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A NEW CHAPTER

EAELY LIFE OF WASHINGTON,

IH COSi'ECTION WITH THE

^^ARRATIVE HISTORY

POTOMAC COMPANY.

BY
JOHN PICKELL.

NEW YORK:
D. APPLETON & CO., 346 AND 348 BROADWAY.
1856. W

711

Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1856, hy
D. APPLETON & CO.,
in the Office of the Clerk of the District Court of the United States in and
for the Southern District of New York.

PHILADELPniA:
T. K. AXD P. O. COLLINS, PBISTERS.

DEDICATION.

TO THE HONORABLE JOHN P. KENNEDY.
Mt Dear Sir : —
In 1823, after the lapse of many years, the
project of connecting the East and the West, through
the valleys of the Potomac River, and that of the
most convenient tributary to the Ohio west of the
mountains, was revived in the form of a proposition
for a continuous canal navigation. To consummate
this connection, required the rights and privileges
secured under the existing charter of the Potomac
Company to be surrendered. This was done; the
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company was organized,
and all the original papers, books, records, and notes,
belonging to that time-honored enterprise, were depo
sited in its office.
My connection with this Company for several years,
as one of the Board of Directors, enabled me to collect

IV ' dedication.
the interesting details for the narrative from the
materials thus deposited. Their arrangement in
chronological order required much care and labor,
but was necessary to give it the unity of history. To
preserve it in this form I was not altogether prompted
by motives of personal interest ; it appeared to me a
duty to avail myself of the opportunity that was
aff'orded, to give the authenticated facts to the public,
however unimportant in themselves, in which the
Father of his Country took the most prominent part,
and which might contribute to shed additional light
upon the beauty, the harmony, and the virtue of his
illustrious life.
The extracts from the private correspondence of
General AVashington, and for which I am indebted
to the kindness of Mr. Jared Sparks, form perhaps
the most interesting part of the volume.
In appropriating my labors, I cannot refrain from
their introduction to the American public, through
the name of one whose public and private life is
distinguished by every virtue that adorns the good
citizen, the patriotic legislator, and the sound states
man. Recognizing in him also a highly valued per-

DEDICATION. V
sonal friend, I felt that I could not manifest my
appreciation of that friendship more suitably than
by the dedication of the volume which adds a new
item to the history of the life of the greatest and best.
I am, most respectfully,
Your obedient servant,
THE AUTHOR.

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS,

The conspicuous part it was the glory of Wash
ington to act upon the theatre of public affairs,
during one of the most eventful periods in the
history of the world; the universal dignity and
charm of his demeanor in all the relations of life
in which he was placed; the affability and disin
terested kindness of his intercourse with others ; the
virtuous simplicity of his retirement after the con
summation of his country's independence ; the har
mony of his public and his private life ; the purity
of his patriotism and the splendor of his military
career, formed altogether such a union of goodness
and greatness in the character of one individual as
was calculated to excite the warmest interest, and
command the admiration of mankind.
An accomplished classical writer, in his portraiture
of this illustrious personage, truly and eloquently
says: "He united the intrepidity of Aristides, the
patriotism of Cato, the military prudence of Caesar,
and the humanity of Scipio. He was to his own
beloved country, what Themistocles and Solon were

vui introductory remarks.
to the Grecian States ; and what Numa and Camillus
were to the Roman Commonwealth."
He was great and good in all the positions he
occupied. ,
We trace him first as a simple member of a sur
veying party, among the wilds and glades of the
Alleghany Mountains — then as the special messenger
from the Colonial Governor of Virginia, to the
French commandant on the Ohio — next at the me
morable military defence of the stockade at the
Great Meadows — then at the head of his regiment
upon the bloody plains of the Monongahela — as a
member of the House of Burgesses — as a delegate
to the first Congress, in 1774 — as the Commander-in-
Chief of the Army of the Revolution — at Annapolis
resigning his sword and his commission into the
hands of the representatives of the nation — after
wards as President of the Potomac Company — and
finally as Chief Magistrate of the Union ; and closes
his career in beautiful and simple retirement.
Is it then a matter of surprise that there should
cluster around the memory of this illustrious man,
the warmest affections of the American people ; the
deepest veneration of every friend of mankind?
In the beautiful and appropriate language of
Matthew Henry, " the remains of good and great
men, like the mantle of Elijah, ought to be gathered
up and preserved by successive generations ; their
sayings, their writings, their doings; their examples;

introductory remarks. IX
that, as their works follow them, when they are gone,
these stay behind to benefit mankind, and are their
reward." Recognizing the force and propriety of these sen
timents, the compiler of the following pages must
congratulate himself that an opportunity was afforded
to him to rescue from oblivion a chapter in the life
of a man that so honored humanity, and to gather
up in a form to be perpetuated, the sayings, writings,
doings, and example, with which that chapter is
connected. However unimportant the facts may be in them
selves, they are not the less calculated to keep alive,
in the aff"ections of generations to come, the memory
of him who was "first in war, first in peace, and
first in the hearts of his countrymen." Let us be
persuaded that while his memory is suitably revered,
the integrity of the Union will be secured, and the
blessings of civil and religious liberty enjoyed in our
country. The extensive correspondence in which Washing
ton was engaged after the close of the Revolutionary
AVar, with the leading men of the country, relative to
the great subject of Internal Improvement, is highly
interesting, and is in fact an important item of
history. This correspondence shows that he felt
more than an ordinary solicitude about the esta
blishment of a scheme of strengthening the bonds
of union by means of internal communication.

X introductory remarks.
A strong feeling was early awakened in favor of
the specific plan he set on foot, among the public-
spirited men of Virginia and Maryland, even before
the rupture with the mother country ; and after the
close of that memorable struggle, it assumed a more
general character, and was emphatically impressed
upon the public consideration as a measure of
national policy.
The original history of the Potomac Company is
the nucleus around which the contents of this mono
graph are put together; and the narrative corre
sponds almost literally with the record of proceedings
of that company. The connection of the compiler
with the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company for
several years, enabled him to have access to the
books and papers that were deposited in the office,
in 1828, when its charter was surrendered. The
books and papers were collated and examined with
much care, and disposed in their proper chronological
order. This was a work of labor, and as it is the
groundwork of this volume, no pains were spared to
make it as complete as possible.
The particular interest which attaches to these
parts of the compilation ffows from the fact, that the
proceedings recorded were originally drawn up either
by Washington himself, as the first President of the
company, or examined and reviewed by him before
they were transferred to the books, and that in all
the histories that have been written of his life, not

introductory remarks. XI
one, as far as the knowledge of the compiler has
extended, gives any details in reference to his con
nection with this enterprise, and of which he was the
chosen head from its organization, in 1784, to his
retirement, in 1788.
The material facts and circumstances embraced in
the part of the volume which precedes the narrative
of the Potomac Company, and with which AVash
ington was connected, were generally obtained by
the most diligent and laborious examinations, from
such numbers of the Colonial Gazettes and publica
tions of the earliest date, as the compiler could get
access to.
For the extracts, in the third part of the volume,
relative to the Potomac Company, and to the policy
of internal communication, the compiler is indebted
to the kindness of Mr. Jared Sparks, who generously
granted him the privilege of using his valuable collec
tion of the writings of Washington. These interest
ing extracts present in a clear and distinct view the
sentiments and opinions entertained by the illustrious
originator of the measure of public policy to which
they refer, and will without doubt greatly engage
the attention of the reader.

P A E T I.

A number of years anterior to the commencement
of the Revolutionary AVar, the project of uniting the
two great divisions of the country, separated by the
Alleghany range of mountains, by means of a public
highway, was entertained by some of the most pro
minent and distinguished individuals of Virginia and
Maryland. In the latter part of the year 1753 Major Wash
ington, then only 21 years of age, was delegated by
the Governor and Council of Virginia on an import
ant mission across the AUeghanies. Having been
actively engaged during the greater part of the three
years immediately preceding his appointment in sur
veying the wild lands of Western Virginia and in the
mountainous district at the head-waters of the Poto
mac River ; and already possessing a deservedly high
character for energy, firmness and decision; with a
thorough knowledge of the peculiar feelings and pre
judices of the Indians ; a practical acquaintance with

18 "WASHINGTON:
the mode of living and travelling, and withal accus
tomed to the privations, hardships and exposure of a
camp life in a wilderness country, the attention of
Governor Dinwiddle was readily attracted to him, as
the individual who combined in the greatest degree
the qualifications suited to the discharge of the deli
cate and responsible duties of the mission. He was
accordingly selected. His commission (Appendix A) ,
the letter of instructions (B), and passport (C) were
prepared with much care, and formally presented to
him by the Governor at the seat of government on
the 30th day of October, 1753.
Immediately after the presentation of the creden
tials, he took his departure from AA^iUiamsburg amid
the warm congratulations and good wishes of the
Colonial Government and numerous friends who had
called upon him on the occasion. He first proceeded
to Alexandria, where he remained several days occu
pied in making the necessary arrangements for the
journey, and then proceeded on his mission to the
valley of the Ohio by the way of AVills' Creek. After
a tedious and laborious journey of nearly three weeks,
he reached his destination ; and, in pursuance of the
letter of his instructions, continued there no longer
than was absolutely necessary to the faithful dischai-ge
of the important duties devolving upon him under
the authority of his special commission. On his re
turn, he directed his course to a more southern route,

HIS EARLY LIFE. 19
and entered the valley of the Potomac, not far north
of the sources of the Shenandoah River.
Notwithstanding the inclement season of the year
when the journeys were performed, he took daily
notes of the incidents as he proceeded, and sketched,
with remarkable precision and graphic power, the
physical features and topography of the country
through which he travelled. On his return to Wil
liamsburg, he made a verbal report of the result of
the mission to the Governor and members of the
Council, and presented to them the manuscript journal
of his travels across the mountains.
From the imperfect record that is left of his per
sonal interview with Governor Dinwiddle, it is fair to
infer that he availed himself of the occasion to suggest
the importance of opening a communication, by means
of a public road, between the settlements east and
west of the mountains. The suggestion, however,
does not owe its origin so much to the consideration
of facilitating trade and social intercourse between
these two parts of the country, as to the idea of
affording military protection to the remote settle
ments, and a defence against the aggressions of the
French and their Indian allies upon the territory
claimed by the British crown.
Previous to the mission of Major Washington,
the West was known only as a derise and extensive
wilderness ; traversed by watercourses and rivers ;
broken by lofty mountains and deep valleys, and

20 WASHINGTON:
inhabited by wandering and warlike tribes of Indians.
Few of the prominent citizens of the Atlantic colonies
at this period had an adequate idea of the character
of the mountainous belt of country which intervened
between the westernmost settlements of the eastern
declivity of the Alleghany range and the western
waters ; and no disposition was manifested to explore
it, at the expense of the enjoyments and comforts of
their homes, and at the imminent peril of their lives.
Huntsmen, trappers and Indian traders were occasion
ally seen wending their way through its dark valleys,
and over their rough and rocky acclivities ; but these
laborious and dangerous journeys were not undertaken
to acquire personal knowledge of the country with a
view to its occupation or improvement. The object
was gain by the toilsome prosecution of the particular
pursuit in which these adventurers were engaged;
and they were rather more inclined to magnify the
difficulties they encountered in traversing the country
in quest of hunting and trading grounds, than to
give a candid representation of the character of the
soil; of the broad and beautiful valleys and noble
streams they had so often beheld beyond the moun
tains. Under these circumstances, it was fortunate for the
country that an occasion occurred which called into
active requisition the services of the youthful AA'ash-
ington, an occasion that opened the bud Avhich in after
years developed to maturity, in the perfect greatness

HIS EARLY LIFE. 21
of the " Father of his Country." By the energy, the
industry, and the fearlessness he manifested in the
progress of his journey through an almost untrodden
wilderness of several hundred miles in extent, and the
intelligence and sagacity and judgment displayed in
the management of the affairs of the mission, he drew
around him the unqualified confidence and esteem of
the authorities of Virginia. On his return, he was
immediately complimented by a military promotion to
the grade of Lieut. Colonel of the regular forces, and
in that capacity joined the brave, but iU-fated Brad-
dock, and his army in the following year at the junc
tion of the Youghiogheny and Monongahela rivers a
few days before the disastrous battle.
Notwithstanding the entire defeat of the army
under General Braddock, there were displays of
military skill and courage on the part of the officers
and men which embalm their names in our grateful
recollection, and adorn that otherwise dark page of
American history with peculiar brightness. Among
the most conspicuous, Colonel Washington stood pre
eminent. The House of Burgesses, which convened
at Williamsburg in August following, unanimously
passed a vote of thanks to Col. Washington and his
officers " for their bravery and gallant defence of their
country." All the proceedings of the campaign were
approved and applauded by the people, and Wash
ington, thus cheered and encouraged in his patriotic
efforts to serve his country, his determination to retire

