With this explanation of my intentions, you will please to do, or cause to be done, what is proper on my part, that I may not be brought into any unpleasant predicament at the Bank.

It is far from my intention, or wish, to saddle you with the expence of stamps; and therefore pray to be charged with their cost, and to be told where, and in what manner I can be provided with others. With very great esteem, etc.

*To THE SECRETARY OF WAR

(Private)

[N.Y.P.L.]

Mount Vernon, September 1, 1799.

Dear Sir: I find, by looking over my files, that your favours of the 14th. and 24th. of August have never been acknowledged. I now do, the receipt of them.

I thank you, and through you, Governor Davie, for his "Instructions to be observed for the formations and movements of Cavalry" and would thank you to mention this to him, when you shall see him, which I presume must be soon.

13

I pray you to direct Mr Francis, the Purveyor, to furnish me with the cost of the equipment of Washington Custis, as a Cavelry Officer. I have had a small Sum in the Bank of Pennsylvania locked up, being affraid to touch it, lest there might not be enough for that amount and I should find difficulty in remitting the Bale. I regret exceedingly the cause of your removal to Trenton and am, My dear Sir etc.

*To WILLIAM THORNTON

Mount Vernon, September 5, 1799.

Dear Sir: Not sending to Alexandria every day, letters sometimes lye longer in the Post Office than they otherwise would

13 Tench Francis.

1799]

MRS. WASHINGTON'S ILLNESS 353

do. This is the reason why your favour of the 1st. instant has not been acknowledged sooner.

If Mr. Blagden would be at the trouble of chusing the Ironmongry himself and pay ready money for it (thereby providing it on the best terms) I had rather he should get it than I, because he would be a better judge of its quality. With the means for making such purchases, he shall always be furnished; and he may count upon the $1000 the 20th. instant.

I am glad to hear that your late Sales have been productive, and that the people of Baltimore are turning their attention towards the Federal City. At all times we shall be glad to see you and Mrs. Thornton here, and with great esteem etc.1

*To THOMAS PETER; IF ABSENT TO MRS. PETER

[September 7, 1799.]

Dear Sir: The Carriage is sent agreeably to Mrs. Peter's request; and we shall expect to see you by three o'clock.

Mrs. Washington has been exceedingly unwell for more than eight days. Yesterday she was so ill as to keep her bed all day, and to occasion my sending for Doctr. Craik the night before, at midnight. She is now better, and taking the Bark; but low, weak and fatigued, under his direction.

Her's has been a kind of Ague and fever, the latter never, entirely, intermitting until now. I sent for the Doctor to her on Sunday last, but she could not, until he came the second time, yesterday morning, be prevailed upon to take anything to arrest them. Our best regards attend you, and I am, etc.

Since writing and sealing this letter, Mrs. Washingtons fever has returned with uneasy and restless Symptoms.

Inform Mrs. Law thereof.15

"From the Thornton Papers in the Library of Congress.

From a photostat of the original through the kindness of Judge E. A. Armstrong, of Princeton, N. J.

To JAMES ANDERSON

Mount Vernon, September 8, 1799

Mr. Anderson: Mrs. Washington passed a good night, is clear of fever today, and is taking the Bark, which I hope will prevent a return of it.

I am much hurried and pressed, with one thing and another, but do what humanity requires for Roberts: who ought not to have engaged in the situation he is in without first informing me of it. Dr. Craik is not now here; nor expected if Mrs. Washington should not relapse; but the case may be stated to him against tomorrow afternoon, when I shall send up to the Post Office. If it be found that he is not now nor soon will be, in a condition to discharge the duties of a miller, some other must, undoubtedly, be got; as I cannot loose the Fall work of the mill. He may have medicine, or anything else from hence.

I did not send to the Post Office yesterday; of course no papers came. I was sorry to hear of your indisposition. I fear the charge with which you are entrusted, is too much for your health, and that to execute it properly will rather increase than diminish your complaint.

I shall therefore, so soon as company, sickness, and other circumstances will allow me time to digest my thoughts on this subject; express them to you in a more full and ample manner than I can do at present I am always etc.16

*To THE SECRETARY OF STATE

Mount Vernon, September 8, 1799.

Dear Sir: Your letter of the 22d Ulto. came duly to hand. The subject being of importance to the New City; and at no

16 From the printed text in George Washington and Mount Vernon, Long Island Historical Society Memoirs (vol. 4).

1799]

AN ARTILLERY MODEL

355

time more necessary than at the commencement of the water improvements there. I sent it to the Commissioners of the Federal City; who were contemplating on regulations to avoid the evils which are but too common, and of late sorely felt; in almost the whole of our Seaport Towns of Magnitude, from narrow alleys, and filthy Docks. They have promised to give it all the consideration in their power.

Has any trial ever been given of the medicine, in the yellow fever, which was sent to me by a Physician in Germany, and forwarded to you? As the skill of our most eminent Medical men in this Country has been baffled in that fatal disorder, I think it merits a trial. With great esteem etc.

[N. Y. P.L.]

*To GOVERNOR EDWARD RUTLEDGE

Mount Vernon, September 8, 1799.

My dear Sir: I have received, by the hand of Genl. W. Washington, the model of an improvement made on Gun Carriages which you have been so good as to present me; and I pray you will accept my sincere thanks for this token of your friendship, which will always be dear to me.

I see many advantages in this improvement on Gun Carriages, and I think every thing of this kind ought to be adopted by us, so far as they can be usefully applied; for it will be much easier to introduce valuable improvements in the commencement of our Military establishments, than after we shall have been long accustomed to certain habits and things to deviate from them.

In best wishes for the health and happiness of yourself and Mrs. Rutledge Mrs. Washington unites with My dear Sir Yr. etc.17

17

"From a photograph of the original presented by Harry MacNeill Bland, of New York.

To AUGUSTE DE GRASSE

Mount Vernon, September 9, 1799.

Sir: I have received your letter of the 20th of Augt. requesting an appointment in the Corps of Engineers about to be raised.

I have made it a point to forward all applications for military Offices, which have been made to me, to the Secretary of War, in whose office they will be deposited for the inspection and consideration of the President of the United States, and your letter has been transmitted to him accordingly. with due respect etc."

18

*To JAMES ANDERSON

Mount Vernon, September 10, 1799. Mr. Anderson: In a hasty note which I wrote to you on Sunday last, I informed you, that as soon as time and circumstances would permit, I would be more full on a subject which I could then, but barely touch upon.

The latter of these has not, yet, put it so fully in my power as I could wish to fulfil this promise. I shall, however, endeavour to explain my meaning without further [illegible].

I have, for more than two years, been a witness to your zeal, industry and exertions in the discharge of your multifarious duties; and I always have, and still do believe, that they have been rendered with the strictest sobriety and integrity. But I must have been blind, if I had not discovered also, that the whole, taken together, more on account of the diversity, and

18 The draft is in the writing of Tobias Lear.

On September 9 Washington forwarded this letter to the Secretary of War in a brief note, acknowledging, at the same time, a letter from Governor Rutledge and one for Brig. Gen. William Washington, which the Secretary had forwarded. The draft of this letter is in the Washington Papers.