatively to the appointment of an Indian agent in place of Governor Blount, and others for carrying on the trade authorized by Congress with those people. I am, &c.
TO GUSTAVUS SCOTT.
Mount Vernon, 4 July, 1796.
Sir :
If the public despatches which I receive, and am obliged to answer by every Post would permit, I would go more into detail and explanation of the subject of your last (seperate letter), than it is possi- ble for me to do at present. I will not, however, let it pass without some further expression of my ideas ; and the understanding I always had of your entrance
into the office you now hold, in the Federal City.
15
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That the Secretary of State's letter to you (which I have not by me at this place to resort to) may have been so worded as to leave the alternative of residing in the City, or in George Town, is not necessary, if it was justifiable, to deny ; because a change of cir- cumstances would certainly authorize a change of measures. But independent of this, it must not be forgotten, that at the time the letter above alluded to was written, such an alternative was indispensable, for as much as there were no convenient accommoda- tions for the Commissioners in the City, and because houses could not be erected in a moment, under the circumstances which then existed. In addition to this, let it be remembered, also, that the first Com- missioners, sensible of the propriety and advantages which would result therefrom, had resolved to build a house for their own accommodation at or near the spot where the Hotel now stands ; and were diverted from it (if my memory serves me) partly by two causes : — first, from a doubt of the propriety of such an appli- cation of public money; and 2ndly, from an opinion that they could be accommodated in the Hotel, when built, — which, it was expected, would have happened long since.
I mention these things to show there has been no inconsistency in my sentiments or conduct ; and that to enable the Commissioners to comply with the views of government, and to devote their time to its service, the present compensation was resolved on.
Your other allegation is of a more serious nature ; and if deception withdrew you from what you deemed
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 227
a permanent establishment at Baltimore, it cannot be justified. But be assured, Sir, this is a new view of the subject ; and that the proposal to you, to become a Commissioner, originated in assurances, confidently given to me, that you had resolved to remove to the Federal City, or to George Town ; and because I knew you had a considerable interest in the vicinity of them. Was not the first application to you predi- cated on this information ?
But I must be explicit in declaring, that not only to obviate the suspicions and jealousies which proceed from a residence of the Commissioners without the City, or in a remote corner of it, not only that they may be where the busy and important scenes are transacting, that they may judge of the conduct of others not from reports only, but from ocular proof, as the surest guide to ceconomy and despatch ; — inde- pendent, I say, of these considerations, which are momentous of themselves, I should view the residence of the Commissioners of the City and their officers of different grades, in some central part of it as a nest egg (pardon the expression) which will attract others, and prove the surest means of accomplishing the great object which all have in view — the removal of Congress at the appointed time — without which, every thing will become stagnant, and your sanguine hopes blasted.
To be frank, I must give it to you as my opinion, that in relation to the concerns of the City, the Com- missioners stand precisely in the same light (if not in a stronger one) that each does to any interesting
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matter in a train of execution for himself. — Would you, then, notwithstanding you may have an architect to carry on your buildings on Rock Hill, and a man to superintend your attending laborers, trust to their proceeding without your minute inspection of their conduct ? I think, and am sure, you will answer, no. I do not mean by this question to exhibit a charge, for I do as truly tell you, that I do not know, or ever heard, how often you visit your own concerns there. It is upon general principles I argue. A man of in- dustry and exertion will not, on his own account, have a work of that sort on hand without giving close at- tention to it. And certain it is, the obligation (because of the responsibility) is at least equally great when entrusted by the Public.
After all, as the season is now far advanced, houses, in the situation I have described as most eligable, may not be to be rented. I am not unwilling that the re- moval of the Commissioners, if they find much incon- venience in doing it, may be suspended until the commencement of the operations of next spring, when it will certainly be expected, and if known, I have no doubt but that houses will be prepared for their accom- modation by that time.
You will, from the length of this letter, with difficulty, give credit to my assertion in the beginning of it ; but as a proof, not only of its verity, but of the friendship and candor with which it is written, it shall go to you in its present rough garb ; and with all its imperfections, accompanied with assurances of the esteem and regard, &c.
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 229
TO THOMAS JEFFERSON.
Mount Vernon, 6 July, 1796.
Dear Sir,
When I inform you, that your letter of the 19th ultimo l went to Philadelphia and returned to this place before it was received by me, it will be admitted, I am persuaded, as an apology for my not having acknowledged the receipt of it sooner.
If I had entertained any suspicions before, that the queries, which have been published in Bache's paper, proceeded from you, the assurances you have given of the contrary would have removed them ; but the truth is, I harbored none.2 I am at no loss to con- jecture from what source they flowed, through what channel they were conveyed, and for what purpose they and similar publications appear. They were known to be in the hands of Mr. Parker in the early part of the last session of Congress. They were shown about by Mr. Giles during the session, and they made their public exhibition about the close of it.
Perceiving and probably hearing, that no abuse in the gazettes would induce me to take notice of anony- mous publications against me, those, who were dis- posed to do me such friendly offices, have embraced without restraint every opportunity to weaken the confidence of the people ; and, by having the whole game in their hands, they have scrupled not to pub- lish things that do not, as well as those which do
1 See this letter in Jefferson's Writings, vol. iii., p. 330.
9 One of Washington's cabinet memoranda had been printed by Bache in full.
23o THE WRITINGS OF [1796
exist, and to mutilate the latter, so as to make them subserve the purposes which they have in view.
As you have mentioned the subject yourself, it would not be frank, candid, or friendly to conceal, that your conduct has been represented as derogating from that opinion / had conceived you entertained of me ; that, to your particular friends and connexions you have described and they have denounced, me as a person under a dangerous influence ; and that, if I would listen more to some other opinions, all would be well. My answer invariably has been, that I had never discovered any thing in the conduct of Mr. Jefferson to raise suspicions in my mind of his insin- cerity ; that, if he would retrace my public conduct while he was in the administration, abundant proofs would occur to him, that truth and right decisions were the sole objects of my pursuit ; that there were as many instances within his own knowledge of my hav- ing decided against as in favor of the opinions of the person evidently alluded to ; and, moreover, that I was no believer in the infallibility of the politics or measures of any man living} In short, that I was no party man myself, and the first wish of my heart was, if parties did exist, to reconcile them.
To this I may add, and very truly, that, until within the last year or two, I had no conception that parties would or even could go the length I have been witness to ; nor did I believe until lately, that it was within the bounds of probability, hardly within those of possibility, that, while I was using my utmost
1 See Jefferson's Anas, in his Writings (Ford's edition), i., 168.
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 231
exertions to establish a national character of our own, independent, as far as our obligations and justice would permit, of every nation of the earth, and wished, by steering a steady course, to preserve this country from the horrors of a desolating war, I should be accused of being the enemy of one nation, and subject to the influence of another ; and, to prove it, that every act of my administration would be tortured, and the grossest and most insidious misrepresenta- tions of them be made, by giving one side only of a subject, and that too in such exaggerated and indecent terms as could scarcely be applied to a Nero, a no- torious defaulter, or even to a common pickpocket. But enough of this, I have already gone further in the expression of my feelings than I intended.1
The particulars of the case you mention (relative to the Little Sarah) is a good deal out of my recol- lection at present, and I have no public papers here to resort to. When I get back to Philadelphia (which, unless I am called there by something new, will not be 'till towards the last of August) I will examine my files.
It must be pleasing to a cultivator to possess Land which will yield Clover kindly, for it is certainly a great desideratum in husbandry. My soil, without
1 No correspondence after this date between Washington and Jefferson ap- pears in the letter-books, except a brief note the month following upon an unimportant matter. It has been reported and believed, that letters or papers, supposed to have passed between them, or to relate to their intercourse with each other at subsequent dates, were secretly withdrawn from the archives of Mount Vernon after the death of the former. Concerning this fact, no posi- tive testimony remains, either for or against it, among Washington's papers as they came into my hands. — Sparks.
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very good dressings, does not produce it well, owing, I believe, to its stiffness, hardness at bottom, and reten- tion of water. A farmer, in my opinion, need never despair of raising wheat to advantage, upon a Clover lay, with a single ploughing agreeably to the Norfolk and Suffolk practice. By a misconception of my man- ager last year, a field at one of my farms, which I intended should have been fallowed for wheat, went untouched. Unwilling to have my crop of wheat at that place so much reduced, as would have been occasioned by this omission, I directed, as soon as I returned from Philada. about the middle of Sep- tember, another field not in the usual rotation, which had lain out two years, and well covered with mixed grasses, principally white clover, to be turned over with a good bar share and the wheat to be sown and harrowed in at the tail of the plough. It was done so accordingly, and was, by odds, the best wheat I made this year. It exhibits an unequivocal proof to my mind of the great advantage of Clover lay for wheat. Our crops of this article, hereabouts, are more or less injured by what some call the rot, others the scab — occasioned, I believe, by high winds and beating rain when the grain is in blossom, and before the farina has performed its duties.
Desirous of trying the field peas of England, and the winter vetch, I sent last fall to Mr. Maury, of Liverpool, for 8 bushels of each sort. Of the peas he sent me two kinds, a white and dark ; but not having the letter by me, I am unable to give the names. They did not arrive until the latter end of
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 233
April ; when they ought to have been in the ground the beginning of March. They were sown, however, but will yield no seed ; of course the experiment I intended to make is lost. The vetch is yet on hand for autumn seeding. That the Albany peas will grow well with us, I know from my own experience ; but they are subject to the same bug which perforates and injures the garden peas, and will do the same I fear to the imported peas of any sort from England, in this climate, from the heat of it.
I do not know what is meant by, or to what uses the Caroline drill is applied. How does your Chico- rium prosper ? Four years since I exterminated all the plants raised from seed sent me by Mr. Young, and to get into it again, the seed I purchased in Philada. last winter and what has been sent me by Mr. Maury this spring has cost me upwards of twelve pounds sterling. This, it may be observed, is a left handed way to make money ; but the first was occa- sioned by the Manager I then had, who pretended to know it well in England and pronounced it a noxious weed. The restoration of it, is indebted to Mr. Strickland, and others (besides Mr. Young) who speak of it in exalted terms. I sowed mine broad cast ; some with and some without grain. It has come up well ; but there seems to be a serious strug- gle between it and the grass and weeds ; the issue of which (as I can afford no relief to the former) is doubtful at present, and may be useful to know.
If you can bring a moveable threshing machine, constructed upon simple principles to perfection, it
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will be among the most valuable institutions in this country, for nothing is more wanting and to be wished for on our farms.
Mrs. Washington begs you to accept her best wishes, and with very great esteem and regard, I am, dear Sir, yours, &c.
TO CHARLES LEE, ATTORNEY-GENERAL.
Mount Vernon, 6 July, 1796.
Sir,
Having shown you the answer of the French min- ister to the communication of the Secretary of State, relatively to the capture of the ship Mount Vernon by the french privateer Flying-Fish. Having read
you, also, the contents of a Letter from S , re
specting information from St. Domingo, of the intended measures of the French government to harass our commerce with Great Britain, and also my letter to the Secretary of State on that subject, to which I have by the last mail received the enclosed acknowledgment ; let me now ask what you think of the opinion therein given respecting the recall of our minister at Paris ? Whether that act will authorize the appointment of an envoy extraordinary, or minis- ter plenipotentiary ? Whether it is, in that case, ex- pedient to do it under present circumstances, as far as they are known, or wait a further developement of his conduct, and the views of the Directory of France ? And, in case it is judged expedient to send a person to Paris to explain the motives of the conduct of this government, and to ascertain the views of that,
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 235
whether you think either of the characters mentioned in the Secretary of State's letter would go ? and whether there be any other occurring to you as eliga- ble ? Would Dr. McClurg go ? And does he possess fit abilities, if he would accept ?
Answer all these queries as soon as you conven- iently can ; and let me have the draft you promised (on Monday last,) for the purpose of supplying the deficiency in the act for the relief of seamen.
Make frequent inquiries for a fit character to fill the office of surveyor-general. I wish much to have it ably executed. I am, &c.
TO TIMOTHY PICKERING, SECRETARY OF STATE.
Mount Vernon, 8 July, 1796.
Sir,
My letters to the Secretary of the Treasury, of the 4th and 6th instant, with the present enclosure, con- vey fully the sentiments of the Attorney-General with respect to the best mode of executing the act "for the relief and protection of American seamen." He has, since his opinion was transmitted in the above letter of the 6th, consulted two of our most eminent lawyers in these parts, and finds an entire accordance of opinion. I request, therefore, that the measure recommended may be pursued.
Your letters of the 1st and 2d instant, with several enclosures in the latter, came safe and duly to hand. After that serious consideration, which the subject deserves, I have determined to recall the American minister at Paris, and am taking measures to supply his
236 THE WRITINGS OF [1796
place ; but, the more the latter is revolved, the greater the difficulties appear to do it ably and unexception- able By this I mean the selecting of one, who will promote, not thwart, the neutral policy of the gov- ernment, and at the same time will not be obnoxious to the people among whom he is sent.
Proofs little short of positive are already in my pos- session, that neither Mr. Henry nor Mr. Marshall would accept of such an appointment. The chances against General Pinckney's doing it are strong, though not quite so great ; and, with respect to Mr. Smith, although it would be a very agreeable choice to me, I am sure it would not concenter those opinions, which policy would require. Mr. Carroll of Carrollton, though sensible and attached to federal measures, would find himself on quite new ground, and, besides, he has such large concerns of his own to attend to, and is so tenacious of them, that it is morally certain he would not be prevailed on to go.
Having taken this view of the subject, I am by this day's post writing to General Pinckney. This letter I shall enclose to Mr. Marshall (as he is in the line, Mr. Henry being much out of it), to be forwarded, or returned, as he shall decide with respect to him- self. In the mean time, as the offer ends with General Pinckney, other characters should be held in contem- plation in case of his refusal.1
1 " I will not attempt to express those sensations, which your letter of the 8th instant has increased. Was it possible for me in the present crisis of my affairs to leave the United States, such is my conviction of the importance of that duty, which you would confide to me, and (pardon me if I add) of the fidelity with which I should attempt to perform it, that I would certainly forego
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 237
The letter to the minister plenipotentiary of France in Philadelphia appears to be well conceived, and is accordingly approved. The transmitted copy of Mr.
Monroe's letter to must be erroneously dated
" Paris, June 24, 1796" I presume it is in the year, and should be 1795. I am, &c.
TO CHARLES COTESWORTH PINCKNEY.
[private and CONFIDENTIAL ]
Mount Vernon, 8 July, 1796.
My dear Sir,
The situation of affairs, and the interests of this country, as they relate to France, render it indispen- sably necessary, that a faithful organ near that gov- ernment, able and willing to explain its views and to ascertain those of France, should immediately fill the place of our present minister plenipotentiary at Paris.
Policy requires that this character should be well attached to the government of his own country, and not obnoxious to the one to which he is sent to be essentially serviceable. Where then can a man be
any consideration not decisive with respect to future fortunes, and would sur- mount that just diffidence I have ever entertained of myself, to make an effort to convey truly and faithfully to the government of France those sentiments, which I have ever believed to be entertained by that of the United States.
" I have forwarded your letter to Mr. Pinckney. The recall of our minister at Paris has been conjectured, while its probable necessity has been regretted by those, who love more than all others our own country. I will certainly do myself the honor of waiting on you at Mount Vernon. With every sentiment of respect and attachment, I am, &c." — John Marshall to Washington, Rich- mond, 11 July, 1796.
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found that would answer this description better than yourself ?
It is a fact too notorious to be denied, that the greatest embarrassments, under which the adminis- tration of this government labors, proceed from the counteraction of people among ourselves, who are more disposed to promote the views of another nation, than to establish a national character of their own ; and that, unless the virtuous and independent men of this country will come forward, it is not difficult to predict the consequences. Such is my decided opinion.
After what has passed between us on former occa- sions, (respecting your filling some of the important offices in our government,) I must confess, that I hesitated before I resolved on this address, lest you might think I was too importunate, and that your former answer ought to have superseded the desire of making it.
Had not the case been important and urgent, I might have hesitated longer; but, in finding a charac- ter of the description I have mentioned, you will be at no loss to perceive the difficulty which occurs. He must be a man, whose abilities and celebrity of char- acter are well known to the people of this country, whose honor and integrity are unimpeached, and who ought, as far as the nature of the case will admit, to be acceptable to all parties. Doubtless many such there are ; but those, who have been either in the executive or legislative departments of the general government, and are best known to me, have been so
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 239
decisive in their politics, and possibly so frank and public in their declarations, as to render it very diffi- cult to choose from among them one, in whom the confidence of this country could be placed, and the prejudices of the others not excited.
Thus, my good Sir, you have a candid exposition of my sentiments and wishes. I have only to add to them a request, that you would be so obliging as to give me a prompt answer, and, if in the affirmative, that you would repair to Philadelphia, prepared to proceed on the mission with as little delay as can be. Possibly you might have less objection to the excur- sion, if it would occasion a few months' absence only, than to a permanent residence ; but the power of the executive, in the recess of the Senate, extends only to the filling of vacancies ; and one will be occasioned by the recall of the present incumbent, a measure resolved on. It is unnecessary to add how much and how sincerely I am, dear Sir, &C.1
I " Duplicates of your two favors of the 8th of July I received this morning. The originals are not yet arrived. Though my affairs have not hitherto been arranged as I could wish them, the manner in which you state our political situation, and the interests of this country as they relate to France, oblige me to accept your appointment without hesitation. I am only apprehensive, that your friendship has been too partial to the little merit I may possess, and that the matters intrusted to me may fail through my want of ability. You may however depend, that what talent I have shall be diligently exercised in per- forming the objects of my mission, and in promoting, as far as I can, the honor and interest of our country.
II I will endeavor to arrange my affairs in a fortnight or three weeks, and shall then proceed with Mrs. Pinckney by the first vessel for Philadelphia, where I hope to return you thanks in person for all your kindness to me, and to assure that I always am, with the sincerest regard and the highest venera- tion, esteem, and attachment, &c." — Charles Cotes worth Pinckney to Washing- ton, Charleston, 27 July, 1796.
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to james Mchenry, secretary of war. [private.]
Mount Vernon, 13 July, 1796.
Dear Sir,
The purport of your private letter of the 7th in- stant, (that part of it I mean which relates to the Frigate for the Regency of Algiers,) has surprised me exceedingly.
That no step yet should have been taken to carry this measure into vigorous execution, and that it should be asked, nearly six weeks after it had been resolved to comply with the Dey's request, and an actual stipulation of our agent or agents there, by what department it is to be carried into effect, is, on account of the delay which has been occasioned (if contrary to the ideas which have been communicated to the Dey and Colo. Humphreys), extremely un- pleasant.
Disagreeable as this requisition was found in its reception, and more so in the compliance with it, yet, as there appeared no other alternative but to comply, or submit to the depredations of the Barbary Corsairs on our Citizens and Commerce, the former was pre- ferred ; and I had no doubt, (after pressing as often and as earnestly as I did before I left Philadelphia, that all matters requiring my opinions or acts might be laid before me,) that every thing relative to this Frigate was in a perfect train of execution, agreeably to whatever assurances had been given by Captain O'Brian.
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 241
If the laws establishing the different Departments (I have them not by me) does not expressly or by analogy designate the one to which the care of such business is intrusted, I must, no doubt, assign it ; but, where these speak, it is best for me to be silent. 1
If the building of this Vessel could have been sus- pended until the meeting of Congress, for the agency of the Senate, the answer to the Dey might have been suspended also. But to avert, if possible, the disagreeable consequences of delay, a prompt decision was come to, and Captn. O'Brian hurried off with the result. This decision, and the letters which he carried, ought to be resorted to, and the measures accorded thereto strictly.
Whether it will be best to purchase a ship ready built, if one fit for the purpose can be had (and such a one on the stocks at Philadelphia was talked of) ; whether to contract for the building and equipping of one, (some of the materials being found,) if entire confidence can be placed in the undertaker ; or whether to furnish the materials, (in which case all
1 As yet there was no navy department, and the respective duties of the secretaries in regard to naval affairs seem not to have been clearly defined. The Secretary of the Treasury had written: "I do not wish to have new duties assigned to me ; but, if matters relative to vessels of war belong to the department of war (of which you will judge in looking over the laws insti- tuting the several departments), it might possibly give rise to remarks, were it to be assigned to a different one. Should you think, however, that it comes more properly within the duties of the department of state, than that of war, I shall be perfectly satisfied. I do not know that Mr. Pickering has formed any opinion on this question, or that it has even occurred to him ; and I do not wish it to pass beyond yourself, that I have suggested any doubt on the subject ; because it would look (which is very remote from the truth) as if I was either desirous to have the management of the building, or was jealous of encroach- ments on the department." — Philadelphia, July 7th. 16
242 THE WRITINGS OF [1796
that can be spared from our own Frigates ought unquestionably to be applied,) and pay for the build- ing, depends upon inquiries not within my power at this time and place to make, and must, therefore, be a matter of investigation and consultation among yourselves, especially with the Secretary of the Treasury on the means.
Before I conclude, let me in a friendly way impress the following maxims upon the Executive Officers. In all important matters, to deliberate maturely, but to execute promptly and vigorously ; and not to put things off until the morrow, which can be done and require to be done to-day. Without an adherence to these rules, business never will be well done, or done in an easy manner, but will always be in arrear, with one thing treading upon the heels of another. With very great esteem and regard, I am, &c. l
TO TIMOTHY PICKERING, SECRETARY OF STATE.
[private and confidential.]
Mount Vernon, 13 July, 1796.
Sir:
Yesterday I was informed by a gentleman from Richmond that Mr. Dawson was gone on to Phila- delphia in order to embark for France ; and about
1 " Your private letter of the 16th came to my hands at the same time that your official one of the 18th did.
" From what is there said, and appears by the enclosures, I am satisfied no unnecessary delay respecting the Algerine Frigate has taken place. From a former one and perhaps from a solicitude to execute promptly whatever is entrusted to me, I had conceived otherwise." — Washington to James McHenry, 22 July, 1796.
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 243
an hour ago I received a letter from which the enclosed is an extract, from a well informed acquaint- ance and a staunch friend to his country.
What, or whether anything can with propriety be done in consequence of this information must be left to yourself and the two other Secretaries to decide, from circumstances and appearances on the spot. It may not be amiss to observe further that Mr. Dawson is the son-in-law of Mr. Jones (one of the Circuit Judges of this State) ' and as I am informed, un- friendly to the General Government) — that Mr. Monroe is the nephew of Mr. Jones, and has his son with him in France.
As every day brings forth matter to view, vigilance, with caution becomes more and more necessary.
TO TIMOTHY PICKERING, SECRETARY OF STATE.
[private.] Dear Sir, mount Vernon, 18 July, 1796.
If there be any thing yet to do, which can be done with propriety towards fulfilling the several treaties, which the United States have entered into, (without specially naming them,) it is my desire, that there may be no delay in the execution ; and if, upon examining of them carefully, any matter should be found therein requiring the attention of either of the other departments, that these sentiments may be conveyed to the secretaries thereof, as proceeding immediately from myself.
1 Joseph Jones.
244 THE WRITINGS OF [1796
The new requisition of the Dey of Algiers, which has been yielded, will require to be laid before the Senate for its ratification, together with such papers as are necessary to explain and account for the measure. It might be well, therefore, to revise and prepare them accordingly in time.
The continual attacks, which have been made and are still making on the administration, in Bache's and other papers of that complexion, indecent as they are void of truth and fairness, under different signatures, and at present exhibited under that of Paulding, charging it with not only unfriendly but even unjust conduct towards France, and, to prove it, resort to misrepresentation and mutilated authorities, and oftentimes to unfounded and round assertions, or to assertions founded on principles, which apply to all the belligerent powers, but by them represented as aimed at France alone — Under these circumstances it were to be wished, that the enlightened public could have a clear and comprehensive view of facts. But how to give it lies the difficulty ; and I see no method at present, however desirable the measure, that is not liable to objections, unless the predicted and threatened conduct of France towards this coun- try, (under pretext of our treaty with Great Britain,) or its demands that the guarantee of their West India Islands, agreeably to the treaty of Paris, should be fulfilled, presents the occasion.
Whether either of these will or will not happen, or whether any other mode may occur, which, after ma- ture consideration, shall appear expedient or not, I
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 245
wish that in your moments of leisure, if such you have, you would go most carefully and critically over the whole of the correspondence between the differ- ent Secretaries of State and the French minister in this country, and with our own minister at Paris, from the period matters began to change from their ancient habits, and to assume their new form in that country. If circumstances should render explanations of this sort expedient and necessary for Congress, a previous examination of the papers with notes and remarks will be essential. If they should not, the measure nevertheless will be satisfactory and useful. I would have the whole of the transactions, in all their direct and collateral relations, examined with as critical an eye as Mr. Bache or any of his numerous correspondents or communicants would do ; that, if there is any thing in them, (not recollected by me,) that can be tortured into an unfriendly disposition towards France, and not required by the neutral policy adopted by the executive, approved by the people, and sanctioned by the legislature, or which the peace, honor, and safety of this country did not require, that I may be apprized of it, as my convic- tion of the contrary is strong.1
1 " I have not sagacity enough- to discover what end was to be answered by reporting — first, that I was to be in Philadelphia on the 4th July, and secondly, when that report was contradicted by my non appearance, then to account for it by a fall from my Phaeton.
" If any scheme could have originated or been facilitated by these, or any other reports, however unfounded, I should not have been surprised at the propagation of them ; for evidence enough has been given that truth or false- hood is equally used, and indifferent to that class of men if their object can be obtained." — Washington to James McHenry, 18 July, 1796.
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I request, also, that you will begin to note down all the subjects as they may occur, which may be proper to communicate to Congress at their next meeting, either at the opening of the session, or by separate messages in the course of it. Many things are forgotten, when the recollection of them is post- poned until the period at which they are wanted. Minute details will not be amiss, because a selec- tion will at all times be easier to make than a collec- tion. * * * I am, &c.
to james Mchenry, secretary of war.
Sir Mount Vernon, 18 July, 1796.
Your letters of the 10th, 12th, and 13th instant, with their enclosures, came all by the last mail to Alexandria, and were received by me on Saturday morning. The contents of such parts as require it shall be noticed.
The greatest, and what appears to me to be an insuperable difficulty in the way of running and marking the boundary line between the United States and the Cherokee tribe of Indians the ensuing autumn, (which is certainly the most agreeable sea- son for a work of this sort,) is, that no commission- ers are or can be appointed to superintend the same in the recess of the Senate, which, unless extra causes should render it expedient, will not happen before the first Monday in December. This circumstance, in addition to the reasons assigned in your letters, renders a postponement of this measure until next
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 247
year unavoidable. But, that it may not be delayed beyond a convenient time in the spring, the Indians may be requested to come instructed to arrange mat- ters for carrying the measures into effect at that period. Their interest, and the tranquillity of our fron- tiers, requires that this line should not only be run, (with as little loss of time as can possibly be avoided), but be very distinctly marked also, that ignorance may no longer be offered as a plea for transgressions on either side ; and to ascertain in the interim whether Genl. Pickens will serve as a Commissioner.
I hope and expect, that the proposed visit from the Cherokee Chiefs will be managed, so as not to take place before the month of November. I have already been incommoded at this place by a visit of several days from a party of a dozen Catawbas, and should wish, while I am in this retreat, to avoid a repetition of such guests. The reason why I name November is, that, between the middle and latter end of August, I shall repair to the seat of government, remain there until between the middle and last of September, and then return to this place again for my family.
The extract, which you enclosed in your letter of the 10th from the Secretary of the Treasury, declar- ing his inability to furnish money for carrying on Commerce with the Indian Tribes, renders the ap- pointment of agents for that purpose at present alto- gether improper ; and, whether the act " To regulate Trade and Intercourse with the Indian Tribes, and to preserve Peace on the Frontiers," does or does not go fully to the points, which are enumerated in your
248 THE WRITINGS OF [1796
letter of the 12th, there seems under existing circum- stances no expedient so proper to execute the requi- sites of the above Act, and the duties enjoined on the late Superintendent of Indian affairs in the South- western Territory, which have become stagnant by the admission of it as a State into the Union, as by applying the services, (under temporary regulations and proper instructions,) of Colo. Henley or Mr. Dins- more, or both, as the case shall, after duly considering it, appear to require. But, if this expedient is resorted to, Mr. Dinsmore ought to return immediately.
My ideas, with respect to the most eligable mode of procuring the 36-Gun Frigate, have already (in a former letter) been conveyed to you; and your in- structions to Mr. Fox does, I perceive, accord there- with ; but, lest I may not perfectly understand another part of them, which relates to the Timber and Plank which certainly come under the description of " Per- ishable articles in the Act discontinuing three of the Frigates, and directing such of the materials as are perishable to be sold, I shall give it as my decisive opinion that all wood not necessary for the retained Frigates and the one wanted for Algiers, except the large pieces which have been obtained with difficulty and at a heavy expence, and which would not answer for ordinary Vessels and would sell for little, ought to be sold, agreeably to the directions of the afore- said Act. If it is reserved, secured from the weather, and persons employed to take care of it, the expence and imposition will exceed all calculation, and be wasted or embezzled notwithstanding. I am, &c.
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 249
TO TIMOTHY PICKERING, SECRETARY OF STATE.
[private.]
Mount Vernon, 25 July, 1796.
Dear Sir,
Your private letters of the 19th and 20th instant have been duly received.
The request of Mr. J. Jones, to forward his letter to Colo. Monroe, is opposed to the speedy departure of Mr. D[awson] for France, and yet the Gentleman who gave me the information spoke of it as a matter not doubtful ; but added indeed (a circumstance I did not mention in my former letter) that it was on Mr. Swan he leaned for money ; and possibly, if that gentleman is at Boston, this may be the occasion of Mr. Deas1 journey to that place, under the pretext of contracting for arms.
Was Colonel Monroe requested to engage a can- non-founder in behalf of the United States? If so, on what terms ? To remove a person with his family will be attended with considerable expense, and, un- less with condition to secure his services, it will be done under great uncertainty. With respect to the engineers, policy requires a further developement of the unfavorable disposition, with which we are threat- ened, before any encouragement ought to be given to the measure. But, even if that objection was fully removed, there are no funds, within my recollection, that would enable the executive to incur the expense. Therefore, as a law must precede in this case any
1 A possible error for Dawson.
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executive act, the answer to the query is quite easy and plain.
I am continuing and extending my enquiries for a fit character to fill the office of Surveyor-General, without any great prospect of doing it to my satis- faction. Mr. Ludlow, besides what is mentioned in your letter (which requires attention) has not, ac- cording to my ideas of him, celebrity of character ; and is of too short standing in the community to fill an office of so much importance from its trusts, and the ability and integrity which is required, tho' de- ficient in compensation ; unless by means which ought to be prevented.
It is much to be regreted that you did not dis- cover the broken seal of Mr. Monroe's letter to you, before the departure of the bearer of it ; that an at- tempt at least might have been made to trace the channel through which it had passed ; and thereby, if proofs could not have been obtained, to have found ground for just suspicion. You confine the post- mark of Alexandria to his letter of the 8th of April ; had you included that also of the 2d of May, I would have caused enquiry to have been made at that office with respect to the appearance of the letters when they went from thence.
I am glad to find, that more smoke than fire is likely to result from the representation of French discontents on account of our treaty with Great Britain. Had the case been otherwise, there would have been no difficulty in tracing the effect to the cause ; and it is far from being impossible, that
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 251
the whole may have originated in a contrivance of the opposers of the government, to see what effect such threats would work ; and, finding none that could answer their purpose, and no safe ground to stand on, if they pushed matters to extremity, the matter may terminate in gasconade. Be this as it may, the executive has a plain road to pursue, namely, to fulfil all the engagements, which his duty requires ; be influenced beyond this by none of the contending parties ; maintain a strict neutrality, unless obliged by imperious circumstances to depart from it ; do justice to all, and never forget that we are Americans, the remembrance of which will convince us that we ought not to be French or English,1 With great esteem and regard, I am, &c.
TO TIMOTHY PICKERING, SECRETARY OF STATE.
Mount Vernon, 27 July, 1796.
Sir,
Your two letters, both bearing date the 21st instant, with their enclosures, were received by the last mail to Alexandria. It would have been unfortunate, and
1 " If the answer which you returned to the minister of the French Republic to his inquiry relative to the prohibition of the sale of prizes brought by French armed vessels into the ports of the United States, should, as it ought, preclude any reply, it would be very agreeable ; but it has not been found, that, where the interest or convenience of that nation is at stake, the minister thereof can be satisfied with reasons, however cogent, which are opposed to their views. But in this case, as in all others, the executive must be governed by the constitution and laws, and, preserving good faith and an unbiassed con- duct, leave the rest to the good sense of our own citizens, and the justice of the nations with whom we have intercourse." — Washington to Timothy Pickering,
25 J^y, 1796-
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much indeed to have been regretted, if the French gov- ernment had had as great cause of complaint against the conduct of the United States, as they have shown a disposition to complain. It was natural to expect, though it was not easy to conceive on what ground, that the French discontents, which had been so often announced, accompanied with such terrific threaten- ings chiefly by anonymous writers, that the formal exhibition of them under the authority of the Direc- tory by their minister of foreign affairs, would have had something serious, formidable, and embarrassing in their appearance. Instead of which, most, if not all the charges seem to have originated either in a misinterpretation, or want of attention to treaties and the laws of nations, or in the want of a just and timely representation of facts, with accompanying explanations, which our minister near the French government had it in his power, and was directed to make.
Presuming that Mr. Van Polanen is regularly cred- ited by the proper authority of the existing govern- ment of the United Netherlands, I see no cause, (accordant with the principles which have actuated the government of the United States,) why, when I return to Philadelphia, he should not be received as the minister resident of that country. And, if no objection unknown to me should occur to you, Mr. Van Polanen may be so informed. My arrival there will be by the first of September. * * *
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 253
TO TIMOTHY PICKERING, SECRETARY OF STATE.
[private.]
Mount Vernon, 27 July, 1796.
Dear Sir,
Your private letter of the 21st instant has been received.
Mr. Monroe in every letter he writes relative to the discontents of the French government at the con- duct of our own, always concludes without finishing his story ; leaving great scope to the imagination to divine what the ulterior measures of it will be.
There are some things in his correspondence and your letters which I am unable to reconcile. In one of your last to me, you acknowledge the receipt of one from him of the 8th of April, which I have not seen ; and in his letter of the 2d of May, he refers to one of the 25th of March as the last he had written. This letter of the 25th of March, if I recollect dates rightly, was received before I left Philadelphia ; and related his demand of an audience of the French Di- rectory, and his having had it ; but that the confer- ence which was promised him with the Minister of foreign affairs, had not taken place, nor had he heard anything from him, altho' the catalogue of complaints exhibited by that Minister, is dated the 9th of March, and his reply thereto the 15th of the same month. If these recitals are founded in fact, they form an enigma which requires explanation.
Has the letter said to be dispatched by Doctr. Brokenbrough, got to your hands ? I hope it will, if it has not done so already.
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Mr. De la Croix alludes, I perceive, in the close of his third and last head of complaints to our guar- antee of their West India Islands ; but whether to bring the subject to recollection only, or to touch upon it more largely thereafter, is problematical.
I am, always, etc.
TO THE DUKE DE LIANCOURT.
Mount Vernon, 8 August, 1796.
Sir,
The letter, which you did me the honor of writing to me the 25th of last month, came duly to hand, and the enclosure for Mr. George W. Fayette was immediately presented to him.
The name and character of the Duke de Liancourt were not unknown to me before his arrival in this country ; and the respect which I entertained for the latter (although political considerations have deprived me of the honor of a personal acquaintance with him) was and is as great as he or his warmest friends could desire.
M. de Liancourt must be too well acquainted with the history of governments, with the insidious ways of the world, and with the suspicions and jealousies of its rulers, not to acknowledge, that men in respon- sible situations cannot, like those in private life, be governed solely by the dictates of their own inclinations, or by such motives as can only affect themselves.
To dilate upon this observation, or to attempt to point at the distinction between the conduct of a man
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 255
in public office, who is accountable for the conse- quences of his measures to others, and one in private life, who has no other check than the rectitude of his own actions, would be superfluous to a man of information ; but, if exemplification of these facts was necessary, it might be added with truth, that, in spite of all the circumspection with which my con- duct has been marked towards the gentlemen of your nation, who have left France under circumstances, which have rendered them obnoxious to the govern- ing power of it, the countenance said to be given to them is alleged as a cause of discontent in the Direc- tory of France against the government of the U. States. But it is not my intention to dwell on this subject. How far the charge is merited, no one better than yourself can judge ; and your candor and penetration will, I am persuaded, appreciate my motives for the reverse of the charge, however con- trary the operation of them may have been to your expectation or to my wishes.
With respect to M. Lafayette, I may, without troubling you with the details, venture to affirm, that whatever private friendship could require, or public duty would allow, has been and will continue to be essayed by me to effect his liberation ; the difficulty in accomplishing of which has no doubt proceeded in a great measure from the cause you have men- tioned, and will probably exist while the war between the belligerent powers continues to rage.
No man regrets this, and the present unhappy situation of this amiable family more than I do ; but
256 THE WRITINGS OF [1796
it is an ascertained fact, that, altho' Fayette is an adopted citizen of this country, the government of it, nor the people themselves, notwithstanding their attachment to his person and the recollection of his services, have any right to demand him as their citizen by the law of nations. Consequently, an expression of their earnest wishes, that liberty may be restored to him, is all they can do towards ac- complishing it. To attempt more, would avail him nothing, and might involve the U. States in difficulties of great magnitude.
This letter, Sir, you will consider as a private one, originating from yours to me, relatively to M. La- fayette. In replying to the sentiments contained in it, I could not, from respect to your character, and the indulgence of my own feelings, miss the occasion of giving you this explanation of matters, which otherwise might have the appearance of mystery. It affords an occasion also of assuring you, that, with sentiments of the highest esteem and greatest respect, I have the honor to be, &c.
TO TIMOTHY PICKERING, SECRETARY OF STATE.
[private.]
Mount Vernon, 10 August, 1796.
Sir,
The last post brought me the enclosed letter from General Pinckney. It becomes necessary now to pre- pare instructions for him without delay, to bring him fully and perfectly acquainted with the conduct and
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 257
policy of this government towards France, &c. and the motives which have induced the recall of Mr. Monroe.
As the measure, when known, will excite much speculation, and set all the envenomed pens to work, it is worthy of consideration what part and how much of the causes, which have produced this event, should be spoken of unofficially by the officers of govern- ment.
It will be candid, proper, and necessary to apprize Mr. Monroe (as the measure and his successor are decided on) of his recall, and, in proper terms, of the motives which have impelled it.
In the course of next week, (probably about the middle of it,) I expect to commence my journey for Philadelphia ; but, as I shall be obliged to halt a day at the Federal City, and from the heat of the season and other circumstances must travel slow, it is not likely I shall arrive there before the middle of the following week. I am, &c.
TO JAMES ANDERSON.
City of Washington, 18 August, 1796.
Mr. Anderson,
In passing through Alexandria yesterday, on my way to Philadelphia, I saw Colo. Fitzgerald, who informed me of a letter he had received from you in consequence of one which Doctr. Stuart had written
to his relation, Mr. Fitzhugh of Stafford. — It might
17
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have promoted both our views, if you had come immediately to my house upon the receipt of that letter as more satisfaction would have resulted from the conversation of an hour or two, than from all the letters that can be written on this subject.
As this however was not the case and as I shall not be at Mount Vernon again until the latter end of next month, and consequently cannot see you sooner ; I will be candid and explicit in what I am going to say to you ; from whence, and your answer, some opinion may be formed of the probability of our mutual expectations being answered. —
Mr. Pearce who at present looks after my business, is a person with whose management I am very well pleased. — He is a man of property, of great integ- rity ; very great industry ; and much experience in the superintendence of a large concern, having been the manager for a Gentn. on the E [astern Shore] fifteen or 18 years, before he came to me.
In consideration of these qualifications and on account of my being absent from home, when a con- fidential character was peculiarly necessary for my concerns, I agreed to give him, as an inducement to remove from the Eastern shore and on account of his established character as an experienced Manager — One hundred Guineas a year — although a hundred pounds (Virginia money currency) was the most I had ever given before. He superintends all my concerns which appertain to the Estate of Mount Vernon ; consisting besides Tradesmen of four lay Farms and the Mansion house farm, the last of
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 259
which (though not much is raised at it) is not the least troublesome part of his duty in [ ].
At and over each of these seperate farms and workmen there is as good an Overseer as has been in the power of the superintendent to procure, to reside constantly on their respective farms &c, and to obey his orders.
This, in general is the outline of the business — to detail the particular parts, would be tedious ; — and to a man of experience would be unnecessary. I am altogether in the farming and meadowing line ; — the last of which I have much grounds proper for and want to encrease them considerably.
I will now tell you frankly what kind of a person I must engage to conduct my business well. — Besides being sober and a man of integrity he must possess a great deal of activity and firmness, to make the under Overseers do their duty, strictly. — He must be a man of foresight and arrangement ; to combine and carry matters on to advantage, and he must not have these things to learn after he comes to me. — He must be a farmer bred, — and understand it in all its part. — I would wish him too to understand grasing — and particularly the care and management of Stock. — How to Ditch — Hedge &ca — and how to conduct a Dairy.
Now let me request you to declare truly, whether from practice the matters here detailed are, or could soon be made familiar to you — designating those which you have a competent practical knowledge of, from those which you may be less perfect in. — A
26o THE WRITINGS OF [1796
letter put into the Post Office at Fredericksburgh, directed to me in Philadelphia will be certain of arriving, safe, and may enable me to say something more decisive to you in my next, by way of reply to your answer to this letter.
I ought to have added, that the only cause of Mr. Pearce's leaving my business, is an increasing Rheu- matic affection, which he says will not allow him to discharge his duty as he conceives he ought ; for which reason and thinking it the part of an honest man to retire. — He has, at one of my farms a good dwelling house, pleasantly situated ; and every thing comfortably about him. I am, &c.
TO JAMES MONROE.
Philadelphia, 25 August, 1796.
Dear Sir,
Your favor of the 24th of March, written in cipher, never got to my hands until the 10th instant at Mount Vernon ; nor were the contents of it known to me until my arrival in this city on the 21st. For the information contained in it, and your attention thereto, I offer you my best thanks.
Having no clew by which to discover the fact, I am very much at a loss to conjecture by what means a private letter of mine, written to a friend and sent by an American vessel, should have got into the hands of the French Directory. I shall readily acknowl- edge, however, that the one you allude to, directed to Mr. Gouverneur Morris, was a long and confiden-
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 261
tial one1 ; but I deny that there is any thing contained in it, that the French government could take excep- tion to, unless the expression of an ardent wish, that the United States might remain in peace with all the world, taking no part in the disputes of any part of it, should have produced this effect, giving it as my further opinion, that the sentiments of the mass of citizens in this country were in unison with mine.
Confidential as this letter was expected to be, I have no objection to its being seen by anybody ; and there is certainly some mistake in saying I had no copy thereof, when there is a press one now before me, in which I discover no expression, that in the eye of liberality and candor would be deemed objectionable.
To understand the scope and design of my letter properly, and to give it a fair interpretation, it is necessary to observe, that it was written, (as will appear by the contents of it,) in answer to very long ones from the gentleman to whom it was addressed, which contained much political information of the state of things in different parts of Europe, and re- lated among others the substance of a conversation, in which he and Lord Grenville, as private gentlemen, had just been engaged, and in which it was observed by the latter, that, if they were to judge from the publications in this country, the disposition of it was unfriendly to Great Britain ; but in free countries he could readily account for such publications ; however, that there was one, which wore a more serious aspect, as indicative of the sense of the government, and he
1 This letter is printed under the date of December 22d, 1795.
262 THE WRITINGS OF [1796
alluded to Colonel Innes's report of his proceedings in Kentucky.
In my noticing this part of Mr. Morris's communi- cation, I tell him, that, with respect to the publication of that report, it was an unauthorized act, and de- clared by that gentleman, as soon as he saw it in the gazettes, to have been done incorrectly ; and that, with relation to the temper of the people of the United States, as it respected Great Britain, his Lordship ought not to be surprised, if it appeared disturbed and irritated, after the sense of the govern- ment had been so often expressed in strong remon- strances against the conduct of the Indian agents, privateersmen, impressment of our seamen, insults of their ships of war, &c, &c; adding that it afforded us very little satisfaction, that they disclaimed these as unauthorized acts (which the British administration had done in some instances), while the actors were suffered to go unpunished. I dwelt chiefly and fully on this part of his letter, and reminded him of the indifference with which the advances of the United States to form a commercial treaty with Great Britain, as well since as before the establishment of the present government, had been received ; and concluded by saying, that a liberal policy towards us (though I did not suppose sentiments of that sort from me to a member of the British administration would have much weight) was the only road to a perfect recon- ciliation ; and that, if he should again converse with Lord Grenville on this subject, he was at liberty un- officially to express these as my sentiments.
