So much is expected, so many untoward circumstances may intervene, in such a new and critical situation, that I feel an insuperable diffidence in my own abilities. I feel in the execution of the duties of my arduous office how much I shall stand in need of the countenance and aid of every friend to myself, of every friend to the revolution, and of every lover of good government. I thank you, my dear Sir, for your affectionate expressions on this point.

I anticipate, that one of the most difficult and delicate parts of the duty of my office will be that, which relates to nominations for appointments. I receive with the more satisfaction the strong testimonials in behalf of Mr. Hall, because I hope they will tend to supersede the difficulty in this instance. Though, from a system, which I have prescribed to myself, I can say nothing decisive on particular appointments, yet I may be allowed to observe in general, that nothing could be more agreeable to me, than to have one candidate brought forward for every office with such clear pretensions, as to secure him against competition.

Mrs. Washington is not here, but is shortly expected. On her arrival I will offer the compliments of Mrs. Rutledge and yourself to her. In the mean time I pray you to believe, that I am, with sentiments. of the highest regard and esteem, &c.

DEAR SIR,

TO JOHN JAY.

New York, 11 May, 1789.

A few days ago I was conversing with you on the points contained in the enclosed queries, when a gen

tleman coming in put an end to the conversation. As it is my earnest wish to adopt such a line of conduct, as shall be judged most likely to secure essentials, without being exposed more than is unavoidable to the charge of too much reserve on the one hand, or too much familiarity on the other, I would be much obliged to you for considering and returning the enclosed with your sentiments thereon, as soon as you can make it convenient for yourself. With great and sincere regard, I am, &c.*

owit

TO JAMES MADISON.

MY DEAR SIR,

New York, 11 May, 1789.

The enclosed were communicated to me, as you will perceive, to be used confidentially. Upon receipt of the first letter, I expressed a desire to be informed, if there was nothing improper in it, through what channel the report came, and what reliance could be placed in the authenticity of it. This gave rise to the second letter. As you are upon business, which requires every information of the state of the Union, and knowledge of our relative situation with Great Britain, I give you the perusal of them. This you can do at your leisure, as I am in no immediate want of them. I am always your affectionate, &c.

See APPENDIX, No. II.

TO JAMES MADISON.

MY DEAR SIR,

New York, 12 May, 1789.

To draw such a line for the conduct of the President as will please everybody, I know is impossible, but to mark out and follow one, which, by being consonant with reason, will meet general approbation, may be as practicable as it is desirable. The true medium. I conceive must lie in pursuing such a course, as will allow him time for all the official duties of his station.

*

This should be the primary object. The next, to
avoid as much as may be the charge of supercilious-
ness, and seclusion from information, by too much re-
serve and too great a withdrawal of himself from
company on the one hand, and the inconveniences,
as well as a diminution of respectability, from too free
an intercourse and too much familiarity on the other.
Under these impressions I have submitted the en-
closed queries to your consideration, and would thank
you for your sentiments thereon, with the return of
the paper.
For the remarks which it contains, it is
necessary that some plan should be adopted by the
President for his mode of living, that the pecuniary
estimates for the department may have an eye there-
to; and, though secondary, it is a motive for my
bringing the matter before you at this time.
I am
your affectionate friend, &c.

* The same as those, that were sent to Mr. Jay. See Appendix, No. II.

make note 16 P. 17

A*

I have duly received your affecting letter, dated the 8th day of this month. Sympathizing with you as I do in the great misfortunes, which have befallen your family in consequence of the war, my feelings as an individual would forcibly prompt me to do every thing in my power to repair those misfortunes. But as a public man, acting only with reference to the public good, I must be allowed to decide upon all points of my duty, without consulting my private inclinations and wishes. I must be permitted, with the best lights I can obtain, and upon a general view of characters and circumstances, to nominate such persons alone to offices, as in my judgment shall be the best qualified to discharge the functions of the departments to which they shall be appointed.

Hitherto I have given no decisive answers to the applications of any candidates whatsoever. Nor would it be proper for me, before offices shall be created, and before I can have a general knowledge of the competitors for them, to say any thing that might be construed as intended to encourage or discourage the hopes, which individuals may have formed of success. I only wish, so far as my agency in this business is concerned, that candidates for offices would save themselves the trouble and consequent expense of personal attendance. All that I require is the name and such testimonials with respect to abilities, integrity, and fitness, as it may be in the power of the several ap

* The widow of General Wooster, who died of the wounds he received in an action with the enemy when the British made an incursion to Danbury in April, 1777. See Vol. IV. p. 405.

plicants to produce. Beyond this, nothing with me is necessary, or will be of any avail to them in my decisions. In the mean time I beg you will be persuaded, Madam, that, let the result be whatsoever it may, I can have no interest to promote but that of the public; and that I remain in all personal considerations, with the highest respect, your most obedient servant.

SIR,

TO JAMES WARREN.

New York, 23 May, 1789.

I have duly received your very friendly letter of the 2d instant, and beg you to accept of my sincere acknowledgment and best thanks for the kind congratulations and good wishes, which were contained in it. It affords me peculiar satisfaction to see the union of sentiment, which seems to prevail in favor of our new system of government. I find that the good and respectable characters from every quarter are determined to give it their countenance and support, notwithstanding some of them apprehended, that evils might arise from particular parts of it.

Those, who opposed the constitution before its adoption from principle, were pretty generally convinced of the necessity of a change in our former confederation; but its being accepted by so large a part of the community, the harmony which prevails in the legislature, and the prospect of having those apprehensions done away by some alteration, have induced them to say with you, that "it is the duty of every good citizen to rejoice in every measure calculated to carry it into operation, agreeably to the principles on which it was adopted."