22 WASHINGTON:
from the army was for a time delayed, and the chain
of events which connected him with the subsequent
history of the country remained unbroken.
In a letter which he wrote to his brother a few
days after the battle, dated Fort Cumberland (D),
July 18th, he says: "By the all-powerful dispensa
tions of Providence, I have been protected beyond all
human probability or expectation; for I had four
bullets through my coat, and two horses shot under
me, yet escaped unhurt, although death was levelling
my companions on every side of me."
The Reverend Samuel Daviess, subsequently Presi
dent of the college at Princeton, on the 17th day of
August delivered an address, which both by its title
and tenor is so remarkably characteristic of the times,
and so prophetic, that I cannot deem it entirely out
of place to refer to it, and introduce a brief extract
from it. " Religion and Patriotism, the Constituents of
a Good Soldier," was its appropriate title. The know
ledge of the defeat of Braddock and his army created
much alarm, and aroused a military spirit in the
country of the most effective character. Volunteer
companies were organized in almost all the colonies,
and the sound of preparation to march to the frontiers
for the protection of the settlements was heard in
every direction. Forces from the north, south, and
middle colonies were ready to unite and place them
selves under the command of the gallant chief whose
military achievements at the Great Meadows (E)

HIS EARLY LIFE. 23
and upon the bloody plains of the Monongahela had
already won for him the title of a " hero."
The reverend speaker, after applauding this noble
spirit which pervaded the country, in terms of the
highest pride and satisfaction, paused for a moment,
and then, as if moved by inspiration, continued: "I
may point out to the public that heroic youth, Colonel
Washington, whom I cannot but hope Providence has
hitherto preserved in so signal g, manner for some im
portant service to his country."
Colonel Washington continued in the military ser
vice of the colony until the termination of the cam
paign in 1758, when he resigned his commission, and
in the following year was elected a member of the
House of Burgesses.
An interesting circumstance is related in Wirt's
"Life of Patrick Henry," illustrative of the modesty of
the distinguished youth, who, for the first time, was
introduced to a legislative body as one of its mem
bers, and is so characteristic of true merit, that I
trust its insertion here needs no apology.
"A short time after Col. Washington had taken
his seat, the speaker, Mr. John Robinson, in obedi
ence to an order of the House, rose, and in an elo
quent and impressive manner, tendered to him the
thanks of the House for his eminent public services,
and expatiated in language of the highest admiration
upon his military achievements, and the importance
of the services he had rendered the country." When

24 WASHINGTON:
AVashington rose to express his grateful sense of
the honor they had conferred upon him, in noticing
his public services in this distinguished manner, the
biographer remarks : " He hesitated, stammered, and
trembled, and was so much confused that he stood
hesitating for a few moments, when the speaker re
lieved him by a stroke of address that would have
done honor to Louis XIV. in his proudest and
happiest moment, and said, with a conciliating smile :
' Sit down, Mr. AVashington ; your modesty is equal
to your valor, and that surpasses the power of any
language that I possess.' "
There is no evidence in the recorded proceedings
of the House of Burgesses of this session, that the
subject of opening a communication with the AA'est
was introduced. The scheme he had originally indi
cated to Governor Dinwiddle was not, however, aban
doned; it continued to be cherished by him with
undiminished favor. In his personal intercourse
with the members, he took occasion to commend the
project as worthy of their favorable consideration ; and
he determined, before it should be formally brought
before the legislature of the colony for its definite
action, to supply himself with such facts as would
show the feasibility of the project, the expense of its
construction, and the advantages that would flow
from the proposed improvement.
For this purpose, mainly, he made several tours of
examination to the sources of the Potomac River and

HIS EARLY LIFE. 25
the country intervening, to the navigable points of
the western waters, in the years 1770, 1772, and
1774. The selection of the best route was of the
first importance, and to this object his personal efforts
were particularly directed.
Few of the large streams issuing directly from the
eastern and western slopes of the Appalachian chain
were known at this early period, beyond the line of
settlements. Their sources were either conjectured,
or located upon vague and indefinite information,
derived generally from hunters and trappers ; or from
those whose erratic wanderings from their temporary
habitations in the plains and depths of ravines and
valleys, not unfrequently led them to the heads of the
streams or opposite sides of the mountains, and ena
bled them to form estimates, with tolerable accuracy,
of the distances across the portage. Well defined
Indian and traders' paths, connecting these points,
intersected each other at various angles, and greatly
facilitated the explorations of the summit range.
Several surveying parties were for some time engaged
at different points, running lines and marking bound
aries ; and in collecting materials for a map, and an
analysis of the middle colonies. Captain Thomas
Hutchins, a bold, intrepid and intelligent woodsman,
led the advance in this arduous and dangerous ser
vice. The surveys and explorations of these parties
were noted with remarkable correctness. The topo
graphical description of Western Virginia, and Mary-

26 WASHINGTON:
land especially, exhibits interesting details of the
entire surface of the eastern and western slopes and
summits of the mountain range between the State
lines of Pennsylvania and North Carolina.
The maps that were plotted of the several surveys
made by these parties, were critically examined by
Colonel Washington, and materially aided him in
selecting the most feasible route for the contem
plated communication between the Atlantic colonies
and the AVestern Territory.
Naturally fearless in the pursuit of a patriotic
object, he allowed no difficulties or dangers to check
him in the progress of his searches among the gorges
and fastnesses of the formidable barrier which inter
posed, in the accomplishment of his favorite scheme.
He penetrated to the very fountain sources — made
laborious reconnoissances of the intervening summits
— strictly scrutinized all the advantages and disad
vantages of their ground, and took ample notes of the
diversified features of the country, within the range
of the examination — thus preparing himself with the
most important facts, to sustain the proposition upon
its presentation to the legislatures of the colonies
more immediately interested.
In his letter to Mr. Jefferson, dated in 1784, ten
years after his last tour across the mountains, in
reference to the route, and the policy of opening the
communication, he says: "I have, I tliink, clearly
pointed out the advantages of the route I have

HIS EARLY LIFE. 27
selected, and the wisdom of the policy on the part
of the States (Virginia and Maryland), to render it
facile." The territories of Virginia and Mai*yland, being
divided by the Potomac, made it the interest of these
two colonies to be proportionably concerned in the
improvement of its navigation, and the extension of
the communication by a public highway to the valley
of the Ohio. It was evident that the western trade
would soon be a matter of importance, and could
only be secured to those points on the Atlantic side
to which the earliest and most improved channel
would be opened. The sagacious and observant mind
of AA^ashington foresaw clearly that the great western
region would rapidly be peopled by an energetic and
industrious population ; that its valleys and its plains
would be checkered with cultivated fields, and mea
dows, and villages; that its numerous navigable
streams would be active channels of trade and inter
nal commerce, and that the multifarious interests of
enlightened and prosperous communities would soon
extend their beneficent influences over the wide val
leys of the Ohio River and its tributaries ; and that a
wise and just policy prompted the earliest adoption
of the measm'e he proposed to bring before the legis
latures of the respective colonies.
It was the invariable custom of Washington, from
the age of eighteen years, to take notes of the most
important circumstances and events in which he was

28 WASHINGTON:
personally concerned ; and whilst travelling, to keep
a daily journal of the incidents as they occurred in
the progress of his journey. In this journal he par
ticularly noticed the peculiarities and fertility of the
soil, and the natural growth of the country through
which he passed, to which were added such reflec
tions and considerations as the occasion would sug
gest to a mind equally imbued with the power of
close observation and deep thought. This custom
had acquired with him the force of habit, and ren
dered his observations both highly interesting and
instructive. Shortly after his return from the western tour, in
1770, a'portion of his journal and extracts from his
letters, to some of his friends in Virginia and Alary-
land, were pubhshed in several of the Colonial Ga
zettes, and were widely circulated and read. As was
, naturaUy to be expected, from the character of these
papers, their perusal awakened a spirit of inquiry,
and with it a strong desire among the energetic and
enterprising of the youthful population to emigrate
to the west, and in a few years hundreds of that class
of the population of the Atlantic colonies had emi
grated thither.
When Washington made his next toui', in 1774,
he was surprised at the change that had already
taken place in the valley of the Ohio River. AA^'ith
a mind that could clearly anticipate the future, he
beheld, at no distant day, that remote wilderness of

HIS EARLY LIFE. 29
the great and extensive West the abode of dense
and enterprising communities ; in the possession and
enjoyment of all the elements of social and political
prosperity; and, to hasten this consummation, he
regarded the opening of a communication by a public
highway between the East and the West as of the
first importance.
Entertaining these views, he brought the subject
before the House of Burgesses, at its regular session,
in 1774, and urged it earnestly upon the attention of
the members, as a measure of public policy. But
striving, for a long time in vain, for aid from the
colony, he was compelled to change his original design ;
and he introduced and moved the adoption of a bill
to empower individuals to subscribe to the enterprise,
and accomplish the improvement on certain expressed
conditions, at their own expense. Even with this
essential modification, the project was opposed — the
largest share of the opposition coming from Central
Virginia. To allay the hostility from this populous
part of the colony, an amendment was incorporated
in the bill to include in its provisions the improve
ment of the navigation of James River. This mea
sure of compromise seemed to reconcile the confiict
ing sectional interests of the colony ; and, had time
allowed, would have secured a passage of the bill in
the House of Burgesses.
But the prospects of a similar bill before the Ge
neral Assembly of Maryland were not so encouraging.

30 WASHINGTON:
To give availability to any enactment, the concurrent
action of the legislatures of the two colonies was
necessary, so far, at least, as regarded the improvement
of the channel of the Potomac River. Jealousies,
and the rivalries for the western trade, had abeady
grown up between the citizens of Georgetown and
the merchants of Baltimore; and whatever efforts
for aid were made by one party in the legislature,
were counteracted by the other. Applications, me
morials, protests, and remonstrances, followed each
other in quick succession, and the friends and advo
cates of the scheme despaired of success during the
pending session.
This was the doubtful condition of the favorite
project of AA^'ashington, and to which the earliest
energies of his mind had been steadily directed, when
he was called, by his appointment (F) of Commander-
in-Chief of the Army in 1775, to Cambridge. The
war which immediately followed the affair at Lexing
ton, in April of this year, drew the public mind to
more engrossing objects ; and during the continuance
of that memorable struggle for national existence and
independence, and until the retirement of the illus
trious chief in 1783, the prosecution of this measure
was entirely suspended.
The indications, however, in the House of Bur
gesses at the commencement of the Revolutionary
AVar, were sufficiently favorable to encourage the
belief that, in the event of the successful termination

HIS EARLY LIFE. 31
of that contest, no further difficulty would be expe
rienced in obtaining from that body at a subsequent
session all the powers and privileges that were em
braced in the bill of 1774, and which were considered
entirely adequate to carry into operation the original
views and intentions of the friends of the project.
In Maryland, the prospect of eventual success was
not so flattering. The union of the merchants of
Baltimore, an enterprising, intelligent, and wealthy
community, exercised a controlling influence, not only
over the deliberations and actions of the General
Assembly, but moulded public sentiment in opposition
to any measure which was supposed would divert any
of its trade to another market; and precluded the
hope that any future session would in the least abate
its hostility to a proposition of this character, or which
did not directly or indirectly promote its business and
commercial prosperity.

PA ET II.

In 1783, the war of the ReA^olution terminated by
a treaty which recognized and acknowledged the
independence of the United States. Soon after that
memorable event, the illustrious Washington resigned
his commission (G) of commander-in-chief of the
army into the hands of Congress at Annapolis, and
immediately thereafter proceeded to Mount Vernon,
where, as he beautifully and feelingly expresses it,
"he hoped to spend the remainder of his days, in
cultivating the affections of good men, and in the
practice of the domestic virtues."
Here, in his favorite retreat, secluded from the
cares and anxieties of public life, crowned with glory
and with honor, the beloved Washington cherished
the hope of continuing in the enjoyment of that tran
quillity and freedom from official responsibilities and
cares which years of long public service had made
particularly desirable.
Notwithstanding the agreeableness of this retire-

34 WASHINGTON:
ment, he did not abandon the favorite enterprise of
his early years (H). Contemplating from its quiet
shades the wide extent of country which had risen
from a condition of colonial dependence to a con
federation of sovereign States, he was the more im
pressed with the importance of the measure as a
matter of national concern, of the wisdom of the pobcy
of connecting the East and the West by a pubUc
highway, and of the adoption of a system of internal
improvement, of which this proposed communication
was to be the introduction. Fully persuaded of the
propriety of his views, he opened an extensive cor
respondence on the subject with some of the most
distinguished sages and patriots of the " times that
tried the souls of men." He advocated the policy
upon the broad, patriotic, and lofty principle of a
common interest, or, in other words, of the general
welfare; and although General AVashington cherished
full confidence in the stability of the popular institu
tions of the government, and in the inviolability of
the Union, yet, with a wisdom and a forethought at
that early period of our experience peculiarly his own,
he regarded the facilitation of social intercourse
between the populations of the extreme parts of our
broad and extended territory, and the mutual inter
change of trade and commerce by means of public
roads and highways, as important auxiliaries in bind
ing still more closely the sovereignties of the States in
one fraternal, indissoluble compact.