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 263
Thus, Sir, you have the substance, candidly related, of a letter, which, you say you have been told by a person, "who has read it, has produced an ill effect," when in my opinion the contrary (viewing it in the light of an unreserved and confidential com- munication) ought to have been produced. For, I repeat it again, that unless my pacific disposition was displeasing, nothing else could have given umbrage by the most rigid construction of the letter, or that will show in the remotest degree any disposition on my part to favor the British interests in their dispute with France.
My conduct in public and private life, as it relates to the important struggle in which the latter nation is engaged, has been uniform from the commence- ment of it, and may be summed up in a few words ; that I have always wished well to the French revolu- tion ; that I have always given it as my decided opinion, that no nation had a right to intermeddle in the internal concerns of another ; that every one had a right to form and adopt whatever government they liked best to live under themselves ; and that, if this country could, consistently with its engagements, maintain a strict neutrality and thereby preserve peace, it was bound to do so by motives of policy, interest, and every other consideration, that ought to actuate a people situated and circumstanced as we are, already deeply in debt, and in a convalescent state from the struggle we have been engaged in ourselves.
On these principles I have steadily and uniformly proceeded, bidding defiance to calumnies calculated
264 THE WRITINGS OF [1796
to sow the seeds of distrust in the French nation, and to excite their belief of an influence possessed by Great Britain in the councils of this country, than which nothing is more unfounded and injurious, the object of its pacific conduct being truly delineated above. I am, &c.
TO ALEXANDER HAMILTON.
[private.]
Philadelphia, 25 August, 1796.
My dear Sir :
I have given the paper1 herewith enclosed several serious and attentive readings, and prefer it greatly to the other draughts, being more copious on material points, more dignified on the whole, and with less egotism ; of course, less exposed to criticism, and better calculated to meet the eye of discerning read- ers (foreigners particularly, whose curiosity I have little doubt will lead them to inspect it attentively, and to pronounce their opinions on the performance).
When the first draught was made, besides having an eye to the consideration above mentioned, I thought the occasion was fair (as I had latterly been the subject of considerable invective), to say what is there contained of myself ; and as the address was
1 " About a fortnight ago I sent you a certain draft. I now send you an- other on the plan of incorporation. Whichever you may prefer, if there be any part you wish to transfer from one to another, any part to be changed, or if there be any material idea in your own draft which has happened to be omitted, and which you wish introduced, in short, if there be anything further in the matter in which I can be of any [service], I will, with great pleasure, obey your commands." — Hamilton to Washington, 10 August, 1796.
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 265
designed in a more especial manner for the yeomanry of this country, I conceived it was proper they should be informed of the object of that abuse — the silence with which it had been treated, and the consequences which would naturally flow from such unceasing and virulent attempts to destroy all confidence in the ex- ecutive part of the government ; and that it was best to do it in language that was plain and intelligible to their understandings.
The draught now sent comprehends the most, if not all these matters — is better expressed — and, I am persuaded, goes as far as it ought with respect to any personal mention of myself.
I should have seen no occasion myself for its under- going a revision ; but as your letter of the 30th ult, which accompanied it, intimates a wish to do this, and knowing that it can be more correctly done after a writing has been out of sight for some time, than while it is in hand, I send it in conformity thereto, with a request, however, that you would return it as soon as you have carefully re-examined it ; for it is my intention to hand it to the public before I leave this city, to which I came for the purpose of meeting General Pinckney, receiving the ministers from Spain and Holland, and for the despatch of other business which could not be so well executed by written communica- tions between the heads of departments and myself, as by oral conferences. So soon as these are accom- plished, I shall return ; at any rate, I expect to do so by, or before, the tenth of next month, for the purpose of bringing up my family for the winter.
266 THE WRITINGS OF [1796
I shall expunge all that is marked in the paper as unimportant, &c, &c. ; and as you perceive some marginal notes, written with a pencil, I pray you to give the sentiments so noticed mature consideration. After which, and in every other part, if change or alteration takes place in the draught, let them be so clearly in- terlined, erased, or referred to in the margin, as that no mistake may happen in copying it for the press.
To what editor in this city do you think it had best be sent for publication ? Will it be proper to accom- pany it with a note to him, expressing (as the principal design of it is to remove doubts at the next election), that it is hoped, or expected, that the State printers will give it a place in their gazettes, or preferable to let it be carried by my private secretary to that press which is destined to usher it to the world, and suffer it to work its way afterwards ? If you think the first most eligible, let me ask you to sketch such a note as you may judge applicable to the occasion.
With affectionate regard, I am always yours.
TO ALEXANDER HAMILTON.
[private.]
Philadelphia, i September, 1796.
My Dear Sir,
About the middle of last week I wrote to you ; and that it might escape the eye of the inquisitive (for some of my letters have lately been pried into), I took the liberty of putting it under a cover to Mr. Jay.
Since then, revolving on the paper that was in-
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 267
closed therein, on the various matters it contained, and on the first expression of the advice or recom- mendation which was given in it, I have regretted that another subject (which in my estimation is of interesting concern to the well-being of this country) was not touched upon also ; — I mean education gen- erally, as one of the surest means of enlightening and giving just ways of thinking to our citizens, but particularly the establishment of a university ; where the youth from all parts of the United States might receive the polish of erudition in the arts, sciences, and belles-lettres ; and where those who were disposed to run a political course might not only be instructed in the theory and principles, but (this seminary being at the seat of the general gov- ernment) where the legislature would be in session half the year, and the interests and politics of the nation of course would be discussed, they would lay the surest foundation for the practical part also.
But that which would render it of the highest importance, in my opinion, is, that the juvenal period of life, when friendships are formed, and habits estab- lished, that will stick by one ; the youth or young men from different parts of the United States would be assembled together, and would by degrees dis- cover that there was not that cause for those jealous- ies and prejudices which one part of the Union had imbibed against another part : — of course, sentiments of more liberality in the general policy of the coun- try would result from it. What but the mixing of people from different parts of the United States dur-
268 THE WRITINGS OF [1796
ing the war rubbed off these impressions ? A cen- tury, in the ordinary intercourse, would not have accomplished what the seven years' association in arms did ; but that ceasing, prejudices are beginning to revive again, and never will be eradicated so effectu- ally by any other means as the intimate intercourse of characters in early life, — who, in all probability, will be at the head of the counsels of this country in a more advanced stage of it.
To show that this is no new idea of mine, I may appeal to my early communications to Congress ; and to prove how seriously I have reflected on it since, and how well disposed I have been, and still am, to contribute my aid towards carrying the meas- ure into effect, I inclose you the extract of a letter from me to the governor of Virginia on this subject, and a copy of the resolves of the legislature of that State in consequence thereof.
I have not the smallest doubt that this donation (when the navigation is in complete operation, which it certainly will be in less than two years), will amount to ;£i200 to ^1500 sterling a year, and become a rapidly increasing fund. The proprietors of the federal city have talked of doing something hand- some towards it likewise ; and if Congress would appropriate some of the western lands to the same uses, funds sufficient, and of the most permanent and increasing sort, might be so established as to in- vite the ablest professors in Europe to conduct it.
Let me pray you, therefore to introduce a section in the address expressive of these sentiments, and
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 269
recommendatory of the measure, without any men- tion, however, of my proposed personal contribution to the plan.
Such a section would come in very properly after the one which relates to our religious obligations, or in a preceding part, as one of the recommendatory measures to counteract the evils arising from geo- graphical discriminations. With affectionate regard, I am always.1
TO JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. DEAR SlR Philadelphia, 12 September, 1796.
To open a correspondence with you on so trifling a subject, as that which gives birth to this letter, would hardly be justified, were it not for the singu-
1 " I return the draft, corrected agreeably to your intimations. You will observe a short paragraph added respecting education. As to the establish- ment of a university, it is a point which, in connection with the military schools, and some other things, I meant, agreeably to your desire, to suggest to you as parts of your speech at the opening of the session. There will several things come there much better than in a general address to the people, which likewise would swell the address too much. Had I health enough, it was my intention to have written it over, in which case I would both have improved and abridged. But this is not the case. I seem now to have regularly a period of ill health every summer. I think it will be advisable simply to send the address by your secretary to Dunlap. It will, of course, find its way into all the other papers. Some person on the spot ought to be charged with a careful examination of the impression by the proof-sheet." — Hamilton to Washington, 5 September, 1796.
" To be candid, I much question whether a recommendation of this meas- ure to the legislature will have a better effect now than formerly. It may show, indeed, my sense of its importance, and that is a sufficient inducement with me to bring the matter before the public, in some shape or another, at the closing scenes of my political exit. My object for proposing to insert it where I did (if not improper), was to set the people ruminating on the importance of the measure, as the most likely means of bringing it to pass." — Washington to Hamilton, 6 September, 1796.
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larity of the case. This singularity will, I hope, apol- ogize for the act.
Some time ago, perhaps two or three months, I read in some gazette, but was so little impressed with it at the time (conceiving it to be one of those things, which get into newspapers nobody knows how or why), that I cannot now recollect whether the gazette was of American or foreign production, announcing, that a celebrated artist had presented, or was about to present, to the President of the United States a sword of masterly workmanship, as an evidence of his veneration, &c.
I thought no more of the matter afterwards, until a gentleman with whom I have no acquaintance, com- ing from and going to I know not where, at a tavern I never could get information of, came across this sword (for it is presumed to be the same), pawned for thirty dollars, which he paid, left it in Alexandria, nine miles from my house in Virginia, with a person who refunded him the money, and sent the sword to me.
This is all I have been able to learn of this curious affair. The blade is highly wrought, and decorated with many military emblems. It has my name en- graved thereon, and the following inscription, trans- lated from the Dutch, " Condemner of despotism, Pre- server of Liberty, glorious Man, take from my Sons hands this Sword, I beg you. A. Sollingen." The hilt is either gold, or richly plated with that metal, and the whole carries with it the form of an horse- man's sword or long sabre.
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 271
The matter, as far as it appears at present, is a perfect enigma. How it should have come into this country without a letter, or an accompanying mes- sage, how afterwards it should have got into such loose hands, and whither the person having it in pos- session was steering his course, remain as yet to be explained. Some of them, probably, can only be ex- plained by the maker, and the maker is no otherwise to be discovered than by the inscription and name, " A. Sollingen," who, from the impression which dwells on my mind, is of Amsterdam.
If, Sir, with this clew you can developethe history of this sword, the value of it, the character of the maker, and his probable object in sending it, it would oblige me ; and, by relating these facts to him, might obviate doubts, which otherwise might be entertained by him of its fate or its reception. With great es- teem and regard, I am, dear Sir, &C.1
1 When Mr. Adams received this letter he was at the Hague, as minister from the United States in Holland. Meanwhile General Washington obtained intelligence of the word from a letter written to him by the manufacturer, whose name was Theophilus Alt, and who resided at Sollingen, near Dusseldorf.
It seems that, in the year 1795, a son of Mr. Alt had come to America ; and his father sent by him a sword of curious workmanship, made at his own manu- factory, and inscribed as above, directing him to present it to the President, as M the only man, whom he knew of, that had acted in a disinterested manner for the happiness of his country." The son arrived in Philadelphia ; and, not un- derstanding the language, either through timidity, or for some other cause not known, he did not call on the President with the sword, but sold it at a tavern, and went away without giving notice of the place at which he might be found. More than a year afterwards the father wrote a letter to Washington inquiring about him. The sword is now in the possession of Miss Alice L. Riggs, of Washington, D. C.
272 THE WRITINGS OF [1796
TO CHARLES COTESWORTH PINCKNEY.
[private.]
Philadelphia, 12 September, 1796.
My dear Sir,
After furnishing you with the following copies of letters, it is scarcely necessary to add any thing by way of explanation of my motives for doing it. How- ever, I will briefly add, that, from the arrival of Mr. Gouverneur Morris in Europe up to the date of his last letter to me in June of the present year, I have received much interesting and useful information from him respecting the political state of things on the other side of the Atlantic ; that, from the multiplicity of business with which I have been overwhelmed continually, I very rarely acknowledged the receipt of his letters ; but upon receiving that of the 3d of July, 1 795, a copy of which follows, I was struck forcibly with the idea, as well from the style and manner, as from its being confined to a single subject, that it had passed, or was intended to pass, under the eye of Lord Grenville, although no intimation thereof was given to me.
Under this impression, it was natural to suppose, that my answer or the result of it would also be com- municated to that minister. I resolved, therefore, to frame it accordingly, that Lord Grenville might find from that mode, as well as from the ordinary course of official communications, in what light the people of this country viewed the conduct of his towards it.
I little expected, indeed, that a private letter of mine to a friend would have found a place in the bu-
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 273
reau of the French Directory. Less should I have suspected, that any exception would or could be taken at the sentiments expressed in the one that has got there. But, as intimations of the contrary have been given in Colonel Monroe's letter, I have thought it expedient to furnish you with all the documents rela- tive thereto, with this short history of the rise and progress of it ; that you may be enabled, if more is said on the subject, and occasion should require it, to set the matter right by a plain and simple statement
of facts. With great esteem and regard, I am, &c. 18
FAREWELL ADDRESS.
FAREWELL ADDRESS1 TO THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES.
September 17TH, 1796.
Friends, and Fellow-Citizens,
The period for a new election of a Citizen, to administer the Executive Government of the United States, being not far distant, and the time actually arrived, when your thoughts must be employed in designating the person, who is to be clothed with
Hamilton's draft.
August, 1796.
The period for a new election of a citizen to administer the executive government of the United States being not very dis- tant, and the time actually arrived when your thoughts must be employed in designating the person who is to be clothed with
1 The first form of a farewell address was printed in Vol. XII., 123, and the later draft on page 194 of this volume. The various letters to Hamilton will show the different stages the paper made towards completion. On receiving the final revision from Hamilton, Washington made a fair copy of it, and the address was submitted to the Cabinet (Pickering to yohn C. Hamilton). " A few days before the appearance of this highly interesting Document in print, I
277
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that important trust for another term, it appears to me proper, especially as it may conduce to a more dis- tinct expression of the public voice, that I should now apprise you of the resolution I have formed, to de- cline being considered among the number of those, out of whom a choice is to be made.
I beg you, at the same time, to do me the justice to be assured, that this resolution has not been taken, without a strict regard to all the considerations appertaining to the relation, which binds a dutiful
that important trust for another term, it appears to me proper, and especially as it may conduce to a more distinct expression of the public voice, that I should now apprise you of the resolution I have formed to decline being considered among the number of those out of whom a choice is to be made.
I beg you, nevertheless, to be assured that the resolution which I announce has not been taken without a strict regard to all the considerations attached to the relation which, as a dutiful
received a Message from the President by his Private Secretary, Col. Lear, sig- nifying his desire to see me. I waited on him at the appointed time, and found him sitting alone in the Drawing Room. He received me very kindly, and after paying my respects to him, desired me to take a seat near him ; then address- ing himself to me, said, that he had for some time contemplated withdrawing from Public Life, and had at length concluded to do so at the end of the [then] present term ; that he had some Thoughts and Reflections on the occasion, which he deemed proper to communicate to the People of the United States, and which he wished to appear in the Daily Advertiser, of which I was Pro- prietor and Editor. He paused, and I took occasion to thank him for having selected that Paper as the channel of communication to the Public, especially as I viewed this choice as an evidence of his approbation of the principles and manner in which the work was conducted. He silently assented, and asked me when I could make the publication. I answered that the time should be made perfectly convenient to himself, and the following Monday was fixed on ; — he then said that his Secretary would deliver me the Copy on the next morn- ing [Friday] and I withdrew. — After the Proof sheet had been carefully com- pared with the Copy and corrected by myself, I carried two different Revises
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 279
citizen to his country — and that, in withdrawing the tender of service which silence in my situation might imply, I am influenced by no diminution of zeal for your future interest, no deficiency of grateful respect for your past kindness ; but act under am supported by a full conviction that the step is com- patible with both.
The acceptance of, and continuance hitherto in, the office to which your suffrages have twice called me, have been a uniform sacrifice of inclination to
citizen, I bear to my country, and that in withdrawing the tender of my services, which silence in my situation might imply, I am influenced by no diminution of zeal for its future interest, nor by any deficiency of grateful respect for its past kindness, but by a full conviction that such a step is compatible with both.
The acceptance of, and the continuance hitherto in the office to which your suffrages have twice called me, has been a uniform sacrifice of private inclination to the opinion of public duty
to be examined by the President, who made but few alterations from the Origi- nal, except in the punctuation, in which he was very minute. The publication of the address bearing the same date with the Paper, September 19th, 1796, being completed, I waited on the President with the Original, and in presenting it to him, expressed how much I should be gratified by being permitted to retain it ; upon which in the most obliging manner, he handed it back to me, saying, that if I wished for it, I might keep it ; — and I took my leave." — State- ment of David C. Claypoole.
The address has been printed from the original MS. by James Lenox (1850), and I have followed that imprint. It was from the newspaper that a secretary transcribed it into the Presidents letter-book, and Sparks also followed the newspaper version. The original MS. is in the Lenox Library, New York. The Hamilton drafts are in the Department of State, Washington. Horace Binney made a full "Inquiry into the Formation of Washington's Farewell Address " (1859). No other political paper by an American has been reprinted so many times, and the address has become a classic.
The final alterations in Hamilton's draft are shown in Hamilton's Works (Lodge's edition), vii., 143.
28o THE WRITINGS OF [1796
the opinion of duty, and to a deference for what appeared to be your desire. — I constantly hoped, that it would have been much earlier in my power, con- sistently with motives, which I was not at liberty to disregard, to return to that retirement, from which I had been reluctantly drawn. — The strength of my in- clination to do this, previous to the last election, had even led to the preparation of an address to declare it to you ; but mature reflection on the then per- plexed and critical posture of our affairs with foreign Nations, and the unanimous advice of per- sons entitled to my confidence, impelled me to aban- don the idea. —
I rejoice that the state of your concerns, external as well as internal, no longer renders the pursuit of inclination incompatible with the sentiment of duty, or propriety ; and that am persuaded, whatever par- tiality -a4*y-^ei=tiefl-el-^tet^-i»dy^y^-^:ete44^mav be re-
coinciding with what appeared to be your wishes. I had con- stantly hoped that it would have been much earlier in my power, consistently with motives which I was not at liberty to disregard, to return to that retirement from which those motives had reluc- tantly drawn me.
The strength of my desire to withdraw previous to the last election, had even led to the preparation of an address to declare it to you, but deliberate reflection on the very critical and per- plexed posture of our affairs with foreign nations, and the unani- mous advice of men every way entitled to my confidence, obliged me to abandon the idea.
I rejoice that the state of your national concerns, external as well as internal, no longer renders the pursuit of my inclination incompatible with the sentiment of duty or propriety, and that whatever partiality any portion of you may still retain for my
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 281
tained for my services, that -ovon they» in the present circumstances of our country, you will not disapprove my determination to retire.
The impressions, ■under- with which I first accepted undertook the arduous trust, were explained on the proper occasion. — In the discharge of this trust, I will only say, that I have, with good intentions, con- tributed -te- towards the organization and administra- tion of the government, the best exertions of which a very fallible judgment was capable. — Not uncon- scious, in the outset, of the inferiority of my quali- fications, experience in my own eyes, perhaps still more in the eyes of others, has not looocncd strengthened the motives to diffidence of myself ; and every day the increasing weight of years admonishes me more and more, that the shade of retirement is as necessary to me as it will be welcome. — Satisfied, that, if any circumstances have given peculiar value
services, they, under the existing circumstances of our country, will not disapprove the resolution I have formed.
The impressions under which I first accepted the arduous trust of Chief Magistrate of the United States were explained on the proper occasion. In the discharge of this trust, I can only say that I have, with pure intentions, contributed towards the organization and administration of the government the best exer- tions of which a very fallible judgment was capable ; that con- scious at the outset of the inferiority of my qualifications, for the station, experience in my own eyes, and perhaps still more in those of others, has not diminished in me the diffidence of myself — and every day the increasing weight of years admonishes me more and more that the shade of retirement is as necessary as it will be welcome to me. Satisfied that if any circumstances have given a peculiar value to my services, they were temporary, I
282 THE WRITINGS OF [1796
to my services, they were temporary, I have the con- solation to believe, that, while choice and prudence invite me to quit the political scene, patriotism does not forbid it.
■May I aloo have that of knowing in my. retreat, that the involuntary orroro» I have probably com" mitted, have been the sources of no serious or lasting miochief to our country, — I — may then expect to roaligQ; without alloy» the oweet enjoyment of pan taking, in the midot of my fellow citigonot the benign influence of good lawc under a free government ; the> ever favorite object of my heart) and the happy reward) I truot, of our mutual cares) dangers and labours^
In looking forward to the moment, which is in- tended to terminate the career of my public life, my feelings do not permit me to suspend the deep ac- knowledgment demanded by of that debt of gratitude,
have the consolation to believe that while inclination and pru- dence urge me to recede from the political scene, patriotism does not forbid it. May I also have that of knowing in my retreat, that the involuntary errors which I have probably committed have been the causes of no serious or lasting mischief to my country, and thus be spared the anguish of regrets which would disturb the repose of my retreat and embitter the remnant of my life ! I may then expect to realize, without alloy, the pure en- joyment of partaking, in the midst of my fellow citizens, of the benign influence of good laws under a free government ; the ulti- mate object of all my wishes, and to which I look as the happy reward of our mutual labors and dangers.
In looking forward to the moment which is to terminate the
1 On the margin against this paragraph Washington wrote, "obliterated to avoid the imputation of affected modesty."
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 283
which I owe to my beloved country, — for the many honors it has conferred upon me ; still more for the stedfast confidence with which it has supported me ; and for the opportunities I have thence enjoyed of manifesting my inviolable attachment, by services faithful and persevering, though unequal in uoofulnooc in usefulness unequal to my zeal. — If benefits have re- sulted to our country from these services, let it always be remembered to your praise, and as an instructive example in our annals, that the conotancy of your ■support under circumstances in which the Passions agitated in every direction were liable to wander and fluctuate mislead, amidst appearances some- times dubious, vicissitudes of fortune often discour- aging, in situations in which not unfrequently want of success has countenanced the spirit of criticism, the constancy of your support was the essential prop
career of my public life, my sensations do not permit me to sus- pend the deep acknowledgments required by that debt of grati- tude, which I owe to my beloved country, for the many honors it has conferred upon me, still more for the distinguished and steadfast confidence it has reposed in me, and for the opportuni- ties it has thus afforded me of manifesting my inviolable attach- ment, by services faithful and persevering — however the inade- quateness of my faculties may have ill seconded my zeal. If benefits have resulted to you, my fellow citizens, from these services, let it always be remembered to your praise, and as an instructive example in our annals, that the constancy of your support amidst appearances dubious, vicissitudes of fortune often discouraging, and in situations in which not unfrequently, want of success has seconded the criticisms of malevolence, was the essential prop of the efforts and the guaranty of the measures by which they were achieved.
284 THE WRITINGS OF [1796
of the efforts, and -tfee a guarantee of the plans by which they were effected. — Profoundly penetrated with this idea, I shall carry it with me to the grave, as a strong incitement to unceasing vows the only ro turn I can henceforth make that Heaven may continue to you the choicest tokens of its beneficence — that your union and brotherly affection may be perpetual — that the free constitution, which is the work of your hands, may be sacredly maintained — that its adminis- tration in every department may be stamped with wis- dom and virtue — that, in fine, the happiness of the people of these States, under the auspices of liberty, may be made complete, by so careful a preservation and so prudent a use of this blessing as will acquire to them the glory or oatiofaction of recommending it to the applause, the affection, and adoption of every nation, which is yet a stranger to it.
Here, perhaps, I ought to stop. — But a solicitude
Profoundly penetrated with this idea, I shall carry it with me to my retirement, and to my grave, as a lively incitement to unceas- ing vows (the only returns I can henceforth make) that Heaven may continue to you the choicest tokens of its beneficence, merited by national piety and morality ; that your union and brotherly affection may be perpetual ; that the free Constitution, which is the work of your own hands, may be sacredly main- tained ; that its administration in every department may be stamped with wisdom and virtue ; that, in fine, the happiness of the people of these States under the auspices of liberty may be made complete, by so careful a preservation, and so prudent a use of this blessing, as will acquire them the glorious satisfaction of recommending it to the affection, the praise, and the adoption of every nation which is yet a stranger to it.
Here, perhaps, I ought to stop, but a solicitude for your welfare,
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 285
for your welfare, which cannot end but with my life, and the apprehension of danger, natural to that so- licitude, encouraged by* the remembrance of your in dulgcnt ■reception of my oontimonto on an oocaoion not diooimilar to the prooont^ urge mo to offer urge me on an occasion like the present, to offer to your solemn contemplation, and to recommend to your frequent review, some sentiments ; which are the re- sult of much reflection, of no inconsiderable observa- tion and experience); and which appear to me all important to the permanency of your felicity as a People. — These will be offered to you with the more freedom, as you can only see in them the disinterested warnings of a parting friend, who can possibly have no personal motive to bias his counsels. — Nor can I forget, as an encouragement to it your indulgent re- ception of my sentiments on a former and not dis- similar occasion.
Interwoven as is the love of liberty with every ligament of your hearts, no recommendation of
which cannot end but with my life, and the fear that there may exist projects unfriendly to it, against which it may be necessary you should be guarded, urge me in taking leave of you to offer to your solemn consideration and frequent review, some senti- ments, the result of mature reflection confirmed by observation and experience, which appear to me essential to the permanency of your felicity as a people. These will be offered with the more freedom, as you can only see in them the disinterested advice of a parting friend, who can have no personal motive to tincture or bias his counsel.
Interwoven as is the love of liberty with every fibre of your hearts, no recommendation is necessary to fortify your attach- ment to it. Next to this, that unity of government which con-
286 THE WRITINGS OF [1796
mine is necessary to fortify or confirm the attach- ment.—
The Unity of Government which constitutes you one people, is also now dear to you. — It is justly so ; — for it is a main Pillar in the Edifice of your real independence ; the support of your tranquillity at home ; your peace abroad ; of your safety in ovary relation ; of your prosperity in every shape ; of that very Liberty, which you so highly prize. — But as it is easy to foresee, that, from ■various differ- ent causes, and from different quarters, much pains will be taken, many artifices employed, to weaken in your minds the conviction of this truth ; — as this is the point in your political fortress against which the batteries of internal and external enemies will be most constantly and actively (though often covertly and insidiously) directed, it is of infinite moment, that you should properly estimate the immense value of your national Union to your collective and indi- vidual happiness ; — that you should cherish towardo it a cordial, habitual, and immoveable attachment* that you ohould accustom yourselves to reverence it ao the Palladium of your political safety and prooperity, adapt*
stitutes you as one people, claims your vigilant care and guardian- ship— as a main pillar of your real independence, of your peace, safety, freedom, and happiness.
This being the point in your political fortress against which the batteries of internal and external enemies will be most con- stantly and actively, however covertly and insidiously levelled, it is of the utmost importance that you should appreciate, in its full force, the immense value of your political union to your national and individual happiness, that you should cherish
i796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 287
ing conotantly your wordo and actiono to that momen- touo idea ; that you ohould watch for ito prooorvation with jealouo anxiety, discountenance whatever may ouggect ■ a ouopicion — that it can in any ovont be abandoned ; and frown upon the firot dawning of any attempt to alienate any portion of our Country from the root, or, to enfeeble the oaorod tieo which now link together the ocvoral parto to it ; accustom- ing yourselves to think and speak of it as of the Pal- ladium of your political safety and prosperity ; watching for its preservation with jealous anxiety ; discountenancing whatever may suggest even a suspicion that it can in any event be abandoned, and indignantly frowning upon the first dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion of our Country from the rest, or to enfeeble the sacred ties which now linlc together the various parts.
For this you have every inducement of sympathy and interest. — Citizens of a common country — by- birth 01 ihuici^ by birth or choice of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. — The name of American, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt
towards it an affectionate and immovable attachment, and that you should watch for its preservation with zealous solicitude.
For this, you have every motive of sympathy and interest. Children for the most part of a common country, that country claims and ought to concentrate your affections. The name of American must always gratify and exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any denomination which can be derived from local dis- criminations. You have, with slight shades of difference, the same religion, manners, habits and political institutions and principles ;
288 THE WRITINGS OF [1796
the just pride of Patriotism, more than any appella- tion to be derived from local discriminations. — With slight shades of difference, you have the same Re- ligion, Manners, Habits, and political Principles. — You have in a common cause fought and triumphed together. The Independence and Liberty you pos- sess are the work of joint councils, and joint efforts — of common dangers, sufferings and successes. —
But these considerations, however powerfully they address themselves to your sensibility, are greatly outweighed by those, which apply more immediately to your Interest. — Here every portion of our country finds the most commanding motives for carefully guarding and preserving the Union of the whole.
The North in an mifettcrcd unrestrained inter- course with the South, protected by the equal Laws of a common government, finds in the productions of the latter many of the poculiar great additional resources of maritime and commercial enterprise —
you have, in a common cause, fought and triumphed together. The independence and liberty you enjoy are the work of joint councils, efforts, dangers, sufferings, and successes. By your union you have achieved them, by your union you will most effectually maintain them.
The considerations which address themselves to your sensi- bility are greatly strengthened by those which apply to your interest. Here, every portion of our country will find the most urgent and commanding motives for guarding and preserving the union of the whole.
The North, in intercourse with the South, under the equal laws of one government, will, in the productions of the latter, many of them peculiar, find vast additional resources of mari- time and commercial enterprise. The South, in the same inter-
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 289
and precious materials of manufacturing industry. — The South in the same intercourse, benefiting by the agency of the North, sees its agriculture grow and its commerce expand. Turning partly into its own channels the seamen of the North, it finds its particular navigation envigorated ; — and, while it contributes, in different ways, to nourish and increase the general mass of the national naviga- tion, it looks forward to the protection of a maritime strength to which itself is unequally adapted. — The East, in a like intercourse with the West, already finds, and in the progressive improvement of interior communications, by land and water, will more and more find, a valuable vent for the commodities which it brings from abroad, or manufactures at home. — The West derives from the East supplies requisite to its growth and comfort, — and what is perhaps of still greater consequence, it must of necessity owe the secure enjoyment of indispensable outlets for its own
course, will share in the benefits of the agency of the North, will find its agriculture promoted and its commerce extended by turning into its own channels those means of navigation which the North more abundantly affords ; and while it contributes to extend the national navigation, will participate in the protection of a maritime strength to which itself is unequally adapted. The East, in a like intercourse with the West, finds a valuable vent for the commodities which it brings from abroad or manu- factures at home. The West derives through this channel an essential supply of its wants ; and what is far more important to it, it must owe the secure and permanent enjoyment of the indispensable outlets, for its own productions to the weight, influence, and maritime resources of the Atlantic States. The
tenure by which it could hold this advantage, either from its 19
290 THE WRITINGS OF [1796
productions to the weight, influence, and the future maritime strength of the Atlantic side of the Union, directed by an indissoluble community of interest, as one Nation. — '?:ke Any other tenure by which the West can hold this essential advantage, oithos whether derived from its own separate strength, or from an apostate and unnatural connexion with any foreign Power, must be intrinsically precarious, liable ovory moment to be dioturbod by tho fluctuating' combina tions of the primary interests of Europe, which must ,bo expected to regulate the conduct of the Nations of which it io composed.
And While then every part of our Country thus finds feels an immediate and particular interest in Union, all the parts-e44fc combined cannot fail to find in the united mass of means and efforts cannot fail to find greater strength, greater resource, proportionably greater security from external danger, a less frequent inter- ruption of their Peace by foreign Nations ; and, which ■io an advantage what is of inestimable value ! they must derive from Union an exemption from those
own separate strength, or by an apostate and unnatural connection with any foreign nation, must be intrinsically and necessarily precarious, at every moment liable to be disturbed by the combi- nations of those primary interests which constantly regulate the conduct of every portion of Europe, — and where every part finds a particular interest in the Union. All the parts of our country will find in their Union strength, proportional security from external danger, less frequent interruption of their peace with foreign nations ; and what is far more valuable, an exemption from those broils and wars between the parts if disunited, which, then, our rivalships, fomented by foreign intrigue or the opposite
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 291
broils and wars between themselves, which inovitably so frequently afflict neighboring countries, not tied together by the same government; which their own rivalships alone would be sufficient to produce ; but which opposite foreign alliances, attachments, and intrigues would stimulate and embitter. — Hence like- wise they will avoid the necessity of those overgrown Military establishments, which under any form of government, are inauspicious to liberty, and which there io reason to regard are to be regarded as par- ticularly hostile to Republican Liberty : In this sense it is, that your Union ought to be considered as a main prop of your liberty, and that the love of the one ought to endear to you the preservation of the other.
These considerations speak a persuasive language to ■afty every reflecting and virtuous mind, — and thoy ex- hibit the continuance of the Union as a primary object of Patriotic desire. — Is there a doubt, whether a com- mon government can embrace so large a sphere ? — Let experience solve it. — To listen to mere speculation
alliances with foreign nations engendered by their mutual jealousies, would inevitably produce.
These considerations speak a conclusive language to every virtuous and considerate mind. They place the continuance of our union among the first objects of patriotic desire. Is there a doubt whether a common government can long embrace so extensive a sphere ? Let time and experience decide the question. Speculation in such a case ought not to be listened to. And 't is rational to hope that the auxiliary governments of the sub- divisions, with a proper organization of the whole, will secure a favorable issue to the experiment. 'T is allowable to believe that
292 THE WRITINGS OF [1796
in such a case were criminal. — 'T io natural We are authorized to hope that a proper organization of the whole, with the auxiliary agency of governments for the respective subdivisions, will afford a happy issue to the experiment. 'Tis well worth a fair and full experi- ment It may not impoooibly bo found, that tho opirit of party, the machinationo of foreign poworo, the corruption and ambition of individual citizens arc more formidable adveroarieo to the Unity of our1 Empire than any inherent difficulties- in the scheme. Againot thooo tho moundo of national opinion, national oympathy and national jealouoy ought to be raised. With such powerful and obvious motives to Union, -as- affecting all parts .of our country -feever while experi- ence shall not have demonstrated its impracticability, there will always be reason cauoo in the fact itoelf to distrust the patriotism of those, who in any quarter may endeavor to weaken its bands.—
Besides the more serious causes already hinted as threatening our Union> there is one less dangerous,-
the spirit of party, the intrigues of foreign nations, the corruption and the ambition of individuals, are likely to prove more formidable adversaries to the unity of our empire, than any inherent difficulties in the scheme. *T is against these that the guards of national opinion, national sympathy, national prudence and virtue, are to be erected. With such obvious motives to union, there will be always cause from the fact itself to distrust the patriotism of those who may endeavor to weaken its bands. And by all the love I bear you, my fellow-citizens, I conjure you, as often as it appears, to frown upon the attempt.
Besides the more serious causes which have been hinted at as endangering our Union, there is another less dangerous, but against which it is necessary to be on our guard ; I mean the
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 293
but oufficiontly dangorouo to make it prudent to bo upon our guard againot it. — I allude to the pctulcncc of party difforonceo of opinion. — It io not uncommon to hoar tho irritationo which thooo excite vent thorn- oolvoo in doclarationo that tho different parta of the United Statoo are ill affected to each other, in men- aces that the Unisn will bo diooolvcd by thio or. that measure: — Intimations like thooo are ao indiocroot ao
they aro intemperate. Though — frequently mado
with levity and without any really evil intentiorir, they have a tendency to produce the consequence which they indicate. — They teach tho mindo of men to consider the Union as precarious; — ao an object to which they ought not to attach their hopco and for tunoo; — and thus chill tho oontimont in ito favor. By alarming tho pride of thooe to 'whom they are> addrooood, they oot ingenuity at work to depreciate tho value of tho thing, and to diocovor roaoono of» indifference towardo it. — Thio io not wioo. ■ It will be* muerLwioor to habituate ouroelveo to- reverence the
petulance of party differences of opinion. It is not uncommon to hear the irritations which these excite, vent themselves in declarations that the different parts of the Union are ill assorted and cannot remain together, — in menaces from the inhabitants of one part to those of another, that it will be dissolved by this or that measure. Intimations of the kind are as indiscreet as they are intemperate. Though frequently made with levity and with- out being in earnest, they have a tendency to produce the con- sequence which they indicate. They teach the minds of men to consider the Union as precarious, as an object to which they are not to attach their hopes and fortunes, and thus weaken the sentiment in its favor. By rousing the resentment and alarming the pride of those to whom they are addressed, they set ingenuity
294 THE WRITINGS OF [1796
Union ao the palladium of our national happiness; to accommodate constantly our words and actions to that idoa, and to discountenance — whatever — may- suggest a suspicion that — it can — in any event be. abandoned. '
In contemplating the causes which may dis- turb our Union, it occurs as matter of serious con- cern, that our parties for some time past have been too much characterized by any ground should have been furnished for characterizing parties by Geo- graphical discriminations — Northern and Southern — Atlantic and Western; whence designing men may endeavor to excite a belief, that there is ,& real difference of local interests and views. These- discriminations^ the mere contrivance of the spirit of Party, (always dogtorous to soiao every handle by which the passions can — be — wielded, — and too skilful not to turn to account the sympathy of neigh
to work to deprecate the value of the object, and to discover motives of indifference to it. This is not wise. Prudence demands that we should habituate ourselves in all our words and actions to reverence the Union as a sacred and inviolable palla- dium of our happiness, and should discountenance whatever can lead to a suspicion that it can in any event be abandoned.
'T is matter of serious concern that parties in this country for some time past have been too much characterized by geographical discriminations, — northern and southern States, Atlantic and western country. These discriminations, which are the mere artifice of the spirit of party (always dexterous to avail itself of every source of sympathy, of every handle by which the passions can be taken hold of, and which has been careful to turn to
1 In the margin against this paragraph is written " Not important enough."
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 295
borhood), have furniohod an argument against the Uni.on ao evidence of a real difference of local inter- ooto and viowo ; and oorvo to haeard it by organizing larger diotricto of country, under the loaders of con tending factiono ; whooe rivabhipG, prcjudicco and ochomoo of ambition, rather than the true interooto of the Country, will direct the uoo of their influence; If it bo poooiblc. to correct thio poison in the habit of our body politic, it io worthy the endeavoro of the, moderate and the good to effect it. One of the expedients of Party to acquire influence, within particular districts, is to misrepresent the opinions and aims of other districts. — You cannot shield your- selves too much against the jealousies and heart burnings which spring from these misrepresentations ; — They tend to render alien to each other those who ought to be bound together by fraternal affection. — The inhabitants of our Western country have lately
account the circumstance of territorial vicinity), have furnished an argument against the Union as evidence of a real difference of local interests and views, and serve to hazard it by organizing large districts of country under the direction of different factions whose passions and prejudices, rather than the true interests of the country, will be too apt to regulate the use of their influence. If it be possible to correct this poison in the affairs of our country, it is worthy the best endeavors of moderate and virtuous men to effect it.
One of the expedients which the partizans of faction employ towards strengthening their influence by local discriminations, is to misrepresent the opinions and views of rival districts. The people at large cannot be too much on their guard against the jealousies which grow out of these misrepresentations. They tend to render aliens to each other those who ought to be tied
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had a useful lesson on this oubjoct head. — They have seen, in the negotiation by the Executive, and in the unanimous ratification by the Senate, of the treaty with Spain, and in the universal satisfaction at that event, throughout the United States, a decisive proof how unfounded were the suspicions propagated among them of a policy in the General Government and in the Atlantic States unfriendly to their interests in regard to the Mississippi. — They have been witnesses to the formation of two Treaties, that with G. Britain, and that with Spain, which secure to them every thing they could desire, in respect to our Foreign Relations, towards confirming their prosperity. — Will it not be their wisdom to rely for the preservation of these advantages on the Union by which they were procured ? — Will they not henceforth be deaf to those advisers, if such there are, who would sever them from their Brethren, and connect them with Aliens ? —
together by fraternal affection. The people of the western country have lately had a useful lesson on this subject. They have seen in the negotiation by the Executive, and in the unanimous ratification of the treaty with Spain by the Senate, and in the universal satisfaction at that event in all parts of the country, a decisive proof how unfounded have been the suspicions instilled in them of a policy in the Atlantic States, and in the different departments of the general government, hostile to their interests in relation to the Mississippi. They have seen two treaties formed which secure to them every thing that they could desire to confirm their prosperity. Will they not henceforth rely for the preservation of these advantages on that Union by which they were procured ? Will they not reject those counsel- lors who would render them alien to their brethren and connect them with aliens ?
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 297
To the efficacy and permanency of your Union, a Government for the whole is indispensable. — No alliances however strict between the parts can be an adequate substitute. — They must inevitably experi- ence the infractions and interruptions which all alliances in all times have experienced. — Sensible of this momentous truth, you have improved upon your first essay, by the adoption of a Constitution of Government, better calculated than your former for an intimate Union, and for the efficacious manage- ment of your common concerns. — This government, the offspring of our own choice uninfluenced and unawed, adopted upon full investigation and mature deliberation, completely free in its principles, in the distribution of its powers, uniting security with energy, and containing within itself a provision for its own amendment, has a just claim to your confi- dence and your support. — Respect for its authority,
To the duration and efficacy of your Union, a government ex- tending over the whole is indispensable. No alliances, however strict between the parts, could be an adequate substitute. These could not fail to be liable to the infractions and interruptions which all alliances in all times have suffered. Sensible of this important truth, you have lately established a Constitution of general government, better calculated than the former for an intimate union, and more adequate to the duration of your com- mon concerns. This government, the offspring of your own choice, uninfluenced and unawed, completely free in its principles, in the distribution of its powers, uniting energy with safety, and containing in itself a provision for its own amendment, is well entitled to your confidence and support. Respect for its authority, compliance with its laws, acquiescence in its measures, are duties dictated by the fundamental maxims of true liberty.
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compliance with its Laws, acquiescence in its meas- ures, are duties enjoined by the fundamental maxims of true Liberty. — The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their Constitutions of Government. — But the Constitution which at any time exists, 'till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole People, is sacredly obligatory upon all. — The very idea of the power and the right of the People to establish Government, presupposes the duty of every individual to obey the established Government.
All obstructions to the execution of the Laws, all combinations and associations, under whatever plausi- ble character, with the real design to direct, controul, counteract, or awe the regular deliberation and action of the constituted authorities, are destructive of this fundamental principle, and of fatal tendency. — They serve to organize faction, to give it an artificial and extraordinary force — to put in the place of the dele-
The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their constitutions of government. But the Constitution for the time, and until changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people, is sacredly binding upon all. The very idea of the right and power of the people to establish government presupposes the duty of every individual to obey the established government.
All obstructions to the execution of the laws, — all combinations and associations, under whatever plausible character, with the real design to counteract, control, or awe the regular action of the constituted authorities, are contrary to this fundamental principle, and of the most fatal tendency. They serve to organ- ize faction, and to put in the stead of the delegated will of the whole nation the will of a party, often a small minority of the
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 299
gated will of the Nation, the will of a party ; — often a small but artful and enterprizing minority of the community ; — and, according to the alternate triumphs of different parties, to make the public administration the mirror of the ill-concerted and incongruous pro- jects of faction, rather than the organ of consistent and wholesome plans digested by common councils, and modified by mutual interests. — However combi- nations or associations of the above description may now and then answer popular ends, and purpoooo they are likely, in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and un- principled men will be enabled to subvert the Power of the People and to usurp for themselves the reins of Government ; destroying afterwards the very engines, which have lifted them to unjust dominion. — Towards the preservation of your Government and the permanency of your present happy state, it is requisite, not only that you steadily discountenance
whole community ; and according to the alternate triumph of different parties to make the public administration reflect the schemes and projects of faction rather than the wholesome plans of common councils and deliberations. However combinations or associations of this description may occasionally promote popular ends and purposes, they are likely to produce, in the course of time and things, the most effectual engines by which artful, ambitious, .and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and usurp the reins of government.
