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Inventory for MSA SC 5796-7



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MSA SC 5796-7-12
Dates1785/02/05
MediumOriginal
StorageContact the Department of Special Collections for location.
Description
George Washington's definition of what he meant by a navigable Potomac and his view of to whom the matter of developing a navigable river above tidewater had been entrusted:

The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799. John C. Fitzpatrick, Editor.--vol. 28

Mount Vernon, February 5, 1785.

My Dr. Sir:

Not until within these few days have I been favored with your letter of the 18th. of Octr. introductory of Mr. Porter. I beg you to be assured that I shall have pleasure in shewing him every civility in my power while he makes this region the place of his residence; as I shall to any other, to whom you may give letters recommendatory.

A few days ago I received from on board some vessel in the harbor of Alexana. two cheese's and a barrel (wrote thereon Major Rice)86 of Cranberries, unaccompanied by letter, but said to be a present from you. If this be the fact I pray you to accept my thanks for this token of your recollection, or to offer them to Majr. Rice, if the barrel came from him.

[Note 86: Maj. Nathan Rice. He was formerly aide to General Lincoln.]

We have nothing stirring in this quarter worthy of observation, except the passing of two Acts by the Assemblies of Virginia and Maryland (exactly similar) for improving and extending the navigation of the river Potomac from tide water, as high up as it shall be found practicable, and communicating it by good roads with the nearest navigable waters to the Westward: which acts in their consequences, may be of great political, as well as commercial advantages: the first to the confederation, as it may tie the Settlers of the Western Territory to the Atlantic States by interest, which is the only knot that will hold. Whilst those of Virginia and Maryland will be more immediately benefited by the large field it opens for the latter. Books for receiving subscriptions are to be opened at Alexandria and other places the 8th. instant, and continue so until the 10th. of May; as the navigable part of the business is to be undertaken by a company to be incorporated for the purpose. With great truth and sincerity I am, etc.87

[Note 87: From the "Letter Book" copy in theWashington Papers.]

[source: http://www.loc.gov, American Memory Project. While the returns of a search cannot be bookmarked, the archival images can be:

Washington's letterbook, first page of letter to General Lincoln;

Washington's letterbook, second page of letter to General Lincoln

ecp 8/9/01; see email to AS 5/7/01 re: 'smoking gun']

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