THE POTOMAC COMPANY. 35
The enterprise of the Potomac Company wa^ well
calculated, in his Aiew, to take the lead in this
patriotic scheme. It was considered feasible, and at
a comparatively moderate cost. The route he had
suggested embraced a wider range of interests than
any other that could at that time be proposed to con
nect the East with the West, the Atlantic markets
with the fields of production, the purchasers and con
sumers with the producers.
The condition of the country under the confede-
rative government rendered the policy of establishing
a judicious system of national internal improvement
obviously . apparent. The vast extent of the pubhc
domain in the far west, and in several of the States ;
the importance of facilitating , the transportation of
the mails ; the establishment of post-offices, and en
couragements to the settlement of the public lands,
were among the principal considerations which im
posed upon the government the imperative duty to
aid and foster the system, in the infancy of the
existence of the republic. And these considerations
did not fail to be fully appreciated by the Father of
HIS Country.
Having enjoyed the quietude of his retirement for
a few months, he left Mount Vernon on his first tour
to the West after the close of the Revolutionary War,
on the first day of September, 1784. The principal
®bjects in view were to examine the condition of his
lands in that country ; to renew his recollection of

36 WASHINGTON:
the features of the dividing ridge he had formerly-
examined, and to extend his observations beyond the
limits to which they were originally confined. He
proceeded directly to Fort Cumberland, where he
remained a few days to prepare for the journey. A
great extent of wilderness and mountain district lay
before him, and through which it was not only
necessary for him to travel, but, in order to carry out
the intentions which mainly prompted the joumey,
to make an extensive and critical reconnoissance of
the summit range which intervened between the
head-waters of the Potomac and the Ohio Rivers.
This was not an easy service ; it was one of toil and
peril. When General Washington reached the first
settlement beyond Fort Cumberland, he was advised
of the great dissatisfaction which prevailed among
the Indians inhabiting the country at the sources of
the Cheat, Youghiogheny, Monongahela, and Savage
Rivers ; and was cautioned not unnecessarily to expose
himself to their wiles and treachery, while he would
be engaged in the examinations.
This information did not deter him from his
original purpose, nor in the least abate his zeal in the
pursuit of his patriotic object. He devoted several
weeks to the arduous duties he had assumed, and
supplied himself with facts and arguments of the
most convincing character relative to the route he
had selected for the proposed commvmication. His
plan contemplated the improvement of the navigation

THE POTOMAC COMPANY. 37
of the Potomac from tide-water to the mouth of
Wills' Creek, or to the highest practicable point of the
Potomac, and connect it by a road or highway across
the portage with the navigable waters of the Cheat,
the Youghiogheny, and the Monongahela Rivers ; or
more directly with the Ohio.
After having completed the examination of the
several portages across the mountains and of the
head-waters of the streams with which he proposed
to connect, he returned to Mount Vernon on the 4th
day of October, 1784. On his return, he took a more
southern route, and entered upon the eastern slope of
the dividing ridge near the sources of the Shenandoah
River, and descended upon the valley at a point not
far from the site of the beautiful and flourishing town
of Staunton. The entire distance he travelled during
this tour exceeded six hundred and fifty miles. Gene
rally, it was performed on horseback; but in numer
ous instances, on account of the rough and rocky
character of the country, he was compelled to dis
mount, lead his horse, and travel on foot. With few
intervals, the routes that were examined lay through
uncultivated, wild, and mountainous districts. Since
his first exploration of the country in 1774, the
improvement he had suggested as a means merely of
defence and protection to the settlements west of the
mountains against the hostile aggressions of the
French and Indians, had materially changed its cha
racter. It had now become a measure of great

38 WASHINGTON:
national importance, both as regarded its effect upon
trade and upon the integrity of the confederation,
now the Union of the States.
Shortly after his return to Mount Vernon, he pre
pared an interesting report of the proceedings of his
tour, and the convictions of his own mind in reference
to the object of his joumey ; which, with a transcript
of his journal, he transmitted to the Governor of Vir
ginia. In his report he not only affirms, but clearly
demonstrates, the practicability of the project, and
recommends it to his favorable consideration with
great powers of argument. He forcibly illustrates the
advantages of its adoption by an array of facts which
are incontrovertible, and presented in the report
especially for the consideration of the legislature,
as arguments indorsing the wisdom of the measure
proposed as a means of strengthening the bonds of
union between the East and the West, and, besides,
eminently calculated to promote the general prosperity
of the States. Upon the desirable results of the
adoption of the policy suggested in his report, he
dwells with peculiar emphasis and satisfaction. To
its accomplishment he had directed his earliest and
untiling energies, and now, at a maturer period, com
mends it as worthy of the countenance and favor of
every patriot in the land.
Entertaining a sincere wish for the success and
good name of the administration of his warm personal
friend Governor Harrison, he adds to this report the

the POTOMAC COMPANY. 39
following language : " If you concur with me in the
proposition I have suggested, and it is adopted by
the legislature, it will signalize your administration
as an important era in the history of this country."
On another occasion, not long subsequent to the
date of his communication to Governor Harrison, he
addressed a letter of similar import to a distinguished
member of Congress, in which he recommends the
project with equal earnestness and force. As a
measure of public policy, he remarks : " There is a
matter, which, though it does not come before
Congress wholly, is in my opinion of great political
importance, and ought to be attended to in time. It
is to prevent the trade of the western territory from
settling into the hands of the Spaniards or the British.
But, it may be asked. How are we to prevent this \
Happily for us, the way is plain. Extend the naviga
tion of the eastern waters ; communicate them as near
as possible with those which run westward — open
those to the Ohio ; open also such as extend from
the Ohio towards Lake Erie, and we shall not only
draw the produce of the western settlers, but the
peltry and the fur trade of the lakes to our ports ; thus
adding an immense increase to our exports, and
binding these people to us by a chain which can
never be broken."
These two interesting communications contain the
first suggestion and general outline of the system of
internal improvements which was afterwards adopted

40 " WASHINGTON:
by the general government as a favorite measure of
national policy (I), and continued to be sustained by
Congress until the year 1829, when it was abandoned
in consequence of the exercise of the veto power of
the Executive relative to the bill appropriating a
specific amount for constructing the Maysville road.
It does not come within the province or design of
the compiler, or comport with the nature of this work,
to analyze the policy of the system to which he has
adverted ; or to enter into a critical examination of
the local or general effects which have resulted from
its adoption by the government. But it may be well,
when we are disposed to examine the principle of
this measure, as a matter of public policy, to bring
into view the vast extent of unoccupied territory
which came into the possession of the government
upon the achievement of our separate national exist
ence ; to investigate the political propriety of afford
ing facilities for its settlement and improvement, and
the importance of spreading the. already dense popu
lation of the sea-board communities. AA'ith these
prominent considerations before the mind, an adequate
conception may be entertained of the extraordinary
sagacity, wisdom, and foresight of the iUustrious pro
jector, when he originally suggested the particular
enterprise of opening an internal communication
between the waters of the Atlantic and the Ohio
River, and more especially when it is remembered
that the suggestion was made long anterior to the

THE POTOMAC COMPANY. 41
separation of the colonies from the dominion of the
British crown.
At this early period, and indeed for several years
after the adoption of the constitution in 1789, the
population comparatively was confined to a narrow
strip of country along the Atlantic borders. The
almost unbounded territory west of the Appalachian
chain was, with' few exceptions, an unbroken wilder
ness, occupied by unknown numbers and tribes of
Indians, many of whom were of the most ferocious and
savage character. Hence, it was not an easy matter
to stimulate the public to engage in enterprises of
internal communications. More than the mere know
ledge of the present, was necessary to secure the con
fidence of the people in projects of this nature. The
universal respect that was entertained for General
Washington; the unqualified confidence in his judg
ment, and in the wisdom and purity of the purpose
which prompted all his actions, were, however, suffi
cient to enlist the attention of the Legislature of
Virginia to entertain the proposition, until it could
be brought before them in a more definite form.
Accompanied by his distinguished friend and com
patriot Marquis de Lafayette, he made a visit to
Richmond while the legislature was in session, where
he was received with all the love and affection which
an enlightened, grateful, and patriotic people could
bestow upon the Father of his Country. But with
aU the honors that were showered upon him by the

42 WASHINGTON:
authorities and every class of his fellow-citizens, in
the most unbounded profusion, the favorite enterprise
of his youthful days, which time and circumstances
had matured into a scheme of national character, was .
not forgotten or neglected. His letter, previously
addressed to Governor Harrison, was communicated
to the legislature, and referred to an appropriate
committee. In a few days the chairman reported a
bill in accordance with its views, which was passed
with remarkable unanimity.
Having accomplished the pui-pose of his visit to
Richmond, he returned to Mount Vernon, and from
thence immediately addressed a letter to Mr. Madison,
then a young but already distinguished member of the
Virginia Legislature, on the subject of his recent visit
to the seat of government. In this letter, he earnestly
recommended (as the concurrent action of Maryland
was necessary to render a bill available) the appoint
ment of commissioners, invested with full powers to
confer with such gentlemen as might be selected by
the Legislature of Maryland, to prepare the form of a
bill which in its character and provisions would be
acceptable to both States. Mr. Madison at once con
curred in the propriety of the recommendation, and
immediately moved the appointment of a deputation
of three individuals for the purpose of caiTying its
suggestions into effect ; the motion was adopted, and
General Washington, General Gates, and Colonel
Blackburn were appointed.

the POTOMAC COMPANY. 43
The deputation, with the exception of Colonel
Blackburn (who was prevented by serious indisposi
tion), proceeded to Annapolis about the 20th day of
December, 1784. On their arrival in the ancient
metropolis of Maryland, they were received with the
most distinguished demonstrations of respect and
confidence, and were formally welcomed by the citi
zens and corporate authorities, and by a committee
of the legislature.
General Washington, in behalf of the Virginia
deputation, communicated to the General Assembly
the object of their visit. A committee was imme
diately appointed by the legislature, composed of
Thomas Stone, Samuel Hughes, Charles Carroll of
CarroUton, John Cadwalader, Samuel Chase, John
Debutts, George Digges, Philip Key, Gustavus Scot,
and Joseph Dashiell, Esquires, to confer with the
Virginia deputation on the subject in question.
A meeting of the delegations was held at Annapolis
on the 22d, and organized by caUing General Wash
ington to the chair, and appointing Randolph B.
Latimer, clerk.
Upon assuming the chair, General Washington
briefly stated that the object of the meeting was to
confer together upon the subject of opening and ini-
proving the navigation of the River Potomac, and con
certing a plan for opening a proper road between the
waters ofthe Potomac and the most convenient western
waters. That the commissioners on the part of the

44 WASHINGTON:
commonwealth of Virginia were fuUy authorized and
prepared to act on this subject with the committee
appointed by the General Assembly of Maryland.
The conference then proceeded to take the subject
matter referred to them into their consideration; and
after a fuU discussion, and the free interchange of
views, a committee was appointed, and after due
deliberation submitted the foUowing report, which
was unanimously adopted: —

" That it is the opinion of this conference, that the removing the
obstructions in the River Potomac, and the making the same capa
ble of navigation from tide-water as far up the north branch of
the said river as may be convenient and practicable, will increase
the commerce of the commonwealth of Virginia and State of
Maryland, and greatly promote the political interests of the United
States, by forming a free and easy communication and connection
with the people settled on the western waters, already very con
siderable in their numbers, and rapidly increasing, from the mild
ness of the climate and the fertility of the soil.
" That it is the opinion of the conference, that the proposal to
establish a company for opening the River Potomac, merits the
approbation of, and deserves to be patronized by, Virginia and
Maryland ; and that a similar law ought to be passed by the legis
latures of the two governments to promote and encourage so laud
able an undertaking.
" That it is the opinion of this conference, that it would be
proper for Virginia and Maryland each to become subscribers to
the amount of fifty shares, and that such subscription would evince
to the public the opinion of the legislatures of the practicability
and great utility of the plan, and that the example would encourage

THE POTOMAC COMPANY. 45
individuals to embark in the measure, give vigor and security to
so important an undertaking, and be a substantial proof to our
brethren of the western territory of our disposition to connect our
selves with them by the strongest bonds of friendship and mutual
interest. " That it is the opinion of this conference, that an act of Assembly
of Virginia, 'For opening and extending the navigation of the
River Potomac, from Fort Cumberland to tide-water,' ought to
be repealed.
" That it is the opinion of this conference, from the best in
formation they have obtained, that a road, to begin about the
mouth of Stony River, may be carried in about twenty or twenty-
two miles to the Dunker Bottom or Cheat River ; from whence,
this conference are of opinion, that batteaux navigation may be
made, though, perhaps, at considerable expense. That if such
navigation cannot be effected by continuing the road about twenty
miles further, it would intersect the Monongahela where the navi
gation is good, and has long been practised.
" That a road from Fort Cumberland to Turkeyfoot would
be about thirty-three miles, from whence an improvement of the
Youghiogheny River would be necessary, though probably it might
be done at less expense than the navigation of the Cheat River
could be rendered convenient from the Dunker Bottom.
" That it is a general opinion, that the navigation in the Potomac
may be extended to the most convenient point below, or even
above the mouth of Stony River, from whence to set off a road
to Cheat River ; and this conference is satisfied that that road,
from the nature of the country through which it may pass, wholly
through Virginia and Maryland, will be much better than a road
can be made at any reasonable expense from Fort Cumberland to
the Youghiogheny, which must be carried through Pennsylvania.
"That it is the opinion of this conference, that if the navigation
on the Potomac should be carried to about the mouth of the Stony
River, a communication with the western waters, through a road

46 WASHINGTON:
from thence extended even to the Monongahela, would be preferable
in most points of view to that by a road from Fort Cumberland to
Turkeyfoot, the only other way practicable, and in any degree
useful ; that the communication by a road from Fort Cumberland
to the present navigable parts of the Youghiogheny, and thence
through that river, though in the opinion of this conference a
second object only, would facilitate the intercourse with a very
respectable number of the western settlers, contribute much to their
convenience and accommodation, and that the benefits resulting
therefrom to these States would compensate the expense of im
proving that road."