Towards the preservation of your government and the perma- nency of your present happy state, it is not only requisite that you steadily discountenance irregular oppositions to its authority, but that you should be upon your guard against the spirit of innova- tion upon its principles, however specious the pretexts. One
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irregular oppositions to its acknowledged authority, but also that you resist with care* the spirit of innova- tion upon its principles, however specious the pretexts. — One method of assault may be to effect, in the forms of the Constitution, alterations which will impair the energy of the system, and thus to undermine what cannot be directly overthrown. — In all the changes to which you may be invited, remember that time and habit are at least as necessary to fix the true charac- ter of Governments, as of other human institutions — that experience is the surest standard, by which to test the real tendency of the existing Constitution of a Country — that facility in changes upon the credit of mere hypothesis and opinion exposes to perpetual change, from the endless variety of hypothesis and opinion : — and remember, especially, that, for the effi- cient management of your common interests, in a country so extensive as ours, a Government of as much vigor as is consistent with the perfect security of Liberty is indispensable. — Liberty itself will find in
method of assault may be to effect alterations in the forms of the Constitution tending to impair the energy of the system, and so to undermine what cannot be directly overthrown. In all the changes to which you may be invited, remember that time and habit are as necessary to fix the true character of governments as of any other human institutions; that experience is the surest standard by which the real tendency of existing constitutions of government can be tried ; that changes upon the credit of mere hypothesis and opinion expose you to perpetual change from the successive and endless variety of hypothesis and opinion. And remember also, that for the efficacious management of your com- mon interests, in a country so extensive as ours, a government of as much force and strength as is consistent with the perfect
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 301
such a Government, with powers properly distributed and adjusted, its surest Guardian. — It is, indeed, little else than a name, where the Government is too feeble to withstand the enterprises of faction, to confine each member of the society within the limits prescribed by the laws, and to maintain all in the secure and tranquil enjoyment of the rights of person and prop- erty. Owing to you ao I do a frank and froo dio cloouro of my hearts I ohnll not oonooal from you tho belief I entertain, that your Government ao at prooont constituted 10 far more likely to prove too feeble than too powerful
I have already intimated to you the danger of Parties in the State, with particular reference to the founding of them on Geographical discriminations. — Let me now take a more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of the Spirit of Party, generally.
This Spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from human our nature, having its root in the strongest
security of liberty is indispensable. Liberty itself will find in such a government, with powers properly distributed and ar- ranged, its surest guardian and protector. In my opinion, the real danger in our system is, that the general government, organ- ized as at present, will prove too weak rather than too powerful. I have already observed the danger to be apprehended from founding our parties on geographical discriminations. Let me now enlarge the view of this point, and caution you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects of party spirit in general. This spirit unfortunately is inseparable from human nature, and has its root in the strongest passions of the human heart. It exists under different shapes in all governments, but in those of the popular form it is always seen in its utmost
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passions of the human mind. — It exists under differ- ent shapes in all Governments, more or less stifled, controuled, or repressed ; but, in those of the popu- lar form, it is seen in its greatest rankness, and is truly their worst enemy. —
In RopublicG of narrow extent) it 10 not difficult for thooo who at any time hold tho reino of Power, and command tho ordinary public favor, to overturn the catabliohcd [ynfrpj conotitution in favor of their ag* grandioumonti Tho Game thing may likowioo bo too often aooompliohod in ouch Republics, by partial com binationo of men, who though not in office, from birth, riohoo or othor oourceo of diGtinctiont have extraordi nary influence and numorouo [retainers] adherents ■* By debauching the Military forco> by Gurprioing oome commanding eita4,Ql» or by oomo other sudden and un forcoccn movement the fate of the Republic io decided. ■ But in Rcpublieo of largo extent) uourpation can- ooarcoly make ito way through these avenuoG. — l^he poworo and opportunitioo of rooiotanco of a wide
vigor and rankness, and is their worst enemy. In republics of narrow extent, it is not difficult for those who at any time pos- sess the reins of administration, or even for partial combinations of men, who from birth, riches, and other sources of distinction have an extraordinary influence, by possessing or acquiring the direction of the military force, or by sudden efforts of partisans and followers, to overturn the established order of things, and effect a usurpation. But in republics of large extent, the one or the other is scarcely possible. The powers and opportunities of resistance of a numerous and wide-extended nation defy the successful efforts of the ordinary military force, or of any col- lections which wealth and patronage may call to their ?id, espe- cially if there be no city of overbearing force, resources, and
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON, 3©3
oxtended and numefouc nation^ dofy tho ouecoooful cfforto of the ordinary Military foroo, or of any collcc tionG which wealth and patronage may oall to their aid. — In ouoh Republic^ it io oafo to aooorti that tho con- flicto of popular factiono are tho ohiof» if not the only inlcto, of uourpation and Tyranny*
The alternate domination of one faction over an- other, sharpened by the spirit of revenge natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. — But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. — The disor- ders and miseries, which result, gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the ab- solute power of an Individual : and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this dispo- sition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of Public Liberty.
Without looking forward to an extremity of this
influence. In such republics it is perhaps safe to assert that the conflicts of popular faction offer the only avenues to tyranny and usurpation. The domination of one faction over another, stimulated by that spirit of revenge which is apt to be gradually engendered, and which in different ages and countries has pro- duced the greatest enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent des- potism. The disorders and miseries which result predispose the minds of men to seek repose and security in the absolute power of a single man. And the leader of a prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purpose of an ambitious and criminal self-aggrandizement. Without looking forward to such an extremity (which, however,
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kind, (which nevertheless ought not to be entirely out of sight), the common and continual mischiefs of the spirit of Party are sufficient to make it the in- terest and duty of a wise People to discourage and restrain it. —
It serves always to distract the Public Councils, and enfeeble the Public administration. — It agitates the community with ill founded jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against an- other, foments occasionally riot and insurrection. — It opens the doors to foreign influence and corruption, which find a facilitated access to the Government it- self through the channels of party passions, through iho ohannolo of party paooiono. It frequently oubjooto the policy of our own oountry to the policy of oomo foreign country, and ovon onolaveo the will of our Government to the will of oomo foreign Government. Thus the policy and the will of one country, are sub- jected to the policy and will of another.
ought not to be out of sight), the ordinary and continual mischiefs of the spirit of party make it the interest and the duty of a wise people, to discountenance and repress it.
It serves always to distract the councils and enfeeble the administration of the government. It agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms. It opens inlets for foreign corruption and influence, which find an easy access through the channels of party passions, and causes the true policy and interest of our own country to be made subservient to the policy and interest of one and another foreign nation, sometimes enslaving our own government to the will of a foreign government.
There is an opinion that parties in free countries are salutary checks upon the administration of the government, and serve to invigorate the spirit of liberty. This, within certain limits, is
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 305
There is an opinion that parties in free countries are useful checks upon the Administration of the Government, and serve to keep alive the Spirit of Liberty. — This within certain limits is probably true — and in Governments of a Monarchical cast, Patriot- ism may look with indulgence, if not with favour, upon the spirit of party. — But in those of the popular char- acter, in Governments purely elective, it is a spirit not to be encouraged. — From their natural tendency, it is certain there will always be enough of that spirit for every salutary purpose, — and there being constant danger of excess, the effort ought to be, by force of public opinion, to mitigate and assuage it. — A fire not to be quenched ; it demands a uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into a flame, lest, it ohould not only warm) but instead of warming, it should consume.
It is important, likewise, that the habits of thinking in a free country should inspire caution in those en- trusted with its administration, to confine themselves
true ; and in governments of a monarchical character or bias, patriotism may look with some favor on the spirit of party. But in those of the popular kind, in those purely elective, it is a spirit not to be fostered or encouraged. From the natural tendency of such governments, it is certain there will always be enough of it for every salutary purpose, and there being constant danger of excess, the effort ought to be, by the force of public opinion, to mitigate and correct it. 'T is a fire which cannot be quenched, but demands a uniform vigilance to prevent its bursting into a flame — lest it should not only warm but consume.
It is important, likewise, that the habits of thinking of the people should tend to produce caution in their public agents in the several departments of government, to retain each within its proper sphere, and not to permit one to encroach upon another ;
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within their respective constitutional spheres ; avoid- ing in the exercise of the powers of one department to encroach upon another. — The spirit of encroach- ment tends to consolidate the powers of all the depart- ments in one, and thus to create, undor whatever the form of government, a real f ormo, a despotism. — A just estimate of that love of power, and -feke proneness to abuse it, which predominates in the human heart, is suf- ficient to satisfy us of the truth of this position. — The necessity of reciprocal checks in the exercise of politi- cal power, by dividing and distributing it into different depositories, and constituting each the Guardian of the Public Weal from against invasions by the others, has been evinced by experiments ancient and modern ; some of them in our country and under our own eyes. — To preserve them must be as necessary as to in- stitute them. If in the opinion of the People, the distribution or modification of the Constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected
that every attempt of the kind, from whatever quarter, should meet with the discountenance of the community, and that, in every case in which a precedent of encroachment shall have been given, a corrective be sought in [revocation be effected by] a careful attention to the next choice of public agents. The spirit of encroachment tends to absorb the powers of the several branches and departments into one, and thus to establish, under whatever form, a despotism. A just knowledge of the human heart, of that love of power which predominates in it, is alone sufficient to establish this truth. Experiments, ancient and modern, some in our own country, and under our own eyes, serve to confirm it. If, in the public opinion, the distribution of the constitutional powers be in any instance wrong, or inexpedient, let it be corrected by the authority of the people in a legitimate
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 307
by an amendment in the way which the Constitution designates. — But let there be no change by usurpa- tion ; for though this, in one instance, may be the instrument of good, it is the uoual and natural cus- tomary weapon by which free governments are de- stroyed.— The precedent of its uoo must always greatly overbalance in permanent evil any partial or tempo- rary transient benefit which the use itoclf can at any time yield. —
Of all the dispositions and habits, which lead to political prosperity, Religion and morality are indis- pensable supports. — In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labour to sub- vert these great Pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men and Citizens. — The mere Politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. — A volume could not trace all their connexions with private and public felicity. — Let it simply be asked where is the security
constitutional course. Let there be no change by usurpation, for though this may be the instrument of good in one instance, it is the ordinary instrument of the destruction of free government — and the influence of the precedent is always infinitely more per- nicious than any thing which it may achieve can be beneficial.
In all those dispositions which promote political happiness, religion and morality are essential props. In vain does he claim the praise of patriotism, who labors to subvert or undermine these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest foundations of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private and public happiness.
Let it simply be asked, where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of moral and religious obligation
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for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the oaths, which are the instruments of investigation in Courts of Justice ? And let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion. — What- ever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure — reason and experience both forbid us to expect, that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious prin- ciple.—
'T is substantially true, that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. — The rule indeed extends with more or less force to every species of Free Government. — Who that is a sincere friend to it can look with indifference upon attempts to shake the foundation of the fabric ? —
Cultivate induotry and frugality; 00 auxiliaries to good moralG and oourcoo of private cmd-public prop perityi — Io there not room to regret that our pro
deserts the oaths which are administered in courts of justice ? Nor ought we to natter ourselves that morality can be separated from religion. Concede as much as may be asked to the effect of fine education in minds of peculiar structure, can we believe, can we in prudence suppose, that national morality can be main- tained in exclusion of religious principles ? Does it not require the aid of a generally received and divinely authoritative religion ? 'T is essentially true that virtue or morality is a main and necessary spring of popular or republican governments. The rule, indeed, extends with more or less force to all free governments. Who that is a prudent and sincere friend to them, can look with indifference on the ravages which are making in the foundation of the fabric — religion ? The uncommon means which of late have been directed to this fatal end, seem to make it in a particular
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 3°9
ponoity — to oxpenoo oxooodo our moano for it ? — \% thoro not more luxury among 110 and more diffusively, than ouito tho actual otago of our national progreoo ? Whatever may bo tho apology for luxury in a country, mature in tho Arto which are ito minintoro, and tho cauoo of national opulence can it promote tho ad- vantage of a young country, almost wholly agrioul tural, in the infancy of tho arto, and certainly not -in the maturity of wealth ?
Promote, then, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened. —
As a very important source of strength and security, cherish public credit. — One method of pre- serving it is, to use it as tetie sparingly as possible : — - avoiding occasions of expense by cultivating peace, but remembering also that timely disbursements to
manner the duty of a retiring chief of a nation to warn his country against tasting of the poisonous draught.
Cultivate, also, industry and frugality. They are auxiliaries of good morals, and great sources of private and national prosperity. Is there not room for regret, that our propensity to expense exceeds the maturity of our country for expense ? Is there not more luxury among us, in various classes, than suits the actual period of our national progress ? Whatever may be the apology for luxury in a country mature in all the arts which are its minis- ters and the means of national opulence — can it promote the advantage of a young agricultural country, little advanced in manufactures, and not much advanced in wealth ?
Cherish public credit as a means of strength and security. As one method of preserving it, use it as little as possible. Avoid
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prepare for danger frequently prevent much greater disbursements to repel it — avoiding likewise the ac- cumulation of debt, not only by avoiding shunning oc- casions of expense, but by vigorous exertions in time of Peace to discharge the debts which unavoidable wars may have occasioned, not ungenerously throw- ing upon posterity the burthen which we ourselves ought to bear. The execution of these maxims be- longs to your Representatives, but it is necessary that public opinion should coincide cooperate. — To facilitate to them the performance of their duty, it is essential that you should practically bear in mind, that towards the payment of debts there must be Revenue — that to have Revenue there must be taxes — that no taxes can be devised which are not more or less in- convenient and unpleasant — that the intrinsic em- barrassment inseparable from the selection of the proper objects (which is always a choice of diffi- culties) ought to be a decisive motive for a candid
occasions of expense by cultivating peace — remembering always that the preparation against danger, by timely and provident disbursements, is often a means of avoiding greater disburse- ments to repel it. Avoid the accumulation of debt by avoiding occasions of expense, and by vigorous exertions in time of peace to discharge the debts which unavoidable wars may have occasioned, not transferring to posterity the burthen which we ought to bear ourselves. Recollect, that towards the payment of debts there must be revenue, that to have revenue there must be taxes, that it is impossible to devise taxes which are not more or less incon- venient and unpleasant — that they are always a choice of difficul- ties, that the intrinsic embarrassment which never fails to attend a selection of objects ought to be a motive for a candid construc- tion of the conduct of the government in making it, and that a
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 311
construction of the conduct of the Government in making it, and for a spirit of acquiescence in the measures for obtaining Revenue which the public exigencies may at any time dictate. —
Observe good faith and justice towards all Na- tions, and cultivate poaoo and harmony with all, for in public ao well as in private tranoactionci I am persuaded that honesty will alwayo bo found to bo tho boot policy. Cultivate peace and harmony with all. — Religion and Morality enjoin this conduct ; and can it be that good policy does not equally enjoin it ? — It will be worthy of a free, enlightened, and, at no dis- tant period, a great nation, to give to mankind the magnanimous and too novel example of a People always guided by an exalted justice and benevolence. — Who can doubt that in the course of time and things, the fruits of such a plan would richly repay any temporary advantages, which might be lost by a steady adherence to it ? Can it be that Providence
spirit of acquiescence in those measures for obtaining revenue which the public exigencies dictate, is, in an especial manner, the duty and interest of the citizens of every state.
Cherish good faith and justice towards, and peace and harmony with, all nations. Religion and morality enjoin this conduct, and it cannot be but that true policy equally demands it. It will be worthy of a free, enlightened, and at no distant period, a great nation, to give to mankind the magnanimous and too novel example of a people invariably governed by those exalted views. Who can doubt that in a long course of time and events the fruits of such a conduct would richly repay any temporary advantages which might be lost by a steady adherence to the plan ? Can it be that Providence has not connected the permanent felicity of a nation with its virtue ? The experiment is recommended by
3i2 THE WRITINGS OF [1796
has not connected the permanent felicity of a Nation with its virtue ? The experiment, at least, is recom- mended by every sentiment which ennobles human nature. — Alas ! is it rendered impossible by its vices ? In the execution of such a plan nothing is more essential than that -rooted permanent, inveterate an- tipathies against particular nations and passionate attachments for others should be excluded ; and that in place of them just and amicable feelings towards all should be cultivated. — The Nation, which indulges towards another-* an habitual hatred or -a- an habitual fondness, is in some degree a slave. It is a slave to its animosity or to its affection, either of which is sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and its inter- est.— Antipathy in one nation against another bcgcto of course a similar contimont in that othcr^ disposes each more readily to offer insult and injury, to lay hold of slight causes of umbrage, and to be haughty and intractable, when accidental or trifling occasions
every sentiment which ennobles human nature. Alas ! is it ren- dered impossible by its vices ?
Towards the execution of such a plan, nothing is more essen- tial than that antipathies against particular nations and passionate attachments for others should be avoided, and that instead of them we should cultivate just and amicable feelings towards all. That nation which indulges towards another an habitual hatred or an habitual fondness, is in some degree a slave. It is a slave to its animosity, or to its affection — either of which is sufficient to lead it astray from its duty and interest. Antipathy against one nation, which never fails to beget a similar sentiment in the other, disposes each more readily to offer injury and insult to the other, to lay hold of slight causes of umbrage, and to be haughty and untractable when accidental or trifling differences arise.
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 313
of dispute occur. — Hence frequent collisions, obsti- nate, envenomed and bloody contests. — The Nation prompted by ill-will and resentment sometimes impels to War the Government, contrary to ita own the best calculations of policy. — The Government sometimes participates in the national propensity, and adopts through passion what reason would reject ; — at other times, it makes the animosity of the Nation sub- servient to projects of hostility instigated by pride, ambition, and other sinister and pernicious motives. — The peace often, sometimes perhaps the Liberty, of Nations has been the victim. —
So likewise a passionate attachment of one Nation for another produces a variety of evils. — Sympathy for the favourite nation, facilitating the illusion of an imaginary common interest in cases where no real common interest exists, and infusing into one another- the enmities of the other, betrays the former into a participation in the quarrels and wars of the latter,
Hence frequent quarrels and bitter and obstinate contests. The nation urged by resentment and rage, sometimes compels the government to war, contrary to its own calculations of policy. The government sometimes participates in this propensity, and does through passion what reason would forbid at other times ; it makes the animosity of the nations subservient to hostile projects which originate in ambition and other sinister motives. The peace, often, and sometimes the liberty of nations, has been the victim of this cause.
In like manner a passionate attachment of one nation to another produces multiplied ills. Sympathy for the favorite nation, pro- moting the illusion of a supposed common interest, in cases where it does not exist, the enmities of the one betray the other into a participation in its quarrels and wars, without adequate
3i4 THE WRITINGS OF [1796
without adequate inducement or justification : It leads also to concessions to the favourite Nation of privileges denied to others, which is apt doubly to injure the Nation making the concessions ; iotly by unnecessarily parting with what ought to have been retained, adly and by exciting jealousy, ill-will, and a disposition to retaliate, in the parties from whom equal privileges are withheld ; and it gives to ambi- tious, corrupted, or deluded citizens, (who devote themselves to the favourite Nation) facility to be- tray, or sacrifice the interests of their own country, without odium, sometimes even with popularity : — gilding with the appearances of a virtuous sense of obligation, a commendable deference for public opinion, or a laudable zeal for public good, the base or foolish compliances of ambition, corruption or infatuation. —
As avenues to foreign influence in innumerable ways, such attachments are particularly alarming to the truly enlightened and independent Patriot. — How
inducements or justifications. It leads to the concession of privi- leges to one nation, and to the denial of them to others, which is apt doubly to injure the nation making the concession by an unnecessary yielding of what ought to have been retained, and by exciting jealousy, ill-will, and retaliation in the party from whom an equal privilege is withheld. And it gives to ambitious, corrupted citizens, who devote themselves to the views of the favorite foreign power, facility in betraying or sacrificing the interests of their own country, even with popularity, gilding with [the appearance of a virtuous impulse, the base yieldings of ambition or conation.]
As avenues to foreign influence in innumerable ways, such attachments are peculiarly alarming to the enlightened indepen- dent patriot. How many opportunities do they afford to intrigue
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 3^
many opportunities do they afford to tamper with domestic factions, to practise the arts of seduction, to mislead public opinion, to influence or awe the public councils ! Such an attachment of a small or weak, towards a great and powerful nation, dooms the former to be the satellite of the latter.
Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence, I conjure you to believe me, my fricndo, fellow-citizens, the jealousy of a free people ought to be incoooantly constantly awake, since history and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican Government. — But that jealousy, to be useful, must be impartial ; else it becomes the instru- ment of the very influence to be avoided, instead of a defence against it. — Excessive partiality for one foreign nation and excessive dislike of another, cause those whom they actuate to see danger only on one side, and serve to veil and even second the arts of influence on the other. — Real Patriots, who may resist the intrigues of the favourite, are liable to
with domestic factions, to practise with success the arts of seduc- tion, to mislead the public opinion — to influence or awe the public councils ? Such an attachment of a small or weak towards a great and powerful nation, destines the former to revolve round the latter as its satellite.
Against the mischiefs of foreign influence all the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly exerted ; but the jealousy of it to be useful must be impartial, else it becomes an instrument of the very influence to be avoided, instead of a defence against it.
Excessive partiality for one foreign nation, and excessive dis- like of another leads to see danger only on one side, and serves to veil the arts of influence on the other. Real patriots, who resist the intrigues of the favorite, become suspected and odious. Its
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become suspected and odious ; while its tools and dupes usurp the applause and confidence of the people, to surrender their interests. —
The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign Nations, is, in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little Political con- nection as possible. — So far as we have already- formed engagements, let them be fulfilled with -ek- oumspection indood, but with perfect good faith. — Here let us stop. —
Europe has a set of primary interests, which to us have none, or a very remote relation. — Hence she must be engaged in frequent controversies, the causes of which are essentially foreign to our concerns. — Hence therefore it must be unwise in us to implicate ourselves, by •&»- artificial connection ties in the or- dinary vicissitudes of her politics, oris- the ordinary combinations and collisions of her friendships, or enmities.
tools and dupes usurp the applause and confidence of the people to betray their interests.
The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations ought to be to have as little political connection with them as possible. So far as we have already formed engagements, let them be fulfilled with circumspection, indeed, but with perfect good faith ; here let it stop.
Europe has a set of primary interests, which have none or a very remote relation to us. Hence she must be involved in frequent contests, the causes of which will be essentially foreign to us. Hence, therefore, it must necessarily be unwise on our part to implicate ourselves by an artificial connection in the ordinary vicissitudes of European politics — in the combination and colli- sions of her friendships or enmities.
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 317
Our detached and distant situation invites and enables us to pursue a different course. — If we remain one People, under an efficient government, the period is not far off, when we may defy material injury from external annoyance ; when we may take such an atti- tude as will cause the neutrality we may at any time resolve upon to obocrvo to be scrupulously respected. When neither of two belligerent nations, under the impossibility of making acquisitions upon us, will not lightly hazard the giving us provocation to throw our weight into tho oppocite ncale ; when we may choose peace or war, as our interest guided by our justice shall counsel.
Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a situa- tion ? — Why quit our own to stand upon foreign ground? — Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition, rival- ship, interest, humour, or caprice ? —
Our detached and distant situation invites us to a different course and enables us to pursue it. If we remain a united people, under an efficient government, the period is not distant when we may defy material injury from external annoyances — when we may take such an attitude as will cause the neutrality we shall at any time resolve to observe, to be violated with caution — when it will be the interest of belligerent nations, under the impossi- bility of making acquisitions upon us, to be very careful how either forced us to throw our weight into the opposite scale — when we may choose peace or war, as our interests, guided by justice, shall dictate.
Why should we forego the advantages of so felicitous a situa- tion ? Why quit our own ground and stand upon foreign ground ? Why, by interweaving our destiny with any part of Europe, should
3i 8 THE WRITINGS OF [1796
'T is our true policy to steer clear of intimate. connoctiono permanent alliances, with any portion of the foreign world ; — so far, I mean, as we are now at liberty to do it — for let me not be understood as capable of patronizing infidelity to pre existing ex- isting engagements, (I hold the maxim no less ap- plicable to public than to private affairs, for I hold it to be as true in public, as in private transactions, that honesty is always the best policy). — I repeat it there- fore let those engagements those must be observed in their genuine sense. — But in my opinion it is un- necessary and would be unwise to extend them. —
Taking care always to keep ourselves, by suitable establishments, on a respectably defensive posture, we may safely trust to occaoional- temporary alliances for extraordinary emergencies. —
Harmony, liberal intercourse with all nations, are recommended by policy, humanity, and interest. But even our commercial policy should hold an equal and impartial hand : — neither seeking nor granting exclusive favours or preferences ; — consulting the
we entangle our prosperity and peace in the nets of European ambition, rivalship, interest, or caprice ?
Permanent alliance, intimate connection with any part of the foreign world is to be avoided ; so far, I mean as we are now at liberty to do it ; for let me never be understood as patronizing infidelity to pre-existing engagements. These must be observed in their true and genuine sense.
Harmony, liberal intercourse, and commerce with all nations are recommended by justice, humanity, and interest. But even our commercial policy should hold an equal hand, neither seek- ing nor granting exclusive favors or preferences — consulting the
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 319
natural course of things ; — diffusing and diversifying by gentle means the streams of commerce, but forcing nothing ; — establishing with Powers so disposed — in order to give trade a stable course, to define the rights of our Merchants, and to enable the Govern- ment to support them — conventional rules of inter- course, the best that present circumstances and mutual opinion will permit ; but temporary, and liable to be from time to time abandoned or varied, as experi- ence and circumstances shall dictate ; constantly keeping in view that 't is folly in one nation to look for disinterested favors -at from another, — that it must pay with a portion of its independence for whatever it may accept under that character — that by such acceptance, it may place itself in the condition of having given equivalents for nominal favours and yet of being reproached with ingratitude for not giv- ing more. — There can be no greater error than to expect, or calculate upon real favours from Nation to Nation. — 'T is an illusion which experience must cure, which a just pride ought to discard.
natural course of things — diffusing and diversifying by gentle means the streams of commerce, but forcing nothing — establishing with powers so disposed temporary rules of intercourse, the best that present circumstances and mutual opinion of interest will permit, but temporary, and liable to be abandoned or varied, as time, experience, and future circumstances may dictate — remembering that it is folly in one nation to expect disinterested favor in another, that to accept is to part with a portion of its independence, and that it may find itself in the condition of hav- ing given equivalents for nominal favors, and of being reproached with ingratitude in the bargain. There can be no greater error
32o THE WRITINGS OF [1796
In offering to you, my Countrymen, these counsels of an old and affectionate friend, I dare not hope they will make the strong and lasting impression, I could wish, — that they will controul the usual current of the passions, or prevent our Nation from running the course which has hitherto marked the destiny of Na- tions.— But if I may even flatter myself, that they maybe productive of some partial benefit ; some occa- sional good ; that they may now and then recur to moderate the fury of party spirit, to warn against the mischiefs of foreign intrigue, to guard against the impostures of pretended patriotism, this hope will be a full recompense for the solicitude for your welfare, by which they have been dictated. —
How far in the discharge of my official duties, I have been guided by the principles which have been delineated, the public Records and other evidences of my conduct must witness to You, and to the world. — To myself the assurance of my own conscience is, that I have at least believed myself to be guided by them.
in national policy that to desire, expect, or calculate upon real favors. 'T is an allusion that experience must cure, that a just pride ought to discard.
In offering to you, my countrymen, these counsels of an old and affectionate friend — counsels suggested by laborious reflec- tion, and matured by a various experience, I dare not hope that they will make the strong and lasting impressions I wish — that they will control the current of the passions, or prevent our nation from running the course which has hitherto marked the destiny of all nations.
But if they may even produce partial benefit, some occasional good * * * that they sometimes recur to moderate the violence of party spirit, to warn against the evils of foreign intrigue, to
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 321
In relation to the still subsisting War in Europe, my Proclamation of the 22a! of April 1793 is the index to my plan. — Sanctioned by your approving voice and by that of Your Representatives in both Houses of Congress, the spirit of that measure has continually governed me : — uninfluenced by any at- tempts to deter or divert me from it.
After deliberate examination with the aid of the best lights I could obtain, (and from mem dioagrooing in their improooiono-of the origin, progreoQ) and na- ture* of that wan) I was well satisfied that our coun- try, under all the circumstances of the case, had a right to take, and was bound in duty and interest, to take a Neutral position. — Having taken it, I deter- mined, as far as should depend upon me, to maintain it, with moderation, perseverance, and firmness. —
Tho conGiderationo which roopoct tho right to hold thio conduct; Gome of them of a delicate nature) would be improperly the Gubjoct of explanation on thio oc- casioni — I will barely oboerve that according to my
guard against the impositions of pretended patriotism, the having offered them must always afford me a precious consolation.
How far in the execution of my present office I have been guided by the principles which have been recommended, the public records and the external evidences of my conduct must witness. My conscience assures me that I have at least believed myself to be guided by them.
In reference to the present war of Europe, my proclamation of the 22d April, 1793, is the key to my plan, sanctioned by your approving voice, and that of your Representatives in Congress — the spirit of that measure has continually governed me — un- influenced and unawed by the attempts of any of the warring powers, their agents, or partisans, to deter or divert from it.
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underGtanding of the matter, that right co far from being denied by any belligerent Power, has boon virtually admitted by all. —
The considerationo which reopect the right to hold thio conduct) would be improperly the oubjoct of par ticular diocuooion on this occaoion. — I will barely ob oervo that to mo they appear to be warranted by well ■ ootabliohed principles of the Laws of — Nations ac applicable to the nature of our alliance with France in connection with the circumctanceo of the caooj and the relative oituation of the contending Partiooi1
The considerations which respect the right to hold this conduct, oome of them of a delicate nature, would be improperly the oubjoct of explanation, it is not necessary on this occasion to detail. I will only ob- serve, that, according to my understanding of the matter, that right, so far from being denied by any of the Belligerent Powers, has been virtually admitted by all—
The duty of holding a neutral conduct may be in- ferred, without anything more, from the obligation which justice and humanity impose on every Nation,
After deliberate consideration, and the best lights I could obtain (and from men who did not agree in their views of the origin, progress, and nature of that war), I was satisfied that our country, under all the circumstances of the case, had a right and was bound in propriety and interest to take a neutral position. And having taken it, I determined as should depend on me to maintain it steadily and firmly.
1 On the margin of the paragraph as printed, was written by Washington : "This is the first draft, and it is questionable which of the two is to be pre- ferred."
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 323
in cases in which it is free to act, to maintain invio- late the relations of Peace and Amity towards other Nations. —
The inducements of interest for observing that conduct will best be referred to your own reflections and experience. — With me, a predominant motive has been to endeavour to gain time to our country to settle and mature its yet recent institutions, and to progress without interruption to that degree of strength and consistency, which is necessary to give it, humanly speaking, the command of its own fortune.
Though, in reviewing the incidents of my Admin- istration, I am unconscious of intentional error — I am nevertheless too sensible of my defects not to think it probable that I may have committed many errors. — Whatever they may be, I deprecate the cvifa to which- ■they may tend, and- 1 fervently beseech the Almighty to avert or mitigate them the evils to which they may tend. — I shall also carry with me the hope that my country will never cease to view them with indulgence ; and that after forty-five years of my life dedicated to its service, with an upright zeal, the faults of incom-
Though in reviewing the incidents of my administration I am unconscious of intentional error, I am yet too sensible of my own deficiencies, not to think it possible that I have committed many errors ; I deprecate the evils to which they may tend, and fer- vently implore the Almighty to avert or mitigate them. I shall carry with me, nevertheless, the hope that my motives will con- tinue to be viewed by my country with indulgence, and that after forty-five years of my life, devoted with an upright zeal to the public service, the faults of inadequate abilities will be consigned to oblivion, as myself must soon be to the mansions of rest.
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petent abilities will be consigned to oblivion, as myself must soon be to the mansions of rest.
May I without the charge of ostentation add that neither ambition nor interest hac been the impelling- cauoo of my actions that I have never designedly- miouood any power confided to me nor hooitatod to- iioo onoi whore I thought it could redound to your- benefit ? — May I without the appearance of affccta- tation oay, that the fortune with which I came into office io not bettered otherwise than by the improve- ment in the value of property which the quick prog rooo and uncommon prosperity of our country have produced ? — May I still further add without broach of- delicacy, that I ohall retire without cauoo for a bluah, 1*4*4* — no Gentiments alien — to the force of thooo vows for the happiness of his country so natural to a citiaon who oo'og in it the native soil of hio progoni toro and himoolf for four gonorationo ?■'
Relying on its kindness in this as in other things, and actuated by that fervent love towards it, which is so natural to a man, who views in it the native soil of himself and his progenitors for four several genera-
Neither ambition nor interest has been the impelling cause of my actions. I never designedly misused any power confided in me. The fortune with which I came into office, is not bettered otherwise than by that improvement in the value of property which the natural progress and peculiar prosperity of our country have produced. I retire with a pure heart, with undefiled hands, and with ardent vows for the happiness of a country, the native soil of myself and progenitors for four generations.
1 On the margin of this paragraph Washington wrote : " This paragraph may have the appearance of self-distrust and mere vanity."
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 325
tions ; — I anticipate with pleasing expectation that re- treat, in which I promise myself to realize, without^ alloy, the sweet enjoyment of partaking, in the midst of my fellow-citizens, the benign influence of good Laws under a free Government, — the ever favourite object of my heart, and the happy reward, as I trust, of our mutual cares, labours, and dangers.1
United States, September igth, i/pd.
1 On a copy of Claypooles American Daily Advertiser, for September 19, 1796, are endorsed the following words in Washington's handwriting, which were designed as an instruction to the copyist, who recorded the Address in the letter-book :
" The letter contained in this gazette, addressed ' To the People of the United States,' is to be recorded, and in the order of its date. Let it have a blank page before and after it, so as to stand distinct. Let it be written with a letter larger and fuller than the common recording hand. And where words are printed with capital letters, it is to be done so in recording. And those other words, that are printed in italics, must be scored underneath and straight by a ruler."
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TO ALEXANDER HAMILTON.
[private]
Philadelphia, 2 November, 1796.
My dear Sir,
On Monday afternoon, I arrived in this City, and among the first things which presented themselves to my view was Mr. Adet's letter to the Secretary of State, published by his order, in the moment it was presented.1
The object in doing this is not difficult of solution ; but whether the publication in the manner it appears is by order of the Directory, or an act of his own, is yet to be learnt. If the first, he has executed a duty only ; if the latter, he exceeded it, and is himself responsible for the indignity offered to this Govern- ment by such publication, without allowing it time to reply — or to take its own mode of announcing the intentions of his country towards the commerce of these United States.
In either case, should there be in your opinion any difference in my reception and treatment of that Min- ister, in his visits at the public Rooms, (I have not seen him yet, nor do not expect to do it before Tues- day next) — and what difference should be made if any?2
He complains in his letter, that he had received no answers to the remonstrances in former communica-
1 This letter is printed in the State Papers, Foreign Relations, i., 576.
2 " The true rule on this point would be to receive the Minister at your levees with a dignified reserve, holding an exact medium between an offensive coldness and cordiality. The point is a nice one to be hit, but no one will know better how to do it than the President. " — Hamilton to Washington, 4 November, 1796.
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 327
tions (the dates of which are given). The fact is that one at least of those remonstrances, were ac- companied by as indecent charges, and as offensive expressions as the letters of Genet were ever marked with, and besides, the same things on former occa- sions, had been replied to (as the Secretary of State informs me) over and over again.
That the letter which he has now given to the public will be answered, and (to a candid mind) I hope satisfactorily, is certain ; but ought it to be published immediately or not ? This question has two sides to it ; both of which are important. If the answer does not accompany the letter, the antidote will not keep pace with the poison, — and it may, and undoubtedly would be said, it was because the charges are just, and the consequences had been predicted. On the other hand — may not the dignity of the Gov- ernment be committed by a Newspaper dispute with the Minister of a foreign Nation, and an apparent appeal to the People ? and would it not be said also that we can bear every thing from one of the Bel- ligerent Powers, but nothing from another of them ? I could enlarge on this subject, but add nothing, I am certain, that your own reflections thereon will not furnish. Whether the answer is published now, or not, would it be proper, do you conceive, at the en- suing Session, which will close the political scene with me, to bring the French Affairs, since the contro- versy with Genet, fully before Congress? In doing this it is to be noticed, there is such a connexion be- tween them and our transactions with Great Britain
328 THE WRITINGS OF [1796
as to render either imperfect without the other ; and so much of the latter as relates to the Treaty with that country has already been refused to that body ; not be- cause there was any thing contained therein that all the world might not have seen, but because it was claimed as a matter of right, and the compliance therewith would have established a dangerous precedent.
Since I wrote to you from Mount Vernon, on the eve of my departure from that place, and on my way hither, I received a letter from Sir John Sinclair an extract of which I enclose you — on the subject of an agricultural establishment. — Though not such an enthusiast as he is, I am nevertheless deeply im- pressed with the benefits which would result from such an institution, and if you see no impropriety in the measure, I would leave it as a recommendatory one in the Speech at the opening of the Session ; which, probably, will be the last I shall ever address to that, or any other public body.
It must be obvious to every man, who considers the agriculture of this country, (even in the best im- proved parts of it) and compares the produce of our lands with those of other countries, no ways superior to them in natural fertility, how miserably defective we are in the management of them ; and that if we do not fall on a better mode of treating them, how ruinous it will prove to the landed interest. Ages will not produce a systematic change without public attention and encouragement ; but a few years more of increased sterility will drive the Inhabitants of the Atlantic States westwardly for support ; whereas if
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 329
they were taught how to improve the old, instead of going in pursuit of new and productive soils, they would make those acres which now scarcely yield them any thing, turn out beneficial to themselves — to the Mechanics, by supplying them with the staff of life on much cheaper terms — to the Merchants, by encreasing their Commerce and exportation — and to the Community generally, by the influx of Wealth resulting therefrom.
In a word, it is in my estimation, a great national object, and if stated as fully as the occasion and cir- cumstances will admit, I think it must appear so — But whatever may be the reception, or fate of the recommendation, I shall have discharged my duty in submitting it to the consideration of the Legislature.
As I have a very high opinion of Mr. Jay's judg- ment, candor, honor and discretion (tho' I am not in the habit of writing so freely to him as to you) it would be very pleasing to me if you would shew him this letter (although it is a hurried one, my time hav- ing been much occupied since my arrival by the heads of the Departments, and with the Papers which have been laid before me) and let me have, for consideration, your joint opinion on the several matters therein stated.
You will recollect that the conduct to be observed towards Mr. Adet must be decided on before Tues- day next ; that is, if he comes to the public room, whether he is to be received with the same cordiality as usual, or with coolness ; and you will do me the justice to believe that in this instance, and every
330 THE WRITINGS OF [1796
other, I wish it to be such as will promote the true policy and interest of the country, at the same time that a proper respect for its dignity is pre- served. My own feelings I put out of the question.
There is in the conduct of the French government, relative to this business, an inconsistency, a duplicity, a delay, or a something else, which is unaccountable upon honorable ground. It appears that the order under which Mr. Adet has acted is dated in July (early) and yet Mr. Monroe has been led to believe (though much dissatisfaction he says has appeared) — that no such order had or would be, issued unless Great Britain set the example ; — and in a letter of August the 28th he writes Mr. King to that effect ; — as the latter officially informs the Secretary of State ; — But I am fatigued with this and other mat- ters which crowd upon me, and shall only add that I am very affectionately yours.
P. S. I find I have not time before the hour for closing the mail arrives, to take the promised extract from Sir John Sinclair's letter, I therefore send the original, with a request that it may soon be returned as I have given it no acknowledgment yet. — the arti- cles which he requests my acceptance of are not yet come to hand.
TO ALEXANDER HAMILTON.
My DEAR SlR Philadelphia, 3d November, 1796.
After my letter of yesterday was despatched to you, the draught of the answer to Mr. Adet was pre- sented for my approbation, with the opinions of the
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 331
Gentlemen about me that it would be expedient to publish it, and without delay.
It appeared also, by information from the Secre- tary of State, that as far as public opinion had been expressed on the occasion, that this measure was looked to and expected. These considerations and a conviction, if the publication was to take place otherwise than through the medium of Congress, the sooner it happened the more likely it would be to obviate the bad impressions it was calculated to make on the public mind, induced an acquiescence on my part. — I do not, nevertheless, think it free from those objections which I mentioned in my last ; as it is not probable that the correspondence will end with the Secretary's letter.
I give you the trouble of this note to account for the Publication which you will find in the Gazette of this morning ; and to rescue my conduct from the imputation of inconsistency.
There are other parts of my letter not involved in this determination, which await the opinions I have asked, and on which I would be glad to hear from you, (and in the manner which has been required in preceding letters) as soon as it is convenient. I am, your affectionate friend.
TO ALEXANDER HAMILTON. My DEAR SlR Philadelphia, 12 November, 1796.
In due time, and in good order, I received your letters dated the 4th, 5th, and 10th instt., and shall be mindful of their contents.
332 THE WRITINGS OF [1796
What construction do you put upon the informa- tion received through the assistant of D[octo]r B[ailey] and what notice, if any, should it meet with now or hereafter, if application should be made for leave, or the event take place without ? 1
Having sometime since, called upon the different Secretaries for such matters (within their respective departments) as required to be communicated to Con- gress at the opening of the Session, the enclosed papers are from two of them ; — one has given a shape to the ideas. From the Treasury department I have received nothing yet ; and presume nothing will come from the Secretary of it except such matters as are of the fiscal kind, founded upon facts and statements.
The Secretary of War has closed his notes, or draught, with a communication, a declaration, and an invocation, which I had no intention of introducing, if such sentiments could be avoided with that decent respect which is due to such members of both houses as have been uniform and steady in their support of those measures of government which I have thought the interest and welfare of this country required and accordingly recommended.
The reasons which have operated a reluctance in my mind to touch on this subject at the opening of the Session, are two :
First, that it might not be supposed it was intro- duced for the purpose of a complimentary notice of the event, by those who might feel a disposition to
1 The Doctor had said the French Consul at New York had desired to make arrangements for the sick of a French fleet expected shortly to arrive.
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 333
offer it ; and secondly, that it might not embarrass others who had rather be silent ; — much less put it in the power of a third set to oppose (if it should be attempted) sentiments of this sort, in the answer to the Speech.
These being my reasons, — judge of their force. — If they out weigh what may be considered as indiffer- ence, slight, or disrespectful in me towards the body to whom the Address is made, let them prevail. If not, adopt in whole or in part, or new model alto- gether to your liking, the sentiments or expressions of Mr. McHenry.
Among the things noted in my Memorandums, and not to be found in the enclosures, is an intimation to this effect, — viz — that from the best information I have been able to obtain, and from the best view I have of the general system of European Politics, and of the state of matters in the Mediterranean in particular, our Commerce in that quarter will always be upon a pre- carious establishment unless a protecting force is given to it. — If Congress in their investigation of the subject should coincide in this opinion, it will rest with their wisdom to decide whether that trade, in particular, is of sufficient importance to countervail the expence of its protection. How much beyond this to extend the view towards a Navy, in the pres- ent uncertain state of our fiscal concerns, merits con- sideration. My own sentiments lead strongly to the means of commencement.
This last article in addition to the several matters contained in the enclosures, and what will naturally
334 THE WRITINGS OF [1796
flow from the texts mentioned in your letter, to- gether with a general reference to the proper officers for estimates — Papers &c. — alluded to in the Speech, will comprehend everything that has occurred to me, as necessary to be mentioned at the opening of the Session ; and I would thank you much for letting me have the whole as early in next week as your con- venience will permit — at any rate on Saturday ; with your opinion on the propriety of giving Congress a full statement relatively to the situation of our affairs with France, as suggested in my letter of the [2nd] instant. With affectionate regard I am always &c.
P. S. I was in the very act of closing this letter Avhen yours of yesterdays date came to hand — Due consideration shall be given to the contents of it.
TO CHARLES LEE, ATTORNEY-GENERAL.
[private.]
Philadelphia, 14 November, 1796.
Dear Sir,
This letter is for your eye only. It is written for the purpose of expressing my regret for your con- tinued absences from the Seat of the Government. — Rely upon it, it is productive of unpleasant remarks, in which I must be involved. It will, indeed is, con- sidered as making a sinecure of the office. To sup- pose there is no particular occasion for the Law- officer of the Government at the seat of it, during the recess of Congress, is incorrect. — Many cases have presented themselves since the adjournment, requir-
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 335
ing the opinion and advice of the Attorney-General {besides other duties marked out by the Laws) some points have called for your aid since I have been here, and will occur, without an hour's previous notice, in time like the present. Let me entreat you, therefore, to come on without delay — and to be assured of the esteem &c.
TO GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS.1
Philadelphia, 15 November, 1796.
