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from, and return to it again; for although the work itself is not new to them, yet new arrangements must be made, and time is required to get them fairly settled to it. It follows, if these observations are just, and they are clearly so to my mind, that the whole business of Farms, of Ditching, and so of any other employment that is intended to be permanent, ought to be systematical digested, not from day to day, or week to week, but for as long a time as can well be foreseen and the persons who are immediately to have the conducting thereof to be informed accordingly: and unless imperious necessity, or weather, the last of which ought always to be provided for (as there is work to suit all kinds of it) the system should be adhered to.

If a person only sees, or directs from day to day what is to be done, business can never go on methodically or well, for in case of sickness, or the absence of the Director, delays must follow. System to all things is the soul of business. To deliberate maturely, and execute promptly is the way to conduct it to advantage. With me, it has always been a maxim, rather to let my designs appear from my works than by my expressions. To talk long before hand, of things to be done, is unpleasant, if those things can as well be done at one time or another; but I do not mean by this to discourage you from proposing any plans to me which you may conceive to be beneficial, after having weighed them well in your own mind; on the contrary, I request you to do it with the utmost freedom, for the more combined, and distant things are seen, the more likely they are to be turned to advantage.

I have been thus particular because one scene is closing, and another opening, because I shall be able to go but little out of the house this winter having appropriated it to the assorting, and arranging my voluminous papers; a task of no small magnitude; and because I am more and more convinced the oftener

I think of the plan of placing Union and Dogue Run Farms under one head, of the indispensable necessity of great exertion on your part, as well as on that of the immediate Overlooker's, to prevent the work cattle and stock of every kind from suffering on the latter and the grain and other things from embezzlement. To do which, and to keep the work progressing to advantage, the plainest, the most precise, and simple system ought to be adopted and adhered to. I shall confess that my mind never, implicitly yielded to this plan, and unless these suggestions are attended to, I shall be seriously afraid that the endeavor to save an Overseers Wages and allowance; will be effected by a serious loss in other respects; for experience has fully shewn I think, that with the vigilance of an Overseer at each place, idleness and roguery are still practised. What have I to expect then, when the latitude is increased, and the opportunities to accomplish these, are extended? More than ordinary attention too, to the Tools and Impliments of the Farms, will be required; not only at Dogue run but at the others also; for it is inconceivable that Isaac always and Joe frequently should be employed in making and repairing Ploughs and Carts; abuse, more than the use of these things, must be the cause of it, and requires to be looked into with an investigating Eye. I shall only add that I wish you well, and success in all your measures, being your friend &ca.

*To THOMAS LAW

Mount Vernon, December 25, 1797. Dear Sir: Your letter of the 22d instt. came to hand last night. The Pointer shall be taken care of at this place until you may find it convenient to send for him; for he certainly would not long remain with Mr. Atkinson9 if sent thither, and if he 69 Guy Atkinson.

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should not return here again, it is more than probable he would be carried off by some Waggoner or Waterman from Alexandria and be lost to you.

It is very pleasing to hear that the State of Maryland continues disposed to extend its fostering hand to the important objects on this River. Much is it to be wished, that the example would (as it ought to do) shed its influence on the Legislature of this Commonwealth, now in Session.

The letter from Marquis Cornwallis to the Revd. Mr. Law is returned, and in assorting some of my papers during the last cold spell, I came across some other enclosures of yours to me; one of which from Mr. Barry (containing other matter than the introduction of two Spanish Gentlemen to you) is also returned. To stand high in the estimation of so respectable a character as Lord Cornwallis, is a circumstance which must be as pleasing as it is honourable to you.

It gave us much pleasure to hear that Mrs. Law, yourself and the child were all well, and that the latter begins, so soon, to learn the use of her feet. We, remain in Statu quo, and all unite in offering you, and yours, the compliments of the season; and the return of many, many more, and happy ones. With very great esteem and regard I remain etc."

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*To JOHN MASON

Mount Vernon, January 2, 1798. Sir: I am just informed by the President of the Potomac Company, that the application to the Maryland Assembly on be half of that Company, for aid to complete their works, has met with much delay, and even at this time, is uncertain in its event. A circumstance which I learn with no small regret.

"From a photostat of the original through the kindness of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union.

Understanding also, from the same source, that some persons have expressed a doubt whether I still entertain the same favourable opinion of the importance of the Navigation of the Potomac that I formerly did, I take the liberty, Sir, (as you are at Annapolis) of troubling you with a repetion [sic] of the opinion which I have invariably expressed, concerning the advantages of that undertaking; and you have my permission to communicate it whenever it may be necessary and proper, to obviate any doubts as mentioned above, or even otherwise promote the interest of the Company.

So far from being less sanguine than I formerly was, of the many and great advantages which will accrue from completing the navigation of the Potomack, I have every day additional reason for supporting my former opinion, and new proof of its advantages extending beyond the calculation of the most sanguine.

To the States of Virginia and Maryland it offers benefits too obvious to mention, and too numerous, to detail in a letter. To the United States, as well as to the two before Mentioned, it holds out the desireable advantage of perhaps the most direct and easiest communication between the Waters of the Atlantic States and the Western country. To the Stockholders, the completion of the work promises an ample increasing, and secure interest.

Under these impressions, it is astonishing to me, that, if the State can, conveniently spare the means, there should be wanting (unless the measure appears differently in the eyes of its Representatives) the disposition to complete this great and interesting work, especially too as the money already expended must be lost, without the addition of a comparatively small sum to finish the object; and especially also, as the few Individuals who at this time have the command of money find so many

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objects in which they can employ it to immediate advantage that they cannot be induced to come forward in aid, however flattering the future emoluments may be. Wishing you success. I am etc.

*To THE SECRETARY OF WAR

Mount Vernon, January 2, 1798. Dear Sir: This letter will be presented to you by Mr. Elliot, the son of a meritorious Officer in the Revolutionary War. He has equitable (if not legal) claim to Land. I have advised him to shew you the nature of it. If it is within your power to serve him, I am sure you will. If not, you can advise him as to the course best to be taken. Always, and sincerely, I am etc.

*To GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS

January 7, 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; endeavouring to make yourself master of whatever is recommended to, or required of you.

While the afternoons are short, and but little interval between rising from dinner and assembling for Tea, you may employ that time in walking, or any other recreation.