The conferees therefore recommended that the
Legislatures of Virginia and Maryland appoint skilful
persons to view and accurately examine and survey
the Potomac, from Fort Cumberland to the mouth of
Stony River, and the River Cheat from about the
Dunker Bottom to the present navigable part thereof,
and if they judge the navigation can be extended to
a convenient distance above Fort Cumberland, that
they may from thence survey, lay off, and mark, a
road to the Cheat River, or continue the same to the
navigation as they may think will most effectually
establish the communication between the said eastern
and western waters. And that the said road be cut
and cleared not less than eighty feet, and properly
improved and maintained in repair, not less than
forty, nor more than fifty feet wide, at the joint ex
pense of both States ; and the conferees begged leave
to recommend that each State appropriate three thou-

THE POTOMAC COMPANY. 47
sand three hundred and thirty-three and one-third
dollars for the purpose; and the conference was
further of opinion, that the States of Virginia and
Maryland request permission of the State of Pennsyl
vania to lay out and improve a road through such
part of that State as might be necessary in the best
and most proper direction from Fort Cumberland to
the navigable part of the Youghiogheny, and on such
permission being obtained, that proper persons be
appointed to survey, mark, clear, and improve, such
road at the equal expense of Virginia and Maryland.
This interesting report, drawn up under the personal
advisement and in conformity with the views of the
iUustrious chairman, and signed by R. B. Latimer,
Clerk, was in due time submitted to the Legislatures
of Virginia and Maryland ; and forms the basis of the
legislative action upon which the Potomac Company
was incorporated and organized.

The preamble to the act of incorporation declares that the
extension of the navigation of the Potomac River from tide
water to the highest place practicable on the north branch will be
of great public utility, and many persons are willing to subscribe
large sums of money to effect so laudable and beneficial a work,
and it is just and proper that they, their heirs and assigns, should
be empowered to receive reasonable tolls forever, in satisfaction for
the money advanced by them in carrying the work into execution,
and the risk they run, and as it may be necessary to cut canals and
erect locks and other works on both sides of the river, and the
Legislatures of Maryland and Virginia, being impressed with the

48 WASHINGTON:
importance of the object, are desirous of encouraging so useful
an undertaking : Therefore enact —
That it shall and may be lawful to open books in the city of
Richmond, towns of Alexandria and Winchester, in Virginia, for
receiving and entering subscriptions for the said undertaking, under
the management of Jaqueline Ambler and John Beckley, at the
city of Richmond, of John Fitzgerald and William Hartshorne at
the town of Alexandria, and of Joseph Holmes and Edward Smith
of the town of Winchester; and in Maryland, in the city of
Annapolis, Georgetown, and Fredericktown, under the management
of Christopher Richmond and John Davidson, Merchant, or either
of them, at the city of Annapolis ; William Deakins and Benjamin
Stoddert, or either of them, at Georgetown; Joseph Sim and
Abraham Faw, or either of them, at Fredericktown ; which subscrip
tions shall be made personally or by power of attorney, and shall be
made iu Spanish milled dollars, but may be paid in foreign silver
or gold coin of the value; that the said books shall be opened for
receiving subscriptions on the eighth day of February next, and
continue open for this purpose until the tenth day of May next
inclusive, and on the seventeenth day of said month of May there
shall be a general meeting of the stockholders at the town of
Alexandria, of which meeting notice shall be given by the said
managers or any four of them in the Virginia and Maryland
Gazettes, at least one month next before the said meeting, and
such meeting shall and may be continued from day to day until the
business is finished, and the acting managers at the time and place
hereinafter mentioned shall lay before such of the subscribers as
shall meet according to the said notice, the books by them respect
ively kept, containing the state of the said subscriptions; and if
one-half the capital sum hereinafter mentioned should, upon
examination, appear not to have been subscribed, then the said
managers, at the said meeting, are empowered to take and receive
subscriptions to make up the deficiency, and a just and true list of
all the subscribers, with the sum subscribed by each, shall be made

THE POTOMAC COMPANY. 49
out and returned by the said managers, or any four or more of
them, under their hands, into the General Court of each State, to
be there recorded ; and in case more than two hundred and twenty
two thousand and twenty two dollars and two-ninths of a dollar
shall be subscribed, then the same shall be reduced to that sum by
the said managers, or a majority of them, by beginning at, and
striking off a share from all subscriptions, under the largest
and above one share, until the sum is reduced to the capital of
two hundred and twenty two thousand and twenty two dollars and
two-ninths of a dollar, or until a share is taken from all subscrip
tions above one share, and lots shall be drawn between the sub
scribers of equal sums to determine the numbers in which such
subscribers shall stand, on a list to be made for striking off as
aforesaid ; and if the sum subscribed still exceeds the capital afore
said, then to strike off by the same rule until the sum subscribed
is reduced to the capital aforesaid, or all the subscriptions are
reduced to one share ; and if there still be an excess, then lots
to be drawn to determine the subscribers who are to be excluded,
to reduce the subscriptions to the capital aforesaid, which striking
off shall be certified in the list aforesaid, and the said capital sum
shall be reckoned and divided into five hundred shares of four
hundred and forty four dollars and four-ninths of a dollar each, of
which every person subscribing may take and subscribe for one or
more whole shares, and not otherwise : Provided, that unless one-
half of the said capital shall be subscribed as aforesaid, then the
President and Directors are hereby empowered and directed to
take and receive the subscriptions which shall first be offered in
whole shares as aforesaid, until the deficiency shall be made up, a
certificate of which additional subscriptions shall be made under
the hands of the President and Directors, or a majority of them
for the time being, and returned to and recorded in the General
Courts aforesaid.
That in case one-half of the said capital, or a greater sum, shall
be subscribed as aforesaid, the said subscribers, and their heirs and
4

50 WASHINGTON:
assigns, from the time ofthe said first meeting, shall be and are hereby
declared to be incorporated into a company, by the name of the
"Potomac Company," and may sue and be sued as such; and such
of the said subscribers as shall be present at the said meeting, or
a majority of them, are hereby empowered and required to elect a
President and four Directors, for conducting the said undertaking,
and managing all the said company's business and concerns, for and
during such time, not exceeding three years, as the said subscribers,
or a majority of them, shall think fit. And in counting the votes of
all general meetings of the said company, each member shall be
allowed one vote for every share as far as ten shares, and one vote
for every five shares above ten, by him or her held at the time in the
said company; and any proprietor, by writing under his or her hand,
executed before two witnesses, may depute any other member or
proprietor to vote and act as proxy for him or her, at any general
meeting. That the said President and Director so elected, and their suc
cessors, or a majority of them assembled, shall have full power and
authority to agree with any person or persons on behalf of said
company, to cut such canals and erect such locks, and perform such
other works as they shall judge necessary for opening, improving,
and extending the navigation of the said river above tide-water, to
the highest part of the North Branch to which navigation can be
extended, and carrying on the same, from place to place, and from
time to time, and upon such terms and in such manner as they
shall think fit ; and out of the money arising from the subscriptions
and the tolls, and other aids hereinafter given, to pay for the same,
and to repair and keep in order the said locks and other works
necessary therein, and to defray all incidental charges ; and also to
appoint a treasurer, clerk, and such other officers, toll-gatherers,
managers, and servants as they shall judge requisite, and to agree
for and settle their respective wages or allowances, and settle,
pass, and sign their accounts, and also to make and establish rules
of proceeding, and to transact all the other business and concerns

THE POTOMAC COMPANY. 51
of the said company, in and during the intervals between the
general meetings of the same; and they shall be allowed as a
satisfaction for their trouble therein, such sum of money as shall,
by a general meeting of the subscribers, be determined : Provided,
always, that the Treasurer shall give bond in such penalty and
with such security as the said President and Directors, or a
majority of them, shall direct, for the true and faithful discharge
of the trust reposed in him, and that the allowance to be made to
him for his services shall not exceed three pounds in the hundred,
for the disbursements by him made ; and that no officer in the said
company shall have any vote in the settlement or passing of his
own account.
That the said President and Directors and their successors, or a
majority of them, shall have full power and authority, from time to
time, as money shall be wanted, to make and sign orders for that
purpose, and direct at what time, and in what proportion, the pro
prietors shall advance and pay off the sums subscribed, which
orders shall be advertised at least one month in the Virginia and
Maryland Gazettes ; and they are hereby authorized and empowered
to demand and receive of the several proprietors, from time to time,
the sums of money so ordered to be advanced for carrying on and
executing, or repairing and keeping in order the said works, until
the sums to be deposited into the hands of the Treasurer, to be by
him disbursed and paid out as the said President and Directors, or
a majority of them, shall order and direct. And if any of the
said proprietors shall refuse or neglect to pay their said proportions
within one month after the same so ordered and advertised as
aforesaid, the said President and Directors, or a majority of them,
may sell at auction and convey to the purchaser, the share or
shares of such proprietor so refusing or neglecting payment, giving
at least one month's notice of the sale in the Virginia and Mary
land Gazettes, and after retaining the sum due, and charges of sale
out of the money produced thereby, they shall refund and pay the
overplus, if any, to the former owner ; and if such sale shall not

52 WASHINGTON:
produce the full sum ordered and directed to be advanced as afore
said, with the incidental charges, the said President and Directors,
or a majority of them, may in the name of the company, sue for and
recover the balance by action of debt, or on the case; and the said
purchaser or purchasers shall be subject to the same rules and
regulations, as if the said sale and conveyance had been made by
the original proprietor, and to continue the succession of the said
President and Directors, and to keep up the same number.
That, from time to time, upon the expiration of the said term
for which the said President and Directors were appointed, the
proprietors of the said company, at the next general meeting, shall
either continue the said President and Directors, or any of them,
or shall choose others in their stead ; and in case of the death,
removal, resignation, or incapacity of the President, or any of the
said Directors, may and shall, in manner aforesaid, elect any other
person or persons, to be President and Directors, in the room of
him or them so dying, removing, or resigning ; and may at any
of their general meetings, remove the President, or any of the
Directors, and appoint others, for and during the remainder of the
term for which such person or persons were at first to have acted.
That every President and Director, before he acts as such, shall
take an oath or affirmation, for the due execution of his office.
That the presence of proprietors, having one hundred shares at
the least, shall be necessary to constitute a general meeting; and
that there be a general meeting of proprietors on the first Monday
in August in every year, at such convenient town as shall, from
time to time, be appointed by the said general meeting ; but if a
sufficient number shall not attend on that day, the proprietors who
do attend, may adjourn such meeting from day to day, till a
general meeting of proprietors shall be had, which may be con
tinued from day to day, until the business of the company is
finished ; to which meeting the President and Directors shall make
report, and render distinct and just accounts of all their proceed
ings, and on finding them fairly and justly stated, the proprietors

THE POTOMAC COMPANY. 53
then present, or a majority of them, shall give a certificate thereof,
a duplicate of which shall be entered on the said company's books;
and at such yearly general meetings, after leaving in the hands of
the Treasurer such sum as the proprietors, or a majority of them,
shall judge necessary for repairs and contingent charges, an equal
dividend of all the net profits, arising from the tolls hereby
granted, shall be ordered, and made to and among all the pro
prietors of the said company, in proportion to their several shares ;
and upon any emergency in the interval between the said yearly
meetings, the said President, or a majority of the said Directors,
may appoint a general meeting of the proprietors of the said
company, at any convenient town, giving at least one month's
previous notice in the Maryland and Virginia Gazettes, which
meeting may be adjourned and continued as aforesaid.
That for and in consideration of the expenses the said pro
prietors will be at, not only in cutting the said canals, erecting
locks and other works, for opening the different falls of the said
river, and in improving and extending the navigation thereof, but
in maintaining and keeping the same in repair, the said canal and
works, with all their profits, shall be, and the same are hereby
vested in the said proprietors, their heirs and assigns, forever, as
tenants in common, in proportion to their respective shares ; and
the same shall be deemed real estate, and be forever exempt from
payment of any tax, imposition, or assessment whatsoever; and
it shall and may be lawful for the said President and Directors at
all times, forever hereafter, to demand and receive, at the nearest
convenient place below the mouth of the South Branch, and at or
near Payne's Falls, and at or above the Great Falls of the River
Potomac, and every of these places separately, for all commodities,
transported through either of them respectively, tolls, according to
the following table and rates, to wit : —

54

WASHINGTON:

C0KM0DITIE8.