Dear Washington :
Yesterday's mail brought me your letter of the 1 2th instant, and under cover of this letter you will receive a ten-dollar bill, to purchase a gown, &c., if proper. But as the classes may be distinguished by a different insignia, I advise you not to provide these without first obtaining the approbation of your tutors ; otherwise you may be distinguished more by folly, than by the dress.
It affords me pleasure to hear that you are agree- ably fixed ; and I receive still more from the assur- ance you give of attending closely to your studies. It is you yourself who is to derive immediate benefit from these. Your country may do it hereafter. The more knowledge you acquire, the greater will be the probability of your succeeding in both, and the greater will be your thirst for more.
I rejoice to hear you went through your exami- nation with propriety, and have no doubt but that
1 At this time a student at Princeton.
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the president has placed you in the class which he conceived best adapted to the present state of your improvement. The more there are above you, the greater your exertions should be to ascend ; but let your promotion result from your own application, and from intrinsic merit, not from the labors of others. The last would prove fallacious, and expose you to the reproach of the daw in borrowed feathers. This would be inexcusable in you, because there is no occasion for it ; forasmuch, as you need nothing but the exertion of the talents you possess, with proper directions, to acquire all that is necessary ; and the hours allotted for study, if properly improved, will enable you to do this. Although the confinement may feel irksome at first, the advantages resulting from it, to a reflecting mind, will soon overcome it.
Endeavor to conciliate the good will of all your fellow-students, rendering them every act of kind- ness in your power. Be particularly obliging and attentive to your chamber-mate, Mr. Forsyth ; who, from the account I have of him, is an admirable young man, and strongly impressed with the im- portance of a liberal and finished education. But above all, be obedient to your tutors, and in a par- ticular manner respect the president of the seminary who is both learned and good.1
For any particular advantage you may derive from the attention and aid of Mr. Forsyth, I shall have a disposition to reward. One thing more and I will close this letter. Never let an indigent person ask, without receiving something, if you have the means ;
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 337
always recollecting in what light the widow's mite was viewed.
Your grandmother, sister, and all here are well, and feeling a strong interest in your welfare, join most cordially with me in every good wish for it. Affectionately, I am your sincere friend.
TO ALEXANDER HAMILTON.
Philadelphia, 21 November, 1796.
My dear Sir,
Having written to you on Saturday the nth in- stant (accompanying it with enclosures) without hearing any thing from you in the course of last week, or by the Mail of this day, I begin to have uneasy sensations for the fate of my letter.
To this cause, and to my solicitude to have the Papers returned, you must ascribe the trouble of receiving this letter.
If my last got safe to your hands, and indisposi- tion, business, or any other cause should have pre- vented your looking into the Papers ; I wish, even under these circumstances, that they may be returned to me immediately ; for I have no copies, and have but little time to digest, and to put the several mat- ters therein contained into form, that the whole may be revised again and again, before it is presented. — Among these Papers do not forget to place Sir John Sinclair's letter to me, as I am desirous of giving it an acknowledgment.
1 Samuel Stanhope Smith.
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You will perceive by the publication of Mr. Adet's letter to Colo. Pickering (in Claypool's Gazette of this date) that the French government are disposed to play a high game. — If other proofs were wanting, the time and indelicate mode and stile, of the present attack on the Executive, exhibited in this labored performance — which is as unjust as it is voluminous — would leave no doubt as to the primary object it had in view ; — but what consequences it may ulti- mately produce, is not so accessible to human fore- sight as it may depend upon various contingencies and events. — I have not seen the writer since my return to the City, — nor is it presumable I shall do it under present circumstances, unless courted on my part.
The letter of Mr. Adet having been committed to the keeping of Mr. Bache by him. — Extracts having already been given to the public, — and other parts promised to be eked out, (as would it is presumed, subserve the purposes in view) induced an opinion that it was best to give the entire letter to the Public from authority, and without delay, that the well informed part of the community might judge for themselves.
The necessity of bringing the matter fully before Congress is now rendered indispensible, — and through that medium it is presumed it will make its way to the Public with proper explanations. — I am, as you know me to be, always and sincerely
Your affectionate.
P. S. Since writing the above, your letter of the 19th with its enclosures have been sent to me, Accept my thanks for them. On account of the other matter
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contained in this letter I forward it — being written — Your sentiments in this interesting crisis will always be thankfully received.
TO GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS. t-^ ,TT Philadelphia, 28th November, 1706.
Dear Washington :
In a few hasty lines, covering your sister's letter and a comb, on Saturday last, I promised to write more fully to you by the post of this day. I am now in the act of performing that promise.
The assurances you give me of applying diligently to your studies, and fulfilling those obligations which are enjoined by your Creator and due to his creatures, are highly pleasing and satisfactory to me. I rejoice in it on two accounts ; first, as it is the sure means of laying the foundation of your own happiness, and rendering you, if it should please God to spare your life, a useful member of society hereafter ; and sec- ondly, that I may, if I live to enjoy the pleasure, reflect that I have been, in some degree, instrumental in effecting these purposes.
You are now extending into that stage of life when good or bad habits are formed. When the mind will be turned to things useful and praiseworthy, or to dissipation and vice. . Fix on whichever it may, it will stick by you ; for you know it has been said, and truly, M that as the twig is bent so it will grow." This, in a strong point of view, shows the propriety of letting your inexperience be directed by maturer advice, and in placing guard upon the avenues which
34© THE WRITINGS OF [1796
lead to idleness and vice. The latter will approach like a thief, working upon your passions ; encouraged, perhaps, by bad examples ; the propensity to which will increase in proportion to the practice of it and your yielding. This admonition proceeds from the purest affection for you ; but I do not mean by it, that you are to become a stoic, or to deprive yourself in the intervals of study of any recreations or manly exercise which reason approves.
'T is well to be on good terms with all your fellow- students, and I am pleased to hear you are so, but while a courteous behavior is due to all, select the most deserving only for your friendships, and before this becomes intimate, weigh their dispositions and character well. True friendship is a plant of slow growth ; to be sincere, there must be a congeniality of temper and pursuits. Virtue and vice can not be allied ; nor can idleness and industry ; of course, if you resolve to adhere to the two former of these extremes, an intimacy with those who incline to the latter of them, would be extremely embarrassing to you ; it would be a stumbling block in your way ; and act like a millstone hung to your neck, for it is the nature of idleness and vice to obtain as many votaries as they can.
I would guard you, too, against imbibing hasty and unfavorable impressions of any one. Let your judg- ment always balance well before you decide ; and even then, where there is no occasion for expressing an opinion, it is best to be silent, for there is nothing more certain than that it is at all times more easy to
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 341
make enemies than friends. And besides, to speak evil of any one, unless there is unequivocal proofs of their deserving it, is an injury for which there is no adequate reparation. For, as Shakespeare says " He that robs me of my good name enriches not himself, but renders me poor indeed," or words to that effect. Keep in mind that scarcely any change would be agreeable to you at first from the sudden transition, and from never having been accustomed to shift or rough it. And, moreover, that if you meet with collegiate fare, it will be unmanly to complain. My paper reminds me it is time to conclude. Affection- ately, &c.
P. S. I presume you received my letter covering a ten-dollar bill to pay for your gown, although it is not mentioned. To acknowledge the receipt of letters is always proper, to remove doubts of their miscarriage.
TO THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON.
Philadelphia, i December, 1796.
Gentlemen,
Your Letter of the 25th ulto. came to hand on Tuesday last ; but it was not in my power to give it an earlier acknowledgment : — and now I must do it without resorting to papers (to be perfectly correct.) — The pressure of my business with the different Departments, previous to the meeting of Congress — and my own preparation for that event, leaves me but little time to attend to other matters.
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The discontents with which you are assailed by one or other of the proprietors in the Federal City, must, unquestionably, be very disagreeable and troublesome to you, for they are extremely irksome to me.
In the case however before us, I conceive Mr. Corachichi might have received a definitive answer, without referring the matter to the Executive. On what part of the Contract with Greenleaf he has founded an opinion that a site was designated for a University, and has built his complaints — or how it came to pass, that any allusion to such a measure should have found its way into that contract, I have no more recollection than I have a conception, of what could have induced it ; — for your clerk has omitted sending the Extract.
It is a well known fact, or to say the least, it has been always understood by me, that the establish- ment of a University in the Federal City depended upon several contingencies ; — one of which, and a material one too — was donations for the purpose. Until lately, this business could scarcely be said to have advanced beyond the wishes of its advocates,, although these wishes were accompanied generally with expressions of what might be expected ; and whenever the names of Mr. Blodget and the pro- prietors of that vicinity ; were mentioned in relation to this business the idea (expressed or implied) always was — that they meant to give the ground.
Is this the intention of Mr. Corachichi relative to the object he is now contending for ? if it is, and a
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 343
sufficient space of ground, on these terms, can be obtained there for this purpose, without interfering with the property of Orphans, my opinion is, that the University ought to be placed there. — But, if this is not the design, can that Gentleman, or any other expect that the public will buy (for an exchange is a purchase, and may be of the most troublesome kind) when it has unappropriated ground nearly as con- venient ? — and why do this ? — because a site has been loosely talked of, because a proprietor to enhance the sale of his property has colored the advantages of it as highly as he could, — and because the purchaser, omitting to investigate matters beforehand, wants the public to encounter an expence — it is unable to bear — by way of redress for his own incaution/ — For what would have been the answer of the Commissioners, if he had previously applied to them, to know if a University would be placed where he is now con- tending for ? — Certainly, that he ought not to calcu- late upon it. — If that would have been the answer then (and unless there are facts which have escaped my recollection) I can conceive no other could have been given, it is not inapplicable at present.
A University was not even contemplated by Major L'Enfant in the plan of the city which was laid before Congress ; taking its origin from another source. — This plan you shall receive by the first safe hand who may be going to the Federal City. — By it you may discover (tho' almost obliterated) the directions given to the Engraver by Mr. Jefferson, with a pencil, what parts to omit. — The principle on which it was done
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I have communicated to you on more occasions than one. With esteem &c.
P. S. Since writing the foregoing, I have received the extract, omitted to be enclosed in your letter of the 25 th ulto.
I do not recollect ever to have seen or heard of it before. — Nor do I see any cause to change my opinion since I have done so, unless upon the condition which is mentioned in the body of this letter — that is, receiving the ground for the purposed site, as a donation.
SPEECH TO BOTH HOUSES OF CONGRESS, DECEMBER 7TH,
I796.
Fellow-Citizens of the Senate and House of Representatives,
In recurring to the internal situation of our country, since I had last the pleasure to address you, I find ample reason for a renewed expression of that gratitude to the Ruler of the Uni- verse, which a continued series of prosperity has so often and so justly called forth.
The acts of the last session, which required special arrange- ments, have been, as far as circumstances would admit, carried into operation.
Measures calculated to insure a continuance of the friendship of the Indians, and to preserve peace along the extent of our interior frontier, have been digested and adopted. In the fram- ing of these, care has been taken to guard, on the one hand, our advanced settlements from the predatory incursions of those unruly individuals, who cannot be restrained by their tribes ; and, on the other hand, to protect the rights secured to the Indians by treaty ; to draw them nearer to the civilized state ;
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 345
and inspire them with correct conceptions of the power, as well as justice, of the government.
The meeting of the deputies from the Creek nation at Cole- rain, in the State of Georgia, which had for a principal object the purchase of a parcel of their land by that State, broke up without its being accomplished ; the nation having, previous to their departure, instructed them against making any sale. The occasion, however, has been improved, to confirm, by a new treaty with the Creeks, their preexisting engagements with the United States, and to obtain their consent to the establishment of trading-houses and military posts within their boundary ; by means of which their friendship, and the general peace, may be more effectually secured.
The period, during the late session, at which the appropriation was passed for carrying into effect the treaty of amity, commerce, and navigation between the United States and his Britannic Majesty, necessarily procrastinated the reception of the posts stipulated to be delivered, beyond the date assigned for that event. As soon, however, as the governor-general of Canada could be addressed with propriety on the subject, arrangements were cordially and promptly concluded for their evacuation, and the United States took possession of the principal of them, com- prehending Oswego, Niagara, Detroit, Michilimackinac, and Fort Miami, where such repairs and additions have been ordered to be made, as appeared indispensable.
The commissioners, appointed on the part of the United States and of Great Britain, to determine which is the river St. Croix mentioned in the treaty of peace of 1783, agreed in the choice of Egbert Benson, Esquire, of New York, for the third commissioner. The whole met at St. Andrews, in Passama- quoddy Bay, in the beginning of October, and directed surveys to be made of the rivers in dispute ; but, deeming it impractica- ble to have these surveys completed before the next year, they adjourned, to meet at Boston in August, 1797, for the final deci- sion of the question.
Other commissioners, appointed on the part of the United States, agreeably to the seventh article of the treaty with Great Britain, relative to captures and condemnations of vessels and
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other property, met the commissioners of his Britannic Majesty in London, in August last, when John Trumbull, Esquire, was chosen by lot for the fifth commissioner. In October following, the board were to proceed to business. As yet, there has been no communication of commissioners on the part of Great Britain, to unite with those who have been appointed on the part of the United States, for carrying into effect the sixth article of the treaty.
The treaty with Spain required, that the commissioners for running the boundary line between the territory of the United States and his Catholic Majesty's provinces of East and West Florida should meet at the Natchez, before the expiration of six months after the exchange of the ratifications, which was effected at Aranjuez on the 25th day of April ; and the troops of his Catholic Majesty, occupying any posts within the limits of the United States, were, within the same period, to be withdrawn. The commissioner of the United States, therefore, commenced his journey for the Natchez in September, and troops were ordered to occupy the posts from which the Spanish garrisons should be withdrawn. Information has been recently received of the appointment of a commissioner on the part of his Cath- olic Majesty for running the boundary line ; but none of any appointment for the adjustment of the claims of our citizens, whose vessels were captured by the armed vessels of Spain.
In pursuance of the act of Congress, passed in the last ses- sion, for the protection and relief of American seamen, agents were appointed, one to reside in Great Britain, and the other in the West Indies. The effects of the agency in the West Indies are not yet fully ascertained ; but those, which have been com- municated, afford grounds to believe the measure will be benefi- cial. The agent destined to reside in Great Britain declining to accept the appointment, the business has consequently devolved on the minister of the United States in London, and will com- mand his attention until a new agent shall be appointed.
After many delays and disappointments, arising out of the European war, the final arrangements for fulfilling the engage- ments made to the Dey and Regency of Algiers will, in all present appearance, be crowned with success ; but under great,
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 347
though inevitable disadvantages in the pecuniary transactions, occasioned by that war, which will render a further provision necessary. The actual liberation of all our citizens, who were prisoners in Algiers, while it gratifies every feeling heart, is itself an earnest of a satisfactory termination of the whole negotiation. Measures are in operation for effecting treaties with the Regen- cies of Tunis and Tripoli.
To an active external commerce, the protection of a naval force is indispensable. This is manifest with regard to wars, in which a state itself is a party. But, besides this, it is in our own experience, that the most sincere neutrality is not a sufficient guard against the depredations of nations at war. To secure respect to a neutral flag, requires a naval force, organized and ready to vindicate it from insult or aggression. This may even prevent the necessity of going to war, by discouraging belligerent powers from committing such violations of the rights of the neutral party, as may, first or last, leave no other option. From the best information I have been able to obtain, it would seem as if our trade to the Mediterranean, without a protecting force,, will always be insecure, and our citizens exposed to the calamity from which numbers of them have but just been relieved.
These considerations invite the United States to look to the means, and to set about the gradual creation of a navy. The increasing progress of their navigation promises them, at no dis- tant period, the requisite supply of seamen ; and their means, in other respects, favor the undertaking. It is an encouragement,, likewise, that their particular situation will give weight and influ- ence to a moderate naval force in their hands. Will it not then be advisable to begin, without delay, to provide and lay up the materials for the building and equipping of ships of war ; and to proceed in the work by degrees, in proportion as our resources shall render it practicable without inconvenience ; so that a future war of Europe may not find our commerce in the same unprotected state in which it was found by the present.
Congress have repeatedly, and not without success, directed their attention to the encouragement of manufactures. The object is of too much consequence not to insure a continuance of their efforts in every way which shall appear eligible. As a
348 THE WRITINGS OF [1796
general rule, manufactures on public accounts are inexpedient. But, where the state of things in a country leaves little hope, that certain branches of manufacture will, for a great length of time, obtain ; when these are of a nature essential to the furnish- ing and equipping of the public force in time of war ; are not establishments for procuring them on public account, to the extent of the ordinary demand for the public service, recom- mended by strong considerations of national policy, as an excep- tion to the general rule ? Ought our country to remain in such cases dependent on foreign supply, precarious, because liable to be interrupted ? If the necessary articles should, in this mode, cost more in time of peace, will not the security and indepen- dence, thence arising, form an ample compensation ? Establish- ments of this sort, commensurate only with the calls of the public service in time of peace, will, in time of war, easily be extended in proportion to the exigencies of the government ; and may even, perhaps, be made to yield a surplus for the sup- ply of our citizens at large, so as to mitigate the privations from the interruption of their trade. If adopted, the plan ought to exclude all those branches which are already, or likely soon to be, established in the country, in order that there may be no danger of interference with pursuits of individual industry.
It will not be doubted, that, with reference either to individual •or national welfare, agriculture is of primary importance. In proportion as nations advance in population and other circum- stances of maturity, this truth becomes more apparent, and renders the cultivation of the soil more and more an object of public patronage. Institutions for promoting it grow up, sup- ported by the public purse ; and to what object can it be dedi- cated with greater propriety ? Among the means, which have been employed to this end, none have been attended with greater success than the establishment of boards, composed of proper characters, charged with collecting and diffusing information, and enabled by premiums, and small pecuniary aids, to encourage and assist a spirit of discovery and improvement. This species of establishment contributes doubly to the increase of improvement, by stimulating to enterprise and experiment, and by drawing to a •common centre the results everywhere of individual skill and
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 349
observation, and spreading them thence over the whole nation. Experience accordingly has shown, that they are very cheap instruments of immense national benefits.
I have heretofore proposed to the consideration of Congress, the expediency of establishing a national university, and also a military academy. The desirableness of both these institutions has so constantly increased with every new view I have taken of the subject, that I cannot omit the opportunity of once for all recalling your attention to them.
The assembly to which I address myself, is too enlightened not to be fully sensible how much a flourishing state of the arts and sciences contributes to national prosperity and reputation. True it is, that our country, much to its honor, contains many semina- ries of learning highly respectable and useful ; but the funds upon which they rest are too narrow to command the ablest professors, in the different departments of liberal knowledge, for the institution contemplated, though they would be excellent auxiliaries.
Amongst the motives to such an institution, the assimilation of the principles, opinions, and manners of our countrymen, by the common education of a portion of our youth from every quarter, well deserves attention. The more homogeneous our citizens can be made in these particulars, the greater will be our prospect of permanent union ; and a primary object of such a national institution should be, the education of our youth in the science of government. In a republic, what species of knowledge can be equally important, and what duty more pressing on its legis- lature, than to patronize a plan for communicating it to those, who are to be the future guardians of the liberties of the country ?
The institution of a military academy is also recommended by cogent reasons. However pacific the general policy of a nation may be, it ought never to be without an adequate stock of mili- tary knowledge for emergencies. The first would impair the energy of its character, and both would hazard its safety, or expose it to greater evils when war could not be avoided. Be- sides that war might often not depend upon its own choice. In proportion as the observance of pacific maxims might exempt a nation from the necessity of practising the rules of the military
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art, ought to be its care in preserving and transmitting, by proper establishments, the knowledge of that art. Whatever argument may be drawn from particular examples, superficially viewed, a thorough examination of the subject will evince, that the art of war is at once comprehensive and complicated ; that it demands much previous study ; and that the possession of it, in its most improved and perfect state, is always of great moment to the security of a nation. This, therefore, ought to be a serious care of every government ; and for this purpose, an academy, where a regular course of instruction is given, is an obvious expedient, which different nations have successfully employed.
The compensations to the officers of the United States, in vari- ous instances, and in none more than in respect to the most important stations, appear to call for legislative revision. The consequences of a defective provision are of serious import to the government. If private wealth is to supply the defect of public retribution, it will greatly contract the sphere within which the selection of characters for office is to be made, and will pro- portionally diminish the probability of a choice of men able as well as upright. Besides that it would be repugnant to the vital principles of our government virtually to exclude, from public trusts, talents and virtue, unless accompanied by wealth.
While, in our external relations, some serious inconveniences and embarrassments have been overcome, and others lessened, it is with much pain and deep regret I mention, that circumstances of a very unwelcome nature have lately occurred. Our trade has suffered, and is suffering, extensive injuries in the West Indies from the cruisers and agents of the French Republic ; and communications have been received from its minister here, which indicate the danger of a further disturbance of our commerce by its authority ; and which are, in other respects, far from agreeable.
It has been my constant, sincere, and earnest wish, in con- formity with that of our nation, to maintain cordial harmony, and a perfectly friendly understanding with that Republic. This wish remains unabated ; and I shall persevere in the endeavor to fulfil it, to the utmost extent of what shall be consistent with a just and indispensable regard to the rights and honor of our
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 351
country ; nor will I easily cease to cherish the expectation, that a spirit of justice, candor, and friendship, on the part of the Re- public, will eventually insure success.
In pursuing this course, however, I cannot forget what is due to the character of our government and nation ; or to a full and entire confidence in the good sense, patriotism, self-respect, and fortitude of my countrymen.
I reserve for a special message a more particular communi- cation on this interesting subject.
Gentlemen of the House of Representatives,
I have directed an estimate of the appropriations necessary for the service of the ensuing year to be submitted from the proper department, with a view of the public receipts and expenditures to the latest period to which an account can be prepared.
It is with satisfaction I am able to inform you, that the revenues of the United States continue in a state of progressive improve- ment.
A reinforcement of the existing provisions for discharging our public debt was mentioned in my address at the opening of the last session. Some preliminary steps were taken towards it, the maturing of which will, no doubt, engage your zealous at- tention during the present. I will only add, that it will afford me heart-felt satisfaction to concur in such further measures as will ascertain to our country the prospect of a speedy extinguish- ment of the debt. Posterity may have cause to regret, if, from any motive, intervals of tranquillity are left unimproved for accelerating this valuable end.
Gentlemen of the Senate
and House of Representatives,
My solicitude to see the militia of the United States placed on an efficient establishment has been so often and so ardently ex- pressed, that I shall but barely recall the subject to your view on the present occasion ; at the same time, that I shall submit to your inquiry, whether our harbors are yet sufficiently secured.
The situation in which I now stand, for the last time, in the midst of the representatives of the people of the United States, naturally recalls the period when the administration of the present
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form of government commenced ; and I cannot omit the occasion to congratulate you and my country, on the success of the ex- periment, nor to repeat my fervent supplications to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe and Sovereign Arbiter of Nations, that his providential care may still be extended to the United States * that the virtue and happiness of the people may be preserved ; and that the government, which they have instituted for the pro- tection of their liberties, may be perpetuated.
reply to the answer of the senate.
Gentlemen,
It affords me great satisfaction to find in your address a con- currence in sentiment with me on the various topics, which I presented for your information and deliberation ; and that the latter will receive from you an attention proportioned to their respective importance.
For the notice you take of my public services, civil and military, and your kind wishes for my personal happiness, I beg you to accept my cordial thanks. Those services, and greater, had I possessed ability to render them, were due to the unani- mous calls of my country, and its approbation is my abundant reward.
When contemplating the period of my retirement, I saw vir- tuous and enlightened men, among whom I relied on the discern- ment and patriotism of my fellow-citizens to make the proper choice of a successor ; men who would require no influential example to insure to the United States "an able, upright, and energetic administration." To such men I shall cheerfully yield the palm of genius and talents to serve our common country ; but, at the same time, I hope I may be indulged in expressing the consoling reflection (which consciousness suggests), and to bear it with me to my grave, that none can serve it with purer intentions than I have done, or with a more disinterested zeal.
reply to the answer of the house of representatives.
Gentlemen,
To a citizen, whose views were unambitious, who preferred the shade and tranquillity of private life to the splendor and solici-
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 353
tude of elevated stations, and whom the voice of duty and his country could alone have drawn from his chosen retreat, no re- ward for his public services can be so grateful as public ap- probation, accompanied by a consciousness, that to render those services useful to that country has been his single aim ; and, when this approbation is expressed by the representatives of a free and enlightened nation, the reward will admit of no addition. Receive, Gentlemen, my sincere and affectionate thanks for this signal testimony, that my services have been acceptable and useful to my country. The strong confidence of my fellow- citizens, while it animated all my actions, insured their zealous cooperation, which rendered those services successful. The virtue and wisdom of my successors, joined with the patriotism and intelligence of the citizens, who compose the other branches of government, I firmly trust will lead them to the adoption of measures, which, by the beneficence of Providence, will give stability to our system of government, add to its success, and secure to ourselves and to posterity that liberty, which is to all of us so dear.
While I acknowledge, with pleasure, the sincere and uniform disposition of the House of Representatives to preserve our neutral relations inviolate, and with them deeply regret any degree of interruption of our good understanding with the French Republic, I beg you, Gentlemen, to rest assured, that my endeavors will be earnest and unceasing, by all honorable means, to preserve peace, and to restore that harmony and affection, which have heretofore so happily subsisted between our two nations ; and with you I cherish the pleasing hope, that a mutual spirit of justice and moderation will crown those endeavors with success.
I shall cheerfully concur in the beneficial measures, which your deliberations shall mature on the various subjects demand- ing your attention. And while, directing your labors to advance the real interests of our country, you receive its blessings ; with perfect sincerity, my individual wishes will be offered for your present and future felicity.
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TO GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS. DEAR WASHINGTON : Philadelphia, 19 December, 1796.
I am not certain whether I have written you since the receipt of your letter of the first instant, for, as my private letters are generally despatched in a hurry, and copies not often taken, I have nothing to resort to, to refresh my memory ; be this, however, as it may, we are always glad to hear from you, though we do not wish that letter-writing should interfere with your more useful and profitable occupation. The pleasure of hearing you were well, in good spirits, and progressing as we could wish in your studies, was communicated by your letter of the four- teenth instant, to your grandmamma ; but what gave me particular satisfaction, was to find that you. were going to commence a course of reading with Doctor Smith, of such books as he had chosen for the pur- pose. The first is very desirable, and the other in- dispensable ; for, besides the duty enjoined upon you by the instructions of your preceptors, whilst your own judgment is locked up in immaturity ; you now have a peculiar advantage in the attentions of Doctor Smith to you, who, being a man of learning and taste himself, will select such authors and subjects, as will lay the foundation of useful knowledge ; let me impress it upon you, therefore, again and again, not only to yield implicit obedience to his choice and in- structions in this respect, but to the course of studies also, and that you would pursue both with zeal and steadiness. Light reading (by this, I mean books of little importance) may amuse for the moment, but leaves nothing solid behind.
1796] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 355
The same consequences would follow from incon- stancy and want of steadiness — for 't is to close appli- cation and constant perseverance, men of letters and science are indebted for their knowledge and useful- ness ; and you are now at that period of life (as I have observed to you in a former letter) when these are to be acquired, or lost forever. But as you are well acquainted with my sentiments on this subject, and know how anxious all your friends are to see you enter upon the grand theatre of life, with the advan- tages of a finished education, a highly cultivated mind, and a proper sense of your duties to God and man, I shall only add one sentiment more before I close this letter (which, as I have others to write, will hardly be in time for the mail), and that is, to pay due respect and obedience to your tutors, and affec- tionate reverence for the president of the college, whose character merits your highest regards. Let no bad example, for such is to be met in all semina- ries, have an improper influence upon your conduct. Let this be such, and let it be your pride, to demean yourself in such a manner to obtain the goodwill of your superiors, and the love of your fellow-students.
Adieu — I sincerely wish you well, being your at- tached and affectionate friend.
TO JOHN H. STONE, GOVERNOR OF MARYLAND. T)FAR SlR Philadelphia, 23 December, 1796.
Yesterday I received your letter of the 16th in- stant, covering the resolutions of the Senate and House of Delegates of the State of Maryland, passed
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on the 1 3th and 14th. The very obliging and friendly terms, in which you have made this communication, merit my sincere thanks.1
The manner, in which the two branches of the legis- lature of Maryland have expressed their sense of my services, is too honorable and too affectionate ever to be forgotten. Without assigning to my exertions the extensive influence they are pleased to ascribe to them, I may with great truth say, that the exercise of every faculty I possessed was joined to the efforts of the virtue, talents, and valor of my fellow-citizens to effect our independence ; and I concur with the legislature in repeating with pride and joy, what will be an everlasting honor to our country, that our revolution was so distinguished for moderation, virtue, and humanity, as to merit the eulogium they have pronounced, of being unsullied with a crime.
With the same entire devotion to my country, every act of my civil administration has been aimed to secure to it the advantages, which result from a stable and free government ; and, with gratitude to Heaven, I unite to the legislature of Maryland in the pleasing reflection, that our country has con- tinued to feel the blessings of peace, liberty, and prosperity, whilst Europe and the Indies have been convulsed with the horrors of a dreadful and desolat-
1 Resolutions had been unanimously adopted by the legislature of Maryland, approving in the highest terms the public services of the President, and par- ticularly the 'sentiments advanced by him in the Farewell Address. It was "resolved, that, to perpetuate this valuable present in the most striking view to posterity, it be printed and published with the laws of this session, as an evidence of our approbation of its political axioms, and a small testimony of the affection we bear to the precepts of him, to whom, under Divine Provi- dence, we are principally indebted for our greatest political blessings."
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 357
ing war. My ardent prayers are offered, that those afflicted regions may now speedily see their calamities terminated, and also feel the blessings of returning peace.
I cannot omit my acknowledgements to the Senate and House of Delegates for the manner in which they have noticed my late Address to my fellow-citi- zens. This notice, with similar acts in other States, leads me to hope that the advice, which therein I took the liberty to offer as the result of much experi- ence and reflection, may produce some good.
Their kind wishes for my domestic happiness, in my contemplated retirement, are entitled to my cor- dial thanks.
If it shall please God to prolong a life already far advanced into the vale of years, no attending felicity can equal that, which I shall feel in seeing the ad- ministration of our government operating to preserve the independence, prosperity, and welfare of the American people. With great respect and considera- tion, I am, dear Sir, &c.
TO TIMOTHY PICKERING, SECRETARY OF STATE.
[private.] DEAR SlR, • Philadelphia, 4 January, 1797.
As it is very desirable, that the papers respecting the discontents of France should be got into Con- gress, and sent also to Mr. Pinckney, as soon as pos- sible, if you mean to give the other gentlemen a perusal of the statement for the latter, it would save time, if this were done as you are proceeding towards
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the close of that statement. It is questionable, whether the present and pressing avocations of the other two secretaries will allow them to go carefully over it ; but this, I conceive, does not apply to the Attorney-General.
I have no doubt, that you have taken care and will continue to be assured of your facts ; for, as this business will certainly come before the public, not only the facts, but the candor also, the expression and force of every word, will be examined with the most scrutinizing eye, and compared with every thing, that will admit of a different construction, and, if there is the least ground for it, we shall be charged with unfairness and an intention to impose on and to mis- lead the public judgment.
Hence, and from a desire that the statement may be full, fair, calm, and argumentative, without asperity or any thing more irritating in the comments, than the narration of facts, which expose unfounded charges and assertions, do themselves produce, I have wished that the letter to Mr. Pinckney may be revised over and over again. Much depends upon it, as it relates to ourselves and in the eyes of the world, whatever may be the effect, as it respects the governing powers of France. I am, &c.
TO DAVID STUART. DEAR SlR, Philadelphia, 8 January, 1797.
Your letter of the 18th ultimo, with its enclosures, came to hand in the usual course of the post ; but the pressure of public business has prevented my giv- ing it an acknowledgment until now.
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 359
The first thing I shall do, after I am settled at Mount Vernon, will be to adjust all my accounts of a private nature ; the doing of which, as they ought, has been prevented by public avocations.
What effect M. Adet's conduct has had or will have on the public mind, you can form a better opin- ion than me. One of the objects, which he had in view, (in timing the publication,) 1 is too apparent to require explanation. Some of his own zealots do not scruple to confess, that he has been too precipitate, and thereby injured the cause he meant to espouse ; which is to establish such an influence in this country, as to sway the government and control its measures. Evidences of this design are abundant, and new proofs are exhibiting themselves every day to illus- trate the fact ; and yet, lamentable thought ! a large party, under real or pretended fears of British influ- ence, are moving Heaven and earth to aid him in these designs. It is a fact well known, for history proves it, that, from the restless temper of the French and the policy of that nation, they attempt openly or covertly, by threats or soothing professions, to influ- ence the conduct of most governments. That they have attempted it with us, a little time will show. But, finding a neutral conduct had been adopted, and would not be relinquished by those who admin- istered the governments, the next step was to try the people ; and, to work upon them, several presses and
1 Probably the pamphlet, which has just been issued in Philadelphia, en- titled "Notes addressees par le Citoyen Adet, Ministre Plenipotentiare de la Republique Francaise pres les Etats-Unis d'Amerique, au Secretaire d'Etat des Etats-Unis." This pamphlet was printed in French, with a translation facing each page, the whole extending to ninety-five pages.
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many scribblers have been employed, to emblazon the improper acts of the British government and its officers, and to place them in all the most exagger- ated and odious points of view they were susceptible ; to complain, that there was not only a deficiency of friendship, but a want of justice also, in the execu- tive towards France, the cause of which, say they, is to be found in a predilection for Great Britain. This not working as well as was expected, from a supposi- tion that there was too much confidence, and perhaps personal regard for, the present chief magistrate and his politics, the batteries latterly have been levelled at him particularly and personally. Although he is soon to become a private citizen, his opinions are to be knocked down, and his character reduced as low as they are capable of sinking it, even by resorting to absolute falsehoods. As an evidence whereof, and of the plan they are pursuing, I send you a letter from Mr. Paine to me, printed in this city, and disseminated with great industry.1 Others of a similar nature are also in circulation.
To what lengths the French Directory will ulti-
1 This letter from Thomas Paine was one of the many unnecessary follies of which he was guilty. When in England he received the title of "citizen" from France, along with Washington, Hamilton, Madison, and a number of others. He accepted the title of citoyen effusively, and was elected a member of the National Convention. He was a member of that nondescript body through all its many changes, was on the constitutional committee, received pay as a delegate, signed himself concitoyen, and voted even on the question of the king's execution. Becoming obnoxious to Robespierre, he was thrown into prison on the charge of being an Englishman, and plotting against France, and he was fortunate in escaping the fate of his colleagues — the Girondists. He conceived that Washington should interfere in his behalf ; but such a con- ception of the functions of the President was as novel as it was remarkable.
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 361
mately go, is difficult to say ; but, that they have been led to the present point by our own people, I have no doubt. Whether some, who have done this, would choose to accompany them any farther or not, I shall not undertake to decide. But I shall be mis- taken, if the candid part of my countrymen, (although they may be under a French influence,) do not see and acknowledge, that they have imbibed erroneous impressions of the conduct of this government towards France, when the communication, which I promised at the opening of the session, and which will be ready in a few days, comes before the public. It will be seen, if I mistake not, also, that that country has not such a claim upon our gratitude, as has been gener- ally supposed, and that this country has violated no engagement with it, been guilty of no act of injustice towards it, nor been wanting in friendship, where it could be rendered without departing from that neutral station we had taken and resolved to maintain.
Enclosed also you will receive a production of Peter Porcupine, alias William Cobbett. Making allowances for the asperity of an Englishman, for some of his strong and coarse expressions, and a want of official information of many facts, it is not a bad thing.
Morris was unable to secure his release, and it was not until the death of Robespierre that he was freed, and went to live with Monroe. Under the roof of that minister he wrote his famous letter to Washington, of which one sentence read: "As to you, sir, treacherous in private friendship (for so you have been to me, and that in the day of danger) and a hypocrite in public life, the world will be puzzled to decide, whether you are an apostate or an impostor ; whether you have abandoned good principles, or whether you ever had any."
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I rejoice to hear of Mrs. Stuart's restoration to health, and congratulate you and her on it, and on the birth of a daughter. My best wishes attend her and the family. I am, &c.
TO TIMOTHY PICKERING, SECRETARY OF STATE.
[private.]
Monday, 9 January, 1797.
Dear Sir,
Not having seen the conclusion of your statement for General Pinckney, (if completed,) and not know- ing in what manner you propose to sum it up, it has occurred to me, that closing with some such senti- ments as the following might not be improper.
That the conduct of the United States towards France has been, as will appear by the aforegoing statement, regulated by the strictest principles of neutrality.
That there has been no attempt in the government to violate our treaty with that country, to weaken our engagements therewith, or to withhold any friendship we could render, consistent with the neutrality we had adopted.
That peace has been our primary object ; but, so far has it been from inducing us to acquiesce in silence to the capturing of our vessels, impressing our seamen, or to the misconduct of the naval or other officers of the British government, no instance can be produced of authenticated facts having passed
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 363
unnoticed, and, where occasion required it, without strong remonstrances.
That this government, seeing no propriety in the measure, nor conceiving itself to be under any obliga- tion to communicate to the ministers of the French Republic all the unpleasant details of what had passed between it and the British minister herey or with the minister of foreign affairs at the court of London, on these accounts, conscious of its fair dealing towards all the belligerent powers, and wrapped up in its own integrity, it little expected, (under the circumstances which have been enumerated,) the upbraidings it has met with ; notwithstanding, it now is, as it always has been the earnest wish of the government (and you cannot too strongly enforce it) to be on the best and most friendly footing with the Republic of France ; and we have no doubt, after giving this candid ex- position of facts, that the Directory will revoke the orders, under which our trade is suffering, and will pay the damages it has sustained thereby. I am, Sir, yours sincerely.
TO GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS.
Philadelphia, ii January, 1797.
Dear Washington : *
I hasten to acknowledge the receipt of your letter,, dated the 7th instant, but which did not get to my hands until yesterday, and to express to you the sincere pleasure I feel in finding that I had interpreted some
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parts of your letter erroneously. As you have the best and most unequivocal evidence the case is sus- ceptible of, that I have no other object in view by extending my cares and advice to you than what will redound to your own respectability, honor, and future happiness in life, so be assured, that while you give me reasons to expect a ready submission to my coun- sels, and while I hear that you are diligent in pursu- ing the means which are to acquire these advantages, it will afford me infinite gratification. Your last letter is replete with assurances of this nature — I place en- tire confidence in them. They have removed all the doubts which were expressed in my last letter to you, and let me repeat it again, have conveyed very pleas- ing sensations to my mind.
It was not my wish to check your correspondences — very far from it ; for with proper characters (and none can be more desirable than with your papa and Mr. Lear) and on proper subjects, it will give you a habit of expressing your ideas upon all occasions with facility and correctness. I meant no more, by telling you we should be content with hearing from you once a week, than that these correspondences were not to be considered as an injunction or an imposition, thereby interfering with your studies or concerns of a more important nature. So far am I from discountenancing writing of any kind (except upon the principle above mentioned) that I should be pleased to hear, and you yourself might derive advan- tages from a short diary (recorded in a book) of the occurances which happen to you within your sphere.
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 365
Trifling as this may appear at first view, it may be- come an introduction to more interesting matters. At any rate, by carefully preserving these, it would afford you more satisfaction in a retrospective view,, that what you may conceive at present.
Another thing I would recommend to you — not because I want to know how you spend your money — and that is, to keep an account book, and enter therein every farthing of your receipts and expendi- tures. The doing of which would initiate you into a habit, from which considerable advantages would re- sult. Where no account of this sort is kept, there can be no investigation ; no corrections of errors ; no discovery from a recurrence thereto, wherein too much, or too little, had been appropriated to partic- ular uses. From an early attention to these matters, important and lasting benefits may follow.
We are well, and all unite in best wishes for you ; and with sincere affection, I am always yours.
TO BENJAMIN WALKER.
Philadelphia, 12 January, 1797.
Dear Walker,
Permit me once more to give you the trouble of forwarding the enclosed letters to their respective ad- dresses. If you read the Aurora of this city, or those gazettes, which are under the same influence, you cannot but have perceived with what malignant indus- try and persevering falsehoods I am assailed, in order to weaken if not destroy the confidence of the public.
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Amongst other attempts to effect this purpose, spu- rious letters, known at the time of their first publica- tion (I believe in the year 1777) to be forgeries, to answer a similar purpose in the revolution, are, or ex- tracts from them, brought forward with the highest emblazoning of which they are susceptible, with a view to attach principles to me, which every action of my life have given the lie to. But that is no stumbling- block with the editors of these papers and their sup- porters. And now, perceiving a disinclination on my part, perhaps knowing that I had determined not to take notice of such attacks, they are pressing this matter upon the public mind with more avidity than usual, urging that my silence is a proof of their gen- uineness.
Although I never wrote, or ever saw one of these letters until they issued from New York in print, yet the author of them must have been tolerably well acquainted in, or with some person of, my family, to have given the names and some circumstances, which are grouped in the mass of erroneous details. But, of all the mistakes which have been committed in this business, none is more palpable, or susceptible of detection, than the manner in which it is said they were obtained, by the capture of my mulatto Billy, with a portmanteau. All the army under my imme- diate command could contradict this, and I believe most of them know, that no attendant of mine, or a particle of my baggage, ever fell into the hands of the enemy during the whole course of the war.
It would be a singular satisfaction to me to learn,
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 367
who was the author of these letters, and from what source they originated. No person in this country can, I conceive, give this information but Mr. Riv- ington. If, therefore, you are upon terms of famil- iarity with that gentleman, and see no impropriety in hinting this desire to him, you would oblige me. He may comply to what extent his own judgment shall dictate ; and I pledge my honor, that nothing to his disadvantage, or the disadvantage of any of the actors of that time, shall result from it.1
1 A new edition of the spurious letters had lately made its appearance with the following title. "Epistles Domestic, Confidential, and Official, from General Washington ; written about the Commencement of the American Con- test, when he entered on the Command of the Army of the United States. New York, printed by G. Robinson and J. Bull. London, reprinted by F. H. Riv- ington, No. 62, St. Raufs Churchyard, 1796." To swell the volume into a respectable size, and to give the whole an air of genuineness, several important public despatches were added, which actually passed between General Washing- ton and British commanders in America, and also a selection from addresses, or- ders and instructions. In this guise the work had an insidious aim, being intended to injure the reputation of Washington and weaken the influence of his char- acter. This edition was sent out shortly after the two volumes of Washington's Official Letters to Congress, which had been copied by permission in the office of the Secretary of State, carried to London by Mr. John Carey, and published there under his direction in the year 1795. This circumstance was made use of as an additional cover to the deception of the forged epistles, as will be seen by the following extract from the preface to the volume in which they were now introduced anew to the public.
" Since the publication of the two volumes of General Washington's Origi- nal Letters to the Congress, the editor has been repeatedly applied to for the General's Domestic and Confidential Epistles, first published soon after the beginning of the American war. These epistles are here offered to the public, together with a copious appendix, containing a number of Official Letters and Papers, not to be found in the General's Original Letters lately published. The world is, without doubt, greatly indebted to the industrious compiler of the two volumes of Original Letters above noticed ; but the collection must certainly be looked upon as in a mutilated state, so long as it remains unaccompanied with the Epistles, &c, which are now respectfully submitted to the patronage of the public, and which form a supplement absolutely necessary to render the
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I offer the compliments of the season and you will do me the justice to believe, they are warmer than the weather, to Mrs. Walker and yourself, of whose health and happiness we shall always be glad to hear. I am your affectionate, &c.
MESSAGE TO BOTH HOUSES OF CONGRESS ; ON THE IN- JURY SUSTAINED BY AMERICAN COMMERCE FROM FRENCH CRUISERS.
January 19th, 1797.
At the opening of the present session of Congress, I mentioned that some circumstances of an unwelcome nature had lately oc- curred in relation to France ; that our trade had suffered and was suffering extensive injuries in the West Indies from the cruisers and agents of the French Republic ; and that communi- cations had been received from its minister here, which indicated danger of a further disturbance of our commerce by its authority, and that were in other respects far from agreeable ; but that I reserved for a special message a more particular communication on this interesting subject. This communication I now make.
The complaints of the French minister embraced most of the transactions of our government in relation to France from an early period of the present war ; which, therefore, it was neces- sary carefully to review. A collection has been formed, of letters and papers relating to those transactions, which I now lay before
work complete. That this collection of Domestic and Confidential Epistles will be regarded as a valuable acquisition, by a very great majority of the citi- zens of the United States, is presumable from the prevailing taste of all well- informed people. Men not precluded by ignorance from every degree of literary curiosity, will always feel a solicitude to become acquainted with what- ever may serve to throw light on the characters of illustrious personages. History represents them acting on the stage of the world, courting the applause of mankind. To see them in their real character, we must follow them be- hind the scenes, among their private connexions and domestic concerns." See Ford, The Spurious Letters Attributed to Washington , 1889.
