Washington, George (1732-1799) to Samuel Powel
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00310 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Mount Vernon, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 February 1789 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 23.6 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
Washington writes to Powel, Mayor of Philadelphia, one day after being elected as the first President of the United States. States that he delivered enclosures previously sent from Powel to his nephew, Bushrod Washington. Predicts that the majority of newly elected government officials will be Federalists, stating that "although the issue of all the Elections are not yet known, they are sufficiently displayed to authorize a belief that opposers of the government have been defeated in almost every instance." Expresses sympathy regarding the insanity of British King George III. Refers to Benjamin Franklin's early diagnosis of George III's mental illness.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Mount Vernon Feby. 5th. 1789
Dear Sir,
The letters which you did me the honor of writing to me on the 6th. & 26th. of last month, came duly to hand; and their enclosures were safely delivered to my Nephew, Bushrod Washington, who has lately become a resident of Alexandria - where, and at the Courts in its vicinity, he means to establish himself in the practice of the Law.- No apology, my dear Sir, on this or any other occasion was, or will be, necessary for putting any letter you may wish to have safely conveyed to a friend in these parts, under cover to me.-
All the political manoeuvres which were calculated to impede, if not to prevent the operation of the new government, are now brought to a close until the meeting of the new Congress; and although the issue of all the Elections are not yet known they are sufficiently displayed to authorise a belief that the opposers of the government have been defeated in almost every instance.-Although [2] the elections in this State are over, it will be sometime [inserted: (from the extent of it)] before the Representatives to Congress can be finally announced.- From conjecture, however, it is supposed the majority will be federalists-some are so sanguine as to believe that seven out of the ten will be so-but this, as I have already said, is altogether conjecture-and vague conjecture-for much pains has been taken, and no art left unessayed to poison the mind and alarm the fears of the people into opposition.- In the list of the Electors which has been published by the Executive authority of this State, there appears (as far as I am acquainted with the characters of the gentleman) eight decided friends to the New Constitution.-
Be the cause of the British Kings insanity what it may, his situation (if alive), merits commiseration.- Better, perhaps, would it have been for his nation, though not for ours (under present prospects) if this event had happened at the time Doctr. Franklin, you say, supposes his Majestys constitution was [inserted: first] tinged with the malady under which he is now labouring.-
Mrs. Washington, the Major & Fanny, [3] and others under this roof, unite in best wishes & affectionate regard for Mrs. Powell and yourself-and I am
Dear Sir
Your Most Obed. and
very humble Servant
Go: Washington
Saml Powell Esqr.
[docket]
Genl Washington
Mount Vernon
Feby. 5. 1789
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.