At the
liiouth of
the South
Branch.

At Payne'i
FaUs.

At the
Great Falls.

Every pipe or hogshead of wine contain
ing more than 65 gallons
Every hogshead of mm or other spirits .
Every hogshead of tobacco
Every cask between 65 and 35 gallons,
one-half of a pipe or hogshead ; barrels
one-fourth part; and smaller casks or
kegs in proportion, according to the
quality and quantity of their contents
of wine or spirits.
For casks of linseed oil, the same as spirits.
Every bushel of wheat, peas, beans, or

Every bushel of Indian corn, or other
grain or salt .....
Every barrel of pork ....
Every barrel of beef ....
Every barrel of flour ....
Every ton of hemp, flax, potash, bar or
manufactured iron ....
Every ton of pig iron or castings
Every ton of copper, lead, or other ore
other than iron ore ....
Every ton of stone or iron ore .
Every hundred bushels of lime
Every chaldron of coals ....
Every hundred pipe staves
Every hundred hogshead staves, or pipe
or hogshead heading ....
Every hundred cubic feet of plank or
scantling ;
Every hundred cubic feet of other timber ;
Every gross hundred weight of all other
commodities and packages ;
And every empty boat or vessel which
has not commodities on board to yield
so much, except an empty boat or ves
sel returning, whose load has already
paid, at the respective places, the sums
fixed at each, in which case she is to
repass toll free 

0 16
0 13
0 10

0 0 J

0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0

0 2 6
0 0 10

0 2
0 0
0 1
0 0

0 0 2]
0 0 IJ

0 2 6

0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0
0 0

0 2 6
0 0 10
0 2 0
0 0 5
0 13
0 0 5
0 0 2}
0 0 IJ

0 2 6

£ s. d.
0 3 0
0 2 6
0 2 0

0 0 1
0 0 J
0 1 o"
0 0 8
0 0 6
0 5 0
0 18
0 4 0
0 0 10
0 2 6
0 0 10
0 0 4|
0 0 3

0 5 0

which tolls are rated in sterling money, and may be discharged in
foreign gold or silver coin of the present fineness at the following
rates, to wit : —

THE POTOMAC COMPANY. 55
£. s. d.
Spanish milled piece of eight, or dollar . . .046
Other coined silver, of equal fineness, per ounce .051^
English milled crowns  0 5 0
French silver crowns  0 5 0
Johannes, weighing eighteen pennyweights . . 3 12 0
Half Johannes, weighing nine pennyweights . . 1 ,16 0
Moidores, weighing six pennyweights eighteen grains 17 0
English Guineas, weighing five pennyweights six
grains  110
French Guineas, weighing five pennyweights five
grains  1 0 10
Doubloons, weighing seventeen pennyweights . .363
Spanish pistoles, weighing four pennyweights six
grains  0 16 6
French milled pistoles, weighing four pennyweights
and four grains  0 16 4
Arabian ohequins, weighing two pennyweights three
grains  086
Other gold coin (German excepted) by the penny
weight  040
It is however provided, that should any of the coins above
enumerated, hereafter be rendered less valuable than they are at
present, either by lessening their weight, or therewith adding a
greater quantity of alloy than is in them respectively at present,
then so much of any of the said coins, the value of which is so
reduced, to be received for the tolls aforesaid as is equal in value
to the said coins in their present state of fineness and weight, shall
be payable for the said tolls at their reduced value only. And in
case of refusal or neglect to pay the tolls at the time of offering to
pass through any of the said places, and previous to the vessel's
passing through the same, the collectors of the said tolls may law
fully refuse passage to such vessels ; and if any vessel shall pass
without paying the said toll, then the said collectors may seize
such vessel, wherever found, and sell the same^at auction for ready
money, which, so far as is necessary, shall be applied towards

56 WASHINGTON:
paying the said toll, and all expenses of seizure and sale, and the
balance, if any, shall be paid to the owner, and the person having
the direction of such vessel shall be liable for such toll, if the same
is not paid by sale of such vessel as aforesaid : Provided, that the
said proprietors, or a majority of them, holding, at least, three
hundred shares, shall have full power and authority, at any
general meeting, to lessen the said tolls or any of them; or to
determine that any article may pass free of toll.
That the said river, and the works to be erected thereon in virtue
of this act, when completed, shall forever thereafter be esteemed
and taken to be navigable as a public highway, free for the trans
portation of all goods, commodities, or produce, whatsoever, on
payment of the tolls imposed by this act ; and no other toll or tax
whatever, for the use of the water of the said river, and the works
thereon erected, shall at any time hereafter be imposed, by both or
either of the said States, subject, nevertheless, to such regulations
as the legislatures of the said States may concur in, to prevent
the importation of prohibited goods, or to prevent fraud in evading
the payment of duties imposed in both or either of the said States,
on goods imported into either of them. And whereas it is neces
sary for the making of said canal, locks, or other works, that a
provision should be made for condemning a quantity of land for
the purpose :
That it shall and may be lawful for the said President and
Directors, or a majority of them, to agree with the owners of any
land through which the said canal is intended to pass, for the
purchase thereof, and in case of disagreement, or in case the owner
thereof shall be a. feme covert, under age, non compos, or out of the
State, on application to any two justices of the county, in which
such land shall lie, the said justices shall issue their warrant under
their hands, to the sheriff of their county, to summon a jury of
twenty-four inhabitants of his county, of property and reputation,
not related to the parties, nor in any manner interested, to meet
on the land to be valued, at a day to be expressed in the warrant

THE POTOMAC COMPANY. 57
not less than ten nor more than twenty days thereafter ; and the
sheriff, upon receiving the said warrant, shall forthwith summon
the said jury, and when met, provided that not less than twelve do
appear, shall administer an oath or affirmation to every juryman
that shall appear " that he will faithfully, justly, and impartially
value the land (not exceeding in any case the width of one hundred
and forty feet), and all damages the owner thereof shall sustain by
the cutting the canal through such land, according to the best of
his skill and judgment ; and that, in such valuation, he will not
spare any person through favor or affection, nor any person grieve
through malice, hatred, or ill-will." And the inquisition thereof
taken, shall be signed by the sheriff, and some twelve or more of
the jury, and returned by the sheriff, to the clerk of his county, to
be by him recorded. And upon every such valuation, the jury is
hereby directed to describe and ascertain the bounds of the land
by them valued, and their valuation shall be conclusive on all
persons, and shall be paid by the said President and Directors, to
the owner of the land or his legal representative ; and on payment
thereof, the said company shall be seized in fee of such land, as if
conveyed by the owner to them, and their successors by legal con
veyance : Provided, nevertheless, that if any further damage shall
arise to any proprietor of land in consequence of opening such
canal, or in erecting such works, than had been before considered
and valued, it shall and may be lawful for such proprietor, as often
as any such new damage shall happen, by application to, and a
warrant from, any two justices of the county where the lands lie,
to have such further damage valued by a jury in like manner, and
to receive and recover the same of the said President and Directors.
But nothing herein shall be taken or construed to entitle the pro
prietor of any such land to recover compensation for any damages
which may l).appen to any mills, forges, or other water-works or
improvements, which shall be begun or erected by such proprietor,
after such first valuation, unless the said damage is wilfully or
maliciously done by the said President and Directors, or some
person by their authority.

58 WASHINGTON:
That the said President and Directors, or a majority of them,
are hereby authorized to agree with the proprietors for the purchase
of a quantity of land, not exceeding one acre, at or near each of
the said places of receipt of tolls aforesaid, for the purpose of
erecting necessary buildings ; and in case of disagreement, or any
of the disabilities aforesaid, or the proprietor being out of the
State, then such land may be valued, condemned, and paid for, as
aforesaid, for the purpose aforesaid ; and the said company shall,
upon payment of the valuation of the said land, be seized thereof
in fee simple as aforesaid. And whereas, some of the places
through which it may be necessary to conduct the said canals may
be convenient for erecting mills, forges, and other water-works, and
the persons possessors of such situations may design to improve
the same, and it is the intention of this act not to interfere with
private property, but for the purpose of improving and perfecting
the said navigation.
That the water or any part thereof conveyed through any canal
or cut made by the said company, shall not be used for any purpose
but navigation, unless the consent of the proprietors of the land
through which the same shall be led, be first had; and the said
President and Directors, or a majority of them, are hereby em
powered and directed, if it can be conveniently done to answer
both the purposes of navigation and water-works aforesaid, to
enter into reasonable agreements with the proprietors of such
situation, concerning the just proportion of the expenses of making
large canals or cuts capable of carrying such quantities of water as
may be sufficient for the purposes of navigation, and also for any
such water-works as aforesaid.
That it shall and may be lawful for every of the said proprietors
to transfer his share or shares, by deed, executed before two
witnesses, and registered, after proof of the execution thereof, in
the said company's books, and not otherwise, except by devise,
which devise shall also be exhibited to the President and Directors
and registered in the company's books before the devise or devises

THE POTOMAC COMPANY. 59
shall be entitled to draw any part of the profits from the said tolls :
Provided, that no transfer whatsoever shall be made, except for
one or more whole share or shares, and not for part of such shares,
and that no share shall at any time be sold, conveyed, transferred,
or held, in trust, for the use and benefit, or in the name of another,
whereby the said President and Directors or proprietors of the said
company, or any of them, shall or may be challenged, or made to
answer, concerning any such trust, but that every such person
appearing as aforesaid to be proprietor shall, as to the others of
the said company, be to every intent taken absolutely as such, but
as between any trustee and the person for whose benefit any trust
shall be created, the common remedy may be pursued. And
whereas it hath been represented to the General Assembly that
sundry persons are willing and desirous, on account of the great
public advantages and improvement their estates may receive
thereby, to promote and contribute towards so useful an under
taking and to subscribe sums of money to be paid on condition
the said works are really completed and carried into execution,
but do not care to run any risk, or desire to have any property
therein :
That the said President and Directors shall be, and are hereby
empowered to receive and take in subscriptions, upon the said
condition and upon the said works being completed and carried into
execution according to the true intent and meaning of this act ;
that it shall and may be lawful for the said President and Directors,
or a majority of them, in case of refusal or neglect of payment, in
the name of the company as aforesaid to sue for and recover of the
said subscribers, their heirs, executors or administrators, the sums
by them respectively subscribed, by action of debt, or upon the
case, in any court of record within the State.
That if the said capital, and other aids already granted by this
act, shall prove insufficient, it shall and may be lawful for the said
company, from time to time, to increase the said capital by the
addition of as many more whole shares as shall be judged necessary

60 WASHINGTON:
by the said proprietors, or a majority of them, holding at least
three hundred shares, present at any general meeting of the said
corapany. And the said President and Directors, or a majority of
them, are hereby empowered and required, after giving at least one
month's notice thereof in the Maryland and Virginia Gazettes, to
open books at the before-mentioned places for receiving and enter
ing such additional subscriptions, in which the proprietors of the
said company for the time being, shall and are hereby declared to
have the preference of all others for the first thirty days, after the
said books shall be opened as aforesaid, of taking and subscribing
for so many whole shares as any of them shall choose. And the
said President and Directors are hereby required to observe in all
other respects the same rules therein, as are by this act prescribed,
for receiving and adjusting first the subscriptions, and in like manner
to return, under the hands of any three or more of them, an exact
list of such additional subscribers, with the sums by them respect
ively subscribed, into the general courts aforesaid, to be there
recorded, and all proprietors of such additional sums shall, and are
hereby declared to be, from thenceforward, incorporated into the
said company.
That the tolls hereinbefore allowed, to be demanded and
received at the nearest convenient place below the mouth of the
South Branch are granted, and shall be paid on condition only,
that the Potomac Company shall make the river well capable of
being navigated in dry seasons, by vessels drawing one foot water,
from the place on the North Branch at which a road shall set off
to the Cheat River, agreeably to the determination of the Assem
blies of Virginia and Maryland, to and through the place which
may be fixed on, below the mouth of the South Branch, for receipt
of the tolls aforesaid ; but if the said river is only navigable as
aforesaid from Fort Cumberland, to and through the said place
below the mouth of the South Branch, then only two-thirds of the
said tolls shall be there received. That the tolls hereinbefore
allowed, to be demanded and received at or near Payne's Falls are

