Letter, to William Pearce, 1796

Containers:

Box 11, Folder 1796.05.01

Abstract:

The Jay Treaty was a topic of great discussion, the effects of which had a significant impact on Washington's public responsibilities as well as his private dealings. In this letter, also written on 1 May 1796, Washington wrote to his farm manager about the current price of flour, "I am sorry to find that flour continues to depreciate in price; but the present cause for this is, the dispute in the House of Representatives respecting the provisions for carrying the British Treaty into effect; which has, for sometime past, occasioned a suspension in purchasing, shipping, & the Insurance of all sorts of property: but as the discussion is now brought to a close, it is to be hoped, and expected, that matters will recover their former tone again."

Scope and content:

Drought still continues--has had good rain in Philadelphia--grain and grass in [those] parts look well--Pearce is near the completion of corn--planting--sowing peas and chiccory--winter vetch carefully preserved until Autumn--depreciation of flour price--result of House of Representatives--Mr. Robert Lewis--Messers Bennett and Watts--Washington has sent two dozen Windsor chairs for the new room.

Language:

English.

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