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 369
you, with a letter to Mr. Pinckney, our minister at Paris, contain- ing an examination of the notes of the French minister, and such information as I thought might be useful to Mr. Pinckney in any further representations he might find necessary to be made to the French government. The immediate object of his mission was to make to that government such explanations of the principles and conduct of our own, as, by manifesting our good faith, might remove all jealousy and discontent, and maintain that harmony and good understanding with the French Republic, which it has been my constant solicitude to preserve. A government, which required only a knowledge of the truth to justify its measures, could not but be anxious to have this fully and frankly displayed.
TO ALEXANDER HAMILTON.
Philadelphia, 22 January, 1797.
My dear Sir,
Your letter of the 19th inst, was received yester- day. From the general impression made on my mind, relative to the claim of M. de Neufville l on the justice of this country, a delay or a refusal to ad- minister it would be hard ; but I must add, that I am too little acquainted with the particulars to form a correct opinion, and, were it otherwise, I do not see how I could with propriety appear directly or indi- rectly in the business, as I do not recollect having had any agency therein. The numberless applica-
1 M. de Neufville, of Holland, had rendered important political services to the United States, in promoting loans in that country, and in various pecuniary transactions. By reason of these services his affairs became embarrassed, and he died leaving his family in distressed circumstances. His widow came to the United States, with the view of petitioning Congress for relief, and Mr. Hamilton wrote to the President on the subject of her claim. "I do not know," said he, "what the case admits of ; but, from some papers which she showed me, it would seem that she has pretensions to the kindness of this country."
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tions of this sort, which are made to me, (often in the dernier resort,) without the means of relief, are very distressing to my feelings.
The conduct of France towards this country is, ac- cording to my ideas of it, outrageous beyond con- ception ; not to be warranted by her treaty with us, by the Law of Nations, by any principle of justice, or even by a regard to decent appearances. From such considerations something might have been expected ; but, on her professions of friendship and loving-kindness toward us I built no hope ; but rather supposed they would last as long and no longer, than it accorded with their interest to bestow them, or found it would not divert us from the observance of that strict neutrality, which we had adopted and was persevering in.
In a few days there will be published a statement of facts, in a letter with references, to General Pinck- ney, containing full answers to all the charges exhib- ited in M. Adet's Notes against the conduct of this government. After reading them with attention, I would thank you for your sentiments thereon fully and frankly communicated ; and what you think ought further to be attempted to preserve this coun- try in Peace, consistently with the respect which is due to ourselves.1
1 " Our merchants here are becoming very uneasy on the subject of the French captures and seizures. They are certainly very perplexing and alarm- ing, and present an evil of a magnitude to be intolerable, if not shortly reme- died. My anxiety to preserve peace with France is known to you ; and it must be the wish of every prudent man, that no honorable expedient for avoid- ing a rupture be omitted. Yet there are bounds to all things. This country
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 371
In some of the gazettes, and in conversation also, it is suggested, that an envoy extraordinary ought to be sent to France ; but is not General Pinckneygone there already for the express purpose of explaining matters and removing inquietudes? With what more could another be charged ? What would that Gentleman think of having a person treading on his heels, by the time he had arrived in Paris, when the arguments used to induce him to go there are all that could be urged to influence that other ? And where is the character to be had, admitting the necessity, in all respects, acceptable and qualified for such a trust ? The sooner you can give me your senti- ments on these queries the more pleasing will they be to, dear Sir, your sincere friend, &c.
TO THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON.
Philadelphia, 15th February, 1797.
Gentlemen,
Several of your letters have been received within this few days ; and notwithstanding the accumulation of business — consequent of the near epoch for my quitting the chair of government, the receipt of them
cannot see its trade an absolute prey to France, without resistance. We seem to be where we were with Great Britain, when Mr. Jay was sent there ; and I cannot discern but that the spirit of the policy, then pursued with regard to England, will be the proper one now in respect to France, namely, a solemn and final appeal to the justice and interest of France, and, if this will not do, measures of self-defence. Any thing is better than absolute humiliation. France has already gone much further than Great Britain ever did. I give vent to my impressions on this subject, though I am persuaded the train of your own reflec- tions cannot materially vary." — Hamilton to Washington, 19 January, 1797.
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should not have remained so long unacknowledged had I not placed such as related to the power of Attorney and to some disputed points, into the hands of the Law officer of the United States for his official opinion ; without having received his report — owing, I believe to his having been hurried, almost as much as myself.
Thus circumstanced, I shall confine the subject of this letter wholly to the expression of my sentiments relatively to the public buildings ; conceiving it necessary that you should be informed of them without delay. —
When in the course of the Autumn you suggested the propriety of designating the sites for the Execu- tive offices, and for providing materials for their erection, I yielded a ready assent ; and still think that if we had the means at command, and no doubt was entertained of the adequacy of them, that these buildings ought to commence.
But, when the difficulty in obtaining Loans — and the disadvantageous terms on which the money is borrowed, has since become so apparent ; — when I see those whose interest it is to appreciate the credit of the city, and to aid the Commissioners in all their laudable exertions, brooding over their jealousies, and spreading the seeds of distrust ; — and when I perceive (as I clearly do) that the public mind is in a state of doubt, if not in despair of having the prin- cipal building in readiness for Congress, by the time contemplated ; — for these reasons I say, and for others which might be enumerated, I am now de-
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 373
cidedly of opinion that the edifices for the Executive offices ought to be suspended ; — that the work on the house for the President should advance no faster (at the expense or retardment of the Capitol) than is necessary to keep pace therewith ; — and to preserve it from injury ; — and, that all the means (not essential for other purposes) and all the force, ought to be employed on the Capitol.
It may be relied on, that it is the progress of that building, that is to inspire, or depress public con- fidence. Under any circumstances this more or less would be the case ; but when it is reported by many, and believed by some (without foundation I am per- suaded) that there is a bias elsewhere ; it is essential on the score of policy, and for the gratification of the public wishes, that this work should be vigorously prosecuted in the manner I have suggested — and I require it accordingly. — Considered in a simple point of view, the matter stands thus. — Are the funds suffi- cient to accomplish all the objects which are contem- plated ? — If doubts arise, then, which of those objects are to be preferrd ? — on this ground there would be but one opinion ; — every body would cry out, the Capitol. Again, admit that the resources will ulti- mately be adequate, but cannot be drawn forth in the ratio of your general wants, will not the same answer as it respects time apply with equal force to the building just mentioned ? — This then, seems to be safe ground to proceed on. It would gratify the pub- lic wishes and expectation ; — might, possibly appease clamor ; — and, if all the buildings cannot be com-
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pleted in time no material evil would result from the postponement of the subordinate offices, until the Capitol is in such a state of forwardness as to remove all doubts of its being ready for the reception of Con- gress by the time appointed. — Another good (men- tioned in a former letter) would flow therefrom ; which is, that in proportion as that building ad- vanced, and doubts subsided, private buildings would be erected where they would be most wanted for the accommodation of the members — The public offices might shift (as they have done) a while longer : I write in much haste (for this morning's Post) that the letter may get to you in the course of the week. If I have expressed myself in such a manner as to be clearly understood, it is enough ; you must excuse the scrawl, and believe me to be, with esteem, &c
TO HENRY KNOX.
Philadelphia, 2 March, 1797.
My dear Sir,
Amongst the last acts of my political life, and be- fore I go hence into retirement, profound will be the acknowledgment of your kind and affectionate letter from Boston, dated the 15th of January.
From the friendship I have always borne you, and from the interest I have ever taken in whatever relates to your prosperity and happiness, I participated in the sorrows, which I know you must have felt for your late heavy losses. But it is not for man to scan the wisdom of Providence. The best we can do, is to
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 375
submit to its decrees. Reason, religion, and philoso- phy teach us to do this ; but tis time alone, that can ameliorate the pangs of humanity and soften its woes.
To the wearied traveller, who sees a resting-place, and is bending his body to lean thereon, I now com- pare myself ; but to be suffered to do this in peace, is too much to be endured by some. To misrepresent my motives, to reprobate my politics, and to weaken the confidence which has been reposed in my admin- istration, are objects, which cannot be relinquished by those who will be satisfied with nothing short of a change in our political system. The consolation, however, which results from conscious rectitude, and the approving voice of my country, unequivocally expressed by its representatives, deprives their sting of its poison, and places in the same point of view both the weakness and malignity of their efforts.
Although the prospect of retirement is most grate- ful to my soul, and I have not a wish to mix again in the great world, or to partake in its politics, yet I am not without my regrets at parting with (perhaps never more to meet) the few intimates, whom I love, and among these, be assured, you are one.
The account, given by Mr. Bingham and others, of your agreeable situation and prospects at St. George's, gave me infinite pleasure ; and no one wishes more sincerely than I do, that they may increase with your years. The remainder of my life, (which in the course of nature cannot be long,) will be occupied in rural amusements ; and, though I shall seclude myself
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as much as possible from the noisy and bustling crowd, none more than myself would be regaled by the company of those I esteem, at Mount Vernon ; more than twenty miles from which, after I arrive there, it is not likely I ever shall be.
As early in next week as I can make arrangements for it, I shall commence my journey for Mount Vernon. To-morrow at dinner I shall, as a servant of the public, take my leave of the President elect, of the foreign characters, heads of departments, &c., and the day following, with pleasure, I shall witness the inauguration of my successor to the chair of gov- ernment.
On the subject of politics I shall say nothing. You will have an opportunity of seeing and conversing with many of the legislators, from whom, so far as it relates to the proceedings of their own body, they can give you the details. The gazettes will furnish the rest.
Mrs. Washington unites with me in every good wish for you, Mrs. Knox, and family ; and, with un- feigned truth, I am yours always and affectionately.
TO JONATHAN TRUMBULL. My DEAR SlR, Philadelphia, 3 March, 1797.
Before the curtain drops on my political life, which it will do this evening I expect for ever, I shall ac- knowledge, although it be in a few hasty lines only, the receipt of your kind and affectionate letter of the 23d of January last.
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 377
When I add, that according to custom all the acts of the session, excepting two or three very unimport- ant bills, have been presented to me within the last four days, you will not be surprised at the pressure under which I write at present. But it must astonish others, who know that the Constitution allows the President ten days to deliberate on each bill, which is brought before him, that he should be allowed by the legislature less than half of that time to consider all the business of the session ; and, in some in- stances, scarcely an hour to revolve the most import- ant. But as the scene is closing with me, it is of little avail now to let it be with murmurs.
I should be very unhappy, if I thought, that my relinquishing the reins of government wrould produce any of the consequences, which your fears forebode. In all free governments, contentions in elections will take place, and, whilst it is confined to our own citi- zens, it is not to be regretted ; but severely indeed ought it to be reprobated, when occasioned by for- eign machinations. I trust, however, that the good sense of our countrymen will guard the public weal against this and every other innovation, and that, although we may be a little wrong now and then, we shall return to the right path with more avidity. I can never believe, that Providence, which has guided us so long and through such a labyrinth, will with- draw its protection at this crisis.
Although I shall resign the chair of government without a single regret, or any desire to intermeddle in politics again, yet there are many of my com-
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patriots, among whom be asssured I place you, from whom I shall part sorrowing ; because, unless I meet with them at Mount Vernon, it is not likely that I shall ever see them more, as I do not expect that I shall ever be twenty miles from it, after I am tranquilly settled there. To tell you how glad I should be to see you at that place is unnecessary. To this I will add, that it would not only give me pleasure, but pleasure also to Mrs. Washington, and others of the family with whom you are acquainted, and who all unite, in every good wish for you and yours, with, dear Sir, &c.
TO TIMOTHY PICKERING, SECRETARY OF STATE.
Philadelphia, 3 March, 1797.
Dear Sir,
At the conclusion of my public employments, I have thought it expedient to notice the publication of certain forged letters, which first appeared in the year 1 yyy, and were obtruded upon the public as mine. They are said by the editor to have been found in a small portmanteau, that I had left in the care of my mulatto servant, named Billy, who, it is pretended, was taken prisoner at Fort Lee, in 1 776. The period, when these letters were first printed, will be recollected, and what were the impressions they were intended to produce on the public mind. It was then sup- posed to be of some consequence to strike at the integrity of the motives of the American commander- in-chief, and to paint his inclinations as at variance
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 379
with his professions and his duty. Another crisis in? the affairs of America having occurred, the same weapon has been resorted to, to wound my character and deceive the people.
The letters in question have the dates, addressesr and signatures here following : —
"New York, June 12th, 1776. To Mr. Lund Washington, at Mount Vernon, Fairfax County, Virginia.
"G. W."
" To John Parke Custis, Esq., at the Hon. Benedict Calvert's Esq., Mount Airy, Maryland, June 18th, 1776.
" Geo. Washington."
"New York, July 8th, 1776. To Mr. Lund Washington, at Mount Vernon, Fairfax County, Virginia.
"G. W."
"New York, July 15th, 1776. To Mr. Lund Washington.
"G. W."
" New York, July 16th, 1776. To Mr. Lund Washington.
"G. W."
" New York, July 22d, 1776. To Mr. Lund Washington.
"G. W."
"June 24th, 1776. To Mrs. Washington.
"G. W."
At the time, when these letters first appeared, it was notorious to the army immediately under my command, and particularly to the gentlemen attached to my person, that my mulatto man Billy had never been one moment in the power of the enemy. It is- also a fact, that no part of my baggage, nor any of my attendants, were captured during the whole course of the war. These well-known facts made it unnecessary, during the war, to call the public atten-
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tion to the forgery, by any express declaration of mine ; and a firm reliance on my fellow-citizens, and the abundant proofs, which they gave of their con- fidence in me, rendered it alike unnecessary to take any formal notice of the revival of the imposition during my civil administration. But, as I cannot know how soon a more serious event may succeed to that, which will this day take place, I have thought it a duty, that I owed to myself, to my country, and to truth, now to detail the circumstances above re- cited ; and to add my solemn declaration, that the letters herein described are a base forgery, and that I never saw or heard of them until they appeared in print.
The present letter I commit to your care, and de- sire that it may be deposited in the office of the de- partment of State, as a testimony of the truth to the present generation and to posterity. Accept, I pray you, the sincere esteem and affectionate regard of, dear Sir, &c. 1
1 The time had now arrived, when Washington was to resign his public station, and retire to private life. In February the votes had been counted in Congress for his successor, and it was found that John Adams was elected President, and Thomas Jefferson Vice-President.
" On the 4th of March, the members of the Senate, conducted by the Vice-President, together with the officers of the general and State governments, and an immense concourse of citizens, convened in the hall of the House of Representatives, in which the oaths were administered to the President. The sensibility, which was manifested when General Washington entered, did not surpass the cheerfulness which overspread his own countenance, nor the heartfelt pleasure with which he saw another invested with the powers and authorities that had so long been exercised by himself.
" In the speech delivered by the President on taking the oaths of office, after some judicious observations on the constitution of his country, and on
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 381
to james Mchenry, secretary of war. [private.]
Mount Vernon, 3 April, 1797.
Dear Sir,
Your letter of the 24th ult. has been duly received,, and I thank you for the information given in it. Let me pray you to have the goodness to communicate
the dangers to which it was exposed, that able statesman thus spoke of his pre- decessor.
" ' Such is the amiable and interesting system of government (and such are some of the abuses to which it may be exposed), which the people of America have exhibited, to the admiration and anxiety of the wise and virtuous of all nations for eight years, under the administration of a citizen, who, by a long course of great actions, regulated by prudence, justice, temperance, and forti- tude, conducting a people inspired with the same virtues, and animated with the same ardent patriotism and love of liberty, to independence and peace, to increasing wealth and unexampled prosperity, has merited the gratitude of his fellow-citizens, commanded the highest praises of foreign nations, and secured immortal glory with posterity.
" ' In that retirement which is his voluntary choice, may he long live to enjoy the delicious recollection of his services, the gratitude of mankind, the happy fruits of them to himself and the world, which are daily increasing, and that splendid prospect of the future fortunes of his country, which is opening from year to year. His name may be still a rampart, and the knowledge that he lives a bulwark, against all open or secret enemies of his country's peace.'
" To testify their love for the person, who had for eight years administered the government of the United States, the merchants of Philadelphia had pre- pared a splendid banquet for the day, to which the General, several officers of rank in the late army, the heads of departments, foreign ministers, and other persons of distinction were invited. In the rotunda, in which it was given, an elegant compliment was prepared for the principal guest, which is thus described in the papers of the day :
"' Upon entering the area, the General was conducted to his seat. On a signal given, music played Washington's March, and a scene, which represented simple objects in the rear of the principal seat, was drawn up and discovered emblematical paintings. The principal was a female figure as large as life, representing America, seated on an elevation composed of sixteen marble steps. At her left side stood the federal shield and eagle, and at her feet lay the
382 THE WRITINGS OF [1797
to me occasionally, such matters as are interesting, and not contrary to the rules of your official duty to disclose. We get so many details in the Gazettes, and of such different complexions, that it is impos- sible to know what credence to give to any of them.
The conduct of the French government is so much beyond calculation, and so unaccountable upon any principle of justice, or even of that sort of policy, which is familiar to plain understandings, that I shall not now puzzle my brains in attempting to develop the motives of it.1
We got home without accident, and found the Roads drier, and better than I ever travelled them at that season of the year. The attentions we met with on our journey were very flattering, and to some, whose minds are differently formed from mine would have been highly relished ; but I avoided in every instance, where I had any previous knowledge of the
cornucopia ; in her right hand she held the Indian calumet of peace supporting .the cap of liberty ; in the perspective appeared the temple of Fame ; and, on her left hand, an altar dedicated to public gratitude, upon which incense was burning. In her left hand she held a scroll inscribed Valedictory ; and at the foot of the altar lay a plumed helmet and sword, from which a figure of General Washington, large as life, appeared retiring down the steps, pointing with his right hand to the emblems of power which he had resigned, and with his left to a beautiful landscape representing Mount Vernon, in front of which oxen were seen harnessed to the plough. Over the General appeared a genius placing a wreath of laurels on his head.'" — Marshall's Life of Washington, vol. v., p. 730 ; Appendix, pp. 34, 35.
1 The refusal of the Directory to receive Pinckney as minister. He reached Paris on December 5th and on the 12th presented his credentials. Formal notification was received a few days later that no minister could be received from the United States, and this act was attributed to a belief that Mon- roe had been superseded for his kindly feeling to France. On December 30th a public audience of leave was given to Monroe, at which the general feeling was strongly shown, and by February Pinckney had been told to leave
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 383
intention, and could by earnest entreaties prevail, all parade or escorts. Mrs. Washington took a violent cold in Philadelphia, which hangs upon her still ; but it is not as bad as it has been.1
I find myself in the situation nearly of a young beginner ; for, although I have not houses to build (except one, which I must erect for the accommoda- tion and security of my Military, Civil, and private Papers, which are voluminous and may be interesting), yet I have not one, or scarcely anything else about me that does not require considerable repairs. I n a word, I am already surrounded by Joiners, Masons, Painters, &c, &c. ; and such is my anxiety to get out of their hands, that I have scarcely a room to put a friend into, or to sit in myself, without the music of ham- mers, or the odoriferous smell of paint. * * *
Mrs. Washington and Miss Custis are thankful for your kind rememberance of them, and join me in best regards for Mrs. Mc Henry and yourself, with, Dear Sir, Your sincere friend,
the country. This refusal, with the attending " circumstances of indignity," was known in America late in March, and induced the President to issue a proclamation, 25 March, 1797, convening Congress in May.
1 The following extract is from a Baltimore paper, dated March 13th. — " Last evening arrived in this city, on his way to Mount Vernon, the illustrious object of veneration and gratitude, George Washington. His Excellency was accompanied by 'his lady and Miss Custis, [and by the son of the unfor- tunate Lafayette and his perceptor. At a distance from the city, he was met by a crowd of citizens, on horse and foot, who thronged the road to greet him, and by a detachment from Captain Hollingsworth's troop, who escorted him in through as great a concourse of people as Baltimore ever witnessed. On alighting at the Fountain Inn, the General was saluted with reiterated and thundering huzzas from the spectators. His Excellency, with the companions of his journey, leaves town we understand this morning."
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TO OLIVER WOLCOTT, SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY.
Mount Vernon, 15 May, 1797.
Dear Sir,
I thank you for the information contained in your letter of the 19th ultimo, and infer from it with pleasure, that you must be better if not quite recovered of the indisposition of which you com- plained, by your being enabled to write. To know this, however, would give me satisfaction, as I enter- tain an affectionate regard for you.
Various conjectures have been formed relative to the causes, which have induced the President to con- vene the Congress at this season of the year ; among others, the laying an embargo is supposed by some to be in contemplation, whether with or without foundation, you, who are acting on the great theatre, have the best means of judging. For myself, having turned aside from the broad walks of political, into the narrow paths of private life, I shall leave it with those, whose duty it is to consider subjects of this sort, and, (as every good citizen ought to do,) con- form to whatsoever the ruling powers shall decide. To make and sell a little flour annually, to repair houses (going fast to ruin), to build one for the security of my papers of a public nature, and to amuse myself in agricultural and rural pursuits, will constitute employment for the few years I have to remain on this terrestrial globe. If, to these, I could now and then meet the friends I esteem, it would fill the measure and add zest to my enjoyments ; but, if ever this happens, it must
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 385
be under my own vine and fig-tree, as I do not think it probable that I shall go beyond twenty miles from them.
To detail matters of private concern would be as improper as it would be uninteresting ; and therefore, upon the principle I have adopted, it will never be in my power to make adequate returns for your kind communications, which I wish may be continued, when you are at leisure and at liberty ; for there is so little dependence on newspaper publications, which take whatever complexion the editors please to give them, that persons at a distance, who have no other means of information, are oftentimes at a loss to form an opinion on the most important occurrences. Mrs. Washington and Nelly Custis unite with me in cordial remembrance of Mrs Wolcott and yourself, and with much sincerity I remain affectionately yours.
TO WILLIAM HEATH.
Mount Vernon, 20 May, 1797.
Dear Sir,
Your kind and friendly letter of the 1 7th ultimo has been duly received, and I beg you to accept my sincere thanks for the affectionate sentiments you have been pleased to express for me in it.
I can assure you, Sir, I never ascribed a motive
to the letter you wrote to me on my election to
the chair of government, so unworthy of you as
to suppose it was written with a view of "pressing 25
386 THE WRITINGS OF [1797
yourself into notice, or seeking for a place." On the contrary I was led to believe, that domestic enjoyments in rural pursuits had more charms for you, and were more congenial to your inclination, than any appointment that would draw you from home.
I hope, as you do, that, notwithstanding our politi- cal horizon is much overcast, the wisdom, temper, and firmness of the government, supported by the great mass of the people, will dispel the threatening clouds, and that all will end without any shedding of blood. To me this is so demonstrable, that not a particle of doubt would dwell on my mind relative thereto, if our citizens would advocate their own cause, instead of that of any other nation under the sun ; that is, if, instead of being Frenchmen or Eng- lishmen in politics, they would be Americans, indig- nant at every attempt of either, or any other power, to establish an influence in our councils, or presume to sow the seeds of discord or disunion among us. No policy, in my opinion, can be more clearly dem- onstrated, than that we should do justice to all, and have no political connexion with any of the European powers beyond those, which result from and serve to regulate our commerce with them. Our own ex- perience, if it has not already had this effect, will soon convince us, that the idea of disinterested favors or friendship from any nation whatever is too novel to be calculated on, and there will always be found a wide difference between the words and actions of any of them.
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 387
It gives me great pleasure to hear from yourself, that you are writing Memoirs of those transactions, which passed under your notice during the revolu- tionary war.1 Having always understood, that you were exact and copious in noting occurrences at the time they happened, a work of this kind will, from the candor and ability with which I am persuaded your notes were taken, be uncommonly correct and interesting. Whether you mean to publish them at your own expense, or by subscription, is not inti- mated in your letter. If the latter, I pray you to consider me as a subscriber, and in any event as a purchaser of your production. That you may enjoy health to complete the work to your entire satisfac- tion, I devoutly pray, and that you may live after- wards to hear it applauded, as I doubt not it will be, I as sincerely wish. If I should live to see it published, I shall read it with great avidity. Retired from noise myself, and the responsibility attached to public employment, my hours will glide smoothly on. My best wishes, however, for the prosperity of our country will always have the first place in my thoughts ; while to repair build- ings, and to cultivate my farms, which require close attention, will occupy the few years, perhaps days, I may be a sojourner here, as I am now in the sixty-sixth year of my peregrination through life. With assurances of great esteem, I remain, dear Sir, &c.
1 Memoirs of Major-General Heath , containing Anecdotes, Details of Skir- mishes, Battles, and other Military Events During the American War.
388 THE WRITINGS OF [1797
TO REV. SAMUEL STANHOPE SMITH.
Mount Vernon, 24 May, 1797.
Reverend and Dear Sir,
Your favor of the 18th instant was received by the last post, the contents of which, relative to Mr. Custis, filled my mind (as you naturally supposed it would) with extreme disquietude. From his infancy I have discovered an almost unconquerable disposi- tion to indolence in everything that did not tend to his amusements ; and have exhorted him in the most parental and friendly manner often, to devote his time to more useful pursuits. His pride has been stimulated, and his family expectations and wishes have been urged as inducements thereto. In short, I could say nothing to him now by way of admoni- tion, encouragement, or advice, that has not been repeated over and over again.
It is my earnest desire to keep him to his studies as long as I am able, as well on account of the bene- fits he will derive from them, as for the purpose of excluding him from the company of idle and dissipated young men until his judgment is more matured.
I am to thank you, sir, for your exertions to remove the error of his present thoughts, and I shall hope for your further endeavor to effect it. If you find, how- ever, that the attempt will be in vain, I shall rely on your judgment to employ his time in such studies as you conceive will be most advantageous to him during his continuance with you, and I know of none more
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 389
likely to prove so than those you have suggested, if his term at college will close with the next vacation. With very great esteem and regard, I am, reverend Sir, &c.
TO THOMAS PINCKNEY.
Mount Vernon, 28 May, 1797.
My Dear Sir,
* * * Let me congratulate you on your safe return to your native country and friends, after the important services you have rendered to the former, and thank you, as I most cordially do, for the favorable senti- ments which you have been pleased to express for me, and of my public conduct. The approbation you have given of the latter, be assured, is highly pleasing to me. To receive testimonies of this kind from the good and virtuous, more especially from those who are competent to judge, and have had the means of judging from the best sources of information, stamps a value which renders them peculiarly grateful to one's sensibility.
It remains to be seen whether our country will stand upon independent ground, or be directed in its political concerns by any other nation. A little time will show who are its true friends, or, what is synony- mous, who are true Americans ; those who are stimu- lating a foreign nation to unfriendly acts, repugnant to our rights and dignity, and advocating all its measures, or those whose only aim has been to maintain a strict neutrality, to keep the United
39© THE WRITINGS OF [1797
States out of the vortex of European politics, and to preserve them in peace.
The President's speech will, I conceive, draw forth mediately or immediately an expression of the public mind ; and, as it is the right of the people, that this should be carried into effect, their sentiments ought to be unequivocally known, that the principles on which the government has acted, and which, from the President's speech, are likely to be continued, may either be changed, or the opposition, that is endeavoring to embarrass every measure of the executive, may meet effectual discountenance. Things cannot, ought not to remain any longer in their present disagreeable state. Nor should the idea, that the government and the people have different views, be suffered any longer to prevail home or abroad ; for it is not only injurious to us, but disgraceful also, that a government constituted as ours is should be administered contrary to their interest, if the fact be so.1
But, as I did not begin this letter with an intention of running into any political disquisition, I will stop where I am, and only add, that with sincere and affectionate regard I am, dear Sir, &c.
1 President Adams had summoned a special meeting of Congress, chiefly on account of the state of affairs between the United States and France. On the 31st of May he nominated to the Senate Charles Cotesworth Pinckney, Francis Dana, and John Marshall, to be jointly and severally envoys extraordinary and ministers plenipotentiary to the French Republic. The object of the mission, as stated by the President, was, to " dissipate umbrages, remove prejudices, rectify errors, and adjust all differences, by a treaty between the two powers." Mr. Dana declined the appointment, and Elbridge Gerry was appointed in his place.
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 391
TO JAMES McHENRY, SECRETARY OF WAR.
Mount Vernon, 29 May, 1797.
Dear Sir,
I am indebted to you for several unacknowledged letters ; but never mind that ; go on as if you had them. You are at the source of information, and can find many things to relate ; while I have nothing to say, that could either inform or amuse a Secretary at War in Philadelphia.
I might tell him, that I begin my diurnal course with the sun ; that, if my hirelings are not in their places at that time I send them messages expressive of my sorrow for their indisposition ; that, having put these wheels in motion, I examine the state of things further ; and the more they are probed, the deeper I find the wounds are which my buildings have sus- tained by an absence and neglect of eight years ; by the time I have accomplished these matters, break- fast (a little after seven o'clock, about the time I presume you are taking leave of Mrs. McHenry), is ready ; that, this being over, I mount my horse and ride round my farms, which employs me until it is time to dress for dinner, at which I rarely miss seeing strange faces, come as they say out of respect for me. Pray, would not the word curiosity answer as well ? And how different this from having a few social friends at a cheerful board ! The usual time of sitting at table, a walk, and tea, brings me within the dawn of candlelight ; previous to which, if not prevented by company, I resolve, that, as soon as the glimmering taper supplies the place of the great
392 THE WRITINGS OF [1797
luminary, I will retire to my writing-table and ac- knowledge the letters I have received ; but when the lights are brought, I feel tired and disinclined to engage in this work, conceiving that the next night will do as well. The next comes, and with it the same causes for postponement, and effect, and so on. This will account for your letter remaining so long unacknowledged ; and, having given you the history of a day, it will serve for a year, and I am persuaded you will not require a second edition of it. But it may strike you, that in this detail no mention is made of any portion of time allotted for reading. The remark would be just, for I have not looked into a book since I came home ; nor shall I be able to do it until I have discharged my workmen, probably not before the nights grow longer, when possibly I may be looking in Doomsday-Book. On the score of the plated ware in your possession I will say something in a future letter. At present I shall only add, that I am always and affectionately yours.
TO OLIVER WOLCOTT, SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY.
Mount Vernon, 29 May, 1797.
Dear Sir,
I have received your letter of the 18th instant with its enclosures, and I thank you for both. The Presi- dent has in my opinion placed matters upon their true ground in his speech to Congress. The crisis calls for an unequivocal expression of the public
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 393
mind, and the speech will mediately or immediately bring this about. Things ought not, indeed cannot, remain long in their present state ; and it is time the people should be thoroughly acquainted with the political situation of this country, and the causes which have produced it, that they may either give active and effectual support to those, to whom they have intrusted the administration of the government, if they approve the principles on which they have acted, or sanction the conduct of their opponents, who have endeavored to bring about a change by embarrassing all its measures, (not even short of foreign means).
We are waiting with no small degree of solicitude, for the answer of the house of Representatives, that an opinion may be formed from its complexion of the temper of that body since its renovation.1
Thus much for our own affairs, which, maugre the desolating scenes of Europe, might continue in the
1 " I had some hopes that the late conduct of our great and magnanimous allies would have produced but one sentiment in the Representatives of the people. I could not be otherwise than disappointed therefore (in a degree, for there are some, I fear, who under all circumstances are resolved to support their measures) at the opposition by so great a minority to the reported address. But so it has been ; and, so it will be — whilst men are actuated by different motives and views. It is to be hoped, notwithstanding, that even those who are so tenacious of the honor, dignity, and interest of our good friends, will not be averse from guarding against their enmity by the adoption of such means as will enable the Executive to defend the country, against a continuation of the outrages it has sustained on our commerce. — This being the most effective if not the only means to obtain their friendship, or forbearance. — If justice is lacking we ought to render it, — on the other hand let our rights be claimed, and maintain'd with a dignified firmness. — No just offence can be taken at this, by France whilst it must be approved by all the rest of the world." — Wash- ington to Pickering, 12th June, 1797.
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most happy, flourishing, and prosperous train, if the harmony of the Union were not endangered by the internal disturbers of its peace. With respect to the nations of Europe, their situation appears so awful, that nothing short of Omnipotence can predict the issue ; although every human mind must feel for the miseries it endures. Our course is plain ; they who run may read it. Their's is so bewildered and dark, so entangled and embarrassed, and so obviously under the influence of intrigue, that one would sup- pose, if any thing could open the eyes of our misled citizens, the deplorable situation of those people could not fail to accomplish it. * * * With sin- cere and affectionate regard, I am always yours.
TO GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS.
Mount Vernon, 4 June, 1797.
Your letter of the 29th ultimo, came to hand by the post of Friday, and eased my mind of many un- pleasant sensations and reflections on your account. It has, indeed, done more, it has filled it with pleasure more easy to be conceived than expressed ; and if your sorrow and repentance for the disquietude occasioned by the preceding letter, your resolution to abandon the ideas which were therein express, are sincere, I shall not only heartily forgive, but will forget also, and bury in oblivion all that has passed.
As a testimony of my disposition to do this — of
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 395
the hope I had conceived that reflection would over- come an indolent habit or bad advice — not a hint re- specting this matter has been given to any of your friends in this quarter, although Doctor Stuart and your mother (with their children) left this on Thurs- day last, after a stay of a week, and both Mr. Law and Mr. Peter have been here since the receipt of it. In a word, your grandmamma, sister, and myself, are all who were acquainted therewith.
You must not suffer this resolution you have re- cently entered into, to operate as the mere result of a momentary impulse, occasioned by the letters you have received from hence. This resolution should be founded on sober reflection, and a thorough con- viction of your error, otherwise it will be as waverings as the wind, and become the sport of conflicting pas- sions, which will occasion such a lassitude in your exertions as to render your studies of little avail. To insure permanency, think seriously of the advantages which are to be derived, on the one hand, from the steady pursuit of a course of study to be marked out by your preceptor, whose judgment, experience, and acknowledged abilities, enables him to direct them ; and, on the other hand, revolve as seriously on the consequences which would inevitably result from an indisposition to this measure, or from an idle habit of hankering after unprofitable amusements at your time of life, before you have acquired that knowledge which would be found beneficial in every situation ; I say before, because it is not my wish that, having gone through the essentials, you
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should be deprived of any rational amusement after- ward ; or, lastly, from dissipation in such company as you would most likely meet under such circum- stances, who but too often, mistake ribaldry for wit, and rioting, swearing, intoxication, and gambling for manliness.
These things are not without momentary charms to young minds susceptible of any impression, before the judgment in some measure is formed, and reason begins to preponderate. It is on this ground, as well as on account of the intrinsic advantages that you yourself would experience hereafter from it, that I am desirous of keeping you to your studies. And if such characters as I have described should be found instrumental, either by their advice or example, in giving your mind a wrong bias, shun them as you would a pestilence ; for, be assured, it is not with such qualities as these you ought to be allied, or with those who possess them to have any friendship.
These sentiments are dictated by the purest regard for your welfare, and from an earnest desire to pro- mote your true happiness, in which all your friends feel an interest, and would be much gratified to see accomplished, while it would contribute in an eminent degree to your respectability in the eyes of others.
Your endeavors to fulfill these reasonable wishes of ours can not fail of restoring all the attentions, protection, and affection of one who has ever been, and will continue to be, your sincere friend.
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 397
TO DAVID HUMPHREYS.
Mount Vernon, 26 June, 1797.
My Dear Humphreys :
Since I did myself the pleasure of writing to you by Capt. O'Brian, I have been favored with your let- ters of the 1 st of January and 18th of February. — The last in date was the first received ; but neither came to hand until long after I had left the chair of Government, and was seated in the shade of my own Vine and Fig tree.
The testimony of your politeness and friendship to Mrs. Washington and myself, which accompanied the latter, are accepted with the same cordiality and chearfulness with which I am sure they were pre- sented. Presents however, to me, are of all things the most painful ; but when I am so well satisfied of the motives which dictated yours my scruples are removed ; and I receive the buckles (which are in- deed very elegant) as a token of your regard and attachment ; and will keep and wear them occasion- ally for your sake.
As the Gazettes of this country are transmitted from the department of State, to all our diplomatic characters abroad, you will of course have perceived that the measure advised by you relative to the dis- avowal of the forged letter (attempted to be imposed on the public, as written by me in 1776) had been previously adopted ; without any of the accompani- ments contained in your draught which was received long after the publication of it.
I am clearly in sentiment with you that every man
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who is in the vigor of life, ought to serve his coun- try, in what ever line it requires and he is fit for ; It was not my intention therefore to persuade you to withdraw your services whilst inclination and the calls of your Country demanded your service, but the desire of a companion in my latter days, in whom I could confide, might have induced me to express myself too strongly on the occasion. The change however which I presume has ere this taken place in your domestic concerns would of itself have annihi- lated every hope of having you as an inmate if the circumstance had been known at the time.
On this event, which I persuade myself will be fortunate and happy for you, I offer my congratula- tions, with all the sincerity and warmth you can de- sire ; — and if ever you should bring Mrs. Humphreys1 to the U. States no roof will afford her and you a more welcome reception than this, while we are the inhabitants of it.
To the Department of State and the Gazettes which will be transmitted from thence, I shall refer you for the political state of our affairs ; but in one word I might have added, that nothing short of a general peace in Europe, will produce tranquility in this Country ; for reasons which are obvious to every well informed observant man among us. I have con- fidence however in that providence, which has shielded the U. States from the evils which have threatened them hitherto. — And, as I believe the major part of the people of this country, are well
1 Miss Bulkly.
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 399
affected to the Constitution and Government of it, I rest satisfied that if ever a crisis should arise to call forth the sense of the Community it will be strong in support of the Honor and dignity of the nation. Therefore however much I regret the opposition, which has for its object the embarrassment of the administration, I shall view things in the " calm light of mild philosophy " and endeavor to finish my course in retirement and ease.
An absence from home of eight years (except short occasional visits to it which allowed no time to in- vestigate or look into the real state of my private concerns) has very much deranged them, and occa- sioned such depredations upon buildings and all things around them, as to make the expence of re- pairs almost as great and the employment of attend- ing to work men almost as much, as if I had com- menced an entire new establishment.
The public buildings in the Federal City go on well : — one wing of the Capitol (with which Congress might make a very good shift), and the President's House will be covered in this Autumn, or to speak more correctly perhaps the latter is now receiving its cover, and the former will be ready for it by that epoch. An elegant bridge is thrown over the Poto- mack at the little falls, and the navigation of the river above will be completed nearly, this season, through which an immensity of Produce, must flow to the shipping Ports thereon.
Alexandria you would scarcely know ; so much has it encreased, since you was there. Two entire streets
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where Shallops, then laded and unladed, are extended into the River, and some of the best buildings in the Town erected on them. — What were the Commons, are now all enclosed, and many good houses placed on them.
As my circle is now small my information will be of course contracted, as Alexandria and the Federal City will probably be the extent of my perambula- tions. If you have entered the Matrimonial list — I pray you to present me in respectful terms to your lady and at all times and under all circumstances that you would believe me to be, as I really am, my dear Sir, &c.
TO JAMES McHENRV, SECRETARY OF WAR.
Mount Vernon, 7th July, 1797.
Dear Sir,
By the last Post I was favored with your letter of the 3d instant and thank you for its enclosure, al- though, on the same day, I had, myself, transmitted a copy thereof to the Secretary of State.
I had doubted awhile, whether to forward it to your office or that of State, but finally resolved to send it to the latter, as it seemed more properly I thought, to belong to that Department.
If the letter (intercepted by Mr. Byers) is a gen- uine one, and the Gentleman's handwriting is not easily mistaken, or counterfeited, what excuse can a late Governor and present Senator of the U S, or his friends for him, offer for such Nefarious conduct ? The defence must be curious, and will, I have no
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 401
doubt, be conducted with as much effrontery as art. I hope, notwithstanding if the fact is proved, that the author will receive all the Punishment which the Constitution and Laws of this Country can inflict ; and thereafter be held in detestation by all good men. To seek private emolument at the expence of Public Peace — perhaps at the expence of many inno- cent lives : and to aim a stroke at the reputation of a virtuous character, hazarding his health — probably life, to promote tranquility between the Indians and our frontier Inhabitants; and by destroying his in- fluence and well-earned good name among the former, to render him incapable of serving his Country, and this forsooth because he may be a stumbling block in the way of a plan which he has in contemplation, is a crime of so deep a dye as no Epithet can convey an adequate idea of to my mind. A poor wretch steal- ing the worth of a shilling, possibly to buy bread," would be hung, or confined to hard labor, and here, a plan (at which I can only guess) is on foot to defraud the public of its rights ; deprive Citizens perhaps (in its consequences) of their lives ; to stigmatise char- acter ; and ultimately to produce war, with all its concomitants, wch. will, more than probable, meet with advocates.
But as you inform me that the matter would be laid before Congress, on Monday last, I shall wait (with some degree of impatience I confess) to learn the result.1
Always, I remain &c.
1 A letter from William Blount, a Senator from Tennessee, to James Carey. 26
402 THE WRITINGS OF [1797
TO SAMUEL WASHINGTON.
Mount Vernon, 12 July, 1797.
Dear Sir,
I perceive by your letter of the 7th Instant that you are under the same mistake that many others are, — in supposing that I have money always at command.
The case is so much the reverse of it, that I found it expedient, before I retired from public life, to sell all my Lands (near 5000 acres) in Pennsylvania in the Counties of Washington and Fayette, and my lands in the Great Dismal Swamp in Virginia, in order to enable me to defray the expences of my station, and to raise money for other purposes.
That these lands might not go at too low a rate (for they sold much below their value) I was induced after receiving prompt payment for part, to allow credit for the remainder of the purchase money, in obtaining payment of which from two of the pur- chasers, I find much difficulty ; but a third having within these few days paid me an installment of three thousand Dollars, I will, rather than you should be compelled to sell your land, lend you a third of them, altho' it will be inconvenient for me to do so ; and may be the means of retarding my purchase of wheat
the government interpreter of the Creeks and Cherokees, had been disclosed in July, 1797, and was interpreted as a plan for exciting Indian hostilities upon an extensive scale. It was made the basis of proceedings against Blount by Congress, the charge in substance being that he " did conspire to set on foot a military hostile expedition against the Floridas and Louisiana," for the purpose of conquering them from Spain and for Great Britain. He was expelled from the Senate, but an impeachment failed.
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 403
for my mill ; — which for want of it, has been very un- productive to me for several years ; — I might indeed say an expence to me. —
It is because you have assured me that misfortunes have brought on your present difficulties (tho' by the by let me observe if you had inspected as you ought, the staking of your wheat more closely, the spoiling thereof might have been avoided) and because I have heard that you are industrious and sober that I put myself to the inconvenience of parting with the above sum ; for I would not lend it for the purpose to enable you to indulge in any thing that is not strictly ceco- nomical and proper ; and I shall add further, that it will be my expectation that the money be imme- diately applied to the uses for which you have required it — for you may be assured that there is no practice more dangerous than that of borrowing money (instance as proof the case of your father and uncles). For when money can be had in this way, repayment is seldom thought of in time ; — the Inter- est becomes a moth ; — exertions to raise it by dint of Industry ceases — it comes easy and is spent freely; and many things indulged in that would never be thought of, if to be purchased by the sweat of the brow. — in the mean time the debt is accumulating like a snow ball in rolling.
I mention these things to you, because your inex- perience may not have presented them to your mind — but you may rely on it that they are indubitable facts, and have proved the ruin of thousands before suspected. — Great speculations and sometimes trade
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may be benefitted of obtaining money on Interest, but no landed Estate will bear it. —
I do not make these observations on account of the money I have purposed to lend you, because all that I shall require is, that you will return the nett sum when in your power, without Interest. — It may & at any rate as it was * * * '
TO WILLIAM STRICKLAND.
Mount Vernon, 15 July, 1797.
Sir,
I have been honored with yours of the 30th of May and 5th of Sept. — of last year.
As the first was in part an answer to a letter I took the liberty of writing to you, and the latter arrived in the middle of an important Session of Congress, which became more interesting as it drew more nearer to its close, in as much as it was limitted by the Constitu- tion to the 3d of March, and on that day was to give political dissolution to the house of representatives, a third part of the Senate, and the Chief Magistrate of the United States, I postponed from the pressure of business occasioned thereby the acknowledgment of all private letters, which did not require immediate answers until I should be seated under my own vine and fig Tree where I supposed I should have abundant leisure to discharge all my Epistolary obligations. — In this however I have hitherto found myself mis- taken, for at no period have I been more closely
1 The letter is incomplete.
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 405
employed in repairing the ravages of an eight years absence (except short occasional visits which allowed no time for that investigation, which, since my estab- lishment here, I have found my Buildings, Gardens, and every thing appertaining to them, so much re- quired). Engaging Workmen of different sorts, pro- viding for and looking after them, together with the necessary attention to my farms, have occupied all my time since I have been at home.
