UNIV. OF VINNOJIVO THE WRITINGS OF GEORGE WASHINGTON *To THE SECRETARY OF STATE Mount Vernon, August 4, 1797. Dear Sir: In a late letter from the Attorney General (Lee) he has requested a copy of the opinion he gave relative 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 hds. for a particular purpose was never returned, or left by Mr. Lear and Mr. Dandridge (who were employed in seperating 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 deposited 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.1 With very great esteem &c. 'Pickering's answer (August 10) stated that he had two bundles of the abovementioned papers; that he would let the Attorney General take a copy of his opinion and then send the papers to Washington. Pickering's letter is in the Washington Papers. CYTILOKMYV *To THE ATTORNEY GENERAL Mount Vernon, August 4, 1797. Dear Sir: Agreeably to my promise I have looked among those parcels which I conceived most likely to procure the Paper of which you required a copy, without the desired effect. How to account for it I am at a loss unless Mr. Lear and Mr. Dandridge (whom I employed to seperate and Pack up my files) may have left it, with Papers of a similar nature, which I also miss, with those designed for my Successor in Office. I have not, nor is it in my power yet, to open all my packages; because I have no place to put them at this moment in a seperate State. When I do this, if I find the opinion you have given, in a certain case, among them a copy of it shall be transmitted to you. With great esteem etc. TO LAWRENCE LEWIS Mount Vernon, August 4, 1797. Dear Sir: Your letter of the 24th ulto has been received, and I am sorry to hear of the loss of your servant; but it is my opinion these elopements will be MUCH MORE, before they are LESS frequent: and that the persons making them should never be retained, if they are recovered, as they are sure to contaminate and discontent others. I wish from my soul that the Legislature of this State could see the policy of a gradual Abolition of Slavery; It would prevt. much future mischief. Whenever it is convenient to you to make this place your home I shall be glad to see you at it for that purpose and that there may be no misunderstanding in the matter, I shall inform you beforehand, that you, servant (if you bring one) and horses, will fare in all respects as we and mine do, but that I |