THE POTOMAC COMPANY. 61
granted and shall be payable on condition only, that the said
Potomac Company shall make the river well capable of being navi
gated in dry seasons, by vessels drawing one foot water, from the
place of collection, near the mouth of the South Branch to and
through Payne's Falls as aforesaid. That the tolls hereinbefore
allowed to be demanded and received at the Great Falls, are
granted, and shall be payable on condition only that the said
Potomac Company shall make the river well capable of being
navigated in dry seasons, from Payne's Falls to the Great Falls, by
vessels drawing one foot water, and from the Great Falls to tide
water, and shall, at or near the Great Falls, make a cut or canal,
twenty-five feet wide, and four feet deep, with sufficient locks, if
necessary, each of eighty feet in length, sixteen feet in breadth,
and capable of conveying vessels or rafts drawing four feet water
at the least, and shall make, at or near the Little Falls, such
canal and locks, if necessary, as will be sufficient and proper to let
vessels and rafts aforesaid into tide-water, or render the said river
navigable in the natural course.
And it is hereby provided, that in case the said company shall
not begin the said work within one year after the company shall
be formed, or if the navigation shall not be made and improved
between the Great Falls and Fort Cumberland, in the manner
hereinbefore mentioned within three years after the said company
shall be formed, that then the said company shall not be entitled
to any benefit, privilege or advantage under this act. And in case
the said company shall not complete the navigation through and
from the Great Falls, to tide-water as aforesaid, within ten years
after the said company shall be formed, then shall all interest of
the said company and all preference in their favor, as to the navi
gation and tolls, at, through, and from, the Great Falls to tide
water, be forfeited, and cease.
That all commodities of the produce of either of the said States, or
ofthe western country, which may be carried or transported through
the said locks, canals, and river, may be landed, sold, or otherwise

62 WASHINGTON:
disposed of, free from any other duties, impositions, regulations, or
restrictions of any kind, than the like commodities of the produce
of the State in which the same may happen to be so landed, sold,
shipped, or disposed of.
That the Treasurer of this commonwealth shall be authorized
and directed to subscribe to the amount of fifty shares in behalf
of the same, and the money necessary in consequence of such sub
scription, shall be paid as the same shall be required. And the
Treasurer for the time being shall have a right to vote according
to such shares, in person or by proxy, appointed by him, and shall
receive the proportion of the tolls aforesaid, which shall from time
to time become due to this State for the shares aforesaid.
That so much of every act and acts within the purview of this
act, shall be, and the same is, hereby repealed.

An Act foe vesting in George Washington, Esq., a certain
interest in the companies established for opening and
EXTENDING THE NAVIGATION OP THE POTOMAC AND JaJNIES
Rivers.
Passed October, 1784.
Whereas, it is the desire of the representatives of this common
wealth (Va.) to embrace every suitable occasion of testifying their
sense of the unexampled merits of George Washington, Esq.,
towards his country, and it is their wish, in particular, that those
great works for its improvement, which, both as springing from the
liberty which he has been so instrumental in establishing, and as
encouraged by his patronage, will be durable monuments of his
glory, may be made monuments also of the gratitude of his
country. Be it enacted by the General Assembly, that the Treasurer be
directed, in addition to the subscriptions he is hereby authorized to
make, to the respective undertakings for opening the navigation of
Potomac and James Rivers, to subscribe to the amount of fifty

THE POTOMAC COMPANY. 63
shares to the former, and a hundred shares to the latter, to be
paid in like manner with the subscriptions above mentioned ; and
that the shares so subscribed be, and the same are hereby vested
in George Washington, Esquire, his heirs and assigns forever, in
as effectual a manner as if the subscriptions had been made by
himself or by his attorney.

General Washington's Reply to the Letter op the Governor
OF Virginia, transmitting a copy of the foregoing Act op
THE General Assembly.
Dear Sir : Your excellency having been pleased to transmit to
me a copy of the act appropriating to my benefit certain shares in
the companies for opening the navigation of James and Potomac
Rivers, I take the liberty of returning to the General Assembly,
through your hands, the profound and grateful acknowledgments
inspired by so signal a mark of their beneficent intentions towards
me. I beg you, sir, to assure them that I am filled on this occa
sion with every sentiment which can flow from a heart warm with
love for my country ; sensible to every token of its approbation
and affection, and solicitous to testify, in every instance, a respect
ful submission to its wishes. With these sentiments in my bosom,
T need not dwell on the anxiety I feel in being obliged, in this
instance, to decline a favor which is rendered no less flattering by
the manner in which it is conveyed, than it is affectionate in itself.
In explaining this obligation, I pass over a comparison of my
endeavors in the public service with the many honorable testimonies
,of approbation which have already so far overrated and overpaid
them ; reciting one consideration only, which supersedes the neces
sity of recurring to every other. When I was first called to the
station with which I was honored during the late conflict for our
liberties, to the diffidence which I had so many reasons to feel in
accepting it, I thought it my duty to join a former resolution

64 WASHINGTON:
to shut my hand against every pecuniary recompense ; to this reso
lution I have invariably adhered ; from this resolution (if I had
the inclination) I do not consider myself at liberty to depart.
Whilst I repeat, therefore, my fervent acknowledgments to the
legislature for their very kind sentiments and intentions in my
favor, and at the same time beg them to be persuaded, that a re
membrance of this singular proof of their goodness towards me,
will never cease to cherish returns of the warmest affection and
gratitude, I must pray that their act, so far as it has for its object
my personal emolument, may not have its effect. But if it should
please the General Assembly to permit me to turn the destination
of the fund vested in me, from my private emolument to objects of
a public nature, it will be my study, in selecting these, to prove
the sincerity of my gratitude for the honor conferred on me, by
preferring such as pay appear most subservient to the enlightened
and patriotic views of the legislature.
In accordance with the wishes so patriotically pre
sented by the reply of General Washington to the
Governor of Virginia, the act was repealed dming the
same session; and it was further enacted that the
said shares, with the tolls and profits hereafter accru
ing therefrom, should stand appropriated to such
objects of a public nature, in such manner, and under
such distributions as General AVashington, by deed
during his life, or by his last wiU and testament,
should direct and appoint.
A short time after the expiration of the period
which was specified for receiving subscriptions to the
capital stock, a general meeting was called to ascertain
the number of shares that were taken, and if sufficient,

THE POTOMAC COMPANY. 65
formally to organize the company by the election of
officers. A sufficient number of shares having been sub
scribed, a meeting was held in pursuance to previous
public notice published in some of the Maryland and
Virginia Gazettes, at Alexandria, on the 17th day of
May, 1785.
An unusual degree of public feeling was already
manifested in the proposed management of the afi'airs
of the company. It was an enterprise of a novel
character, and prompted more by the impulse of
patriotic considerations, than by the influence of an
ticipated pecuniary advantages to the subscribers ; it
had enUsted in its success some of the most prominent
and distinguished men of the two sister States. The
meeting was regarded with no ordinary concern.
Public spirited individuals from several parts of
Virginia and Maryland proceeded to Alexandria to
witness its proceedings. The city presented a
spectacle which at that early day was seldom wit
nessed. The general belief that the immortal Wash
ington, the man who had borne his country in
triumph through the storms of the Revolutionary
War, and achieved its national independence, would
accept the office of President of the company, was of
itself calculated to impart an extraordinary interest
to the occasion. When the hour for opening the
meeting had arrived, a large number of citizens were
in attendance. The meeting was caUed to order by
5

66 WASHINGTON:
one of the proprietors, and was subsequently organized
by electing Daniel Carrol, Esquire, Chairman, and
Charles Lee, Esquire, Clerk.
Upon the presentation of the subscription books, it
was ascertained that the shares subscribed were —
Virginia.
In the Richmond Book  100 Shares.
Alexandria, do  135 do
Winchester, do  31 do
Maryland.
Annapolis, do  13 do
Georgetown, do  42 do
Frederick, do  22 do
amounting to four hundred and three shares, making
a capital of forty thousand three hundred pounds
sterling money.
On motion, it was then resolved. That the sub
scribers present in person and by proxy, proceed to
the choice of President and Directors, who shaU
continue in office until the first Monday in the month
of August 1786, and that at every general meeting,
in taking the votes of the proprietors, each proprietor
shaU give in his vote or votes at the Clerk's table, in
writing, and where the vote or votes shaU be given
by proxy, that the name of each constituent shaU also
be inserted.
The chairman then suggested to the meeting the
importance of an examination of the deputations and

THE POTOMAC COMPANY. 67
the proxies before the election, and appointed Charles
Sims and James Keith as the examining committee.
This committee having discharged the duties of their
appointment, reported that the deputations fr-om
Thomas Blackburn to William Brown, from Thomas
Johnson to Abraham Farr, and from John Lyon to
Abraham Farr, were iUegal and insufficient, and
executed only before one witness, and could not be
admitted to vote at this election. The report was
adopted. The proprietors present in person and those who
were absent, but legaUy represented by proxies, then
proceeded to the choice of President and four
Directors, and on examining and counting the votes,
a majority was in favor of his Excellency George
Washington to be President, and Thomas Johnston,
Thomas Sim Lee, John Fitzgerald and George Gilpin,
Esquires, to be Directors, and thereupon the chair
man declared his excellency George AVashington
President, and Thomas Johnston, Thomas Sim Lee,
John Fitzgerald and George Gilpin, Esquires,
Directors of the Potomac Company.
This announcement of the result of the election
was received by the meeting with unbounded joy and
satisfaction. The papers, forms, and proxies in the hands of the
several deputations, and the subscription books, as also
the minutes ofthe meeting, were then placed in charge
of the President and Directors, and, after designating

68 WASHINGTON:
the day and place for the first meeting of the Board,
the meeting adjourned.
The Board, agreeably to appointment, met in Alex
andria on Monday the 30th day of May, 1785, to be
duly qualified.
Present: Gen. George AVashington, President.
George Gilpin, John Fitzgerald, Thomas Sim Lee,
and Thomas Johnston, Directors.
George Gilpin administered the oath of office pre
scribed by the General Assemblies of Virginia and
Maryland to George Washington, John Fitzgerald,
Thomas Sim Lee, and Thomas Johnston; and John
Fitzgerald administered the oath of office to George
Gilpin. The Board having been quahfied, proceeded to the
selection of individuals for treasurer and clerk, and
appointed WilUam Hartshorne, of Alexandria, trea
surer, and John Potts, Jun., of the same place, clerk.
The former aUowed three per cent, upon the disbm'se-
ments as a compensation for his services, and to enter
into a bond in the penalty of ten thousand poimds
sterling, with two good and sufficient seciuities, to be
approved by the Board. The latter to be paid twenty
one shillings sterling for each day he shall attend the
Board, besides his reasonable expenses when he
occasionaUy attends the sittings or sessions of the
Board out of Alexandria, and thereby incui's an extra
ordinary expense.
The company, now fully organized, entered upon

THE POTOMAC COMPANY. 69
the commencement of its active duties with flattering
prospects of success. With the illustrious Washing
ton at its head, and the encouragement of the most
distinguished men of Maryland and Virginia among
its subscribers, the enterprise was one of extreme
interest both to the company and the public.
When the members of the Board were assembled —
the President offered his congratulations upon the
happy condition which brought them together, and in
brief and eloquent terms animated their zeal, in the
prosecution of the enterprise by his own unbounded
patriotism and public spirit.
Many suggestions were submitted and discussed
relative to the most eligible plan for practical opera
tions; and it was at length agreed: to divide the line
of the river to be improved into two sections ; the first
or lower section to extend from tide water to the
upper part of the Shenandoah Falls — and the upper
section include the river between the upper part of
the Shenandoah Falls, and the highest point prac
ticable upon the North Branch, and to which the
improvement could be extended and made navigable.
To each of these sections was assigned a general
director, skilled in the character of the work to be
performed, one suitable assistant, three overseers, and
fifty men.
To obtain the services of the most competent and
skilful men to conduct the opening and improving
the navigation, the Board directed advertisements to

70 WASHINGTON:
be inserted in the Alexandria, Baltimore, and one or
more of the Philadelphia papers, giving notice that it
would meet at Alexandria on the first day of July
next " to agree with two persons who best understood
the character of the work to be done, and its manage
ment, to the greatest advantage."
On account of the toilsome character of the work,
the ordinary wages of that day were not sufficient
inducements to the laboring classes to enter into the
service of the company. A more liberal scale of
aUowance was accordingly adopted; and in addition
to the advance upon the wages, good and substantial
provisions were supplied and a reasonable quantity of
spirits. As a further encouragement to the hands, it
was proposed to add yet more to the wages of those
who were most dexterous and skilful in boring and
blowing rocks, and the conductor was directed to be
at Seneca on the 1st and at Shenandoah on the 14th
of July, to examine such as would offer for this service.
In the mean time, the Clerk was directed to write a
letter to Capt. Abraham Sheppard, of Sheppardstown,
requesting him to contract for the building of two
very strong boats for the use of the company, each to
be thirty five feet long, eight feet wide or upwards,
and not less than twenty inches deep, in the common
manner of the flats used at the ferries on the Potomac
above tide-water.
A similar letter was written to Col. James
Clapham, in whose judgment and experience in the