Unimportant as these details must be to you, an apology in my estimation seemed necessary for suf- fering so interesting a letter as yours of the 5th of September to remain so long unacknowledged. — and I could offer none better than the facts which occasioned it. I was far from entertaining sanguine hopes of success in my attempt to procure tenants from Great Britain, — but being desirous of rendering the evening of my life as tranquil and free from care as the nature of things would admit I was willing to make the experiment.
Your observation with respect to occupiers and proprietors of land has great weight, and being conge- nial with my own Ideas on the subject was one reason, though I did not believe it would be so considered, why I offered my Farms to be let : — Instances have occured and do occur daily to prove that capitalists from Europe have injured themselves by precipitate purchases, of free hold Estates immediately upon their arrival in this Country, while others have lessened their means in exploring states and places in search of locations ; whereas if, on advantageous terms, they
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could have been first seated as tenants ; they wou'd have had time and opportunities for the propensity to become holders of Land themselves, for making advantageous purchases. But it is so natural for man to wish to be the absolute Lord and Master of what he holds in occupancy, that his true interest is often made to yield to a false ambition. Among these the Emigrant from the New England States may be classed and will account in part for their migration to the Westward. Conviction of these things having left little hope of obtaining such Tenants as would answer my purposes, I have had it in con- templation ever since I returned home to turn my farms to grazing principally, as fast as I can cover the fields sufficiently with grass. Labor and of course expence will be considerably diminished by this change, the nett profit as great and my attention less divided, whilst the fields will be improving.
Your strictures on the Agriculture of this country are but too just — it is indeed wretched — but a lead- ing, if not the primary, cause of its being so is that, instead of improving a little ground well, we attempt much and do it ill. — A half a third or even a fourth of what we mangle, well wrought and properly dressed, wou'd produce more than the whole under our system (if it deserves that epithet) of management. Yet, such is the force of habit, that we cannot depart from it. The consequence of which is that we ruin the lands that are already cleared and either cut down more wood if we have it, or emigrate into the West- ern Country. — I have endeavored both in a public
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 407
•
and private character to encourage the establishment of Boards of Agriculture in this Country, but hitherto in vain ; and what is still more extraordinary and scarcely to be believed I have endeavored ineffec- tually to discard the pernicious practice just men- tioned from my own estate ; but in my absence, pretexts of one kind or another have always been paramount to orders. Since the first Establishment of the National Board of Agriculture in Great Britain, I have considered it as one of the most valuable In- stitutions of modern times, and conducted with so much ability and zeal as it appears to be under the auspices of Sir John Sinclair, must be productive of great advantages to the Nation and to Mankind in General. —
My system of Agriculture is what you have de- scribed, and I am persuaded, was I to farm it on a large scale, would be improved by the alteration you have proposed ; — at the same time I must observe that I have not found Oats so great an exhauster as they are represented to be — but in my system they follow wheat too closely to be proper, and the rota- tion will undergo a change in this, and perhaps in some other respects.
The Vetch of Europe has not succeeded with me ; our frosts in Winter and droughts in Summer, are too severe for them. — how far the Mountain or Wild Pea would answer as a substitute by cultivation, is difficult to decide, because I believe no trial has been made of them and because their spontaneous growth is in Rich lands only : — that they are nutricious in
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a great Degree in their wild state admits of no doubt. —
Spring Barley such as we grow in this Country has thriven no better with me than Vetches. — The result of an Experiment made with a little of the True Sort might be interesting. — Of the field Peas of England (different kinds) I have more than once tried, but not with encouragement to proceed ; for among other discouragements they are perforated by a bug which eats out the kernal. From the cultivation of the common black eye peas, I have more hope and am trying them this year both as a Crop and for plowing in as a manure but the severe drought under which we labor at present may render the Experiment inconclusive. — It has in a manner destroyed my oats ; and bids fair to do so by my Indian Corn.
The practice of plowing in Buck wheat twice in the season, as a fertilizer is not new to me. It is what I have practiced — or, I ought to have said rather, — attempted to practice, the last two or three years, but like most things else in my absence, it has been so badly executed — that is the turning in of the plants has been so illy timed, as to give no result. I am not discouraged however by these failures, for if pulverizing the soil, by fallowing and turning in vegetable substances for manure are proper prepara- tives for the Crop that is to follow ; there can be no question, that a double portion of the latter, without an increase of the plowing must be highly beneficial. — I am in the act of making another experiment of this sort, and shall myself attend to the operation
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 409
which however may again prove abortive from the cause I have mentioned — viz — the drought.
The lightness of our oats is attributed more than it ought to be to the unfitness of the climate of the Middle states. That this may be the case in part and nearer the sea board in a greater degree, I will not controvert ; but it is a well known fact that no country produces better oats than those that grow on the Allegany Mountains immediately Westward of us — I have heard it affirmed that they weigh upwards of 50 lbs the Winchester bushel. — This may be occasioned by the fertility of the soil, and the attrac- tion of moisture by the mountains — but another reason and a powerful one too, may be assigned for the inferiority of ours, namely that we are not choice in our seeds and do not change them as we ought.
The seeds you were so obliging as to give me, shared the same fate that Colo. Wadsworth's did ; and as I believe seeds from England generally will do, if they are put into the hold of the vessels. For this reason, I always made it a point, whilst I was in the habit of importing seeds, to request my merchants and the masters of vessels by which they were sent to keep them from the heat thereof.
You make a distinction, and no doubt a just one, between what in England is called Barley, and Big or Beer. — If there be none of the true Barley in this country it is not for us without Experience to pro- nounce upon the growth of it ; and therefore, as noticed in a former part of this letter it might be
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interesting to ascertain whether our climate and soil would produce it to advantage. No doubt, as your observations while you were in the United States appear to have been extensive and accurate, it did not escape you, that both Winter and Spring Barley are cultivated among us ; the latter is considered as an uncertain crop — South of New York, and I have found it so on my farms : — of the latter I have not made sufficient trial to hazard an opinion of success. About Philadelphia it succeeds well. —
The cassia charmcecrista, or Eastern shore Bean, as it is denominated here, has obtained a higher reputation than it deserves ; and like most things unnaturally puffed sinks into disrepute. Ten or more years ago, led away by exaggerated accounts of its fertilizing quality, I was induced to give a very high price for some of the seed, and attending to the growth in all its stages, I found that my own fields which had been uncultivated for two or three years, abounded with the same plants ; without perceiving any of those advantages which had been attributed to them.
I am not surprized that our mode of fencing should be disgusting to an European eye ; happy wou'd it have been for us if it had appeared so in our own eyes ; for no sort of fencing is more expensive or wasteful of timber. I have been endeavoring for years to substitute live fences in place of them, but my long absences from home has in this as in every thing else, frustrated all my plans that required time and particular attention to effect it. I shall now
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 411
(although it is too late in the day for me to see the result) begin in good earnest to Ditch and hedge ; the latter I am attempting with various things but believe none will be found better than cedar, al- though I have several kinds of white thorn growing spontaneously on my own grounds. —
Rollers I have been in the constant use of many years — in the way you mention, and find considerable benefit in passing them over my winter grain in the Spring as soon as the ground will admit a hoof on it. I use them also on Spring grain and grass seeds, after sowing and sometimes before, to reduce the clods when the ground is rough. My clover gener- ally is sown with Spring grain, but where the ground is not too stiff and binding it succeeds very well on wheat, sown on a light snow in February, or begin- ning of March ; it sinks with the snow and takes good root — and orchard grass of all others is in my opinion the best mixture with clover : — it blooms precisely at the same time, rises quick again after cutting — stands thick — yields well — and both horses and cattle are fond of it — green or in hay. Alone, unless it is sown very thick it is apt to form tussacks ; if of this or any other seeds I can procure, you shou'd be in want, I shall have great pleasure in furnishing them. * * *
For the detailed account of your observations on the Husbandry of these United States, and your reflection thereon, I feel myself much obliged ; and shall at all times be thankful for any suggestions on agricultural subjects, you may find leizure and inclina-
4i2 THE WRITINGS OF [1797
tion to favor me with, as the remainder of my life (which in the common course of things Now in my 66th year, cannot be of long continuance) will be devoted wholy to rural and agricultural pursuits.
Mrs. Washington feels the obligation of your polite remembrance of her — and Mr. and Mrs. Law, who went from hence yesterday, have added a daugh- ter to their stock, and are all in good health. For the trouble you took in going to Hull, to see if any of the Emigrants who were on the point of sailing from thence to America, would answer my purposes as tenants and for your very kind and friendly offer of rendering me services, I pray you to accept my sincere thanks, and an assurance of the Esteem &c.
TO TIMOTHY PICKERING, SECRETARY OF STATE.
Mount Vernon, 4 August, 1797.
Dear Sir,
In a late letter from the Attorney General (Lee) he has requested a copy of the opinion he gave rela- tive to the recall of Mr. Monroe. —
Among the packages most likely (as I conceived) to produce it, I have searched for the original in vain ; — nor among these do I find the opinions of the Heads of Departments on various other subjects. — How to account for this I am unable, unless the bundle containing them, which I once put into your hands, for a particular purpose was never returned, or left by Mr. Lear and Mr Dandridge (who were
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 413
employed in separating and packing up my Papers) put them by mistake among the files which were intended for my successor in office.
I have not yet opened all my packages of papers, nor can I do it until I have provided some place, in which they can be depositted with safety — but I pray you to let me know whether the bundle I have alluded to, was returned or not by you. — Your answer may save a further search and some anxiety. — With &c.
TO JAMES McHENRY, SECRETARY OF WAR.
Mount Vernon, 14 August, 1797.
Dear Sir,
It is a little out of time, to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 9th ulto. but u better late than never" — and one object in doing it, is to pray you to thank Mr. Bordley in my name, for the work he had the goodness to send me, through the channel of your conveyance.
I presume the. affair of Mr. Blount will lye dor- mant untill the Committee of Congress make Report at the ensuing Session. It will be to be regretted much, if this business is not probed to the bottom. That Government may not sleep or be forgotten in the meantime, I perceive Mr Monroe has opened a Battery against it ; but if his subsequent fire does no more injury than the first, his Artillery will recoil upon himself.
It had escaped me until reminded by a reperusal
4i4 THE WRITINGS OF [1797
of some of your first letters, that my Table ornaments and Coolers were in your possession. Not for the value of the thing, but as a token of my friendship and as a remembrancer of it, I ask you, Colonel Pick- ering, and Mr Wolcott to accept, each one of the two bottle Coolers.
The other articles I pray you to have carefully packed (the Porcelain in fine Saw dust) and sent to Colo. Biddle, who will be directed what to do with them and will pay the cost of packing.
What is the character of Porcupine's Gazette ? I had thought when I left Philadelphia, of ordering it to be sent to me ; then again, I thought it best not to do it ; and altho I should like to see both his and Bache's, the latter may, under all circumstances, be the best decision, I mean not subscribing to either of them.
Mrs. Washington and Miss Custis thanks you for your kind remembrance of them ; and unite with me in best regards for Mrs McHenry, yourself and family. With much truth I am your sincere friend and affec- tionate servant &c.
P.S. I shall rely on you to present the Coolers in my name to the Gentlemen above mentd. Since writing the letter which encloses this scrap I have determined to let the Table ornaments and large coolers go into the hands of Colo. Clement Biddle unpacked, to see if he can dispose of them ; — and I pray you to cause them to be delivered in that manner accordingly.
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 415
TO TIMOTHY PICKERING, SECRETARY OF STATE.
Mount Vernon, 29 August, 1797.
Dear Sir,
Your favors of the 9th 10th and 19th inst. have been duly received ; — for your care of my European letters and attention to the Copying press, Laws of the United States, and journals of Congress, I feel myself obliged. — If the vessel has not already left Philadelphia the Tryal, Capt. Hand, is up for Alex- andria, and will afford a good conveyance for the above articles, as it has other small matters on Board for me : —
Colo. Monroe passed through Alexandria last week but did not Honor me by a call. If what he has promised the public does him no more credit, than what he has given to it in his last exhibition, his friends must be apprehensive of a recoil.
From a variety of accounts as well as from Extracts you had the kindness to send me, I have no doubt in the change in the sentiments of the people of France favorable to the Interest of this Country. — But I can scarsely believe that it will be so great or so sudden as some imagine. — Candor is not a more conspicuous trait in the character of Governments than it is of individuals. It is hardly to be expected then that the Directory of France will acknowledge its errors ; and tread back its steps immediately. This would announce at once that there has been precipitancy and injustice in the measures they have pursued, — or that it was incapable of Judging and had been de- ceived by false misrepresentations. — Pride would be
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opposed to all these, and I can scarsely think the Directory will relinquish the hold it has upon those who, more than probable, have suggested and pro- moted the measures, they have been pursuing. — I rather suppose that it will lower its tone by degrees and (as is usual) place the change to the credit of French Magnanimity — The report, as coining from Capt. Towers, that General Pinckney had been in- vited to Paris by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, attached itself in its passage to Philadelphia, or pass- ing through different hands. For Genl. Lee (who hearing various reports of what the Capt. had related of his conversation with the General) went on board the Saratoga and got the details without any mention of that fact, which wou'd have been of too much importance for omission.
That the statement of facts in the printed letter to General Pinckney will work conviction and produce a change of conduct in those who are desirous of in- formation and not obstinately bent upon wrong measures ; I have no doubt, — and I can say with truth that my mind has never been alarmed by any fears of a war with France. — I always knew that this Government, had no desire to go to war, with that or any other Country, and I as firmly believed that no power without a semblance of Justice would declare war against it. — That France has stept far beyond the line of rectitude cannot be denied ; that it has been encouraged to do so by a party among our- selves, is to my mind equally certain ; and when it is considered moreover, that enriching themselves and
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 417
injuring Great Britain were the expected consequences of their spoilations, I could account (tho' not on honorable principles in them) for their going to a certain point, — but I never did believe that they would declare an open war against us — or compel us, if they foresaw that would be the result, to declare it against them. —
Enclosed you will receive, if this letter gets safe, $35 in bank notes of the United States, and it would add to my convenience if Mr Taylor would be so obliging as to have the press fixed for copying : for as the use of one was not practiced by me, I may be at a loss in doing it. — I do not mean that it should be accompanied by a Table, but board only between the Rollers, as the screws which I have to a small press, will I presume answer for the other, I wou'd pray him also (if the press is still with him) to use it, and that if there be any imperfection, that it may be corrected before it comes hither, as I should be unable to do it afterwards. With very great esteem and regard I am &c.
TO GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS.
Mount Vernon, 29 August, 1797.
Dear Washington :
Your letter of the 21st instant, came to hand by
the last post, and as usual, gave us pleasure to hear
that you enjoyed good health, were progressing well
in your studies, and that you were in the road to
promotion. 27
418 THE WRITINGS OF [1797
The senior class having left, or being on the point of leaving college, some of them with great eclat, ought to provoke strong stimulus to those who re- main, to acquire equal reputation, which is not other- wise to be done than by perseverance and close application ; in neither of which I hope you will be found deficient.
Not knowing the precise time that the vacation commences, I have put under cover with this letter to Doctor Smith, forty dollars to defray the expenses of your journey ; and both your grandmamma and myself desire that you will not think of doing it by water, as the passage may not only be very tedious, but subject to a variety of accidents, to which a journey by land is exempt ; and as the yellow fever is announced from authority to be in Philadelphia we enjoin it on you strictly to pursue the route, and the direction which you may receive from the presi- dent of the college, to avoid the inconveniences and consequences which a different conduct might involve you and others in.
Although I persuade myself that there is no occa- sion for the admonition, yet I exhort you to come with a mind steadfastly resolved to return precisely at the time alloted, that it may be guarded against those ideas and allurements which unbend it from study, and cause reluctance to return to it again. Better remain where you are than suffer impressions of this sort to be imbibed from a visit, however desirous that visit may be to you, and pleasing to your friends, who will prefer infinitely your perma-
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 419
nent good, to temporary gratifications ; but I shall make all fears of this sort yield to a firm persuasion, that every day convinces you more and more of the propriety and necessity of devoting your youthful days in the requirement of that knowledge which will be advantageous, grateful, and pleasing to you in maturer years, and may be the foundation of your usefulness here, and happiness hereafter.
Your grandmamma (who is prevented writing to you by General Spotswood and family's being here) has been a good indisposed by swelling on one side of her face, but it is now much better. The rest of the family within doors are all well, and all unite in best regards for you, with your sincere friend, and affectionate
TO GENERAL LAFAYETTE.
Mount Vernon, 8 October, 1797.
My Dear Sir,
This letter I hope and expect will be presented to you by your son, who is highly deserving of such parents as you and your amiable lady.
He can relate, much better than I can describe, my participation in your sufferings, my solicitude for your relief, the measures I adopted, (though ineffec- tual,) to facilitate your liberation from an unjust and cruel imprisonment, and the joy I experienced at the news of its accomplishment. I shall hasten, there- fore, to congratulate you, and be assured that no one can do it with more cordiality, with more sincerity, or
42o THE WRITINGS OF [1797
with greater affection, on the restoration of that lib- erty, which every act of your life entitles you to the enjoyment of ; and I hope I may add, to the uninter- rupted possession of your estates, and the confidence of your country. The repossession of these things, though they cannot compensate for the hardships you have endured, may nevertheless soften the painful re- membrance of them.
From the delicate and responsible situation in which I stood as a public officer, but more especially from a misconception of the manner in which your son had left France, (till explained in a personal interview with himself,) he did not come immediately into my family on his arrival in America, though he was assured in the first moments of it of my protec- tion and support. His conduct, since he first set his feet on American ground, has been exemplary in every point of view, such as has gained him the esteem, affection, and confidence of all who have had the pleasure of his acquaintance. His filial affection and duty, and his ardent desire to embrace his parents and sisters in the first moments of their releasement, would not allow him to wait the authentic account of this much desired event ; but, at the same time that I suggested the propriety of this, I could not with- hold my assent to the gratification of his wishes to fly to the arms of those whom he holds most dear, per- suaded as he is from the information he has received, that he shall find you all in Paris.
M. Frestel has been a true Mentor to George. No parents could have been more attentive to a favorite
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 4"
son ; and he richly merits all that can be said of his virtues, of his good sense, and of his prudence. Both your son and him carry with them the vows and re- grets of his family, and of all who know them. And you may be assured, that you yourself never stood higher in the affections of the people of this country, than at the present moment.1
With what concerns myself personally, I shall not take up your time further than to add, that I have once more retreated to the shades of my own vine, and fig Tree where I shall remain with best vows for the prosperity of that country for whose happiness I have toiled many years, to establish its Independence, Constitution and Law, — and for the good of mankind in general, until the days of my sojournment, which cannot be many, are accomplished.
Having bid a final adieu to the walks of public life, and meaning to withdraw myself from the politics thereof, I shall refer you to M. Frestel and George, who, (at the same time that they have from pruden- tial considerations avoided all interference in the politics of the country,) cannot have been inattentive observers of what was passing among us, to give you a general view of our situation, and of the party, which in my opinion has disturbed the peace and tranquillity of it. And with sentiments of the highest regard for you, your lady, and daughters, and with assurances, that, if inclination or event should induce you or any of them to visit America, no person in it
1 George W. Lafayette, and M. Frestel sailed from New York for France on the 26th of October.
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would receive you with more cordiality and affection, than Mrs. Washington and myself would do, both of us being most sincerely and affectionately attached to you and admirers of them, yours, ever, &c.
TO BUSHROD WASHINGTON.
Mount Vernon, 9 October, 1797.
Dear Sir,
Mr. Thomas Pearson, heir in tail to Simon Pear- son, his brother, has brought suit in the Court of this County, for the lands which the latter sold to Win. Triplett, George Johnson and myself, five and thirty years ago. —
I understand from Colo. Simms, who is Pearson's Lawyer, that his complaint is founded upon some ir- regularity in the proceedings of the Jury, who met on the land to value the same, pursuant to a writ of ad quod damnum — and the examination of the evi- dence to prove these irregularities went (for I at- tended) to the establishment of two Points — 1st. that there was no survey of the premises in presence of the Jury, at the time of their enquiry into the value of the land ; and 2ly. that the said Jury did not ex- plore it sufficiently to ascertain with exactness what the real value of the land was.
This is the amount of Grafton Kirk's evidence, who was one of the Jurors, and who from your prac- tice in Fairfax County, you may have learnt, is a rare hand at all obsolete claims that depend much on a good memory.
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 423
As I shall be ultimately affected in this business if Pearson's claim obtains (having sold my part of the tract (178 acres) to Mr. Lund Washington), it be- hooves me to look into the matter timously — let me then ask your opinion on the following points ? —
1 st. Does the Law providing for the Docking of Entails, by a writ of ad quod damnum, make a survey in presence of the Jury an essential Part of the pro- ceedings ? —
The Writ itself (of which I retained a copy) direct- ing the Sheriff to summon respectable men of his County for the purpose of ascertaining the value of the land &c, requires no such thing.
2d. Who is to Judge of the mode by which a Jury on oath is to report their opinion of the value of the land if they are not to do it themselves ? —
Mr. Kirk swears he did not, on the day, traverse a foot of the land. — Why ? because, says he, living adjoining thereto, I could not be made better ac- quainted with it than I was ; neither did J no. Askins (another of the Jurymen) stir from the house at which they met ; on the Land. — Why again? because Jno. Askins knew it as well as he did. — The rest of the Jurors he acknowledged rode, but were not gone long enough to go over quarter part of the land. — These if not the words are the literal meaning of them, and the sum of Grafton Kirk's evidence. — No tampering with the Jury to under value the land is even hinted at. — and the transfers devises and descent to Simon Pearson are admitted to be good in order to prove that the said Simon held the land in fee tail and dying
424 THE WRITINGS OF [1797
(as they say) without legitimate children, that Thos. Pearson his brother is heir in tail.
3d. Whether as Simon was lawfully married and never legally divorced the children of that woman though begotten (no matter by whom) in the state of separation from him is not a bar to the claim of Thomas ?
4th. What operation will the Act of Assembly of Virginia for Docking all Entails, (passed many years after the land in dispute was Docked by a writ of ad quod damnum, and sold in 1762) and many years too before the death of Simon Pearson which only hap- pened last Spring have in this Case ? — It being understood that the said Simon conveyed the 178 acres to me with a general Warrantee.
5th. I would ask how far my conveyance of the said land to Mr. L. Washington with a general Warrantee also, make me liable for the buildings as well as the land which has been placed thereon ? — and
6th. Whether I had better interest my self in de- fending the suit already commenced in the County Court, or await the decision there and take it up in the dernier resort, if it shd be adverse. I wish also as the case in my judgment turns upon simple points which do not require much study or research, to be informed (confidentially) whether in your opin- ion Mr. Swan's demand for defending the suit is not unreasonable ? — viz. : $100 in hand and the like sum at the close of the business ? —
You may think me an unprofitable applicant in
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 425
asking opinions and requiring services of you without dousing my money, but pay day may come. If the cause should go to the higher Courts I shall expect you will appear for me, and Mr. Marshall also (if you should not have quit the practice). If the latter should not be returned in time, say who else had I best employ ? I beg you will send me and as soon as you can certified copies from the Records of Richmond, of the papers mentioned in the enclosed. — With sincere friendship &c.
P. S. Whether Colo. Simms has any thing in petto I am unable to say, I am told however that he is sanguine and some add that he is to go snacks —
TO WILLIAM GORDON.
Mount Vernon, 15th October, 1797.
Revd. Sir ;
Your favor of the 20th Feby. has been received, and I am indebted to you for many other unacknowl- edged letters. The truth is, I soon found after en- tering upon the duties of my late public station that private correspondences did not accord with official duties ; and being determined to perform the latter to the best of my abilities ; I early relinquish'd the former, when business was not the subject of them.
It might be asked why suffer the letter of the 20th of Feby. (which is of the latter description) to re- main unacknowledged, after I had months past bid adieu to my public walks ? — the answer is easy. — An eight years absence from home (excepting short oc-
426 THE WRITINGS OF [1797
casional visits) had so deranged my private affairs ; — had so despoiled my buildings ; — and in a word had thrown my domestic concerns into such disorder, — as at no period of my life have I been more engaged than in the last six months to recover and put them into some tolerable train again.
Workmen in most Countries I believe are neces- sary plagues ; — in this where entreaties as well as money must be used to obtain their work and keep them to their duty they baffle all calculation in the accomplishment of any plan or repairs they are en- gaged in ; — and require more attention to and look- ing after than can be well conceived. Numbers of these of all descriptions having been employed by me ever since I came home (to render my situation com- fortable the ensuing Winter) has allowed me little leisure for other occupations.
Rural employments while I am spared (which in the natural course of things cannot be long) will now take place of toil, — responsibility — and the solicitudes attending the walks of public life ; and with vows for the Peace, happiness and prosperity of a Country in whose service the prime of my life hath been spent, — and with best wishes for the tranquility of all na- tions, and all men, the scene will close, — grateful to that providence which has directed my steps and shielded me in the various changes and chances, through which I have passed from my youth to the present moment. —
I scarcely know what you alluded to in your letter of the 20th of Feby. when you say " I observed in
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 427
the Philadelphia papers, mention made of a publica- tion of a volume of your Epistles, domestic confi- dential and official." — unless it be the spurious letters which issued from a certain press in New York dur- ing the war, with a view to destroy the confidence which the army and community might have had in my political principles ; — and which have lately been republished with greater avidity and perseverance than ever, by Mr. Bache to answer the same nefari- ous purpose with the latter. —
I suffered every attack that was made upon my Executive Conduct (the one just mentioned among the rest) to pass unnoticed while I remained in pub- lic office, well knowing that if the general tenor of it wou'd not stand the test of investigation, a news- paper vindication would be of little avail. — but as immense pains has been taken by this said Mr. Bache who is no more than the agent or tool of those who are endeavoring to destroy the confidence of the people, in the officers of Government (chosen by themselves) to disseminate these counterfeit letters, I conceived it a justice due to my own character, and to posterity to disavow them in explicit Terms, and this I did in a letter directed to the Secretary of State, to be filed in his office the day on which I closed my Administration. — This letter has since been published in the Gazettes by the head of that Department.
With respect to your own request I can say nothing. So many things are continually given to the public of which I have no previous knowledge nor
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time indeed to inspect them if I had been therewith informed — that I may mistake the meaning of it. — the late Secretary of State (now Vice President) permitted a Mr. Carey1 my consent being first ob- tained to take copies under his inspection of the letters I had written to Congress, which letters have since been published and are I presume genuine and must be those which you refer to — But as they are the work of another who is now in England on this business, I cannot suppose that you had it in contem- plation to derive a benefit from his labors — I shall only add therefore that discretion in matters of this sort must be your guide without a yea or nay from me. —
For Politics I shall refer you to the Gazettes of this Country with which I presume you are acquainted, and with respect to other matters I have nothing which would be entertaining or worth narrating.
Mrs. Washington unites with me in best wishes for the health and happiness of yourself and Mrs. Gordon — and I am with esteem and respect — Revd. Sir, &c.
TO JOHN LANGHORNE.
Mount Vernon, 15 October, 1797.
Sir,
Your favor of the 25th ultimo has been received, but not so soon as might have been expected from the date of it. For the favorable sentiments you
'John Carey. See Ford, Spurious Letters Attributed to Washington, 16.
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 429
have been pleased to express, relative to my conduct in public life, I thank you. For the divisions which have taken place among us, with respect to our political concerns, for the attacks which have been made upon those, to whom the administration of the government has been intrusted by the people, and for the calumnies which are levelled at all those, who are disposed to support the measures thereof, I feel, on public account, as much as any man can do, be- cause in my opinion much evil and no good can result to this country from such conduct.
So far as these attacks are aimed at me personally, it is, I can assure you, Sir, a misconception, if it be supposed I feel the venom of the darts. Within me I have a consolation, which proves an antidote against their utmost malignity, rendering my mind in the re- tirement I have long panted after perfectly tranquil. I am, &C.1
1 The name placed at the head of this letter was fictitious. A person, sign- ing himself "John Langhorne," had written to General Washington, with the insidious design of drawing from him remarks and opinions on political subjects, which might be turned to his injury, and promote the aims of a party. The fraud was detected by Mr. John Nicholas, who ascertained accidentally that a letter from General Washington was in the post-office at Charlottesville, in Albemarle County, directed to John Langhorne (a name unknown in that neighborhood), and that it was sent for by a person whose political connexions and sentiments were in harmony with the party which had opposed the meas- ures of Washington.
" I know not how to thank you sufficiently, for the kind intention of your obliging favor of the 18th instant. If the object of Mr. Langhorne, who to me in personal character is an entire stranger, was such as you suspect, it will appear from my "nswer to his letter, that he fell far short of his mark. But as the writer of it seems to be better known to you, and that you may be the bet- ter enabled to form a more correct opinion of the design, I take the liberty of transmitting a copy of it along with the answer. If they should be a 'means of detecting any nefarious plan of those, who are assailing the government in
43© THE WRITINGS OF [1797
TO BUSHROD WASHINGTON.
Mount Vernon, 3 November, 1797.
My dear Sir :
Your letter of the 30th ult. was received by the last Post.
Your aunt's distresses for want of a good house- keeper are such as to render the wages demanded by Mrs. Forbes (though unusually high) of no con- sideration ; and we must, though very reluctantly, yield to the time she requires to prepare for her fixture here. We wish however that it might be shortened.
If you are in habits of free communication with Mr. Brooke or with others who had opportunities of judging completely of the qualifications and conduct of Mrs. Forbes as a housekeeper, I would thank you for ascertaining and giving it to me in as precise a manner as you can obtain it. Among other things it would be satisfactory to know —
What countrywoman she is?
Whether Widow or Wife ? if the latter
Where her husband is ?
What family she has ?
What her age is ?
Of what temper ?
every shape that can be devised, I shall feel happy in having had it in my power to furnish them. If the case be otherwise, the papers may be committed to the flames, and the transaction buried in oblivion. To confess the truth, I considered Mr. Langhorne in my " mind's eye " a pedant, who was desirous of displaying the flowers of his pen. In either case, I would thank you for the result of the investigation." — Washington to John Nicholas, 30 November, 1797.
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 431
Whether active and spirited in the execution of her business ?
Whether sober and honest ?
Whether much knowledge in Cookery, and under- stands ordering and setting out a table ?
What her appearance is ?
With other matters which may occur to you to ask, — and necessary for me to know.
Mrs. Forbes will have a warm, decent and com- fortable room to herself, to lodge in, and will eat of the victuals of our Table, but not set at it, at any time with us, be her appearance what it may ; for if this was once admitted, no line satisfactory to either party, perhaps, could be drawn thereafter. — It might be well for me to know however whether this was admitted at Govr. Brooke's or not.
Is it practicable do you think to get a good and well-disposed negro cook on hire, or purchase P1 Men- tion this want of ours to Mrs Forbes. She from the interest she would have therein might make enquiry. — Yours always and affectionate.
P. S. Since writing the foregoing Mrs. L. Wash- ington informs me that Mr. Swan is anxious to learn from the Returns, or Records in the General Court, — or from the best information you can obtain, whether it has been the invariable practice to survey the Land docked by a writ of Ad quod damnum — whether it has
1 " The running off of my cook has been a most inconvenient thing to this family, and what rendered it more disagreeable, in that I had resolved never to become the Master of another slave by purchase, but this resolution I fear I must break. I have endeavored to hire, black or white, but am not yet supplied." — Washington to George Lewis, 13 November, 1797.
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frequently been dispensed with — and what has been the consequence. — Let me thank you for making this enquiry and furnishing me with the result of it.
TO JOHN MARSHALL.
Mount Vernon, 4 December, 1797.
Dear Sir,
Your very interesting and obliging favor of the 15th of September from the Hague came duly to hand, and I thank you sincerely for the important details, with which it is fraught, and pray for the con- tinuation of them.
I congratulate you too on your safe arrival from shipboard, and, as the newspapers tell us, at Paris ; ! and I wish in a little while hence I may have it in my power to do the same on the favorable conclusion of your embassy, and happy return to your family and friends in this country. To predict the contrary might be as unjust, as it would be impolitic, and therefore mum — on that topic. Be the issue, however, what it may, three things I shall be perfectly satisfied of; and these are, that nothing which justice, sound reasoning, and fair representation would require, will be wanting to render it just and honorable ; and, if it is not so, that the eyes of all in this country, who are not wilfully blind and resolved to remain so (some from one motive and some from another), will be
1 As one of the envoys from the United States, in conjunction with Charles Cotesworth Pinckney and Elbridge Gerry.
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 433
fully opened ; and, lastly, that if the French Directory proceed on the supposition, that the parties in these United States are nearly equal, and that one of them would advocate their measures in the dernier resort, they will greatly deceive themselves. For the mass of our citizens require no more than to understand a question to decide it properly, and an adverse conclu- sion of the negotiation will effect this. Indeed, I believe it may be said with truth, that a very great change in the public mind has taken place already. The leaders, it is true, attempt to keep up the ball, which is evidently declining ; but as both Houses of Congress have formed quorums, and received the President's speech, the response of the representative branch will be some criterion by which this opinion of mine may be tried, though not a conclusive one.
The situation of things in Holland is a good lesson or us, if we are disposed to profit by it ; but unfor- tunately the nature of man is such, that the expe- rience of others is not attended to as it ought to be. We must feel, ourselves, before we can think or perceive the danger that threatens. But, as this letter, (after it quits the office of the Secretary of State, to whose care I shall send it,) may pass through many hands, I shall dwell very little on European politics. It is laughable enough, however, to behold those men amongst us, who were reprobat- ing in the severest terms, and sounding the tocsin upon every occasion, that a wild imagination could torture into a stretch of power or unconstitutionality in the executive of the United States, all of a sudden
434 THE WRITINGS OF [1797
become the warm advocates of those high-handed measures of the French Directory, which succeeded the arrestations on the 4th of September ; and this, too, without denying that the barriers of the constitution, under which they acted, have been overleaped, but that they have done it on the ground of tender mercy and an unwillingness to shed blood. But so it always has been, and I presume ever will be with men, who are governed more by passion and party views, than by the dictates of justice, temperance, and sound policy.1 If there were good grounds to suspect, that the proscribed and banished characters were engaged in a conspiracy against the constitution of the people's choice, to seize them even in an irregular manner might be justified upon the ground of expediency and of self-preservation ; but, after they were secured and amenable to the laws, to condemn them without a hearing, and consign them to punish- ment more rigorous perhaps than death, is the summit of despotism.2
1 " I hope the calm with which this session of Congress has commenced will not be succeeded by a storm. I shall confess, however, that my expectations fall far short of my hopes on this occasion. Tranquillity will not continue to the end of it, nor can harmony be looked for while the same men who were sounding the tocsin at every thing that a wild imagination could construe into even a tendency to stretch the power of government here, are advocating the most outrageous violations of it elsewhere. But no conduct is too absurd or inconsistent for some men to give in to." — Washington to Timothy Pickering, II December, 1797.
• "What their reception [Marshall, Pinckney, and Gerry] has been, and what may be the issue of the negotiation with which they are charged is not for me to pronounce. The late revolution, however, at that place, will not introduce them under the most favorable auspices in my opinion ; but this event, like all other acts of the French government, is extolled by men
1797] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 435
A very severe winter has commenced since the first of November, we have hardly experienced a moderate day ; heavy rains following severe frosts have done more damage to the winter grain now growing than I recollect ever to have seen — at this moment and for several days past all the Creeks and small Waters are hard bound with ice — and if the navigation of the River is not entirely stoped is yet very much impeded by it. The crops of Indian Corn in the lower parts of the State, have been un- commonly great : midway of it tolerably good ; but under the mountains and above them, extremely bad — with partial exceptions — The Wheat in Crop and in quantity turned out better than was expected ; in quality remarkable fine : the white and early wheat weighing from 60 to 641b. pr. bushel.
Young Lafayette, too fondly led by his eagerness to embrace his parents and sisters, in the first mo- ments of their releasement from prison, and uninten- tionally deceived by premature accounts from his friends at Hamburg, that this event had actually taken place, embarked for this purpose on the 26th of October at New York for Havre de Grace. Since which, official accounts have been received of the terms on which his liberation was granted by the Emperor, the meeting in Europe is become problem- atical ; a circumstance, should it happen, which will
amongst us as a master piece of vigilance, wisdom and patriotism. The means used to effect this are not overlooked, but applauded. Of course the Constitu- tion, like Treaties, are not obligatory when they become inconvenient." — Washington to William Vans Murray, 3 December, 1797.
436 THE WRITINGS OF [1798
be sorely regretted on both sides. I said all I could to induce him to wait here until he should receive direct advice from his father ; but his impatience, on the one hand, and his confidence in the information he had received, that his parents were on their way to Paris, on the other, his apprehensions from a win- ter's passage, and belief that he should not be illy received in France, even if they were not there, turned the scale against my opinion and advice, that he should postpone his departure until he heard from him or one of the family.
With very great esteem and regard, I remain, dear Sir, &c.
TO GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS.
7 January, 1798.
System in all things should be aimed at ; for in execution it renders every thing more easy.
If now and then, of a morning before breakfast, you are inclined by way of change, to go out with a gun, I shall not object to it ; provided you return by the hour we usually set down to that meal.
From breakfast, until about an hour before dinner (allowed for dressing and preparing for it, that you may appear decent) I shall expect you will confine yourself to your studies, and diligently attend to them ; endeavoring to make yourself master of what- ever is recommended to, or required of you.
While the afternoons are short, and but little interval between rising from dinner and assembling
1798] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 437
for tea, you may employ that time in walking, or any other recreation.
After tea, if the studies you are engaged in require it, you will no doubt perceive the propriety and advantage of returning to them, until the hour of rest.
Rise early, that by habit it may become familiar, agreeable, healthy, and profitable. It may, forta while, be irksome to do this, but that will wear off; and the practice will produce a rich harvest forever thereafter ; whether in public, or private walks of life.
Make it an invariable rule to be in place (unless extraordinary circumstances prevent it) at the usual breakfasting, dining and tea hours. It is not only disagreeable, but it is also very inconvenient for servants to be running here and there, and they know not where, to summon you to them, when their duties, and attendance, on the company who are seated, render it improper.
Saturday may be appropriated to riding ; to your gun, and other proper amusements.
Time disposed of in this manner, makes ample provision for exercise, and every useful or necessary recreation ; at the same time that the hours allotted for study, if really applied to it instead of running up and down stairs, and wasted in conversation with any one who will talk with you, will enable you to make considerable progress in whatever line is marked out for you, and that you may do (?) it, is my sincere wish.
438 THE WRITINGS OF [1798
TO JAMES McHENRY.
[private.]
•p. q Mount Vernon, 28 January, 1798.
J_yEAR oIR,
Knowing that the War Office has an Agency in the Western Lands, I take the liberty of putting the enclosed letters to General Putnam and Colo. Sar- gent under cover to you, open. By doing so it supercedes the necessity of a repetition of what is therein mentioned. Another reason for giving you this trouble, is that if Mr. Massey is a Surveyor in the Northwestern Territory, it is highly probable that his business in Philadelphia is with your Office. In which case, let me pray you to obtain what information he can give respecting the claim upon my land and trans- mit the same to me ; and to request, after sealing my letters to the Gentlemen above mentioned, that you would be so kind as to put them into the safest chan- nel of conveyance, that is afforded Philadelphia.
What means this calm, and apparent harmony in the Representative body ? Is it because no collisive subject has come on ? or does it proceed from a change of sentiment in the opposition members ? Are there no accounts yet from our Envoys ? If not, to what is their silence attributed, when the News Papers are filled with accounts of them, as late as the middle of November, from Paris ; where they must have been at least six weeks ? 1
1 "It is time now to hear what the reception of our envoys at Paris has been, and what their prospects are. It surely cannot be that Fauchet and Adet are appointed by the Directory to negotiate with them ! If the fact
1798] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 439
What, as far as it can be guessed at, is the public sentiment relative to Monroe's voluminous work ? which I have not yet seen but have sent for it. And what of Fauchet's P1 Another elaborate work I presume, will appear soon, from the late Commis- sioner of the Revenue ; the cause of whose dismis- sion has never (that I have seen) been hinted at in the Gazettes.
What has been, or is it supposed will be done by the house of Representatives in consequence of the extraordinary application which was made to them on that occasion, by the Ex-Commissioners.
I have exhibited a long string of questions, but if you have not leisure or if any of them are embarras- sing, I require no answer to them. Mrs. Washing- ton and Nelly Custis unite with me in every good wish for Mrs. Mc Henry, yourself and family, and I am always, and
Affectionately Yours.
TO TIMOTHY PICKERING, SECRETARY OF STATE.
Mount Vernon, 6 February, 1798.
Dear Sir,
Your letters of the 20th and 27th ult. have been duly received and the Pamphlets with Colo. Monroe's view came safe. * • • •
however be otherwise, it requires not the spirit of divination to predict the issue." — Washington to Oliver Wolcott, 17 December, 1797.
1 " Allow me also to ask the favor of you to send me Col. Monroe's and Mr. Fauchet's Pamphlets, and if you have leisure (not else) to let me know what the public sentiments respecting them is. In one of these, or in some
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I have not had leisure yet to look into Monroe's views, nor to read more than the first numbers of Scipio, although I have them to the 15th Inclusive. — Postponing the latter until I had obtained the former.
Notwithstanding there existed no doubt in my mind that the charge exhibited against you in the Aurora was a malignant falsehood — yet satisfied as I am of the motive and the end intended to be an- swered by the publication I have read with much gratification your explicit disavowal of its applica- tion.1 But the more the views of those who are opposed to the measures of our Government are developed, the less surprised I am at the attempt, and the means, cowardly illiberal and assasin like, which are used to subvert it : — and to destroy all confidence in those who are intrusted with the ad- ministration thereof. Among these to be classed an assertion in the Pamphlet written by Mr. Fauchet in these words, " It is the general opinion that Mr. Talon came to Philadelphia on a confidential mis- sion from the Pretender to Genl. Washington. He was admitted to a very particular audience with
other way, I find by a writer in a Richmond paper, a private letter of mine to Mr. Gour. Morris is given to the public. If given fairly with the cause that produced it, I have no doubt of its operating against the measure it was in- tended to promote." — Washington to Pickering, 12 January, 1798.
" I will add, however, while the pen is in my hand, that with you, I think it is vain to expect any change in the sentiments or political conduct of those who are, in every form it can be tried, opposing the measures of the govern- ment, and endeavoring to sap the foundation of the Constitution. A little time must decide what their ulterior movements will be, as they have brought matters to a crisis." — Washington to James Ross, 12 February, 1798.
1 Upham : Life of Timothy Pickering, iii., 309.
1798] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 441
the President before the arrival of Mr. Genet at Philada." — What the General opinion of the French party might have been is not for me to say, but I pronounce the latter part of the quotation to be an impudent, a wicked and groundless assertion — and accordingly authorise any and every person, who chooses to be at the trouble of doing it to contra- dict it in the most unqualified terms. — With Mr. Talon I had no acquaintance, — if he ever was in my company it must have been in the drawing room (or at what was called the levies) on company days. Whether I ever exchanged a word with him during the time of his stay in this country, is more than my memory at this time is able to decide. — If his arrival in it was posterior to the proscription or cloud which hovered, of such characters, the probability is, that he never did ; — be this however as it may — I will pledge myself that I never directly or indirectly ever exchanged a word with him out of the public Rooms — on public days. — and on common place subjects. — And if it could be adjudged expedient by you and those with whom I usually conversed on subjects of this sort, I wou'd announce as much in the Gazettes, when it might not be amiss perhaps to let my whole letter to Gouverneur Morris, and his to me, to which it was an answer, appear also in order to do away the effect of another charge which extracts drawn from the former, was intended to impress on the public mind — namely, a dereliction to France and the con- trary to Great Britain. — To produce a justification of one's conduct in matters of this sort wou'd be un-
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pleasant, if it was unconnected with public concerns, I shou'd treat the assaults with the contempt they deserve.
TO WILLIAM AUGUSTINE WASHINGTON.
M0 Mount Vernon, 27 February, 1708.
Y DEAR Sir,
Mr. Rice called here on his way to Alexandria and delivered me your letter of the 15th Instant.
