1798] A BOOK DEDICATION 413 *To REVEREND JONATHAN BOUCHER Mount Vernon, August 15, 1798. Revd. Sir: I know not how it has happened, but the fact is, that your favour of the 8th. of Novr, last year, is but just received; and at a time when both public and private business pressed so hard upon me, as to afford no leisure to give the "View of the causes and consequences of the American Revolution" written by you, and which you had been pleased to send me, a perusal. For the honor of its Dedication, and for the friendly and favourable sentimts. which are therein expressed, I pray you to accept my acknowledgment and thanks. Not having read the Book, it follows of course that I can express no opinion with respect to its Political contents; but I can venture to assert, beforehand, and with confidence, that there is no man, in either country, more zealously devoted to Peace, and a good understanding between the two Nations than I am, nor one who is more disposed to bury in oblivion all animosities which have subsisted between them, and the Individuals of each. Peace, with all the world is my sincere wish. I am sure it is our true policy. and am persuaded it is the Ardent desire of the Government. But there is a Nation whose intermedling, and restless disposition; and attempts to divide, distract and influence the measures of other Countries, that will not suffer us, I fear, to enjoy this blessing long, unless we will yield to them our Rights, and submit to greater injuries and insults than we have already sustained, to avoid the calamities resulting from War. What will be the consequences of our Arming for self defence, that Providence, who permits these doings in the Dis turbers of Mankind; and who rules and Governs all things, alone can tell. To its all powerful decrees we must submit, whilst we hope that the justice of our Cause if War, must ensue. will entitle us to its Protection. With very great respect etc. Mount Vernon, August 19, 1798. Sir: Having had time to reflect more at leisure on the application made to me yesterday by you and your brother, for a tract of land of which I am possessed in the Ohio, containing by the patent two thousand four hundred and forty eight Acs. I have determined to offer it to your father on the following terms. viz. First. At ten dollars an Acre, provided it has nothing more than its situation, and the quality of its soil to recommend it. Second. If more than these appertain, for instance a valuable Mill Seat; Ores of any kind, &ca. these shall be valued by disinterested men chosen by the parties, and be added to the above value, or Third. If to avoid this trouble and uncertainty Mr. Gird would prefer a definite sum, I will (although it might be disadvantageous to me, and notwithstanding the price fixed thereon yesterday) take One thousand dollars in addition to the ten dollars an Acre. Fourth. The Land shall be granted on a lease for Seven years, paying an Interest annually, and punctually, of Six per Centum pr. Annum durg that term, the first of which to become due on the first of January in the year Eighteen hundred, and the same sum, on the same day, in every year thereafter during the above md. term of seven yrs. Publisher of The Columbian Mirror and Alexandria Gazette. 1798] A LAND SALE 415 Fifth. It shall be optional in the said Gird, to be possessed of the said tract of Land in Fee simple, on conditions that he shall pay the whole sum of ten dollars an Acre, and the thousand dollars as before mentioned, within the said term of Seven years; but not in less sums than five thousand dollars at a payment. Sixth. That upon the receipt of such payment, and every of them, the next annual payment thereafter, of Interest, shall be on the Balance of the principal Sum. Seventh. Proper Instruments of writing may be drawn by a skilful professional man, to carry the true intent and meaning of the parties into effect. Eighth. The regular payment of interest on the principal sum, until discharged, must be so secured as to give me no trouble in the collection. I mean upon whatever Balance shall be due, if payments are made. If Mr. Gird is disposed to bargain on these terms, which I conceive are very favourable for him, the matter may be closed as soon as he pleases, and the sooner the better, as other offers are made to Sir Your etc. *To JACOB READ Mount Vernon, August 19, 1798. Dear Sir: The Mail of yesterday brought me your favour of the 13th. Instant. For the flattering compliment you have been pleased to make me, therein, you have all my gratitude and thanks. With respect to the supposed injury done Mr. George Izard, in the Organization of the New Corps of Artillery, I can say nothing; 1, because I had no knowledge of the arrangement; and 2, because I am unacquainted with the Plan by which the President was governed in his nominations. It would be uncandid however not to add that, on a general view of the subject I am unable to discover wherein any injustice has been done. It is not unusual, on the contrary the practice (with very few exceptions I believe) invariably is, that New Corps are brought in complete. They do not, for obvious reasons (among others the facility of raising them) resort to old ones for the Officers; except now and then to reward long or meritorious service, one or two may be introduced; and this as often proves injurious as beneficial, as the youngest Corps are first disbanded; and they, of consequence, thrown out of Service. But Sir, if the principle under which Mr. Izard thinks his son is aggrieved, was to obtain, what would be the consequence? It must apply in all cases similarly circumstanced, or it would be deemed, and justly, a partial measure. If then the Subalterns in the Old Corps of Artillery conceive that they are entitled to Companies in the New Corps, before new Captains should be appointed, would not the Subalterns of the four Infantry Regiments now in Service do the same with respect to the twelve additional Regiments of Infantry about to be raised? the Captns. claim Majorities, and the Majors to be Colonels Commandant? Such a principle, were it adopted, would not fail to retard; if indeed not annihilate the Recruiting. Service; But you will please to observe, my good Sir, that it is the general principle, not this particular case of Mr Izard, to which my remarks apply; although I must add, it is not so easy, in Military promotions, to make discriminations out of the usual routine, as may appear at first view. Mr. Izard, it is true, during the time he was at the Military Academy at Mentz was acquiring useful knowledge in the line of his Profession; but it is as true that, while he was absent his Subalterns of the Corps to which he belonged were performing 1798] FEVER IN PHILADELPHIA 417 all his tours of duty, than which few things give more discontent in an Army. That Mr. Izard is an amiable and deserving young Gentleman I have not the smallest doubt, and I dare say would be an acquisition as an Aid de Camp, but as I shall have no occasion for Aids until I take the field, I shall make no establishment of my Military family (unless it be a Secretary) till that event shall arrive, or a period is fixed for it; then I shall endeavour to take a comprehensive view of characters that would suit me; unembarrassed by previous engagements; in doing which, a variety of circumstances must combine, many of them of more weight than gratifying the wishes of a friend, or my own inclinations. Mrs. Washington is thankful for the kind remembrance of her by Mrs. Read and yourself, and unites with me in offering her best wishes and compliments to you both. With great esteem etc. *To ROBERT MORRIS Mount Vernon, August 19, 1798. My dear Sir: Your favour of the 8th. Instt. was received the 16th, and the purport of it shall be communicated to the Secretary of War by the Mail of tomorw. In what state the organization of the Artillery and Infantry Corps are, under the late Acts of Congress, I know not. Not I fear in the forwardness they ought to be, to prepare, and fit them for the active Service they may have to encounter. It is with extreme concern I hear that Philadelphia is again visited with the malignant fever. I hope neither you, nor Mrs. Morris will remain in situations exposed to the Infection of it. If it were practicable, we should be very happy if She and Miss Morris, and you along with them, could remove to this |