*To THE SECRETARY OF STATE

Mount Vernon, August 29, 1797.

Dear Sir: Your favours of the 9th, 10th, and 19th instant have been duly received; for your care of my European letters, and attention to the copying Press, Laws of the U. S and journals of Congress, I feel myself obliged. If the Vessel has not already left Philadelphia, the Tryal, Captn. Hand, is up for Alexandria; 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 of a change in the sentiments of the People of France favourable to the interests of this Country; but I can scarcely believe that it will be so great, or so sudden as some imagine. Candour 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 deceived by false misrepresentations. Pride would be 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 promoted 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 coming from Captn. Towers, that General

1797]

A COPYING PRESS

19

Pinckney had been invited to Paris by the Minister of Foreign Affairs attached itself in its passage to Philadelphia or passing through different hands; for General Lee (who hearing various reports of what the Captn. had related of his conversation with the General) went on board the Saratoga and got the details, without any mention of that fact, which wd. have been of too much importance for omission.

That the statement of facts in the printed letter to Genl. Pinckney will work conviction, and produce a change of conduct in those who are desirous of information, 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 wd. 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 ourselves, is, to my mind, equally certain; and when it is considered, moreover, that enriching themselves, and injuring Great Britain were the expected consequences of their Spoilations, I could account, (though not on honourable 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 etc.

*To THOMAS MACDONALD

Mount Vernon, August 29, 1797.

12

Sir: Your favor of the 19th, and the Vole. of Reports 12 which accompanied it, have been duly received. For your care of the latter, and particularly for having it bound, I pray you to accept my best thanks; and an assurance that, if inclination or business should induce you or Mr. Rich to visit the State of Virginia, I should think myself honored in seeing of you at my Seat.

in

Little doubt can be entertained of harmonious proceedings any business, where men of character and honor, well disposed to do justice, are appointed to conduct it. That this is the case as it respects the Commissioners 13 under the Sixth Article of the Treaty between this country and Great Britain, I am persuaded; and that the fair and liberal decisions of the Board will be a means to strengthen the good understanding which happily exists between the two Countries, while justice is administered to all, I sincerely hope. I have the honor etc.

To GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS

Mount Vernon, August 29, 1797.

Dear Washington: Your letter of the 21st. instant, came to hand by the last post, and as usual, gave us pleasure to hear

12 Of the British Board of Agriculture.

Thomas Macdonald and Henry Pye Rich were the British Commissioners for carrying into effect the VIth Article of Jay's Treaty. They visited Mount Vernon Oct. 14-16, 1797.

1797]

DIRECTIONS TO CUSTIS

21

that you enjoyed good health, were progressing well in your studies, and that you were in the road to promotion.

The senior class having left, or being on the point of leaving college, some of them with great éclat, ought to provoke strong stimulus to those who remain, to acquire equal reputation, which is not otherwise 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 president 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 occasion for the admonition, yet I exhort you to come with a mind steadfastly resolved to return precisely at the time allotted, 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 permanent 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 deal 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 friend and affectionate 1*

14

*To THADDEUS KOSCIUSZKO

your sincere

Mount Vernon, August 31, 1797. Dear Sir: Having just been informed of your safe arrival in America, I was on the point of writing you a congratulatory letter on the occasion, welcoming you to the land whose liberties you had been so instrumental in establishing, when I received your favour of the 23d instant from Philadelphia; for which, and the Packet that you had the goodness to bear from Sir John Sinclair, I offer you my thanks.

I beg you to be assured that, no one has a higher respect, and veneration for your character than I have; or one who more sincerely wished, during your arduous struggle in the cause of liberty and your country, that it might be crowned with Success. But the ways of Providence are inscrutable, and Mortals must submit.

I pray you to believe, that at all times, and under any circumstances, it would make me happy to see you at my last retreat; from which I never expect to be more than twenty miles again. With great esteem, I remain &c.

"From the printed text in Custis's Recollections of Washington.