Of the recent afflicting event which was related therein, we had received previous accounts ; and on that as on former occasions of a similar nature sim- pathised sincerely in your sorrows — But these are the decrees of an all wise Providence against whose dictates the skill, or foresight of man can be of no avail ; — it is incumbent upon him therefore to submit with as little repining as the sensibility of his nature will admit. This will have its course but may be greatly ameliorated, by Philosophical reflection and resignation. — As you have three children left I trust they will be spared to you, and sincerely hope that in them you will find consolation and comfort.1
Had your intimation of Mr. AshtonV wishes been announced to me about a fortnight ago, I would gladly have employed him in the character you have mentioned, provided his expectation of compensation had came within my means ; which in truth are hard-
1 I think the loss referred to is the death of Mary, daughter of Richard Henry Lee, and second wife of William Augustine Washington.
2 Ann, a niece of the President, and sister of William Augustine Washing- ton, married Burdet Ashton. It was probably some connection who wished the position.
1798] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 443
ly able to support the heavy expences I am in a man- ner unavoidably run into, — Finding it impracticable to use the exercise on horse back which my health business and inclination requires, and at the same time to keep my accounts and perform all the writing which my late Public occupations have been the means of involving me in, — I resolved to employ a clerk (if to be had on moderate wages) and accord- ingly about twelve or fourteen days ago engaged one who writes a very good hand and said to understand accounts and Book Keeping at $150 a year. — What would have been Mr. Ashton's expectations I know not beyond this sum or $200 at most I could not have gone ; and if he would have been contented therewith, and the application had been made in time, I should have received him with pleasure in prefer- ence to the person who is to come and who I expect here about the middle of next month if he fulfils his promise.
The reason which you assign for giving the rudi- ments of education to your sons at home is a weighty and conclusive one ; — but much will depend upon the qualifications and fitness of the preceptor you em- ploy, to render it more or less beneficial. To a cer- tain point tuition under the eye of Parents or Guardian of youth, is much to be preferred, because the pre- sumption is : that the properties and passions will be watched with more solicitude and attention by them, than by their Tutors : — but when the direction of these are unfolded and can be counteracted by the dis- cipline of Public schools and the precepts of the pro-
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fessors. Especially too when the judgment is begin- ning to form ; when pride becomes a stimulus ; and the knowledge of men, as well as of Books are to be learnt, I should give the preference to a public Seminary.
I make use of no barley in my Distillery (the operations of which are just commenced). Rye chief- ly and Indian corn in a certain proportion compose the materials from which the whiskey is made. — The former I buy @ 4/6 for the latter I have not given more than 1 7/6, and latterly 1 7/- Delivered at the Distillery. — It has sold in Alexandria (in small quan- tities from the waggons) at 16/. and 16/6. — ^ Barrel but at what it goes now I am unable to inform you. — So large a quantity as you have for sale may com- mand a good price.
Is there any person in your neighborhood in the practice of selling staves proper for flour barrels ? If so be so good as to inform me, and at what price they could be delivered at my landing (at the mill). Any letters for me put into a Post Office, meets a ready a safe passage but how to insure mine to you you can best tell, — and I wish to be informed.
Did you ever receive a letter from me transmitting the request of Sir Isaac Heard of the Heraldry Office in England respecting Genealogy of our family? and my own desire to be furnished with the Inscriptions
on the Tombs of our Ancestors at Bridge
Creek ? Among your father's papers, I thought it likely, you might obtain some information on this head. From the coming over of John and Lawrence
1798] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 445
Washington in the year 1657 — I have [been] able to trace the descendants of the former, being the one from whom our family came, those of Lawrence from whom the Chotankers proceeded I have not been able to give any correct account : and that is the Branch to which Sir Isaac Heard's enquiry's particu- larly point : being tolerably well informed of the de- scendants from John. The enquiry is in my opinion of very little moment, but as Sir Isaac has interested himself in the matter and seems desirous of tracing the family from whom we are descended — back — I wish to give him as correct information of it — as I am able to procure.1
I am very glad to hear that you enjoy tolerable good health at present and that your Children are per- fectly well. It is unnecesary I hope to assure you that at all times, when you can make it convenient and the situation of your health will permit, that we shall be very happy to see you at this place. — Where is Mrs. Washington of Bushfield ? — I hope She is well. I acknowledged the receipt of her letter to me
1 In Vol. XIV. I will give what is known of the Washington family.
" I thank you for the old documents you sent me respecting the family of our ancestors, but I am possessed of papers which prove beyond a doubt, that of the two brothers who emigrated to this country in the year 1657, during the troubles of that day, that John Washington from whom we are descended was the eldest. The pedigree from him I have, and I believe very correct : but the descendants of Lawrence in a regular course, I have not been able to trace. All those of our name in and about Chotank are from the latter. John was the grandfather of my father, and uncle and great grandfather to Warren [Warner] and me. He left two sons, Lawrence and John, the former who was the eldest, was the father of my father, uncle and aunt Willis. Mrs. Hayward must have been a daughter of the first Laurence, and thence becomes the
446 THE WRITINGS OF [1798
by post, but whether it ever got to her hands or not I am unable to say. — Probably not, as you lye out of the post Road and they may not be in the habit of sending to the Post Offices. Poor lady ! I fear she will soon have another afflictive trial of her resigna- tion to the Divine Will, in the death of Mrs. Corbin Washington,1 who from the last accounts we have had of her cannot remain long among us. This family unite in best wishes for you and yours. And I am &c.
TO ALEXANDER WHITE.
Mount Vernon, i March, 1798.
Dear Sir,
Your favor of the 20th ulto. was received yester- day.— For the information it has given I thank you ; although it is not of the most pleasing sort — some parts of it indeed has surprised me not a little, but neither the surprise or the cause of it, shall be com- municated to any other.
My sentiments relatively to the memorial you are already possessed of, and therefore I shall add noth- ing more on that subject, than the expression of a fear, that the disgraceful topic which has so long occupied the time and oratory of the House of Rep- resentatives will contribute nothing to the favorable reception and issue of it.
If time should hang a little heavy on your hands,
cousin of the second Lawrence and John." — Washington to William Augus- tine Washington, 3 October, 1798.
1 She was Hannah, a daughter of Richard Henry Lee.
1798] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 447
while the memorial is pending in Congress the appro- priation of an hour or two of it now and then, not only to inform me of the progress of that business but as a calm observer (and in confidence if you choose it) to give me your opinion of matters as they pass before you in review ; for misrepresentation and party feuds have arisen to such a height, as to distort truth and to become portentous of the most serious consequences. — Where or when they will terminate, or whether they can end at any point short of confu- sion and anarchy is now in my opinion more problem- atical than ever.
I had until lately entertained a hope, that the con- tinued depredations which are committed on our Commerce, — the Pacific measures, which have inva- riably been pursued to obtain redress, and to convince the French of our earnest wish to remain in Peace with them, and all the World — and the indignant treatment those efforts have met with, would have united all parties, and all descriptions of men (except those who wish to see the waters troubled) in a firm and temperate demand of Justice ; or, in preparations for the worst : — but the reverse seems more appar- ently than ever to be the case ; — and every thing that can be by the most unnatural construction is exhibited as a justification of the conduct of France towards this country, and in condemnation of the measures of the latter. —
What seems to be the prevalent opinion of Colo. Monroe's " View of the Conduct of the Executive of the United States ?" I do not mean the opinion of
448 THE WRITINGS OF [1798
either party — but (if such are to be found) of the dispassionate, — or at least of the moderate part of both. — I will make no remarks on it myself inclining rather to hear the observation of others, which I would wish to hear with the most unreserved frank- ness. But I will not enlarge on this or any other subject at present but conclude with assuring you that with sentiments of very great esteem & regard I am &c.
TO BUSHROD WASHINGTON.
Mount Vernon, 8 March, 1798.
My dear Bushrod,
Mr. Nicholas (who is a conspicuous performer in this business) is a gentleman with whom I have no recollected acquaintance, and the political conduct of all those of the name whom I do know, adds noth- ing to my esteem of them. He seems very desirous of drawing me into a correspondence on Party subjects, which of all others is not the most pleasant ; and even civil answers upon this topic to one of whose character I know nothing might be imprudent.
Enquiring upon the receipt of the first letter from Mr. Nicholas who he was, I was answered — I think by Doctr. Stuart — that he was clerk of Albemarle Court ; — was a Respectable man — well disposed to the Government, and the reputed Author of a num- ber of pieces under the signature of Americanus. Since that, he has doubted whether it was the per-
1798] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 449
son he had in view or not. — This circumstance — and Mr. Nicholas in his last letter speaking of you as his intimate friend — has induced me to give you the reading of all the letters — and to rest it with you from a view of the subject, and the knowledge you possess of the character of Mr. Nicholas, to forward, or return to me the letter herewith enclosed to its address. — It is left open for your perusal. If it goes on — Seal and put it under another cover, or not — as you please. The other Inclosures will be returned to me of course.
Our love to Mrs. Washington and with sincere friendship I remain &c.
TO JOHN NICHOLAS.
Mount Vernon, 8 March, 1798.
Sir,
The letter, which you did me the favor of writing to me under date of the 2 2d ultimo, came safe to hand. Nothing short of the evidence you have adduced, corroborative of intimations which I had received long before through another channel, could have shaken my belief in the sincerity of a friend- ship, which I had conceived was possessed for me by the person * to whom you allude. But attempts to injure those, who are supposed to stand well in the estimation of the people, and are stumbling blocks in the way, by misrepresenting their political tenets, thereby to destroy all confidence in them, are among
1 Mr. Jefferson.
29
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the means by which the government is to be assailed, and the constitution destroyed. The conduct of this party is systematized ; and every thing that is op- posed to its execution will be sacrificed without hesitation or remorse, if the end can be answered by it.
If the person whom you suspect was really the author of the letter under the signature of John Langhorne, it is not at all surprising to me, that the correspondence should have ended where it did ; for the penetration of that man would have perceived by the first glance at the answer, that nothing was to be drawn from that mode of attack. In what form the next insidious attempts may appear, remains to be discovered. But as the attempts to explain away the constitution, and weaken the government, are now become so open, and the desire of placing the affairs of this country under the influence and con- trol of a foreign nation is so apparent and strong, it is hardly to be expected that a resort to covert means to effect these objects will be longer regarded.
With respect to Mr. Monroe's " View of the Con- duct of the Executive of the United States" I shall say but little, because as he has called it a " View " thereof, I shall leave it to the tribunal to which he himself has appealed to decide, first, how far a corre- spondence with one of its agents is entitled to the unqualified term he has employed ; secondly, how, if it is not, it is to exhibit a view thereof ; thirdly, how far his instructions and the letters he has received from that executive, through the constitutional organ,
1798] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 451
and to which he refers, can be made to subserve the great points, which he and his party are evidently aiming at, namely, to impress upon the public mind, that favoritism towards Great Britain has produced a dereliction, in the administration, of good will towards France.
As to the propriety of exposing to public view his private instructions and correspondence with his own government, nothing needs be said ; for I should sup- pose, that the measure must be reprobated by the well-informed and intelligent of all nations, and not less by his abettors in this country, if they were not blinded by party views, and determined at all hazards to catch at any thing, that in their opinion will pro- mote them. The mischievous and dangerous tend- ency of such a practice is too glaring to require a •comment.
If the executive, in the opinion of the gentleman you have alluded to, is chargeable with " premedi- tating the destruction of Mr. Monroe in his appoint- ment, because he was the centre around which the republican party rallied in the Senate " ' (a circum- stance quite new to me), it is to be hoped he will give it credit for its lenity towards that gentleman, in having designated several others, not of the Senate, as victims to this office before the sacrifice of Mr. Monroe was ever had in contemplation. As this must be some consolation to him and his friends, I hope they will embrace it.
1 Mr. Nicholas said in his letter that this declaration was made in his hear- ing by Mr. Jefferson.
452 THE WRITINGS OF [1798
But as you have given me assurances of a visit at this place, with Governor Wood, in the spring, which is now commencing, I shall only add, that, with esteem and regard, I am, &c.
REMARKS ON MONROE'S " VIEW OF THE CONDUCT OF THE EXECUTIVE OF THE UNITED STATES."1
"In the month of May, 1794, I was invited by the President of the United States, through the Secretary of State, to accept the office of minister pleni- potentiary to the French Republic." — Page iii.
After several attempts had failed to obtain a more eligable character.
" It had been too my fortune, in the course of my service, to differ from the administration upon many of our most important public measures." — p. iii.
Is this adduced as conclusive evidence, that the administration was in an error ?
" I was persuaded from Mr. Morris's known political character and princi- ples, that his appointment, and especially at a period when the French nation was in a course of revolution from an arbitrary to a free government, would tend to discountenance the republican cause there and at home, and otherwise weaken, and greatly to our prejudice, the connexion subsisting between the two countries." — p. iv.
Mr. Morris was known to be a man of first rate abilities ; and his integrity and honor had never been impeached. Besides,
1 In the library at Mount Vernon was a copy of Monroe's View of the Con- duct of the Executive in the Foreign Affairs of the United States, containing marginal notes in the handwriting of General Washington. These are here brought together, with such extracts from the View as are necessary to afford a proper explanation of them. The extracts are printed in brevier ; the remarks follow each extract. The volume containing the autograph was pre- sented by Judge Bushrod Washington to Judge Story, who left it to Harvard College. The President of Harvard, Edward Everett, placed it under seal, and it was only recently discovered by Mr. Justin Winsor, who courteously allowed me to copy all the annotations of Washington.
1798] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 453
Mr. Morris was sent whilst the kingly government was in exist- ence, ye end of 91 or beginning of 92.
" Mr. Jay was nominated to Great Britain ; which nomination too I opposed, because, under all the well-known circumstances of the moment, I was of opinion we could not adopt such a measure, consistently either with propriety, or any reasonable prospect of adequate success. I also thought, from a variety of considerations, it would be difficult to find, within the limits of the United States, a person who was more likely to improve, to the greatest possible extent, the mischief to which the measure naturally exposed us. This last example took place only a few weeks before my own appointment, which was on the 28th of May, 1794." — p. iv.
Did the then situation of our affairs admit of any other alter- native than negotiation or war ? Was there an abler man, (or one more esteemed,) to be found to conduct the former ?
11 When I considered these circumstances, I was surprised that this proposal should be made to me by the administration, and intimated the same to the Secretary of State ; who replied that my political principles, which were known to favor the French revolution and to cherish a friendly connexion with France, were a strong motive with the President for offering me the mission, since he wished to satisfy the French government what his own sentiments were upon those points." — p. iv.
And who had better opportunities of knowing what these were, than the confidential officers about his person for the time being ?
' ' Our affairs with France had fallen into great derangement, and required an immediate and decisive effort to retrieve them." — p. iv.
Did not this derangement proceed from the injurious conduct of the French, in their violations of the 23d and 24th articles of the treaty with the United States, and the application of the lat- ter for redress ?
" My instructions enjoined it on me to use my utmost endeavours to inspire the French government with perfect confidence in the solicitude, which the President felt for the success of the French revolution, of his own preference for France to all other nations as the friend and ally of the United States ; of the grateful sense which we still retained for the important services that were rendered us by France in the course of our revolution; and to declare in explicit terms, that, although neutrality was the lot we preferred, yet, in case
454 THE WRITINGS OF [1798
we embarked in the war, it would be on her side and against her enemies, be they who they might." — pp. iv.-v.
And is there to be found in any letter from the government to him a single sentiment repugnant thereto ? — On the contrary, are not the same exhortations repeated over and over again ? But could it be inferred from hence, that, in order to please France, we were to relinquish our rights, and sacrifice our commerce ?
" Upon this point [Mr. Jay's mission to England] my instructions were as follows ; * It is not improbable you will be obliged to encounter on this head suspicions of various kinds. But you may declare the motives of that mission to be, to obtain immediate compensation for our plundered property , and restitu- tion of the posts' " — p. v.
And these were the immediate motives ; but for which an extra envoy would not have been sent. — But did it follow, when this expence was about to be incurred, that the government would not embrace the opportunity to settle and place other concerns upon the best footing it could ?
" Who [France and the United States] were now unhappily diverging from each other, and in danger of being thrown wholly apart ; and, as I presumed, equally against the interest and inclination of both." — p. vii.
Why ? — Because one nation was seeking redress for violations and injuries committed by the other.
" Upon my arrival in Paris, which was on the 2d of August, 1794, I found that the work of alienation and disunion had been carried further than I had before even suspected." — p. vii.
For the reasons above mentioned. If we had submitted to them without remonstrating, we should still have been their dear friends and allies.
" I presented my credentials to the commissary of foreign affairs, soon after my arrival ; but more than a week had elapsed, and I had obtained no answer, when or whether I should be received. A delay beyond a few days surprised me, because I could discern no adequate or rational motive for it." — p. vii.
How does this accord with his communications to the Secretary of State? See letter of the nth and 25th August. Has he not assigned very satisfactory reasons for the delay ? Does the
1798] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 455
answer of the President of the Convention indicate any coolness or discontent on the part of the French government ? — What then was it he had to contend against at his outset ? —
" It was intimated to me that the Committee, or several at least of its mem- bers, had imbibed an opinion, that Mr. Jay was sent to England with views unfriendly to France, and that my mission to France was adopted for the purpose of covering and supporting his to England ; that the one was a measure of substantial import, contemplating on our part a close union with England ; and that the other was an act of policy, intended to amuse and deceive." — p. vii.
Strange conception and want of information this, when it was notorious, that a war with Great Britain seemed to be almost unavoidable.
" I thought I perceived distinctly, that not only the temper which had been shown by the committee, but the general derangement of our affairs with France, proceeded in a great measure, if not altogether, from the same cause, a suspicion that we were unfriendly to them." — p. ix.
Or, more properly, perceiving, that we were not to be drawn into the vortex, if we could possibly avoid it.
14 My first note to the Committee of Public Safety on this subject bears date on the 3d of September, 1794 ; in which I discussed and combated copiously, and as ably as I could, the conduct of France in thus harassing our commerce against the stipulations of certain articles in our treaty with her ; and urged earnestly the immediate repeal of the decrees, which authorized that proceed- ing."— p. ix.
But finally told it, contrary to express instructions, that, if it was not convenient to comply with those articles, the government and people of the United States would give them up with pleasure, although it was the pivot on which our claim was fixed. See letter 3d Sep. pa. 35.
" I do not wish to be understood as having been guided by political motives only in expressing the sentiments contained in that clause ; on the contrary, I admit they were strictly my own ; affirming at the same time that they would never have been thus expressed, had I not been satisfied they were such, as it was honorable for the United States to express, and were likely also to pro- mote their interest." — p. x.
456 THE WRITINGS OF [1798
Here is a measure adopted and avowed, which was beyond the powers of the executive, — and for which, if he had exercised them, he might have been impeached ; — because it was not only dispensing with important articles of the treaty, but was surren- dering the only grounds on which our claims of compensation could be established.
"From the Committee itself I could obtain no answer; and, from my in- formal applications to some of its members, I found that the difficulty of allowing our vessels to protect the property of English subjects, whilst they gave none to that of French citizens against the English cruisers, with that of distinguishing in our favor from the case of Denmark and Sweden, in which we were now involved, were objections of great weight with the Committee." — p. xi.
Such was our treaty. If Denmark and Sweden were not en- titled to the same by treaty, wherein lay the difficulty of discrimi- nation ? And what are the advantages of treaties, if they are to be observed no longer than they are convenient ?
" I thought I perceived, still remaining in the councils of that body, a strong portion of that suspicion of our views, in regard to our mission to England, so impressive upon my arrival, but which I had hoped was eradicated ; and, the more earnestly I pressed an accommodation with my demands, the more obviously did this motive present itself to my view." — p. xi.
This has been the game, which the French have uniformly played to parry justice.
4 ' Nor did France invite us to the war, or manifest a wish that we should engage in it ; whilst she was disposed to assist us in securing our claims upon those powers, against whom we complained of injuries." — p. xvii.
France never invited us, it is true, to go to war ; — nor in ex- plicit terms expressed a wish, that we should do so ; but can any thing be more apparent, than that she was endeavoring with all her arts to lead or force us into it ?
" In promising to communicate to the Committee the contents of this treaty as soon as I knew them, I did so in the expectation of fulfilling my promise, when I received a copy of the treaty from the department of state, and not before ; for I expected no further information upon that subject from Mr. Jay." —p. xviii.
1793] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 457
This declaration cannot be reconciled with the various attempts, which he made to obtain it, both from Mr. Jay and Mr. Pinckney, for the information of the French government before it was known to his own.
" As he [Mr. Jay] had refused to send me a copy of the treaty, according to my request, by Mr. Purviance, and omitted, not to say refused (though indeed I understood his omission in the light of a refusal) otherwise to inform me of its contents by that very safe opportunity, I did not see how the correspond- ence could be continued on that subject, on his part." — p. xx.
No one else will think it extraordinary, that he should refuse a copy for the declared purpose of laying it before the French government, and yet be disposed to inform him in confidence with the contents thereof — thereby to enable him to remove unfavorable impressions. — Nor is it extraordinary, that Mr. Jay should authorize his own secretary, who had been privy to all the proceedings, to make this communication, whilst he refused to commit himself to Mr. Purviance, let his character have been what it would.
**. These considerations will, I presume, likewise sufficiently explain why I would make no representation to the French government of the contents of that treaty, for which I became personally responsible, upon the mere authority of Mr. Jay, or other wise than upon a copy of the instrument itself." — p. xxi.
Most extraordinary reason this in such a case ! and under the circumstances Mr. Jay was.
" Such was my conduct upon the above occasion, and such the motives of it.'» — p. xxii.
And extraordinary indeed it was !
" In this he [the Secretary of State] notices my address to the Convention ; as also my letter to the Committee of Public Safety of the 3d of September following ; both of which acts he censures in the most unreserved and harsh manner. In the first he charges me with having expressed a solicitude for the welfare of the French Republic in a style too warm and affectionate, much more so than my instructions warranted ; which too he deemed the more reprehensible, from the consideration, that it was presented to the Convention in public and before the world, and not to a committee in a private chamber ; since thereby, he adds, we were likely to give offence to other countries, par-
458 THE WRITINGS OF [1798
ticularly England, with whom we were in treaty ; and since, also, the dictates of sincerity do not require that we should publish to the world all our feelings in favor of France" — p. xxiii.
And would it not have been more consistent with our declara- tion of neutrality ?
" For the future, he instructs me to cultivate the French Republic with zeal, but without any unnecessary e'clat ; and by my letter to the Committee, demanding an indemnity for spoliations, and a repeal of the decrees suspend- ing the execution of certain articles of our treaty of commerce with France, he objects that I had yielded an interest it was my duty to secure." — p. xxiii.
No reasoning can justify the measure ; — nor no circumstances warrant his relinquishment of our rights.
" Upon this occasion I thought proper, in reply to his first charge, to lay open, more fully than I had before done, some truths, at which, indeed, I had before only glanced ; particularly the light in which our administration was viewed by the Committee upon my arrival." — p. xxiii.
If the fact was so, the relating thereof ought to have accompa- nied the discovery, that the effect might have been counteracted. — These after and time-serving relations do not tell well.
" It would be painful to go into details on this subject ; but the circum- stances here hinted will make it easy to conceive the unfavorable inferences, that must have been drawn respecting the temper and views of our administra- tion.— note on p. xxiv.
It has been noted already, that Mr. Morris was appointed min- ister during the reign of Louis the Sixteenth, years before his confinement. How then can this charge apply ? — Afterwards, under the fluctuating counsels and changes which succeeded, even the acuteness and wisdom of a Monroe might have erred. — But the principal cause of their objection to Mr. Morris was, that he claimed the fulfilment of the treaty, and restitution for the damages we had sustained by the violation of it, with firmness and perseverance ; to do which by deeds as well as words was not their intention.
u To express sentiments in private, which it was wished should not become public, appeared to me a strange doctrine to be avowed by the administration
1798] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 459
of a free people ; especially as it was known that the sentiments, thus ex- pressed, were in harmony with those of the people, and with those publicly and formally expressed by the representatives of the people." — p. xxv.
The great and primary object of the administration was to preserve the U. S. in peace, by pursuing a conduct strictly neutral. — It was not essential, then, knowing beforehand with what eclat the reception was to be, to make a parade of senti- ments, however strongly they might be felt, and however pleasing to one nation, which might create unpleasant feelings in other nations, with whom we were also in peace, and wished to re- main so.
** Well satisfied I am, that France declined taking them [the Floridas] in her treaty with Spain, which soon followed, from a fear it might weaken her connexion with the United States." — p. xxvii.
Guess work this, and not at all probable from that motive.
"Had that treaty, then, never passed, and had we also otherwise preserved the ground upon which we stood with that nation in the commencement of its revolution, what might we not have expected from its friendship ? " — p. xxvii.
Nothing ; if she did not perceive some advantage to herself in granting it.
" The prospect therefore of success in that important concern was now as fair as it could be." — p. xxvii.
This would all have been ascribed to France, if that govern- ment had had the least agency in the negotiation.
" Mr. Pinckney was aware of the benefit which would be derived from such aid ; but yet did not consider himself at liberty to obtain it by showing a copy of Mr. Jay's treaty, which I intimated might be necessary completely to remove the doubts, that were entertained in that respect, and therefore deemed it most suitable to say nothing to the Committee upon the subject of his mission." — p. xxviii.
Here again is another attempt to possess the French govern- ment of the treaty before the ratification, — and after repeated declaration of the impropriety of the measure.
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" It would at least have greatly embarrassed the administration to explain the cause of such a phenomenon to its credit ; notwithstanding the advantage thereby gained to the public." — p. xxviii.
Indeed ! When his instructions required him to ask it !
'*. By these letters it appeared, that Mr. Jay had concluded a treaty upon other principles, than those to which his powers were restricted, as inferred from my instructions, and, of course, that the nature and object of his mission to England had been misrepresented, through me, to the French government." — p. xxix.
The instructions warranted no such conclusion, nor could the government be responsible for his want of discernment, and con- sequent misrepresentations.
" That the administration had injured me, was a point upon which I had no doubt ; that it had likewise compromised its own credit, and with it that of the United States, was also a truth equally obvious to my mind." — p. xxx.
But not so in either case to an impartial and discriminating mind. [Lower on the page^\ Curious and laughable to hear a man under his circumstances talking seriously in this stile, when his recall was a second death to him.
11 I assured him, however, that I should continue to endeavor to inspire the French government with a confidence, either that the treaty contained nothing improper, or would not be ratified in case it did. " — p. xxxi.
Solicitous always to get hold of the treaty prematurely for the use of the French government, he omits no opportunity of ex- pressing his chagrin for his disappointment ; and would have wished to see the Executive of the United States as indiscreetly forward as himself in promulgating it, before it had been sub- mitted to the Senate. How can he reconcile this conduct to the practice of the French government ? Can he produce an instance of its making a treaty public before it was ratified ? If not, why has he pressed it on his own ? Could secrecy, in matters of this sort, be proper in that government, and improper in ours ?
" At the moment, however, when Mr. Barlow was upon the point of em- barking with our presents, &c, intelligence was received that a Mr. Donald- son, whom Colonel Humphreys had left at Alicant with a conditional power,
1798] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 461
but in the expectation that he would not proceed in the business till he heard further from him, had passed over to Algiers and concluded a treaty with that regency, and of course without the aid of France ; and thus ended our applica- tion to the French government for its aid in support of our negotiations with those powers, and nearly in the same manner as that did, which I made for its aid in support of our negotiation with Spain." — p. xxxii.
Mr. Donaldson was by Colonel Humphreys instructed to pro- ceed to Alicant, and act according to circumstances. A favor- able moment occurred, and he was advised, by persons well acquainted with the state of matters at Algiers and the then policy of the Dey, to embrace it. He did so, and happily suc- ceeded. But not in the way most agreeable to Mr. Monroe, as it was effected without the agency of the French ; notwithstanding that agency, according to the advices Donaldson received, would at that moment have been injurious.
1 ' From this period I had but one object to attend to, the preservation of our actual footing with France, which was, as already shown, as favorable as we could wish it to be." — p. xxxiii.
Except suspicions, doubts, and the bugbear treaty, which were always at hand, and brought forward when our claims were pressed, although the contents of that treaty were unknown, and assurances were given that their rights were saved.
11 By me it was never introduced ; for, as I had no new communication to- make to the Committee upon it, whereby to remove the suspicions that were entertained of its contents, and any allusion to it in that state could of course only serve to revive unpleasant sensations to our disadvantage, I thought it most eligible to keep it out of view." — p. xxxiii.
That is one of the material charges against him ; for, altho he had himself given information of the suspicions, doubts, and discontentment, as above mentioned, and was possessed of the sentiments of his government relative thereto, with the intention to remove them, he keeps these out of view until he is informed that the Directory have made up their mind upon the subject.
" It was soon obvious that this aggression of Great Britain upon the rights of neutral nations, being made with the intent to increase the distress of famine which was then raging at Paris, and thereby promote the disorders which were
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in part attributable to that cause, excited a ferment in the French councils, which was not pointed against Great Britain alone." — pp. xxxiii., xxxiv.
The conduct of Great Britain in this instance was extremely reprehensible, and was one of the motives for sending an envoy to that country ; but it was no justification of the wrong we re- ceived from France, with whom we had a treaty that was infracted by the measure.
"About the middle of August, 1795, American gazettes were received at Paris, containing copies of the English treaty, whereby its contents were made known to the committee of public safety without my aid. From this period, therefore, all mystery upon that subject was at an end. The possession of the treaty enabled the French government to judge for itself upon all the points which it involved. Nor was the effect which it produced an equivocal one ; for there did not appear to me to be a description of persons, not in the interest of the coalesced powers, who did not openly and severely censure it." — p. xxxiv.
They were predetermined to do so, and took the tone from their partisans on this side of the water.
" But as yet it was not known that the treaty was ratified, nor certain that it would be, for the spontaneous and almost universal disapprobation that was bestowed upon it throughout the United States, as soon as it was seen, was sufficient at least to inspire a doubt on that point." — p. xxxv.
He should have said, before it was seen, for it is a well-known fact, that the opposition from the French party in the United States began, and writing commenced against it, as soon as it was known that the treaty had been concluded, and before one article therein was known to those writers. No more evident proof, therefore, can be given, that it was not the contents of the treaty, but that a treaty should be formed, which, putting an end to the disputes between the United States and Great Britain, put an end also to the hopes and expectations of our embarking in the war on the part of France. — This, and this only, was the source of all the discontents, which have appeared on this occasion.
M The appearance of the treaty excited the general disgust of France against the American government, which was now diminished by the opposition which the American people made to the treaty." — pp. xxxv., xxxvi.
1798] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 463
Who were the contrivers of this disgust, and for what purposes was it excited ? Let the French party in the United States, and the British debtors therein, answer the question.
" Under existing circumstances it would not only be necessary for the admin- istration to avail itself of some well pronounced character in regard to the great question which now agitates the world, to whose care the negotiation should be committed, but that in other respects extraordinary circumspection should be used in the prosecution of the negotiation itself." — p. xxxvii.
The reader will be at no loss to discover who is here pointed at, nor for what purpose it is done.
"The letter of June 1st contained a justification of the conduct of the administration in forming a commercial treaty with Great Britain at that period ; and likewise a vindication of the administration against the charge of a want of candor (which seemed to be apprehended) in the explanations that were given by it of the motives of that mission ; in which the idea of a com- mercial power was always withheld." — p. xxxvii.
This never would nor could have been apprehended, had it not been seen, that the enemies of the government were determined to have it so considered. How withheld 1 Is it usual, or was it necessary, to publish to the world all the points on which the negotiation was to turn ? His own conduct evinces how in- discreet it would have been to have intrusted him with them.
" The letter of July 2d contained advice, that the treaty was not ratified, and that the President was undecided upon the point of ratification." — p. xxxvii.
Upon no other ground, than that of the subsequent conduct of Great Britain relative to the Provision Order, so called.
" It was inferred from these letters, that, when that of June 1st was written, the executive had resolved to ratify the treaty in case the Senate approved it, and that the hesitation which afterwards took place proceeded more from the shock, which the general disapprobation of the treaty by the people gave the administration, than from any disinclination on its own part to the ratifica- tion."— p. xxxviii.
A mistake, in toto. The hesitation, as mentioned on the other side, proceeded from the Provision Order, for it was obvious to the least discerning, that an opposition by the French party had
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been resolved on at all events, and had actually commenced before a single article of the treaty was known ; and the blaze, which he describes, broke out before it was possible to consider it, or a hundredth part of its opposers had ever read it.
M It was likewise inferred, that that letter was written with a view to lay the foundation for such an event, in the expectation the ratification would probably embroil us with France." — p. xxxviii.
It was well conceived, that there was nothing in the treaty which ought to embroil this country with France.
" In one particular the contents of this letter affected me personally, by affirming that my instructions had not warranted the construction I had given them, in explaining, as I had done, the motives of Mr. Jay's mission to Lon- don."— p. xxxviii.
And affirmed it, too, upon solid ground.
"Of the symptoms of discontent, which I witnessed, I had before given frequent intimations." — p. xl.
True ; but without availing himself effectually as he ought of the means, with which he was furnished, to remove it.
" My wish was to conciliate the French government towards the treaty which was now ratified, and most anxiously had I looked to the administration for the means of doing it." — p. xliii.
What means is it he wanted ? Did he expect to be authorized to declare that the government was in an error, in having made a treaty without first obtaining the consent of France ; and to ask pardon for not having submitted Mr. Jay's instructions and the terms of it to the rulers of that country before it was ratified ?
" Acts of candor when performed, if acknowledged by the party to whom they are said to be rendered, ought not to be boasted of by those who perform them." — p. xliii.
Why not, if the fact was admitted, allow the American govern- ment to adopt some of the ^//-perfect maxims of the French ? It will not be denied, that, to boast of what they do, and even of what they do not do, is one of them.
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11 Indeed it professes to notice, and in fact notices, only one article, the 1 8th, and in so doing, admits in effect all the objections that were urged against it." — p. xliii.
This is denied ; we could not yield a thing of which we were never possessed, and which it was not in our power to obtain ; nor was there any permission given, that the British did not claim and exercise before under the law of nations.
" Would the administration, in a demand of payment for those seizures, which took place after the treaty was concluded, distinguish the cases, and confine that demand to such vessels as were taken in their route to a blockaded port, saying, ' For these only will we be paid, but for the others, comprehend- ing perhaps ninety-nine out of a hundred, we will not ; ' and thus revive the controversy, which it was said was thus amicably closed ? This, it is pre- sumed, would not be done." — p. xliv.
Did the treaty with Great Britain surrender any right, of which the United States had been in possession ? Did it make any change or alteration in the law of nations, under which Great Britain had acted in defiance of all the powers of Europe ? Or did it give her any authority to seize provision vessels contrary to that law ? If none of these, why all this farrago, but to sow the seeds of discontent by imposing upon the uninformed ?
"With respect to the declaration, that we were an independent people, and had a right to decide for ourselves, &c, so often repeated, I did not perceive how it applied at the time ; there had been no question on that point that I knew of." — p. xlv.
None are more dull, than those who will not perceive. If there was no question of this sort, whence proceeded the discon- tents before the treaty was promulgated, and after repeated assurances had been given, that nothing contained in it infracted our engagements with that country ?
" France had attempted to impose on us no conditions ; had asked of us no favors ; on the contrary had shown a disposition to render us many ; under which circumstances we had made a treaty with Britain." — p. xlv.
There the shoe pinches. This treaty defeated all hope of embarking this country in the war on the part of France, and became a death-warrant to its hopes. She was liberal in promises, 30
466 THE WRITINGS OF [1798
but what has she done ? Promising and performing are two distinct things.
" To reconcile France to that treaty, I expected to have been authorized to explain to her government how long the commercial part was to remain in force ; to state it formally, that we were ready to enter into a new commercial treaty with her, and upon what principles, to be commenced either in Paris or Philadelphia. In which expectation, and with a view to the event of a ratifica- tion, I had told the administration, when I advised it of the ill effect the treaty, whose contents were then known, had produced, that I should await its orders without any the slightest compromitment either of it or myself." — p. xlv.
What obligation was there on us, if independent, to account to a foreign nation for the proceedings of our own government ; and why press upon France a wish to enter into a new commercial treaty, when our readiness to do so (as he knew from official correspondence) had been declared at different times and in various ways ? Was this the way to obtain one on good terms ?
"But it was my duty to answer this letter, which I did without a comment ; for it was improper for me to censure, and useless to advise." — p. xlvi.
When a rational answer and good reason cannot be given, it is not unusual to be silent.
" I showed, it is true, no mark of undue condescension to that government." — p. xlvi.
Few will be of this opinion, who read this book.
" Those considerations appeared to me to be so strong and pressing, that I concluded, as soon as they were brought to the view of the administration, he [Mr. Parish] would be removed, and of course that the measure was already taken. In which expectation I answered the minister politely, intimating tha^ I should communicate to our government the request of his in that respect, not doubting that it would be readily complied with." — p. xlvii.
Upon the first intimation of misconduct in Mr. Parish, an inquiry into it was instituted ; but Mr. Monroe, as it was the wish of the French government, would have had him discharged without a hearing. But when another consul of the United States was as highly charged with acts equally repugnant to neutrality, (in favor of France,) he could find nothing amiss in his conduct.
1798] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 467
"The subsequent management of the affair upon the application of the French government showed, that the incident became rather a cause of irrita- tion, than of conciliation with that government ; notwithstanding the evident impolicy of such a procedure at the time, on account of the crisis to which we were brought. For, although the administration (not being able to resist the objections to his continuance) did remove him, yet it was done in a manner so as to show the French government it was not done in compliance with its request." — p. xlvii.
A candid explanation of a motive is here deemed a cause for irritation, notwithstanding the request is complied with.
" Much, too, was said in that address of the advantage of our accommodation with Britain, as likewise of the favorable disposition of that power towards us, without the slightest attention being shown to the French Republic." — p. xlviii.
To state facts for the information of Congress, and not to write eulogiums on the French nation and conduct, was the object of the then President. If Mr. Monroe should ever fill the chair of government, he may (and it is presumed he would be well enough disposed) let the French minister frame his speeches.
1 ' Unless indeed it was referred to in the picture of distress above noticed, as was inferred by the French government, as I understood from good authority at the time." — p. xlviii.
If the cap did not fit, why put it on ?
" In the course of the year 1795, the French government had repealed, as already shown, all the decrees which were passed during the mission of Mr. Morris, under which our trade had been harassed." — p. xlviii.
But has our suffering commerce received any compensation ? And why was not this urged with firmness, agreeably to his instructions ?
41 Yet none of these acts, or of the disposition which produced them, were even glanced at in the President's address to Congress ; although it was to be inferred, such notice would have produced a good effect, and although it was then as just as it was politic to notice them." — p. xlviii.
What ! Declare to the world in a public speech, that we were going to treat with this and that nation, and that France was to assist us ! Insanity in the extreme !
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" This conduct in the administration was the more extraordinary, from the consideration that those decrees, by whose authority our trade was harassed, with the harassment itself, had been announced in former communications to the Congress, when the British depredations were announced." — p. xlviii.
Could this refusal be announced before it was known ?
" Under such circumstances, it was impossible for me to succeed in concili- ating the French government towards the British treaty, since my efforts were not only not seconded in that respect by our administration, but absolutely counteracted by it." — p. xlviii.
In what respect counteracted 7
"Nevertheless I continued to pursue the same line of conduct, that I had done before, being resolved not to relax in my efforts, however unsuccessful I might be."— p. xlviii.
That is not doubted ; but for what purpose were they exerted ?
41 The sequel of my mission exhibits an interesting but painful spectacle, the distinguishing characteristics whereof are ; the avowed decision of the French government to take some measure towards us in consequence of our treaty with England, as illustrated by many examples ; with my efforts to prevent any such measure taking effect ; and the attack made on me by our administration, upon pretexts equally unjust, frivolous, and absurd." — p. xlix.
An impartial public will be enabled, from his own shewing, to decide, more correctly than he has done, how far these senti- ments are just.
" On the 15th of February, 1796, I called on the minister of foreign affairs to state to him the distress of many of our citizens, merchants at Paris, on account of their claims upon the French government, with a view to engage his aid for their relief ; but was immediately diverted from that object by information which he gave me, that the Directory had at length made up its mind how to act in regard to our treaty with England ; which it considered as having annulled our treaty of alliance with France, from the period of its ratification ; and had appointed or intended to appoint an envoy extraordinary, to repair to Philadelphia to remonstrate against it ; adding that he was ordered to send me an official note upon the subject, which he should accordingly do." — p. xlix.
It not suiting the French government to pay, (and knowing the trim of our minister) the British treaty or something else, was always played off to silence his applications.
1798] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 469
" I attended him again on the day following, and remonstrated most earn- estly against the measure, urging every argument that I could avail myself of to divert the government from it ; offering to enter with him, whenever he thought fit, into a discussion of his objections to our treaty, or any other act of our government ; assuring him, that I should not only be always ready to enter with him into such explanations, but in the present instance should do it with pleasure, since, by being possessed of our view of the subject, they would be better able to decide whether the complaint was well or ill founded, and of course how far it merited to be considered in that light." — p. xlix.
Had he applied the means in time, with which he was furnished, matters might not have come to this.
" Upon this occasion, as upon the preceding one, the minister declined stating any specific objections to the treaty, or any other act of our government, and therefore I could make no specific defence." — p. xlix.
Declined for the best reason in the world, because he had none that would bear the test of examination.
" A summary of those complaints was presented me by the minister of foreign affairs." — p. 1.
And is there a candid and well-informed man to be met with, who will carefully compare this summary of complaints with our treaties with France and Great Britain, and these again with the laws of nations, and not pronounce them the most futile that can be conceived to come from a nation, who would be thought to act from principles of independence and justice ?
" From the period of my audience by the Directory, and more especially after my communication with the minister of foreign affairs was handed in, I had frequent conferences with several of the members of the Directory, in which I labored to promote the same object, and at one time, as I thought, with complete success : being informed by a member, upon one of those occa- sions, that the Directory had done nothing towards us in regard to its com- plaints, and he presumed would not." — p. li.
The conduct of the French government has been nothing but a diversified scene of political manoeuvres ; of cajoling and threatening our minister by turns. At one time it promises, and he is weak and vain enough to conceive, that he can obtain any thing from it ; in short, that he can turn it round as easy as a top. At another time, when in the most humiliating stile he asks re-
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dress of our injuries, and the fulfilment of the treaty, then some phantom is raised, which renders him a mute, as it respects that government, and he charges the failure of his exertions to mis- conduct of his own, although he can produce nothing in support of it, but its strict observance of the neutral conduct it had adopted, and a fixed determination not to be drawn into the war, which has been his, and the aim of France.
11 Near seven months had now elapsed since the minister of foreign affairs communicated to me the discontent of the Directory on account of our treaty with England, and its decision to make the same known to our government by an envoy extraordinary, to be despatched to the United States ; in the course of which time I had not received a single line from the department of state (a letter of the 7th of January excepted, which applied to another subject), although I had regularly informed it of every incident that occurred, and although the crisis was a very important one, requiring the profound attention of the administration." — p. lii.
Admit no letter had got to hand in the time mentioned, or even that none had been written, what, more than had been, could be said to refute the groundless objections, which the French government had exhibited against our treaty with Great Britain ? Was he not possessed, (by reiterated communications,) of the sentiments of his own government on all the points of controversy ? Was it necessary to repeat these again and again ? Or did he expect, that the executive would declare the treaty null and void ?
" In the beginning of November, 1796, I received a letter from the Secretary of State of the 22d of August, announcing my recall by the President of the United States. In this letter, the Secretary refers me for the motives of that measure to his former letter of the 13th of June. He adds, however, in this that the President was further confirmed in the propriety of that measure by other concurring circumstances, but of which he gave no detail." — p. liii.
His own reflections might have furnished him with these. No one, who will read the documents, which he refers to, attentively, can be at a loss for them ; much less those who have the evidence the executive had, that he was promoting the views of a party in his own country, that were obstructing every measure of the ad- ministration, and, by their attachment to France, were hurrying
1798] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 471
it (if not with design, at least in its consequences,) into a war with Great Britain in order to favor France.
" In her [America's] foreign relations nothing is to be seen but the waste and pillage of her commerce, sometimes by several powers, always by some one power ; and little less than anarchy at home ; for the seeds of discontent, jealousy and disunion have been scattered throughout these States, in the course of few years past, with a wasteful hand. By what means then was this state of things produced, and why was it produced ? " — pp. Hi., liv.
That is a bold assertion ! and no compliment to the other departments of the government.
