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Washington writes to Stuart that he was pleased to find in Philadelphia recently that so many "Gentlemen of family fortune & high expectations" seek commissions in army--this, and the vain attempt to keep him to any literary pursuits, gave Washington idea to get Washington Custis a commission as Cornet--he also has the conviction that if real danger threatened the country "no young man ought to be an idle spectator of its defence;"--this would also divert Custis's attention from thoughts of marriage--Washington wanted to consult Mrs. Stuart and Martha before offering it, but Mr. Lear wrote to Custis about it and concealment of the idea is now impossible--Custis is now a cornet in the troop commanded by Lawrence Lewis--the Lieutenant is Lawrence Washington, Junr. of Chotanck--the matter still must be approved by the President and Senate, of course so it should not to be talked of publicly till then--Mrs. Washington consents but it must have Mrs. Stuart's permission--Washington's caution is because Custis is an only son, the only male of his great great grandfather's family--Providence will protect Custis in camp or field of battle as it would in domestic life.

Reports death of Don Juan Mirailles [Spanish envoy] who came on visit with Minister of France and was seized on arrival with "a violent biliary complaint" -- died despite best care of physicians and himself -- present his respects to [Mirailles's] lady. Autograph letter signed, watermark (J. Taylor, & an encircled armed figure). | Navarro was Governor & Capt. General of Cuba.

Between April and May of 1796, George Washington exchanged letters with Virginia statesman Edward Carrington about the context and expectations set forth by the Constitution. After much political debate, the Jay treaty had been approved by the Senate, but the House of Representatives was withholding funding. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were setting the stage for the next presidential election and it was a time of intense discussions about politics and the public good.

Letter from George Washington to General Edward Hand requesting Hand to return to the encampment at Morristown from his Lancaster home during the winter of 1780. Autograph letter signed, 1 page.

Washington writes that he had received by Gen. William Washington the model of the improved gun carriage--he approves of new carriage and thinks that it will be much easier to introduce "valuable improvements" of this kind at the beginning of military exercises than after people become accustomed to the old.

Letter from George Washington to Edward Snickers accepting his offer to manage the leasing of land purchased from the sale of Colonel George Mercer's estate. Washington sends a map of the plots and a copy of the lease (not identified), summarizes the terms of the lease, and shares his hope that Snickers finds tenants who will become long-term residents rather than see the land become 'Negro Plantations' rented to an absentee landlord. Autograph letter signed, 2 pages.

Washington follows up on last winter's conversation in Philadelphia, and accepts Boudinot's offer of some of his wine, since his (Washington's) letters seem to have miscarried and a new order will reach Mr. Pintard in Madeira only after his stock is almost exhausted--Biddle will handle the transaction on his behalf.

Washington writes to Brainerd that he sympathizes with his calamities, but cannot give him pecuniary aid--has had difficulty collecting rents due him and adds that "the income of my estate does not at this time hardly meet my current expenses"--further, he believes in helping his friends and neighbors first, and that is all he has the means of doing.

Washington received Pearson's letter with 1st volume and part of 2nd of Memoirs of Academy of Arts and Sciences -- gives his thanks to members of the Academy.

Washington writes to Martha Washington's sister informing her of her son John's appointment as a midshipman in the U.S. Navy. On the verso is Washington's draft of a response letter from John Henley to Secretary of the Navy Benjamin Stoddert for young Henley to copy. Enclosure: see October 16, 1799.