*To GOVERNOR JONATHAN TRUMBULL

Mount Vernon, July 21, 1799.

My dear Sir: Your favour of the 22d. Ulto got to my hands yesterday, only. It came safe, and without any apparent marks of violence; but whence the length of its passage, I am unable to inform you.

To you, and to your brother Colo. Jno Trumbull, I feel much indebted for the full, frank, and interesting communication of the political sentiments contained in both your letters.

The project of the latter is rash and under any circumstances would require very mature consideration; but in its extent, and an eye being had to the disorganizing Party in the United States, I am sure it would be impracticable in the present order of things.

Not being able to convey my ideas to you on this subject in more concise terms than I have already done to your brother in answer to the letter he informs you he has written to me I shall take the liberty of giving you an extract thereof, as follow.

For the Political information contained in it (that is his letter) I feel grateful, as I always shall for the free . . .75 and within the short period which you suppose may be allowed to accomplish it.

I come now, my dear Sir, to pay particular attention to that part of your Letter which respects myself.

I remember well the conversation which you allude to, and have not forgot the answer I gave you. In my judgment it applies with as much force now, as then; nay more, because at that time the line between Parties was not so clearly drawn, and the views of the opposition, so clearly developed as they are at present; of course, allowing your observation (as it respects myself) to be founded, personal influence would be of no avail.

"The omitted portion is the same as that in Washington's letter to John Trumbull, June 25, 1799, q. v.

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313

Let that party set up a broomstick and call it a true son of Liberty; a Democrat, or give it any other epithet that will suit their purpose, and it will command their votes in toto! as an analysis of this position, look to the pending Election of Governor in Pennsylvania. Will not the Federalists meet them or rather defend their cause, on the opposite ground? Surely they must, or they will discover a want of Policy, indicative of weakness, and pregnant of mischief which cannot be admitted. Wherein then would lye the difference between the present Gentleman in Office, and myself?

76

It would be matter of sore regret to me if I could believe that a serious thot. was turned towards me as his successor; not only as it respects my ardent wishes to pass through the vale of life in retiremt., undisturbed in the remnant of the days I have to sojourn here, unless called upon to defend my Country (which every citizen is bound to do), but on Public ground also; for although I have abundant cause to be thankful for the good health with whh. I am blessed, yet I am not insensible to my declination in other respects. It would be criminal therefore in me, although it should be the wish of my Countrymen, and I could be elected, to accept an Office under this conviction, which another would discharge with more ability; and this too at a time when I am thoroughly convinced I should not draw a single vote from the Anti-federal side; and of course, should stand upon no stronger ground than any other Federal character well supported; and when I should become a mark for the shafts of envenomed malice, and the basest calumny to fire at; when I should be charged not only with irresolution, but with concealed ambition, which waits only an occasion to blaze out; and, in short, with dotage and imbecility.

All this I grant, ought to be like dust in the balance, when put in competion [sic] with a great public good, when the " President John Adams.

accomplishment of it is apparent. But as no problem is better defined in my mind than that principle, not men, is now, and will be, the object of contention; and that I could not obtain a solitary vote from that Party; that any other respectable Federal character would receive the same suffrages that I should; that at my time of life, (verging towards three score and ten) I should expose myself without rendering any essential service to my Country, or answering the end contemplated: Prudence on my part must arrest any attempt at the well meant, but mistaken views of my friends, to introduce me again into the chair of Government.

Lengthy as this letter is, I cannot conclude it without expressing an earnest wish that, some intimate and confidential friend of the Presidents would give him to understand that, his long absence from the Seat of Government in the present critical conjuncture, affords matter for severe animadversion by the friends of government; who speak of it with much disapprobation; while the other party chuckle at and set it down as a favourable omen for themselves. It has been suggested to me to make this Communication; but I have declined it, conceiving that it would be better received from a private character, more in the habits of social intercourse and friendship. With the most sincere friendship, and Affectionate regard, etc.

*To JOHN FITZGERALD

[N. Y.P.L.]

Mount Vernon, July 27, 1799.

Dear Sir: Recollecting that you had some doubt, At the last General Meeting of the Potomack Company, concerning the

On July 24 Washington wrote to the Secretary of War, acknowledging the receipt of several recommendations of persons in Kanawha County for military appointments and forwarding a letter from Gustavus B. Wallace, jr., of King George County, requesting an appointment in the cavalry. The draft of this letter is in the Washington Papers.

1799]

POTOMAC COMPANY MATTERS

315

validity of your Powers to represent the State of Virginia in its interest therein, I wish to know whether those doubts have been removed by the Treasurer now in Office.

The Stockholders are called upon, I perceive by a Printed (and I presume circular) letter in precise terms to attend the next Genl Meeting in George Town the 5th. of next month, to consider, and decide on an important measure. Much is it to be regretted, that a work of such public utility and (if executed) of such immense advantage to the Undertakers, should be forced to go limpingly on as that has done; particularly to the injury of those individuals who (in effecting [illegible] red to promote the completion of it.

If you have not powers of sufficient validity to justify your voting on this occasion, I hope, to your [illegible] they will be given before the meeting; and if they are sufficient let me pray you to attend, and in time, for it is really necessary as well for the reputation as interest of the Company that the business should be rescued from its present Sloth.

I shall make a point of it, to be at the Union Tavern in George Town on the day appointed and by 11 oclock unless prevented by sickness; and in that case shall appear by Proxy; and I shall feel much chagreen if the State of Virginia is unrepresented thereat. With great esteem and regard I am etc.

*To SAMUEL M. FOX

[N. Y.P.L.]

Mount Vernon, July 28, 1799.

Sir: By the hands of Mr. Jolly, I have had the honor to receive your favor of the 20th. instant. and fifteen hundred dollars which you had the goodness to send, and he to bring, in Southern Notes, on account of money deposited in the Bank of Pennsylvania for my use, by Judge Addison in part payment of the deceased Matthew Ritchies Bond.

For your kind attention to this business, I pray you to accept the best thanks of Sir Your etc.

To W. B. WALLACE"

[N. Y.P.L.]

Mount Vernon, July 29, 1799.

Sir: I have received your letter of the 24th instant, wherein you offer yourself as a Candidate for an appointment in the Provisional Army.

Measures are now taking to select proper Characters for Officers in this Army, and as it is desireable to obtain those who have had experience in military affairs, and are otherwise qualified, your application will meet with due attention whenever the appointments take place.

And in the mean time I will thank you to suggest to me the names of such persons within your knowledge, as are fit and willing to serve as Regimental or Company officers in case they should be appointed thereto; for my personal knowledge of Characters in this State is too confined to enable me, from that alone, to select proper Characters for the officers of four Regiments, which is the proportion aloted to Virginia; I must therefore obtain information from every source in my power of those who are qualified and willing to serve without giving any assurance of appointment as that must depend on the will of the President and Senate of the United States. With esteem etc."8

*To MRS. E. GRAVATT"9

Mount Vernon, July 29, 1799.

Madam: I have been honoured, but not so soon as might have been expected from the date, with your favour of the 4th. of