TO HENRY KNOX, SECRETARY OF WAR.

SIR,

Mount Vernon, 20 September, 1790.

I have received your letter of the 8th instant, together with its enclosures.

An outrage, similar to that stated in Governor Tellfair's proclamation, was some time since committed on two Indians of the Seneca tribe; the representation of which being before the Supreme Executive Council of

to act against the Spaniards in Louisiana. On the 27th of August the President communicated the following statement and queries to the several members of the cabinet, and to the Vice-President and Chief Justice.

"Provided the dispute between Great Britain and Spain should come to the decision of arms, from a variety of circumstances (individually unimportant and inconclusive, but very much the reverse when compared and combined), there is no doubt in my mind, that New Orleans, and the Spanish posts above it on the Mississippi, will be among the first attempts of the former, and that the reduction of them will be undertaken by a combined operation from Detroit.

"The consequences of having so formidable and enterprising a people as the British on both our flanks and rear, with their navy in front, as they respect our western settlements, which may be reduced thereby, and as they regard the security of the Union and its commerce with the West Indies, are too obvious to need enumeration.

"What then should be the answers of the Executive of the United States to Lord Dorchester, in case he should apply for permission to march troops through the territory of the said States from Detroit to the Mississippi?

"What notice ought to be taken of the measure, if it should be undertaken without leave, which is the most probable proceeding of the two?" Elaborate answers in writing were returned to these queries. A difference of opinion prevailed in regard to them both. On one side it was advised, that permission to march troops through the territory should be pointedly refused, and, if persisted in afterwards, that a remonstrance should be made to the court of Great Britain. On the other side it was recommended to grant the request; but, if the march should be attempted without leave, and after prohibition, that it should be "opposed and prevented at every risk and hazard." The principles of national law and the practice of nations were discussed, and brought to bear on the point; but, as the supposed case never occurred, there was no occasion for further action upon it.

VOL. X.

15

J*

Pennsylvania when I arrived in Philadelphia, the papers thereon were laid before them.

Finding an interference on the part of the general government essential to prevent the threatened hostility, I appointed Colonel Pickering, on the part of the United States, to meet the chiefs and warriors of the Seneca nation, for the purpose of assuring them that the outrage complained of was not only unauthorized on the part of the government, but a flagrant violation of its laws, for which the offenders, when taken (and a reward was offered for apprehending them), would be brought to condign punishment; and likewise to offer a compensation to the relatives of the deceased.

I have reason to hope, that the measures taken to prevent further mischief, and to satisfy the Seneca tribe, will prove successful. Your opinion on the relative rank of the regular and militia officers, as communicated to Governor Tellfair, accords with the usage of the army, and meets my approbation.

I am, Sir, &c.

auit

TO ALEXANDER HAMILTON, SECRETARY OF THE

SIR,

TREASURY.

Mount Vernon, 20 September, 1790.

In answer to your letter of the 10th instant, relative to the establishment of the boats or cutters for the protection of the revenue, I have to observe, that, if there appears to exist a necessity for equipping the whole number therein mentioned, the arrangement for building and stationing them seems judicious, and is to me perfectly satisfactory.

It is my wish, that your inquiries, respecting proper

characters to command these vessels, may be extended to the States south of Virginia. Mr. Lear can furnish you with the list of applications already made. Two persons, with nearly equal recommendations, have offered themselves from Philadelphia, Captains Montgomery and Roach. There are several respectable names subscribed in favor of each of these persons; some of them, I believe, in favor of both; such is the facility with which, on certain occasions, recommendations are granted. It would seem, however, that they are both qualified; but, in favor of the former, it is stated that he now fills a subordinate station in the revenue, which he accepted with a view of being brought into notice when such an appointment, as that which he now solicits, should be made.

Captain Barney was not at Baltimore when I passed through the city, nor could I learn with certainty whether he wished to receive the appointment or not. But I was informed, that he had written in answer to an intimation made to him by you or one of his friends on the subject, whence I suppose his wish may be collected.

There is a Mr. Richard Taylor of this State, an applicant for one of the appointments, who, from my knowledge of him, appears to be a proper person, both as to character and experience in the profession.

Remarking to you, that the advantage, which might accrue from their superintendence, seems to suggest the propriety of nominating the commanders before the vessels are put on the stocks, you have my permission to carry the arrangement for building the boats or cutters, stated in your letter, into immediate effect, to such extent as in your judgment shall seem neces- Janitt av sary for the public service. I am, Sir, &c.

TO ALEXANDER HAMILTON, SECRETARY OF THE

TREASURY.

DEAR SIR,

Mount Vernon, 10 October, 1790.

Your letter of the 30th ultimo came duly to hand with its enclosures. For the information contained in it I thank you. The motives, however, by which the author of the communication to you was actuated, although they may have been pure, and in that case praiseworthy, do also (but it may be uncharitable to harbour the suspicion) admit of a different interpretation, and by an easy and pretty direct clue may be developed.*

We are approaching the first Monday in December by hasty strides. I pray you, therefore, to revolve in your mind such matters as may be proper for me to lay before Congress, not only in your own department, if any there be, but such others of a general nature, as may happen to occur to you, that I may be prepared to open the session with such communications, as shall appear to merit attention. With sincere regard, I am, dear Sir, &c.

* The reference here is to a conversation, which Mr. Hamilton had held with "a certain gentleman," as detailed in his letter of September 30th. See APPENDIX, No. VIII.

In reply to the above paragraph Mr. Hamilton said; "It is certainly very possible, that motives, different from the one avowed, may have produced a certain communication; and in matters of such a nature it is not only allowable, but the dictate of prudence, to receive suggestions with peculiar caution." - October 17th.

From Mr. Hamilton's Reply. —

The subject suggested in your letter, as preparatory to the meeting of the legislature, shall engage my particular attention. The papers of the departments of state and the treasury, and of the commissioners for settling accounts, are on their way to Philadelphia. On the 20th I propose with my family to set out for the same place."

SIR,

TO COUNT DE MOUSTIER.

Mount Vernon, 1 November, 1790.

*

I have had the pleasure to receive your letters of the 11th of May and 12th of July last, together with the flattering mark of your and Madame de Brehan's regard, which accompanied the former; for which, and the obliging satisfaction you express on the restoration of my health, I beg you and her to accept my grateful acknowledgments.

A short relaxation from public business, and an indulgence in the pleasures of a country life during the recess of Congress, have greatly contributed to improve my health, which is now, thank God, perfectly reëstablished. From the interest you take in the prosperity of the United States, you will learn with pleasure, that their happiness continues to advance, and that there is great reason to conclude it will be lasting. The wisdom and integrity, manifested in the measures of Congress, have secured to them the confidence of their constituents, and the respect of our domestic neighbours; with the most considerable of whom, treaties, dictated by justice and national generosity, have been concluded, and will, in all probability, be faithfully maintained. The aggregate happiness of society, which is best promoted by the practice of a virtuous policy, is, or ought to be, the end of all government. Such, I am happy in telling you, appears to be the object of our legislative regulations; and such, I am confident in anticipating, will be the result to that generous nation of which you are a citizen.

* Madame de Brehan had taken a portrait of General Washington while she was in the United States. It was engraved in Paris, and several proof impressions accompanied Count de Moustier's letter.