THE POTOMAC COMPANY. 71
construction of boats, the President and Directors
entertained the greatest confldence.
The character of the river above Payne's Falls was
at this time little known. From the junction of the
Shenandoah to the sources of the North Branch was
an almost uninterrupted wilderness, and few persons
had penetrated the gorges and passes of the numerous
mountain ranges through which it had forced its way.
But one individual connected with the enterprise of
the Potomac Company, had perhaps ever viewed the
bold and picturesque scenery which bordered upon
the stream, or the rocks and faUs that broke its
surface. To have a correct view of the difficulties
that would be encountered in the progress of the
improvement of its navigation, it was important that
the members of the Board should possess a personal
knowledge of the part of the river to be improved,
and it was accordingly determined to proceed to an
examination, immediately after the general meeting
in August next.
The selection of persons to flU the subordinate
stations in the company, was a matter of much soUci-
tude. After repeated notiflcations through the
columns of the public press in Philadelphia, Virginia,
and Maryland, inviting the attention of suitable
individuals to the subject, and the personal efforts of
many of the subscribers, superadded to the very
liberal allowances that were offered, having all failed
of success, Col. Gilpin, a member of the Board, was

72 WASHINGTON:
specially delegated with full power and authority to
act on this subject in behalf of the company.
Believing that a personal interview with applicants
would be most likely attended with success, he gave
public notice that he would be at Seneca and Shenan
doah FaUs on the 14th of July ensuing, to meet such
persons as would offer for the stations that were
specified, and if, upon proper examination of their
credentials, and a satisfactory conviction of their
capacity and integrity, were adjudged worthy of the
appointment, he would at once, under the authority
vested in him, confer it upon them, and fix the time
when the work should commence.
The next annual meeting of the Board was held,
agreeably to previous notice, in Georgetown, on the
1st day of August, 1785.
Present: Gen. George Washington, President.
Thomas S. Lee, John Fitzgerald, Thomas John
ston, George Gilpin, Directors.
The first business in order was the examination of
sundry accounts amounting to £182 75. 4(Z., which,
having _been found correct, the Treasurer was directed
to pay.
It was also ordered that the Treasurer forthwith
advance to Mr. James Rumsey, the principal manager,
the sum of fifty pounds, Virginia currency, as a
contingent fund, and to be expended in small sums
for the use of the company, and at stated periods
to render an account accompanied by the vouchers.

THE POTOMAC COMPANY. 73
The subject which mainly occupied the attention
of the Board at this meeting, was the accountability
of the subordinate officers relative to the disburse
ments of money. The arrangement that had been
made for commencing the work, required the adop
tion of a rigid system, and fr-om which no departure
could be admitted under any circumstances upon the
mere option of an assistant or overseer — nor by the
authority of the principal manager, independent of the
subsequent action of the Board. The plan was simple
and efficient. Each overseer was directed to keep a
book in which the name of every person employed
was enrolled, with columns properly ruled for an exact
account of the days on which each hand was employed,
and also of the days when absent, and every fortnight
he was reqiured to render an account to the assistant
manager, who, if he approved the same, to certify
thereto, and present it to the principal manager, and
if he also approved of the account, it should be au
thority to the Treasurer to furnish such sum of money
as would be sufficient to discharge the account.
After the transaction of the most important business
of the meeting, and it had adjourned, the President
and members of the Board proceeded to the Shenan
doah Falls for the purpose of making the examination
that would enable them to decide upon the kind of
improvement to overcome the difficulties the Falls
presented in the navigation of the river. Viewing the
still water above and below, and the character of the

74 WASHINGTON:
obstructions in the FaUs, the members were unanim
ously of the opinion that no lock would be required,
and that nothing more was necessary than the removal
of the rocks that were irregularly scattered over the
Falls ; and a party was organized to clear and improve
the navigation from Payne's upwards, through the
Shenandoah Falls, and placed under the direction of
Mr. Rumsey, the principal director, whom Col. Gilpin
had just appointed.
The following letter of instructions was written to
him by the President : —

Shenandoah Falls, 3d day of August, 1785.
Sir : As you have attended the President and Directors in their
view and examination of the river, from the upper part of the
Seneca Falls to the Great Falls, and from the flat water above to
the flat water below the Shenandoah Falls, you are possessed not
only of their opinion of the course in general to be improved, and
their idea of effecting the work, but also of their sentiments on
many particular spots. The President and Directors have no
doubt, could they personally attend the work in its progress, and
see the river at those places in its different situations, they might
in many instances depart from their present opinions. The nature
of the work and our situations make it therefore necessary to leave
it to your discretion to vary from what you may have conceived
our opinion to be as to the tract or manner of executing the work,
and we do it the more cheerfully, as you seem to b^ equally im
pressed as ourselves with the importance of a straight navigation,
afed the advantages of avoiding, as far as well may be, to cross
currents. The opportunity you will have to watch the water at
different heights, and your industry in examining more minutely

THE POTOMAC COMPANY. 75
the different obstructions, will enable you to exercise the dis
cretionary power left with you, to your own credit and our satis
faction. You are already apprised of our change of resolution as to the
plan of working the upper party, and the reasons which induced
that change, and as effecting the navigation through the Shenan
doah and Seneca Falls, will be immediately advantageous to a
great extent of country, you are not to consider yourself restricted
to the number of fifty hands for each party, but you are to employ
as many as you have an opportunity to engage, and you can work
to advantage, so that the work may be expedited ; but you must
immediately, on exceeding one hundred in the whole, give informa
tion to the President, lest any disappointment should happen in
the ready payment of the company's debts, which by all means is
to be avoided. For the President and Directors,
G. WASHINGTON, P
U]3on the receipt of this letter of instructions from
General Washington, Mr. Rumsey immediately pre
pared himself to carry its purposes into effect, and
although much was left to his discretion, he found
few occasions to depart from the line marked out for
him to pursue. It required a personal knowledge of
the river for a succession of years, and at its different
stages of water, to form an adequate idea of the best
course for the contemplated improvement. Of this
the Board were fully satisfied, and the discretionary
power which was given to Mr. Rumsey on account
of his intimate knowledge of the river and its condi
tion from the lowest stages of water to the highest

76 WASHINGTON:
freshets, and his active and energetic character, the
members felt every assurance that the responsibUity
and trust they devolved upon him could not be com
mitted to better hands.
The first object to which his attention was directed,
was to trace out the line or channel of the river to be
cleared and improved, and which he then divided
into parts, to each of which he assigned a specified
number of hands, under the charge of an overseer.
The hands were accordingly distributed upon the
line, and were soon at work. The condition of the
water was favorable for prosecuting the improvement
with energy and zeal, and the organization seemed to
be well calculated for active operations.
Notwithstanding the favorable circumstances un
der which the company was organized, the hberal
allowance to the workmen for their services, and the
disposition of the Board and of the principal conductor
to abate the severity of the labor by granting every
reasonable indulgence, one month had scarcely
elapsed before a turbulent and insubordinate sphit
was manifested among the hands, and to a degree as
to require immediate and signal correction. Irregu
larity, misconduct, and insolent behavior placed the
authority of the conductor and his subordinates at
defiance. The work that was directed to be done
was either entirely omitted or but partially performed,
and it was evident to the conductor that not much
progress could be made in improving the navigation,

THE POTOMAC COMPANY. 77
unless at least one-half of the laborers then on the
line were discharged and the number replaced by
others more orderly and obedient. Mr. Rumsey was
not long in deciding upon the course to be pursued.
He made a report of all the facts relative to the
insubordination of the workmen to General AVash
ington in a written communication, and expressed his
hope that it would receive the earliest attention.
Upon the receipt of this communication, a meeting
of the Board was caUed at Alexandria on the 9 th of
September, 1785, and after a full exposition of the
difficulties among the hands, it was unanimously
declared, as the opinion (of the Board) " that it would
facilitate the work to purchase sixty servants for the
use of the company ;" and the Secretary was directed
to open a correspondence with some person in
Baltimore and in Philadelphia to ascertain the best
terms upon which they could be procured.
As soon as the Secretary had received replies to
his letters, he advised the President of the company,
who thereupon called a meeting of the Board at
Alexandria, Sept. 26th, 1785.
Present: Gen. George Washington, President.
Geo. Gilpin, John Fitzgerald, Directors.
Sundry accounts properly authenticated, amounting
to £182 8s. Bd., were presented and passed, and the
Treasurer was directed to pay them.
The subject for which the meeting was particularly
called was then introduced by the President, and the

78 WASHINGTON:
report he had received from Mr. Rumsey, and the
answers from Philadelphia and Baltimore to the letters
from the Secretary were read ; and, after due deUbera-
tion and discussion, it was finaUy ordered that the
Secretary be directed to write letters to Messrs.
Stewart & Plunket, of Baltimore, and Mr. John
MaxweU Nesbit, of Philadelphia, the gentlemen to
whom the Secretary had previously made application,
" to purchase for the use of the company sixty servants,
and to request of each of them, that as soon as there
may be an arrival at either place, out of which the
number can probably be procured, immediately to
send an express at the expense of the company, with
information of it, that they may avaU themselves of
the first opportunity of getting them out, and also to
prevent a purchase being made at both places."
In the mean time, it was important that the enter
prise should be prosecuted with as much energy and
assiduity as the circumstances under which the
company was then placed would aUow. The water
in the river was unusuaUy low, and the obstructions
to be removed from the channel were discoverable
throughout the almost enthe length to be improved.
It was also a season of extraordinary health in the
valley of the Potomac, and provisions were abundant
and cheap.
Influenced by these considerations, the Board
declared it as their unanimous opinion that Air.
Rumsey, the conductor, should engage such of the

THE POTOMAC COMPANY. 79
hands as deserve encouragement, to continue in the
service of the company on the best terms he could
obtain from them, and untU the further order of the
Board ; and that a meeting of the Board of President
and Directors be held at Georgetown, in the State of
Maryland, on Monday the seventeenth day of October
next, of which notice to be given to the Directors, and
also to Mr. Rumsey and Mr. Stewart, the principal
and the assistant managers.
On the 10th of October, notice was accordingly
transmitted to the several members to attend a meet
ing of the Board in Georgetown on the day proposed,
to take the existing condition of the affairs of the
company into consideration, and to adopt such
measures as would more effectually secure the pro
prietors against the recurrence of the interruptions
which had several times seriously checked the progress
of the improvement of the channel of the Potomac.
In consequence of the absence of one of the mem
bers, the Board was not organized until the 18th of
October, when it met at the Great Falls of the
Potomac River.
Present: Gen. George AVashington, President.
John Fitzgerald, George Gilpin, Thos. Lee, and
Thos. Johnston, Directors.
The President made a detailed statement of the
causes which had urged him to caU a special meeting,
submitting to them such considerations as he deemed
appropriate to the occasion, and earnestly invoked the
action of the Board on the subject.

80 WASHINGTON:
The session continued during two days. Many
suggestions were made and discussed, opinions were
freely expressed, and after a frank and candid con
sideration of all the facts presented by the principal
superintendent, in whom entire confidence was
entertained, it was ordered : —
That one hundred good and able working negroes should be
hired for the use of the company, for each of whom there should
be an allowance of twenty pounds, Virginia currency, also clothing,
and to pay their levies and furnish them with rations, viz : 1 lb.
salt pork, IJ lb. salt beef, or I5 lb. fresh beef or mutton, and a
sufficiency of bread each day, and also a reasonable quantity of
spirits, when necessary.
That the negroes are to come well clothed, or to be supplied
with what may be deficient, which is to be stopped out of the next
year's clothing.
It was also ordered : —
That the monthly wages of the men should remain as heretofore,
but without making a deduction for the time the weather would
not admit of their working.
The applications were requested to be made to Mr.
WiUiam Hartshorne, in Alexandria, or to Mr. James
Rumsey, the principal superintendent, who were duly
authorized to enter into contracts for the hands : —
Before the adjournment, the foUowing accounts
were presented and directed to be paid.
Josias Clapham  .£43 5s. Od.
John Potts, Jr  6 8 8
John Fitzgerald  2 2 0

THE POTOMAC COMPANY. 81
It was not long before a sufficient number of hands
were engaged, and divided into three working
parties viz: at the Great FaUs, at the Seneca Falls,
and at the Shenandoah Falls.
The improvements ofthe channel at these important
points were pushed with due energy and zeal. Some
of the largest rocks in the two upper falls were
sufficiently blasted, and their fragments generally
removed from the channel before a rise in the river
compeUed a suspension of the work. 'In the early
part of November the river began to rise, and soon
overflowed its banks. Much rain had fallen, and the
mountain streams at and near the heads of the North
and South Branches of the Potomac became unusually
high, and one of the most extraordinary freshets in
the river was the result.
Driven by the high water the majority of the hands
were compelled to abandon their work, and were
directed to proceed to the Great FaUs, where they
were to be occupied in building huts for the accom
modation of the men during the winter.
Mr. Rumsey was also authorized to contract for the
building of two boats for the use of the company, on
such construction as he should think "most advan
tageous for forwarding the work, and as many more
boats on the plan of those formerly constructed as he
should deem indispensably necessary."
Many accounts remaining unsettled, the President,
before the Board adjourned, requested them to be

82 WASHINGTON:
rendered to the office of the Treasurer, in Alexandria,
as soon as they could be prepared. On the 21st
November, 1785, accounts with proper vouchers were
brought before the Committee of Directors, passed,
and ordered to be paid, amounting to £260 15s. 5d.
The rainy weather was of an unusuaUy long dura
tion, and it was not probable, from the advanced
period of the season, that much more work could be
done in the channel of the river during the remaining
part of the fall. The general superintendent was
accordingly instructed to concentrate the working
parties at the Great Falls where it was contemplated
to engage them in excavating the prism of the canal
around the faUs, and in the building of ordinary
boats. Much diversity of opinion prevailed as to the most
feasible line for the canal. The character of the
ground generaUy was good, but the particular locaUty
of the down lock and its embouchure into the River
below the faUs required a more particular examination
and survey of the route than had yet been given.
Personal examinations were made by the several
members of the Board, and it was finaUy directed that
an accurate draft ofthe "track for the proposed canal
be made with the courses and distances and also of the
" different risings and fallings in the ground," and
that it be prepared in time to be submitted to the
Board at the meeting to be held at the Great Falls in
March foUowing.

