*To WILLIAM HETH

Mount Vernon, August 5, 1798. Dear Sir: Your favor of the 30th Ulto. was brought me by fridays Post.

The sentiments you have expressed, relatively to the qualifications which ought to be possessed by the Aids de Camp of the Commander in Chief, or Officer Commanding a seperate Army (to go no further) accord precisely with my own. And although I do not chuse to be under any engagement, lest something occur that would render promises embarrassing, I have no hesitation in repeating that I shall keep you in my Mind.

In the choice of my Aids, I shall add (in confidence) that several things must be attended to, Geographical, Political, &ca. which renders it quite expedient and proper, that whenever I am called upon I may take a full range of all the circumstances before me, unembarrassed by engagements, and govern myself accordingly.

The provisional Law for raising an Army of ten thousand men, is, as you know, contingent in its operation; and not having it at hand to refer to, I do not recollect what, or whether any provision is made therein for a Pay Master General. In the Law for augmenting the Troops no mention is made of one; and under this old establishment, I believe there would be nothing found in the Office of Paymaster to make it an object. At any rate, I do not suppose (or think it proper) that Military Rank is, or will be annexed to it; but if upon a consultation of the several Military laws which are in existence, at this time, and comparing them with my suspension of the choice of Aids de Camp, and after what I have said on the subject, the uncertainty on whom that choice may light you should

1798]

POPULAR FEELING

389

feel disposed to fill The Office of Paymaster General (if such there be) I will delay no time in making it known at the War Office.

It is too difficult, I conceive, to pronounce with certainty, on the strength of the French Party in the United States; that they are a well organised body I have no doubt; that they proceed systimatically I am equally well satisfied of. That they are more formidable on that account is certain. For a while, like a man stunned by a severe blow, and staggering with the affect of it, they were silent, but this silence was not of long duration; only until new devises could be contrived and consequent orders issue. for now, the Gazettes of the Bachites come forward with more boldness than ever.

That the great Mass of the People are beginning to have a right understanding of the principles on which our dispute with France is founded, notwithstanding the unwearied pains that are used to keep them hood winked; I am well persuaded, but I hear the strength of the inemical party will not be clearly ascertained before the dangerous crisis shall have arrived when most will be to be apprehended unless a good deal of exertion previous thereto is made by those who are friendly to the Constitution and the Government, for certain it is that the Agents and Partizans of France leave nothing unessayed to bring all the Acts, and Actors of Government into disrepute; to promote divisions among us; and to enfeeble all of opposition to the views of the Directory of that Country on the Rights, freedom and independence of the U. States.

I thank you for your kindness in offering to render me any Service in your Power on the other side of the Alliganies, but at present I have nothing that I would give you any trouble in. I wish you a pleasant journey and safe return, being Dear Sir etc.

*To WILLIAM FITZHUGH 53

Mount Vernon, August 5, 1798.

My dear Sir: My present want of a riding horse is great, but if I should be called to the field it will be much greater.

As I am much out of the way of seeing, or hearing of such as would answr. my purposes, especially in the latter case; and know that you are a good judge of the parts, and general symmetry of a horse of figure. You would do me a favour if such an one as hits your own taste should fall in your way to buy him for me. the cash to be paid on delivery.

In age, I should not be willing to exceed Seven years, eight at most; younger, but not under four last Spring would be better. For colour, I will not contend, but would prefer a perfect White, a dapple grey, a deep bay, a chestnut, a black, in the order they are mentioned. The Size and strength must be equal to my weight, which without the saddle may be estimated at 210 lbs. Being long legged, or tall, would be no recommendation; as it adds nothing to strength, but a good deal to the inconvenience in mounting.

Under my circumstances, I cannot limit you in price; but shall add, that I never expected to be Master of a riding horse that would cost more than four hundred dollars.

As I had no idea that Mr. David Randolph (being on a journey) would have parted with the horse he thought might have suited me, I took but little notice of him; which I have been sorry for since as he is not within reach now. I asked him however what such a horse would cost, he answered four hundred dollars, that fine horses were scarce and dear. Remember us in affectionate terms to Mrs. Fitzhugh and the rest of ily, and believe me to be as I sincerely am, always Yours.

"Of "Chatham," Va.

your fam

[N.Y.P.L.]

1798]

A LEASE AGREEMENT

391

54

MEMORANDUM "

Mount Vernon, August 6, 1798.

A Tract of Five hundred and eighty Seven Acres, as by Patent, bearing date the 30th. day of Octr. 1784, lying on the Ohio River in the County of formerly Augusta is valued at five thousand Eight hundred and Seventy dollars, be the quantity more, or less. It may be taken now at that quantity; or now be determined to abide by the quantity that shall be found therein if resurveyed.

This tract George Washington agrees to lease to Archibald McClean for the term of

Years

The Rent is to be equivalent to the interest of the above mentioned sum of $5870 at 6 pr. Cent pr. Annum. the first of which is to become due and payable on the first day of Jany. 1800.

It is optional in the said Archibald McClean to become the proprietor in fee of the Said tract of 587 Acres, within Seven years from the time of granting the lease; he the said Archibald paying therefor the above sum of $5870 in Instalments of not less than $2 or 3000 dollrs. at a payment.

The year Succeeding the payment of each Instalment the Rent is to be reduced in proportion to the interest of the said Instalment, so paid.

If the said Archibald McClean shd. incline let the improved lot, on which he lives in the Town of Alexandria go in part payment the said George Washington agrees to allow him for the same whatever three disinterested Men shall value it at, each of the parties to chuse one of the Valuers, and the two so chosen to make choice of the third.

'Given to Archibald McClean. From a copy kindly furnished by Leander McCormick-Goodhart. The original, somewhat mutilated, is in Harrison County Court House, Clarksburg, W. Va., with the papers in the suit of Cresap vs. McClean in chancery. (See E. E. Prussing's The Estate of George Washington, Deceased (1927), chap. XXVII, for a history of this transaction.)

The Rents, until the Fee simple departs from the said George Washington, or his heirs, to the said Archibald McClean, or his heirs, are to be satisfactorily secured the latter to the former.

If Mr. McClean is disposed to make an absolute purchase of the land, in preference to obtaining it on lease, in the manner aforesaid, and will let his improved property in Alexandria go in payment valued as above, a Deed may be drawn accordingly, to convey the Estate in Fee. [And] for securing the balance at a period to be fixed, or by Instalments as can be agreed upon, with annual Interest until paid, of Six pr. Ct. pr. Ann. a Mortgage will be taken of the Land so conveyed in Fee.

This would be the easiest, and simplest mode of completing the business requiring other security than what is mentioned above; whereas Securing the Rents may be attended with more difficulty while the Fee simple is with held. But I am equally ready to execute writings to either effect. I am willing to allow the full value for your property, in the judgment of disinterested men, although I have set too low a price on my land in the opinion of a very judicious Gentleman (well acquainted with the land) whom I have seen since I concluded the Bargain with you.

To ARCHIBALD MCCLEAN

Mount Vernon, August 6, 1798. Sir: The annual meeting of the Potomack Company requires my attendance in Alexandria today. It will be held, I presume, at Gadsbys; If so, I shall be there from ten o'clock until three and shall be ready to see you at any hour between: the earlier the better.

Enclosed is a Patent for the 587 acre tract (with a plat thereof on the back); and a memorandum of my understanding of our agreement; by which the writings are to be drawn.