impatience, arrived here on Tuesday last, and presented me your favor of the 16th of June.

"I thank you, my dear sir, for every testimony of your recollection of me, and every fresh assurance you give me of the continuation of your friendship is pleasing; it serves (to borrow an Indian phrase) to brighten the chain, and to convince me that you will not suffer moth or rust to injure or impair it. We talk of you often, and though we wish in vain to have you of our party, we do not fail to drink your health at dinner every day. I will not give up the hope of seeing you at Mount Vernon before I quit the stage of human action; the idea would be too painful. I must indulge a contrary one.

"As I have no communications at this time that are worthy of your attention, and a house full of company to claim mine, I shall, as the ship by which I write has spread her canvas wings, only add new assurances of what I hope you were before perfectly convinced, that I am, with the greatest esteem and regard,

"My dear sir, yours, etc., etc.," The following letter, written the day before he left home, gives a pretty bit of home life. Dr. Le Moyeur:

It is to

"30th of August, 1784.

"SIR: Your letter of the 14th, accompanying the horse for little Washington, came safe. It is not in my power to describe his delight, which is the best proof of his thanks to you. He finds beauty in every part, and, though shy at first, he begins now to ride with a degree of boldness which will soon do honor to his horsemanship. Mrs. Washington and all the family join me in best wishes for you. Mrs. Lund Washington has added a daughter to

PRIVATE LETTER.

289

her family. Miss Bassett is on a visit to her friends in the lower parts of this State, and I shall set off to-morrow on a tour to the western country. I shall always be happy to hear from you, and only wish for opportunity to make you amends for the attentions you have shown me. This letter will be handed to you by the Marquis de la Fayette, to whom I have mentioned you as one to whom I am under obligations."

Navigation of Potomac River Letters to Counts de la Touche Rochambeau-Letter to Gen. Knox-Effects of Overwork-Le to Samuel Chase-Public Schools-Letter to Eneas Lamont, Poe Not "Marshal of France"-To George Wm. Fairfax, Refuge Ruins of Belvoir-Condition of Private Affairs-To Jefferson-Lo in Europe-"Cumberland Road "-Present from Virginia Assembly Western Emigration-To Richard Henry Lee in Congress-Trea with Western Indians — Navigation of Mississippi — To Mr. C michael-Mercantile Interests-To M. de Marbois, French Minist -Mississippi River and the Spanish-To Mme. Lucretia Wilhelmi Van Winter, Holland, Acknowledging a Poem in His Praise-To M Tilghman Concerning Private Secretary and His Duties- Mr. Tobia Lear, Secretary-Plans for the "Union "-Committee Meeting Mount Vernon.

A

FTER his western journey, on his return to Mount Vernon he occupied himself in the negotiations between Maryland and Virginia, which were necessary for the opening of the navigation westward on the line of the Potomac River. His plans for this are described in a familiar letter to Knox, his old companion in arms, which the reader will be glad to follow. It is interesting to see that he still speaks of the Virginians as his "countrymen," and when he alludes to the men of Massa

chusetts, he calls them his " compatriots." The language of United America was not yet formed.