Washington, George (1732-1799) to Gouverneur Morris
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06433.01 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Baltimore, Maryland Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 19 June 1794 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 22.9 x 18.6 cm. Order a Copy
Marked both duplicate and private. President Washington writes to Morris as Minister to France. Assures Morris of his continued confidence in him, despite the need to recall him from his position in Paris. Says he was not going to write and simply allow the Secretary of State to send him word, but when an opportunity to write presented itself he could not pass it up. The French government asked the American government to recall Morris after they recalled Edmond Charles Genet, their minister to America. Genet, angry that America would not support France in the wars that had broke out in Europe, had angered Washington for threatening to go over his head to the American public. This sparked the American request for Genet's removal. Genet probably would have been killed in the revolutionary fervor of France, and accepted asylum in America. Morris, who took a four year tour of Europe after his recall, was replaced by James Monroe in August 1794.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Notes: Published in Fitzpatrick, John C. The Writings of George Washington. v. 33: 409-10.
Baltimore June 19th, 1791
(Duplicate)
( Private)
My dear Sir,
The difficulty (under existing circumstances) of knowing what to write to you, had determined me to write nothing; but to let the matter rest altogether upon the public communications from the Secretary of State. -
Coming to this place, however, (on a flying trip to Mount Vernon) and Finding the Vessel on which Mr. Monroe is on board had not left the River, I have so far departed from my determination as to assure you that my confidence in, and friendship & regard for you, remains undeminished. -
To time, and your own observations, if you should return immediately to this country, I commit the rest; and it will be nothing new to assure you that I am always & very sincerely
Yours - affectionately
Go: Washington
Gouvr. Morris Esqr.
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