1798] A PROPERTY TRADE 473 agreeable to contract, I would take productive property in the Federal City, in Alexandria, or almost any where, or any thing productive, or unproductive, at what it would fetch in the market; provided the title is indisputable; but I protest decidedly against receiving any where their is the smallest pretensions of others. As to the present being an unfavourable time to dispose of property in the City, or elsewhere, permit me to observe that, it is a question of very equivocal solution. The rise or fall, depends upon events, which, under present circumstances, few among us are able to penetrate, or foretell the issue. But all this is matter of opinion or speculation, and but little to the purpose. Point out, if you please, the precise property; the precise situation of it; and, if absolutely free from any incumbrance or disputes. This will enable me to determine, at once, if there be a probability of accommodating matters in the way you propose. It is necessary I should inform you, that I have tried every expedient in my power, to obtain payment of Jesse Simms's note, but, as yet, without effect, and that, by looking to my letter of the 8th. of Sepr. Last year, you will perceive that credit was only to be given when paid. With respect to Corn, I have partly contracted with my Nephew, Colo. Wm. Washington of Westmoreland, for an annual supply of 500 Barls. I hope nothing will occasion your leaving these parts without my seeing you. I want much to do it on account of some military concerns, and the sooner it can be made to suit your convenience the more agreeable it would be to me. But for the daily expectation I have been in of this pleasure, I should long since have written to you on this subject. With great esteem etc. *To THE SECRETARY OF WAR Mount Vernon, September 30, 1798. Dear Sir: I have lately received information, which, in my opinion, merits attention. It is that the brawlers against Governmental measures, in some of the most discontented parts of this state, have, all of a sudden, become silent; and, it is added, are very desirous of obtaining Commissions in the Army, about to be raised. This information did not fail to leave an impression upon my mind at the time I received it; but it has acquired strength from a publication I have lately seen in one of the Maryland Gazettes (between the Author of which and my informant, there could have been no interchange of sentiments) to the same effect. The motives ascribed to them are, that in such a situation they would endeavour to divide, and contaminate the Army, by artful and seditious discourses, and perhaps at a critical moment bring on confusion. What weight to give to these conjectures you can judge of, as well as I. But, as there will be characters enough of an opposite description, who are ready to receive appointments, circumspection is necessary; for my opinion of the first are, that you could as soon scrub the blackamore white, as to change the principles of a profest Democrat; and that he will leave nothing unattempted to overturn the Government of this Country. Finding the resentment of the People at the conduct of France too strong to be resisted, they have, in appearance, adopted their sentiments; and pretend that, notwithstanding the misconduct of Government have brought it upon us, yet, if an Invasion should take place, it will be found that they will be among the first to defend it. This is their story at all Elections, and Election meetings, and told in many instances with effect. 1798] SETTLEMENT OF RANK 475 Whether there be little, much, or nothing in the information, I shall not take upon me to decide; but it appeared to me to be of sufficient moment to apprise you thereof. With esteem etc. *To THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Confidential) Mount Vernon, October 1,23 1798. Dear Sir: This letter will contain very little more than an acknowledgment of the receipts of your letters of the 13th and 18th. of last month, which came safe to hand. The letter written by Mr. Wolcott to the President of the United States, and the representation made by me to him, so soon as I received official information of the change intended, by him, in the relative Rank of the Major Generals, and of his departure in almost every other instance from what I considered a solemn compact; and the only terms on which I would, by an acceptance of the Commission hazard every thing dear and valuable to me, will soon bring matters to a close, so far as it respects myself. But, until the final result of them is known, the less there is said on the subject the better. With great truth and sincerity I am &c. *To JAMES ROSS Mount Vernon, October 1, 1798. Dear Sir: You will perceive by the enclosed letters, left open for your perusal, the delinquency of Colo. Shreve, and my determination to enforce payment of the Instalment of his judgment Bond, the 1st. of June last. "Ford prints this letter as a footnote under date of Oct. 10. Whether, as the Bond was deposited in the Bank of Pennsylvania for collection, it rests with me to draw it from thence for the purpose of putting it in suit, or for them to order it, your better judgment, and knowledge of the practice, will decide, and you will act accordingly. My object is to enforce paymt. as soon as the usual course of things will admit. 1st. because I am in real want of the money, and 2d. because I believe there is not other certain dependence to obtain it, for Shreve, from first to last has done little else but trifle, both with himself and me. With very sincere esteem etc. *To THE SECRETARY OF WAR (Private, and quite confidential) 24 Mount Vernon, October 1,2* 1798. My dear Sir: You will be at no loss to perceive, from my private letter to you of the 16th. ulto, extracts from which you sent to the President of the United States; and from my representation to him, dated the 25th. following the rough draught of wch. was enclosed in my last what my determination is, if he perseveres in this Resolution to change the order of the Major Generals, and to disregard the conditions on which I accepted the Commission of Lieutt. Genl. of the Armies &ca. Let me then request you, with the frankness and candour of a friend, to give me your opinion fully, and freely of the measure; to ask if you think I could, with propriety, and a due respect for my own character, retain the Commission under such violation, of the terms, on which I accepted it; and what you conceive will be the consequences of my resignation thereof. "Ford prints this letter under date of October 10. 1798] THE RANK MATTER 477 If Colo. Pickering, and the Gentlemen who act with you, are minutely acquainted with all the circumstances of the case, it would be satisfactory to me, to know their opinions also, with respect to my eventual resignation; but not as a matter required by me, but as questions propounded by yourself, entirely, and absolutely. Be so good as to let me know the ground on which you, and Colo. Pickering are certain, the President is mistaken in his conjectures that the New England States would be disgusted if Hamilton Preceeds Knox, in Rank, and add, if you please whether Pickering's prediliction in favor of the former proceeds from pure conviction of the utility of the measure, or from some personal dislike to the latter. I have some suspicion that he is not a friend to Knox, but cannot suppose that this would have any influence in the case. I should like to have seen a copy of Mr. Wolcott's letter to the President, but as it was not sent, I presume there was some reason for withholding, and do not repeat the request. I wish to hear from you on the subject of this letter soon as possible. Burn it, as soon as it is perused, as I will do your answer, that neither the one, nor the other, may appear hereafter. With much truth etc. *To THE SECRETARY OF WAR (Private) Mount Vernon, October 1, 1798. My dear Sir: Your confidential letter of the 19th. ulto. did not reach Alexandria until the 28th. I thank you for the statement, and lengthy details which it contains. The President may have reasons which will justify the inexecution of the law, for augmenting the force of the United States. |