" It is well known, that the executive administration has heretofore guided all our measures ; pursuing, in many instances, a course of policy equally con- trary to the public feeling, and the public judgment." — p. liv.
The instances ought to have been enumerated.
"But, by this attack on me, a new topic has been raised for discussion, which has drawn the public attention from the conduct of the administration itself ; for, in consequence, the only question now before the public seems to be, whether I have merited the censure thus pronounced upon me by the administration, or have been dealt hardly by. But this was a mere political manoeuvre, intended doubtless to produce that effect." — p. liv.
Self-importance appears here.
"Whether I have performed my duty to my country, as I ought to have done, in the various, contradictory, and embarrassing situations, in which I was placed by the administration, is a point upon which my country will deter- mine, by the facts and documents submitted to it. Upon this point I fear not the result." — p. liv.
Nor does the administration, for the same reason. The matter therefore is fairly at issue.
" Nor should I, in respect to myself, add a word to the light which those documents contain, being willing so far as the propriety of my own conduct is involved, to submit the point to the judgment of my countrymen, upon the documents alone." — p. liv.
Of all the mistakes he has made, and bold assertions, none stands more prominent than this.
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" The Secretary adds, it is true, in his letter of the 22d of August following, that there were other concurring circumstances, which confirmed the President in the propriety of the measure he had taken towards me ; but these he did not then communicate, nor has he since, though called on to do it ; nor has he communicated other testimony to support the charge already raised." — p. lv.
Neither the constitution, nor laws, nor usage, renders it neces- sary for the executive to assign his reasons. It is his duty to see the laws (and treaties are paramount to all others) executed, and the interests of the United States promoted. If, then, an agent of his appointment is found incompetent, remiss in his duty, or pursuing wrong courses, it becomes his indispensable duty to remove him from office ; otherwise he would be responsi- ble for the consequences. Such was Mr. Monroe in the estima- tion of the President upon trial of him.
"These were the only letters, which I received from the department of state on that subject, after the treaty was submitted to the Senate ; or indeed before, except such as showed the fluctuating state of the executive mind respecting the ratification." — p. lvi.
The executive mind never fluctuated for a moment on any other ground, than that of the Provision Order of Great Britain, after the treaty had been concluded on.
" The first of these facts, it is true, was not then known to the Secretary ; for as the object, at that time contemplated by the Committee, was not pursued, on account I presume of the change of government which took place immediately afterwards in France, and might possibly never be revived, I de- clined mentioning it to our administration from motives of delicacy to both governments ; wishing, if to be avoided, that no such evidence of the discon- tent of France should appear in my correspondence." — p. lvi.
If it was not known, on what ground was the administration to have formed a judgment ? Is not this keeping his own govern- ment uninformed, and in ignorance of facts ; and of course a neglect of duty ?
" I believe no instance can be adduced by the administration of any counsel being asked or attention shown on its part to the counsels of the French nation, from the commencement of the administration to the present day, nor to the counsels of a minister of that nation ; one instance only excepted, in which his counsel was asked, but immediately rejected." — p. lvii.
1798] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 473
To have asked counsel would have been improper. The refusal alluded to requires explanation ; none is recollected.
" In short he seems to have concluded, from the moment those letters were forwarded to me, that he had put that nation under my care, and, if I did not keep it in order, that I merited censure." — p. lvii.
It was undoubtedly supposed, that every nation would be gov- erned by its own contracts and principles of justice. When, then, they departed from them, and a representation thereof was made, the expectation surely was not unreasonable, that they would do what was incumbent on both.
" I shall only observe upon it, that, had I been called on for a proof of my activity and zeal to preserve tranquillity between the two countries, I should have urged the delay of the French government to complain, discontented as it was, as a most satisfactory one. Indeed I do not know, before the govern- ment did complain, how I could produce any other." — p. lviii.
How does this accord with his frequent communications of their complaints, on which the letters he alludes to were predi- cated ?
" My efforts produced an effect for a certain term only." — p. lviii.
What effect ? Have our citizens received compensation for the injurious spoliations they have sustained ? Was it deemed a boon to obtain by weak, feeble, and suppliant addresses, a repeal of arrets, the passing of which was a violation of their treaty with us ?
H A sufficient one, however, to have permitted the administration to inter- pose and assist me." — p. lviii.
And what interposition was expected from the administration ? Did he expect that it was to have annulled the treaty, ask par- don for having made it, and inquire of France what more she required ?
" The course which I pursued was a plain one." — p. lix.
So it is believed, for the object he had in view, but not for the object of his mission, or for the honor and dignity of his country.
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"Yet it was known, that the French government was jealous of the object of the mission, which produced that treaty, from the period of its nomination ; that it suspected the treaty was founded upon principles injurious to France before its contents were seen ; and that those suspicions were confirmed when they were seen." — p. lix.
Could it be expected by France, that this country would neg- lect its own interests ; would suffer all the evils arising (nearly) from a state of warfare, without any effort to obtain justice ? And this too, because, as she might suspect, we were doing some- thing wrong, after assurance had been given in the commence- ment, that her rights should be saved ? Why has France expected so much from us ? Has she made us privy to any of her acts and doings ? Has she before, or after, communicated what she meant to do, or had done, in treaties ? Tho' not so powerful, we are as independent as France.
" Whether I contributed in any degree to divert the French government from opposing the ratification of that treaty, or taking its measures after the treaty was ratified, I will not pretend to say." — p. lix.
It is believed the truth here would not bear to be told, or else the boast would not be wanting.
" To determine this latter point, some attention is due to the conduct of the administration through every stage of this European controversy ; for the whole of its conduct forms a system, which ought to be taken together, to judge correctly of its motives in any particular case." — p. lx.
Is this to be decided by assertion or official documents ? If the latter, why call this book, " A View of the Conduct of the Executive of the United States" when it relates only to the cor- respondence with him ? If to the former, is it to be judged of by his ignorant, partial, and party representations ?
" The first is the appointment of a person as minister plenipotentiary to France, in the commencement of the French Revolution, who was known to be an enemy to that revolution, and a partisan of royalty ; whereby the name and weight of America (no inconsiderable thing at that time in that respect) was thrown into the scale of kings, against that of the people and of liberty. " — p. lx.
Was not France (as has been observed before) at the time, and long after Mr. Morris's appointment, a monarchy ? Whatever
1798] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 475
may have been his political sentiments, he pursued steadily the honor and interest of his country with zest and ability, and with respectful firmness asserted its rights. Had Mr. Monroe done the same, we should not have been in the situation we now are. Observe how irreconcilable this is with the declaration of the committee of safety at the time of his reception. See page
n-
" Fourth, my appointment to the French republic." — p. Ix.
And an unfortunate one it was.
" It being known that, with other members of the Senate, I had opposed in many instances the measures of the administration, particularly in that of the mission of Mr. Morris to France, and of Mr. Jay to London ; from the apprehension those missions would produce, in our foreign relations, precisely the ill effect they did produce." — pp. Ix., lxi.
Unpardonable to appoint these men to office, although of acknowledged first-rate abilities, when they were of different political sentiments from Mr. Monroe, whose judgment, one would presume, must be infallible.
" The instructions that were given me, to explain to the French government the motives of Mr. Jay's mission to London, not as an act of condescension on our part, at the demand of the French government, but of policy, to produce tranquillity and give satisfaction, whilst the negotiation was depending ; by which instructions, if the existence of a power to form a commercial treaty was not positively denied, yet zVwas withheld, and the contrary evidently implied." — p. lxi.
None but a person incompetent to judge, or blinded by party views, could have misconstrued as he did. But had France a right to be made acquainted with the private instructions of our ministers ?
" The strong documents, that were put in my possession at that period, by the administration, of its attachment to France and the French Revolution ; so different from any thing before expressed." — p. lxi.
From which he has exhibited nothing but unfounded assertions to prove a departure, but the contrary, from his references.
1 These references are to Monroe's volume.
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•' The resentment shown by the administration on account of the publication of those documents ; it having been intended they should produce their effect, at the same time, and yet be kept secret." — p. lxi.
Because it was as unnecessary, as it was impolitic, to make a parade of them.
" The approbation bestowed on me by the administration when I made vehement pressures on the French government for a repeal of its decrees, under which our commerce was harassed, exhibiting a picture of its spoliations, &c. ; and the profound silence and inattention of the administration, when those decrees were repealed, and a disposition shown by that government to assist us in other cases." — p. lxi.
No vehement expressions were ever used. But, supposing it, is it singular to commend a person for doing his duty ? Did the complying with a demand of justice require it, when our rights had been outrageously violated by a departure from it ? The offer of aid to promote our views with Spain and Algiers was friendly, and, if any benefit had been derived from it, thanks would have followed.
"The power given to Mr. Jay to form a commercial treaty with England, in the midst of a war, by a special mission, at a time when no such advance was made to treat on that subject with France, and her advances at best coolly received." — p. lxi.
The first we had a right to do, and the second is denied ; for advances had been made repeatedly.
** The witholding from me the contents of that treaty until after the meet- ing of the Senate ; notwithstanding the embarrassment to which I was in the interim personally exposed, in consequence of the explanations I had before given to the French government, by order of the administration, of the motives of the mission which produced it ; which deportment proves clearly, that the administration did not deal fairly with me from the commencement." — p. lxi.
None but a party man, lost to all sense of propriety, would have asked such a thing, and no other would have brought him- self into such a predicament.
" The submission of the treaty to M. Adet after the advice of the Senate, before the ratification of the President ; at a time when, as it appears by satis- factory documents, it was resolved to ratify it ; which submission therefore
1798] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 477
was probably not made to obtain M. Adet's counsel, in which light it would have been improper, especially as it had been withheld from his government ; but to repel an objection to the candor of the administration, in its conduct in preceding stages." — pp. lxi., lxii.
And what motive could be more candid or laudable, or be a stronger argument of the executive belief of its fairness towards France ? To ask M. Adet's advice would have been strange indeed.
11 The character of the treaty itself, by which (according to the administra- tion) we have departed from the modern rule of contraband, with respect to many articles made free by modern treaties." — p. lxii.
The treaty in this respect leaves things precisely upon the footing they were before, with an explanation favorable to the United States, and not injurious to France.
M The conduct of the administration after the ratification of the treaty, being in all cases irritable towards France." — p. lxii.
In what instances irritable ? Upon a just interpretation it could not offend France. But it was known at the same time, that there were the most unjustifiable means used to make it have this effect.
"I should not notice my recall, being in itself a circumstance too trivial to merit attention, if it were not for the state in which our affairs were in my hands, when my recall was decided ; being at a period, when it appeared I had succeeded in quieting the French government for the time, and was likely to doit effectually." — p. lxii.
For this there is no better proof, than his own opinion ; whilst there is abundant evidence of his being a mere tool in the hands of the French government, cajoled and led away always by un- meaning assurances of friends.
" To be left there to that precise time, and then withdrawn and censured, seems to authorize a presumption, that I was left there in the first instance in the expectation I would not defend that treaty, and in consequence whereof a rupture would ensue, and recalled afterwards, when it was known I had done my duty, and was likely to prevent a rupture." — p. lxii.
The contrary of all this appears from his own words, I mean the official part of it.
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" Whether the nature of this crisis contributed in any degree to influence our measures, by repelling us from France and attracting us towards England, is submitted for others to determine." — p. lxiii.
As he has such a happy knack at determining, he ought not to have let this opportunity escape him.
"Be this, however, as it may, it is nevertheless obvious, that the policy itself was at best short-sighted and bad." — p. lxiii.
Posterity will judge of this. Mr. Monroe's opinion is not the standard by which it will judge.
" To stand well with France, through the whole of this European war, was the true interest of America ; since great advantage was to be derived from it in many views, and no injury in any." — p. lxiii.
But to stand well with France was, in other words, to quit neutral ground, and disregard every other consideration, relying wholly on that nation ; and this was what Monroe was aiming at.
" What would have been the condition of these States had France been conquered, and the coalesced powers triumphed, it is easy to perceive." — p. lxiii.
In turn, what will be the consequences of France overturning so many governments ? and making partition of so many coun- tries ? One, it is supposed, is right — the other, wrong ; from the actors in the Drama.
" For, if she was conquered, it did not seem likely, that we should accom- plish any of our objects with those powers ; nor could we profit by her success otherwise than by preserving a good understanding with her." — p. lxiv.
Every reasonable and just measure, consistent with the neutral policy of this government, approved by the people, has been adopted to preserve a good understanding with France ; but nothing short of hostility with Great Britain can accomplish this.
" The beneficial effects, too, of this stipulation, which was respected by France at the time that treaty passed, was most sensibly felt upon our naviga- tion and commerce ; for, in consequence of it, we were then become the princi- pal carriers of the enemies of France." — p. lxiv.
Was this observed by France any longer than it suited her
1798] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 479
convenience ? Has she not herself declared the contrary in ex- plicit language ?
" It was highly for the interest of America to improve our footing in that commerce ; and easy was it to have done so, had due attention been paid to the necessary means of improving it." — p. lxiv.
These, it is presumed, were what he had suggested, viz., measures which must inevitably have led to war with Great Britain.
" Nor was it difficult to stand well with France through the whole of this crisis, and profit by her fortunes, without the smallest possible loss or even hazard. The demonstration of this position is complete ; for we know, that, although our ground was once lost by the administration in the course of the present war, it was nevertheless afterwards recovered ; although it is much easier to preserve a friendship, whilst at the height, than to recover it after it is gone." — p. lxiv.
Here is a pretty smart compliment paid to himself at the expense of the administration ; but the truth of the case is, that, while France cajoled him by unmeaning compliments and prom- ises, which cost them nothing, he conceived his influence to be such as to command any thing ; when, on the other hand, urged by the orders he received to press for the restitution of our cap- tured property, they alarmed him with their discontents and his efforts stood suspended, these discontents were charged to the administration.
" And how was it recovered ? Not by any address on my part, for I pretend to none." — p. lxv.
Strange indeed ! When by his adroit management he has parried the evils, which the weakness or wickedness of the executive was likely to involve this country in during the whole of his ministry. — But is it uncharitable to ask Mr. Monroe for the instances, by which the documents to which he alludes have been counteracted by the administration ? For it would puzzle him, or any one else, to find a sentiment in the whole of the Secretary of State's letters to him repugnant thereto. Surely the reclamation of property unlawfully captured, and not abro- gating, as he was disposed to do, important articles of the treaty,
480 THE WRITINGS OF [1798
cannot stand in the catalogue of misdeeds. It is conceived, that he has by mistake laid his hands upon the letters of Mr. Bache, Dr. Logan, or some other of that class of correspondents, and, attending more to the contents and his wishes, than to the signa- ture, has realized their surmises.
"Nor did we hazard any thing in any view by standing well with France, whilst much was to be gained. The administration admits she did not wish us to embark in the war. Perhaps this was admitted to preclude the claim of merit for not wishing it." — p. lxv.
France might not have wished us to embark in the war by an absolute declaration of it ; but she and Mr. Mfonroe] also did every thing in their power to induce us to pursue measures^ which must inevitably have produced it.
" Such was the situation of America in the commencement of this war ! Such our standing with the French nation, so advantageous in itself, so easy to preserve ! And yet all these advantages have been thrown away ; and, instead of that secure and tranquil state, which we might have enjoyed throughout, we have been likewise plunged, so far as the administration could plunge us, into a war with our ancient ally, and on the side of the kings of Europe contending against her for the subversion of liberty !
" Had France been conquered, to what objects that administration would have aspired, has fortunately by her victories been left a subject for conjecture only." — p. lxv.
An insinuation as impudent as it is unfounded.
" We might have stood well with France, avoiding all the losses we have sustained from her ; enjoying the benefit of the principles of free trade, and even appeared as an advocate for those principles, and without going to any extremity." — p. lxvi.
Not by pursuing the means he suggested.
"And instead of a situation so advantageous, so honorable, so satisfactory to our country, what is that unto which our government has conducted us ? " — p. lxvi.
The French party, he should have said, had he spoken properly.
' ' Long will it be before we shall be able to forget what we are, nor will centuries suffice to raise us to the high ground from which we have fallen." — p. lxvi.
1798] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 481
And to accomplish which Mr. Monroe has been a principal actor. '
" They would most probably have pressed . . . after the example was given." — p. 89.
Were they entitled to this by Treaty ? — If not, upon what ground could they have pressed it ?
" For a while, as it was circulated only in private, ... to those who mentioned it to me." — pp. 89, 90.
He could make extraordinary efforts here to counteract dis- advantageous opinions before they were announced to him at all — but as it respected the growing discontents proceeding from the Treaty with G. B — he conceived it necessary to wait until he should receive them officially.
" He [Jay] was sent to England upon an especial business only ; to demand reparation for injuries, and to which his authority was strictly limited."
His instructions authorized no such declaration with respect to the limitation.
" To day, however, I was favored with yours of 28th of the same month, by which I find you consider yourself at liberty to communicate to me the con- tents of the treaty."— pp. 113, 114.
The heads only of the principal articles — and that in confi- dence.
" Mr. Purviance is from Maryland, a gentleman of integrity and merit, and to whom you may commit whatever you may think proper to confide with per- fect safety." — p. 1 14.
A modest request this ! but not extraordinary, as it was to be laid before the French government — nothing short of which being able to satisfy it.
" Our former minister was not only without the confidence of the govern- ment, but an object of particular jealousy and distrust." — p. 1 19.
1 For some reason Mr. Sparks omitted all the comments beyond this point. I have added them, merely transcribing from Monroe's book the beginning and ending of the sentences to which they refer. 31
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Principally because he asserted our rights and claimed redress.
" In addition to which it was suspected, that we were about to abandon them for a connection with England, and for which purpose principally, it was believed that Mr. Jay had been sent there." — p. 119.
On what ground the suspicion ? When it was a notorious fact that [we] were upon the worst terms short of open war with G. B.
"My first reception was marked with circumstances which fully demon- strated these facts .... I was viewed with a jealous eye, and kept at the most awful distance." — p. iig, 120.
His communications with the French Government contradict this — and account satisfactorily for the delay of the reception, as may be seen by reference thereto.
" Into what consequences this policy, which was hostile to us, might lead . . . Thus circumstanced, what course did policy dictate that I should pursue?" — p. 120.
As nothing but justice and the fulfilment of a contract Was asked, it dictated firmness, conducted with temperance in the pursuit of it.
*' The doors of the committee, as already mentioned, were closed against me." — p. 120.
This appears nowhere, but in his own conjectures, and after assertions confirm his own account. At the time the delay of his reception was satisfactorily explained and had been the cause of another waiting 6 weeks. See his letter of the 25 Aug. page 16 — In which he also says : " I have reason to believe it was the general desire that I should be received as soon as possible and with every demonstration of respect for the country represented."
" Or was it to be presumed, that the declarations of friendship which they contained, would produce in the councils of that body any change of senti- ment, advised as it had been, and armed as it was, with a series of contrary evidence, and in which it would place a greater confidence." — p. 120.
By whom were they advised ? — And what evidences are alluded to?
798] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 483
" If then our good understanding with France was broken, or the necessary concert between us incomplete, Britain would only have to amuse us till the crisis had passed, and then defy us." — pp. 121, 122.
Was a good understanding to be interrupted because we were endeavoring to live in Peace with all the world ? — and were only asking of France what we were entitled to by Treaty ?
11 1 trusted . . . that no concession would be made to my discredit, in favor of that [English] administration." — p. 122.
It is not understood what is here meant by concession. None was asked, or any thought of being made.
" Had the fortunes of France been unprosperous upon my arrival here, the motive for greater caution would have been stronger. But the case was in every respect otherwise. Her fortunes were at the height of prosperity, and those of her enemies decisively on the decline." — p. 122.
It will not be denied, it is presumed, that there had been, and might again be grand vicissitudes in their affairs — both externally and internally. Prudence and policy therefore required that the government of the United States should move with great circum- spection.
" Upon the third point but little need be said. I have some time since transmitted to you a decree which carried the treaty into effect, and yielded the point in question." — p. 123.
A very singular mode truly to obtain it — but look to letter of November 7th, 1794, pages 58 and 59, and judge whether it would not have been accomplished sooner if he had desired it. And what can he mean by not conceding when in explicit terms he has declared that the point, if upon consideration they de- sired it, would have been given up with pleasure !
"And I now declare, that I am of opinion, if we stood firmly upon that ground, there is no service within the power of this republic to render, that it would not render us, and upon the slightest intimation." — p. 123.
That is to say, if we would not press them to do us justice, but have yielded to their violations, they would have aided us in every measure which would have cost them — nothing.
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" For at that time I had reason to believe that it contemplated to take under its care, and to provide for, our protection against Algiers ; for the expulsion of the British from the western posts." — p. 124.
By what means were the British to be expelled from the west- ern Posts by the French, without first conquering Canada, or passing through the Territory of the United States ? And would not the latter by the Law of Nations been a cause of war ? The truth is, Mr. Monroe was cajoled, flattered, and made to believe strange things. In return he did, or was disposed to do whatever was pleasing to that nation — reluctantly urging the rights of his own.
" How then does his [Jay's] conduct correspond with his own doctrine ; having in his three several letters communicated a particular article, and promised in the second the whole [treaty]." — p. 140.
This is a mistake, no such promises to be found in the 2nd letter. See page 105, Nov'r 25th.
" In short, had I been in a private station, is it probable he would have written or communicated any thing to me on the subject ? " — p. 140.
The intention was to enable him on the veracity and authority of the negotiator of the Treaty to assert that there was nothing contained in it repugnant to our engagement with France, and that was all that they or he had a right to expect.
" But in reviewing now his several letters, it is difficult to ascertain what he intended to do, or what his real object was in writing them : For he says in these, that he is not at liberty to disclose the purport of his treaty, and yet promises it : That he will give me the contents or principal heads, to enable me to satisfy this government ; but yet will give them only in confidence, and of course under an injunction, that will put it out of my power to give the satisfaction intended." — p. 141.
Because nothing short of a complete copy, and that for the avowed purpose of laying it, before ratification, before the French Government, would be accepted.
" I am likewise persuaded, that if I had been authorised to declare, gener- ally, from my own knowledge (being the minister on the ground, and responsi- ble for the truth of the declaration) that the treaty did not interfere with our engagements with this republic, &c, it ought not to be published, — it would
1798] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 485
have been satisfactory. And had the communication been sent to me even in this last stage, such would have been my conduct, and most certainly such the effect." — p. T42.
This from the tenor of his conduct was not to be expected.
"I had then gained such an insight into their councils, as to satisfy me, that all our great national objects, so far as they were connected with this Republic, were more easily to be secured by a frank and liberal deportment, than a cool and reserved one." — p. 142.
It was the policy of the French to make him believe this, that they might with more ease draw from him such information as they wanted.
On p. 144 Washington has noted, without special reference to any sentence :
Nothing short of this would subserve Mr. Monroe's views. The request therefore was with great propriety refused.
"In consequence I waited on the diplomatic section of the committee, and made the representation as above, repeating Mr. Jay's motive for withholding the communication, as urged by himself : ' That it belonged to the sovereign power alone to make it, &c.' " — p. 147.
And this ought to have satisfied the French Government. It was as much as that Government would have done for us, or any other nation.
"I thought it best to send the paper in by my secretary, Mr. Gauvain."— p. 148.
Here is a striking instance of his folly ! This Secretary of his was a foreigner — it is believed a Frenchman. — Introduced no doubt to his confidence and Papers for the sole purpose of com- municating to the Directory the secrets of his office.
41 Transactions of old standing, I have not lately formally pressed, because I knew that the government ' was embarrassed on the score of finance, and because I thought it would be better to wait the issue of the business depend- ing with you in June next." — p. 160.
The sufferings of our Citizens is always a secondary considera- tion when put in competition with the embarrassments of the French.
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" The claim of 15,000 dollars I mentioned long since would be admitted without a word, and that it ought to be so understood at the treasury. I omitted it in my more early applications to this government, because I wished to progress with the greater objects first, and more latterly, for the reasons above suggested." — p. 161.
Here is a disregard shewn to repeated orders of his govern- ment, to press this matter.
"As I have had no communication with this government upon the subject of this treaty since its contents were known, it is of course impossible for me to say what the impression it has made is." — p. 207.
What inference is to be drawn from this declaration ? — What light is it in Philadelphia that is to discover the sense of the French Government in Paris, before it was divulged there ? except the conduct of the French Party by whom the wheels were to be moved ?
" For this purpose, then, the person to whom we commit the trust, should possess the confidence of this government." — pp. 209, 210.
Had an eye to himself it is presumed. If he does not mean himself here, it is not difficult to guess who the other character is marked out by this description.
11 But can we accomplish what we wish by the fortunes of France, by any negotiation we can set on foot, without any effort of our own ; and if any such effort is to be made, of what kind must it be?" — p. 210.
War was the suggestion, and is here repeated. This has no horrors when waged in favor of France, but dreadful even in thoughts when it is against her.
M As Mr. Fenwick has always proved himself to be an useful, indeed a valuable, officer in the station he holds, and as the error imputed to him might be the effect of judgment only, and which I think it was, — I have thought I could not better forward your views or the interest of my country, than by con- tinuing him in the discharge of the duties of his office, till the President shall finally decide in his case." — p. 297.
Mr. Fenwick was accused of covering by the American Flag French money under false Invoices — but Mr. M. could readily excuse this breach of faith in his office.
1798] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 487
"I observed, further, that France had gained credit by her late conduct towards us : For whilst England had seized our vessels, and harassed our trade, she had pursued an opposite, and more magnanimous policy ; and which had produced, and would continue to produce, a correspondent effect, by encreasing our resentment against England, and attachment to France. But as soon as the latter should assume an hostile or menacing deportment towards us, would this motive diminish, and the argument it furnished lose its force." — p. 313.
England, before the late treaty with the U. States, and France, were different in their Commercial Relations with America.
"I asked him, what were his objection* to the treaty; and to which he replied, as before, in general rather than in precise terms." — p. 314.
For the best reason imaginable ; because none could be urged that had any weight in them.
" The courts of justice in the United States have taken, and continue daily to take, cognizance of prizes, which our privateers conduct into their ports, notwithstanding the express clause of the treaty which prohibits it." — p. 321.
Only in cases where the captors have contraversed the Treaty — acted contrary to the Law of Nations — or our own municipal Laws.
" The admission of English vessels of war into the ports of the United States, against the express stipulation of the 17th article of the treaty; that is to say, when they have made prizes upon the republic, or its citizens." — p. 322.
A single instance only of a Prize being bro't in is recollected, — & against it strong remonstrance was made. — Without prizes Ships of war are not restrained by the Treaty.
"The consular convention, which makes a part of our treaties, is equally unexecuted in two of its most important clauses : The first, which grants to our consuls the right of judging exclusively all controversies which take place between French citizens, has become illusory, from a defect in the law which gives to our consuls the means' of executing their judgments." — p. 322.
No interruption has been given to this. To carry their own judgment into effect has constituted the difficulty, and in its nature is nearly impossible to do it.
" The judges charged, by the law, to deliver mandats of arrest, have lately
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required the presentation of the original register of the equipage, in despite of the 5th article of the treaty, which admits in the tribunals of the two powers copies certified by the consuls." — p. 322.
This is the French construction of the art. — The Judiciary of the U. S. interprets it otherwise — over whom the Executive have no controul.
" The arrestation in the port of Philadelphia, in the month pf August, 1795, of the Captain of the Corvette Cassius, for an act committed by him on the high seas . . . violates moreover the right of nations, the most common ; which puts the officers of public vessels under the safeguard of their flag." — p. 322-
This arrestation was for an offence committed against the Law of Nations and those of the United States, and has been ex- plained over and over again. — See the Secretary of State's letter, 13th of June, p. 364.
" The arrestation, in the waters of the United States, of the packet boat in which the minister sailed : The search made in his trunks, with the avowed object of seizing his person and his papers, merited an example." — p. 323.
What more could the U. S. do than was done ? See the Sec- retary of State's letter of Sept. 14, 1795, P- 292-
" Third complaint. The treaty concluded in November, 1794, between the United States and Great Britain. It would be easy to prove, that the United States, in that treaty, have sacrificed, knowingly and evidently, their connec- tion with the republic ; and the rights, the most essential and least contested, of neutrality." — p. 323.
These are strange assertions upon false premises. Strange indeed would it be if the U. States could not make a treaty with- out the consent of the French government, where that treaty infracted no prior engagement, but expressly recognizes and con- firms them.
" To sacrifice, exclusively to this power, the objects which are necessary for the equipment and construction of vessels — is not this to depart evidently from the principles of neutrality ?" — p. 323.
They have given nothing, but left those principles precisely upon the ground they stood before the Treaty, with some ex-
1798] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 489
planations favorable to the U. States, and not injurious to France. — They have made nothing contraband that was not contraband before. Nor was it in their power to obtain from G. B. a change, which the armed neutrality (as it was called) could not when combined accomplish.
On page 345, on the first paragraph of Monroe's letter of 12 June, 1796, Washington noted :
How strangely inconsistant are his accounts !
" After this. Citizen Minister, the executive directory thinks itself founded, in regarding the stipulations of the treaty of 1778, which concern the neutrality of the flag, as altered and suspended in their most essential parts, by this act, and that it would fail in its duty, if it did not modify a state of things which would never have been consented to, but upon the condition of the most strict reciprocity." — p. 356.
From hence it follows that if A makes a contract with B, and C will not make a similar one with him, B will not be bound by his contract, although the cases are unconnected with each other.
u You will observe, that in my reply to your complaints, I have heretofore confined myself strictly to the subject of those complaints ; never going beyond them, to expose in return the injuries we have received from this Republic, in the course of the present war." — pp. 358, 359.
All this he ought to have done, and was instructed to do in the beginning — and had it been urged with firmness and temper- ance, might have prevented the evils which have taken place since.
"Because I was disposed to yield every possible accommodation to your present exigencies that my duty would permit." — p. 359.
And a great deal more than his duty permitted.
" I do not wish to be understood as assuming to myself the merit of this delay." — p. 371.
By implication he has done this in a variety of instances.
"I well know, that I have done every thing in my power, and from the moment of my arrival to the present time, to promote harmony between the two republics, and to prevent this from taking any step which might possibly disturb it." — p. 371.
49° THE WRITINGS OF [1798
That is by not pressing the execution of the Treaty ; and for compensation to our suffering citizens. This, no doubt, was accommodating and pleasing one party at the Expence of the other.
" One of the members however observed, that the abandonment of the principle that free ships made free goods, in favor of England, was an injury of a very serious kind to France ; and which could not be passed by unnoticed." —P. 374-
Did France expect that the U. States could compel G. Britain to relinquish this right under the Law of Nations while the other maritime Powers of Europe (as has been observed before) when combined for the purpose were unable to effect [it] ? Why then call it an abandonment ?
" He told me explicitly, they had no object with respect to Canada for themselves, but wished it separated from England : That they were not anxious about Louisiana, and if they took it, it would be only in case of a war between Spain and England . . . That, with respect to our interior, we had no cause to be uneasy ; for there did not exist, in the breast of a member of the government, an intention to wish to disturb it." — p. 377.
This is all external, and a flimsy covering of their designs. Why else send their emissaries through that country to inculcate different principles among the Inhabitants — a fact that could be substantiated.
"But, Citizen Minister, you know too well from what side the first blow was given to that friendship, which our two nations had sworn to." — p. 390.
Yes, Citizen, and every one else, who can read, are acquainted with facts and your violations of our Rights under the Treaty knows it also !
" It shall not be the fault of the executive directory, Citizen Minister, if the political relations between the two nations are not speedily reestablished on the footing they ought to be, and if the clouds, which cast a gloom on our alliance, be not dispelled, by frank and loyal explanations ; to which it will be anxious to listen above all, Citizen Minister, when they shall be made through you." — p. 391.
The treatment of our Minister, General Pinckney, is a pretty evidence of this. The tho't of parting with Mr. Monroe was insupportable by them !
1798] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 491
TO ALEXANDER WHITE.
Mount Vernon, 25 March, 1798.
Dear Sir,
Your favors of the 10th and 14th Inst, have been duly received, and for the information contained therein I feel grateful. — Rarely going from home I have nothing in the way of news to offer you in return. —
It has always been my opinion, and so I have expressed it, that the proprietors of the City of Washington (with some exceptions) are by their jealousies and the modes they pursue to promote their local Interests, amongst its worst enemies. — But if your present exertion to obtain a loan from Congress should succeed, of which the prospect seems good, all doubts respecting the intentions of that body towards the permanent establishment of the Government, at that place will be removed ; — confidence will take place in every mind ; and the Public buildings will be accompanied by private ones for the accommodation of its members. — My wishes and my labors have always tended to the accomplishment of these points ; the first is all I have left to offer, and these shall be fervent. — The principle which operated for fixing the site for the two principal buildings, were understood and found necessary at the time to obtain the primary object, i.e., the ground and means for either purpose. — But it is always easy from an ignorant or partial view of a measure, to distort and place it in an unfavorable attitude. Nothing short of insanity can
492 THE WRITINGS OF [1798
remove Congress from the building intended for its sittings to any other part of the city in the present progress of the work. — Where or how the houses for the President and other public officers may be fixed is to me as an individual a matter of moon- shine ; but the reverse of the President's reason for placing the latter near the Capitol was my motive for fixing them by the former. The daily intercourse which the Secretaries of the Departments must have with the President, would render a distant situation extremely inconvenient to them ; and not much less so would one be close to the Capitol ; for it was the universal complaint of them all, that while the Legis- lature was in Session, they cou'd do little or no business ; — so much were they interrupted by the individual visits of members (in office hours) and by calls for papers. — Many of them have declared to me that they have been obliged often to go home and deny themselves in order to transact the current business. —
No person will congratulate you more sincerely than I shall on the final success of your mission if it answers your expectations ; nor is there any one who reprobates more than I do improper interferences of all sorts. As your perseverance however is likely to be accepted, and as this will open a view which promises a pleasing prospect, I hope you will suffer no difficulties or differences, to divert you from your course, and that you will not give out the business until you see the Legislature seated in the Capitol of the United States.
1798] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 493.
The last message from the President to the Houses of Congress has brought the matter to an issue. —
to james Mchenry, secretary of war.
DEAR SlR Mount Vernon, 27 March, 1798.
Your favor of came safe and in due time ; for
the information contained in it I thank you ; your request was immediately complied with, as every one of a similar nature shall be.
A report is circulated in Alexandria and its vicin- ity, transmitted, (it is said,) in private letters from Philadelphia, that a correspondence has been dis- covered, or more properly letters have been inter- cepted, from some m r of Cgss to the Dcty of F,
of a treasonable nature, Containing, among other matters, advice not to receive our Envoys ; on the con- trary, to menace us with hostile appearances, and they might rely upon bringing the U States to her terms. The name of the person has been mentioned to me.
Cruel must these reports be if unfounded, and, if well founded, what punishment can be too great for the Actors in so diabolical a Drama ? The period is big with events, but what it will produce is beyond the reach of human ken. On this, as upon all other occasions, I hope the best. It has always been my belief, that Providence has not led us so far in the path of Independence of one Nation, to throw us into the arms of another ; and that the machinations of those, who are attempting it, will sooner or later recoil upon their own heads. Heaven grant it may
494 THE WRITINGS OF [1798
soon happen upon all those, whose conduct de- serve it.1
With truth I am always yours.
TO FERDINAND FEROT. 3ir Mount Vernon, 15 April, 1798.
The papers which you were pleased to transmit to me from Baltimore are agreeably to your request returned.
Not perceiving what has been your object in addressing such sentiments as your letter of the 4th inst. contained, and not being conscious of having merited the reprehension you have judged it ex- pedient to inflict on me, I shall not give you the trouble of reading an answer in detail.
I cannot forbear observing however that as it is not usual with me, to treat any gentleman with incivility or even with indifference (especially under my own roof) I am unable to recollect any part of my behavior which could give rise to such misconception of my motives.
As to the deceptions which may have been occa- sioned by the quotation in your letter, I shall only remark that I had no agency in the fabrication of it, or of anything similar thereto, — that it is to be regretted that we should have land jobbers and other speculators among us who, to promote their Interested views, will publish such accounts and that foreigners should be imposed upon by them. I am &c.
1 President Adams, on March 19th, announced to Congress the failure of the negotiations in France.
1798] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 495
TO TIMOTHY PICKERING.
Mount Vernon, April 16, 1798.
Dear Sir,
Your obliging favor of the nth Inst, enclos- ing copies of the instructions to, and dispatches from the Envoys of the United States at Paris was received with thankfulness by the last Post- One would think that the measure of infamy was filled, and the profligacy of, and corruption in the system pursued by the French Directory required no further disclosure of the principles by which it is actuated, than what is contained in the above dis- patches ; to open the eyes of the blindest ; and yet, I am persuaded that those communications will produce no change in the leaders of the opposition, unless there shou'd appear a manifest desertion of the followers. There is a sufficient evidence already in the Aurora of the turn they intend to give the business, and of the ground they mean to occupy — but I do not believe they v/ill be able to maintain that — or any other much longer. 1
With very great esteem.
1 V The Demo's seem to be lifting up their heads again — according to Mr. Bache. — They are a little crestfallen — or one might say, thunder-stricken — on the publication of the dispatches from our envoys ; but the contents of these dispatches are now resolved by them into harmless chit chat — mere trifles — less than was, or ought to have been expected from the misconduct of the Administration of this country, and that it is better to submit to such chastise- ment than to hazard greater evils by shewing futile resentment. So much for a little consultation among themselves." — Washington to James Mc Henry,
May, 1798.
496 THE WRITINGS OF [1798
TO GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS. *
Mount Vernon, 10 May, 1798.
Dear Washington :
Your letter by Colonel Fitzgerald has been received, and I shall confine my reply at present, to the query in the postscript, viz. " to whom I am to apply for money in case of need."
This has the appearance of a very early application, when it is considered that you were provided very plentifully, it was conceived, with necessaries of all sorts when you left this (two months ago only) ; had £\. 6. given to you by me, and £$. o. o. by Doctor Stuart, as charged in his account against me (equal to between 9 and 10 lbs. Maryland currency) ; had a trunk purchased for you, a quarter's board paid in advance, &c. Except for your washing, and books when necessary, I am at a loss to discover what has given rise to so early a question. Surely you have not conceived that indulgence in dress or other ex- travagances are matters that were ever contemplated by me as objects of expense ; and I hope they are not so by you. As then the distance between this and Annapolis is short, and the communication (by post) easy, regular and safe, transmit the accounts of such expenses as are necessary, to me, in your letters, and a mode shall be devised for prompt and punctual payment of them. And let me exhort you, in solemn terms, to keep steadily in mind the purposes and the end for which you were sent to the seminary you are
1 Now at the college at Annapolis.
1798] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 497
now placed at, and not disappoint the hopes which have been entertained from your going thither, by doing which you will ensure the friendship, &c. of.
TO MRS. SARAH FAIRFAX. 1
Mount Vernon, 16 May, 1798.
My dear Madam,
Five and twenty years have nearly passed away, since I have considered myself as the permanent resident at this place, or have been in a situation to indulge myself in a familiar intercourse with my friends by letter or otherwise.
During this period, so many important events have occurred, and such changes in men and things have taken place, as the compass of a letter would give you but an inadequate idea of. None of which events, however, nor all of them together, have been able to eradicate from my mind the recollection of those happy moments, the happiest in my life, which I have enjoyed in your company.
Worn out in a manner by the toils of my past labor, I am again seated under my vine and fig-tree, and wish I could add, that there were none to make us afraid ; but those, whom we have been accustomed to call our good friends and allies, are endeavoring, if not to make us afraid, yet to despoil us of our property, and are provoking us to acts of self-defence, which may lead to war. What will be the result of
1 Widow of George William Fairfax, now living in England. 32
498 THE WRITINGS OF [1798
such measures, time, that faithful expositor of all things, must disclose. My wish is to spend the remainder of my days, which cannot be many, in rural amusements, free from the cares from which public responsibility is never exempt.
Before the war, and even while it existed, although I was eight years from home at one stretch, (except the en passant visits made to it on my marches to and from the siege of Yorktown,) I made consider- able additions to my dwelling-houses, and alterations in my offices and gardens ; but the dilapidation oc- casioned by time, and those neglects, which are coex- tensive with the absence of proprietors, have occupied as much of my time within the last twelve months in repairing them, as at any former period in the same space ; and it is matter of sore regret, when I cast my eyes towards Belvoir, which I often do, to reflect, the former inhabitants of it, with whom we lived in such harmony and friendship, no longer reside there, and that the ruins can only be viewed as the memento of former pleasures. Permit me to add, that I have wondered often, your nearest relations being in this country, that you should not prefer spending the evening of your life among them, rather than close the sublunary scene in a foreign country, numerous as your acquaintances may be, and sincere as the friendships you may have formed.
A century hence, if this country keeps united (and it is surely its policy and interest to do it), will pro- duce a city, though not as large as London, yet of a magnitude inferior to few others in Europe, on the
1798] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 499
banks of the Potomac, where one is now establishing for the permanent seat of the government of the United States, (between Alexandria and Georgetown, on the Maryland side of the river ; ) a situation not excelled, for commanding prospect, good water, salubrious air, and safe harbour, by any in the world ; and where elegant buildings are erecting and in for- wardness for the reception of Congress in the year 1800.
Alexandria, within the last seven years, since the establishment of the general government, has in- creased in buildings, in population, in the improve- ment of its streets by well-executed pavements, and in the extension of its wharves, in a manner of which you can have very little idea. This show of prosperity, you will readily conceive, is owing to its commerce. The extension of that trade is occasioned, in a great degree, by opening of the inland navigation of the Potomac River, now cleared to Fort Cumberland, upwards of two hundred miles, and by a similar attempt to accomplish the like up the Shenandoah, one hundred and eighty miles more. In a word, if this country can steer clear of European politics, stand firm on its bottom, and be wise and temperate in its government, it bids fair to be one of the greatest and happiest nations in the world.
Knowing that Mrs. Washington is about to give an account of the changes, which have happened in the neighborhood and in our own family, I shall not trouble you with a repetition of them.
I am, &c.
500 THE WRITINGS OF [1798
MRS. WASHINGTON TO MRS. SARAH FAIRFAX.
Mount Vernon, 17 May, 1798.
Whether you are indebted to me, or I to you a letter, I shall not (because it would not comport with that friendship I have always professed, and still feel for you to enquire ; ) but I shall proceed having so good an opportunity as is afforded by Mr. Fairfax's voyage to England, to assure you that although many years have elapsed since I have either received or written one to you, that my affectionate regard for you has undergone no dimi- nution, and that it is among my greatest regrets, now I am again fixed (I hope for life) at this place, at not having you as a neigh- bor and companion. This loss was not sensibly felt by me while I was a kind of perambulator, during eight or nine years of the war, and during other eight years which I resided at the seat of the general government, occupied in scenes more busy, tho' not more happy, than in the tranquil employment of rural life with which my days will close.
The changes which have taken place in this country, since you left it (and it is pretty much the case in all other parts of this State) are, in one word, total. In Alexandria, I do not believe there lives at this day a single family with whom you had the smallest acquaintance. In our neighborhood Colo. Mason, Colo. McCarty and wife, Mr. Chichestor, Mr. Lund Washington and all the Wageners, have left the stage of human life ; and our visitors on the Maryland side are gone and going likewise. These, it is true are succeeded by another Generation among whom your niece, Mrs. Herbert, has a numerous offspring ; and as she, Mrs. Washington of Fairfield, and your nephews, Thomas and Ferdi- nand Fairfax are (as I am informed) among your correspondents, it would perhaps be but an imperfect repetition of what you would receive more correctly in detail from them, to relate mat- ters which more immediately concern themselves : I shall briefly add, however, that Mrs. Washington has just lost another daughter, who lately married Mr. Thomas Fairfax and is the second wife he has lost, both very fine women.
With respect to my own family, it will not I presume, be new
1798] GEORGE WASHINGTON. 501
to you to hear that my son died in the fall of 1781. He left four fine children, three daughters and a son ; the two eldest of the former are married, and have three children between them, all girls. The eldest of the two, Elizabeth, married Mr. Law (a man of fortune from the East Indies, brother to the Bishop of [blank] ; the other, Martha, married Mr. Thomas Peter, son of Robt. Peter of Georgetown, who is also very wealthy. Both live in the federal city. The youngest daughter, Eleanor, is yet single, and lives with me, having done so from an infant ; as has my grand- son George Washington, now turned of seventeen, except when at college ; to three of which he has been — viz — Philadelphia, New Jersey and Annapolis, at the last of which he now is.1
1 The draft of this letter is in Washington's writing.
END OF VOL. XIII.
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