THE POTOMAC COMPANY. 83
It was also ordered that as soon as the place for
taking out the water from the river should be
determined on, aU the hands not otherwise engaged
to be employed in opening that part of the canal, and
to continue the excavation to the level of the bed of
the river.
Before the adjournment of the meeting, a letter
was also read to the Board from WUliam Lyles & Co.
proposing to furnish "what rum might be necessary
for the use of the hands employed by the company on
the river." The offer was liberal, and was accepted for
supplying those engaged below the Shenandoah Falls
at two shiUings per gallon until the further order of
the Board.
The surveys directed to be made were immediately
commenced — sections and cross sections were run, and
very minute and accurate drafts of the ground were
prepared, presenting at a glance the elevations and
depressions, the cutting and filling that would be
required in the adoption of either of the two routes to
which the attention and labor of the surveying and
examining party was directed.
During the interval between this meeting and the
time appointed for the next, the attention of the
President was much occupied in awakening the
public mind to the importance of prosecuting the work
which had been so generously undertaken by the
proprietors of the company. The original motive
which actuated the stockholders seemed for some

84 WASHINGTON:
cause to have abated, and it required the master spirit
of the enterprise to be exerted, to prevent at this
important and critical juncture, a total abandonment
of the project. With the powerful influence of the
illustrious head of the Potomac Company the cloud
which for a brief time hung over its future prospects
was dispelled, and new hopes cheered and animated
its affairs. The State of Maryland had failed to pay
the sums due on the shares it held, and a large number
of individual stockholders had also neglected to meet
their instalments. The funds of the company were
nearly exhausted. The treasury was no longer able
to liquidate the claims of individuals against it, and a
total prostration of its credit seemed inevitable unless
soon relieved. This relief fortunately was afforded
under the energetic action of the President and Board
of Directors, who had a meeting at the Great FaUs
on the 1st and 2d days of March, 1786.
Having before them the Report of Mr. AViUiam
Hartshorne, of Alexandria, the Treasurer of the
company, which gave a fuU and interesting statement
of the finances, they devoted two days to the consider
ation of the -best means to obtain funds to continue
the improvement of the navigation of the river. To
fail of success was an abandonment of the enterprise,
and might bring discredit upon the proprietors ; every
honorable effort was suggested and discussed, and it
was finaUy ordered: "That the Treasurer send an
express to Annapohs to make apphcation for payment

THE POTOMAC COMPANY. 85
of the sums due on shares which have been subscribed
for by the State, and also to such others as have not
been made agreeable to a former order of this Board,
and that he send to such persons in the neighborhood
of Alexandria as have been delinquents, and also that
he write to other defaulters who are at a distance, on
the subject."
It was also ordered that the subscribers and
proprietors of the company pay into the hands of
AViUiam Hartshorne, the Treasurer, ten pounds
sterling on each respective share on or before the
fifteenth day of April next, and the further sum of
ten pounds sterling on or before the fifteenth day of
June next.
These applications were not disregarded. Many
of the proprietors, immediately after receiving the
notice, transmitted the sums declared to be due on the
15th of April — with assurances of the payment of
the second assessment two months thereafter.
With this encouraging prospect before them, the
President and Board entered into arrangements to
extend the line of operations. The number of hands
was increased, additional working parties were
organized, and Mr. James Smith was appointed an
assistant manager for one year, to superintend the
work upon the same terms and with the same
allowance granted to Mr. Richardson Stewart, the
first assistant.
Before the President and members of the Board

86 WASHINGTON:
left the Great Falls, they made a very minute
personal examination of the several routes which
were marked out hy the surveying party to get below
the Falls, and they determined to adopt that which
was traced between the river and FaUs Island, as the
miost eligible. A large party was at once employed
in the excavation, and the work was carried on with
commendable energy and force.
It was also determined to give pubhc notice that
proposals would be received untU the meeting of the
15th AprU to furnish the men employed at and below
the Shenandoah with rations for one year. The
advertisement was first published in the Alexandria
papers on the 3d of March, 1786.
On the 15th day of April, the President called a
meeting of the Board at Alexandria, to act upon the
several proposals that were received to supply the
rations. The terms offered were generaUy favorable,
and the contract was awarded to Mr. Abel AVestfaU,
at the rate of one shilling, Virginia cm-rency, for
each ration, who immediately after, with his sureties
for the faithful performance of the contract, John
Reynolds and Patrick Murray, executed the necessary
bond. The annual meeting of the subscribers was appointed
for the 7th day of August, 1786, for the election of a
President and Directors for the ensuing year, and to
that day the meeting of the Board was adjourned to
make their annual report.

THE POTOMAC COMPANY. 87
Alexandria, August 7, 1786.
The President and Directors of the Potomac Company beg leave
to report that they have called for four dividends on the several
subscriptions, as follows : —
The 1st of 5 per cent.
2d " 2i " "
3d " 10 " "
4th " 10 " "
Amounting in the whole to twelve thousand, four hundred and
thirty pounds sterling, of which there has been paid five thousand
nine hundred and forty pounds sterling.
The several expenditures will appear by the Treasurer's account,
who has in hand one thousand six hundred and thirty-six pounds
18s. 'Jd. Virginia currency, equal to one thousand two hundred
and twenty-seven pounds 10s. 2d. sterling.
With respect to the business, we beg leave to refer to the
Secretary's books, which contain all our orders relating thereto.
In consequence of these orders the work has been carried on at
the Seneca and Shenandoah Falls while the waters were low enough
to admit of it. After the river rose too high, the hands were
removed to the Great Falls, where a considerable progress has
been made in cutting a canal, and the most of the men are still
employed on account of the uncommon wet season.
We beg leave to remind the subscribers that this is the day
appointed by law for electing a President and Directors for the
ensuing year. In behalf of the Directors,
G. WASHINGTON, P.

This being the day for the general meeting of the
company, a sufficient number of the members appeared
to constitute an organization for business. Doctor

88 WASHINGTON:
David Stewart was appointed Chairman, and Charles
Lee, Esq., Secretary.
General AVashington presented to the Chairman the
report of the President and Directors for the past
year, which being read and approved of, was ordered
to be entered on the minutes of the company.
The members then proceeded to the annual election
of a President and four Directors, when the foUowing
named gentlemen were elected : —
General Washington, President.
Thomas Johnston, Thomas S. Lee, George Gilpin,
John Fitzgerald, Directors.
A committee consisting of Col. Robt. T. Hooe,
Capt. John Thos. Boucher, and Col. WiUiam Syles,
were appointed to examine the Treasurer's account,
and Directors' books of proceeding for the past year,
and also to receive an account fr'om each of the
Directors of their expenditures, and to make report
thereof to the meeting.
These duties having been performed, they reported,
" that they had carefuUy perused the books of
proceedings and orders, fi'om which it appeared to
them, that the affairs and business of the company
was directed and managed with great attention, care,
and ability ; and in their opinion the President and
Directors ought to be allowed out of the money of
the company for their expenses in going to, attending
at, and returning from their different meetings as
follows, viz : —

the POTOMAC COMPANY. 89
Gen. Washington, Thirty-four pounds, ten shillings.
Thomas Johnston, Esq., Thirty pounds.
Thomas Sim Lee, Esq.,, Twenty-two pounds, ten shillings.
John Fitzgerald, Esq., Thirty-four pounds, ten shillings.
George Gilpin, Esq., Thirty-four pounds, ten shillings.
It being in proportion to the time each has attended,
at thirty shiUings Virginia currency per day."
The report was unanimously adopted, and in testi
mony of the high sense the company entertained of the
faithful and attentive manner the President, Directors
and Treasurer discharged their respective trusts,
James Keith, Charles Simms, and David Stuart, Esqs.,
were appointed to return their thanks to those gentle
men. The time allowed by the charter for completing the
navigation from the Great Falls to Fort Cumberland,
not being sufficient, and the importance of fixing to
it a limit with some degree of certainty, the sub
scribers were induced to pass a resolution requesting
the President and Directors to make an exploration
of that part of the river for the purpose of presenting
the facts of the difficulties yet to be removed from the
channel, to the legislatures of Maryland and Virginia,
and to ask for an extension of a definite period to
consummate (K) the enterprise.
The stockholders also acted on a petition of Michael
Bowman, who superintended the blasting of rocks.
He had received a serious injury by the accidental
explosion of gunpowder at the Shenandoah Falls

90 WASHINGTON:
while in the service of the company. The justice
and liberality of the company is sufficiently exemphfied
by the fact that relief was granted him, that the
President and Directors were not hmited in the
relief to be afforded by a specific amount, but were
authorized and requested to aUow him such support
from time to time as to them should seem reasonable.
This is the first and only circumstance of the kind
which is recorded in the proceedings of the Board,
and as it Ulustrates the humanity and the generosity
of the proprietors, is of sufficient interest to be given
in the compilation.
A few days after the adjournment, aU the arrange
ments were made for the proposed exploration of the
river. The best boats were selected and put in good
condition. Provisions, compass, sounding and mea
suring lines, and such other articles as were necessary
to complete equipage were all provided, and on the
morning of the 20th day of August, the convoy left
the shores upward bound. A more beautiful morning
could not have been chosen. Favored with a pleasant
breeze and a cloudless sky, the voyageurs took their
departure with anticipations of pleasure in the
performance of an important service, and which were
fully realized. The broad surface of the river, the
bold and broken banks, the headlands and promon
tories, the falls and rapids, the wild and picturesque
scenery which characterizes the bounding shores of
the Potomac, were aU calculated earnestly to engage

THE POTOMAC COMPANY. 91
the attention of the party, and materiaUy to abate the
severity of the service they had undertaken to perform.
A very minute examination of the river was made,
and they traced out, as they ascended the stream, and
as far as it was practicable, the line of the channel
remaining to be improved. After an absence of four
days in this arduous and laborious duty, the party
returned to the Great Falls. Before the members
separated, they unanimously agreed to present the
claims of the company to the legislatures of Maryland
and Virginia for an extension of time to complete the
navigation of the river, and agreed upon the following
petition to be presented upon the opening of the
sessions : —
To the Honorahle ihe General Assemblies
of Virginia and Maryland.
The humble petition of the President and Directors of the
Potomac Company in behalf of the said company, showeth :
That in and by the acts of the said assemblies for opening and
extending the navigation of the Potomac River, it is provided and
enacted, that in case the said company should not begin the work
mentioned in the said act, within one year after the company
should be formed, or if the navigation should not be made and
improved between the Great Falls and Fort Cumberland in the
manner therein before mentioned, within three years after the said
company should be formed, then the said company should not be
entitled to any benefit, privileges, or advantage under the said act.
That your petitioners conceive the intention of the legislatures
in limiting the company to three years after the formation, for
making and improving the navigation between the Great Falls and

92 WASHINGTON:
Fort Cumberland, was to prevent any unnecessary delay in exe
cuting the work, and on the presumption that the time allowed
was fully sufficient to effect it in the common and usual course of
the seasons.
That the said company have entered on the work within the
time limited, and prosecuted the same at great expense with unre
mitted assiduity, with such prospects of success that they hoped
and expected to complete the whole navigation within the ten
years allowed, but that the latter part of the summer and the fall
of seventeen hundred and eighty-five were so unfavorable, that the
hands employed in the bed of the river above the Great Falls were
often drove from their work by rises pf the water, and frequently
kept out for several days together, so that the work could not
proceed as was wished and expected. And the last summer hath
proved so very rainy that the water has constantly kept up too
high to permit any work to be done in the bed of the river, though
the company retained a considerable number of men in their service
through the whole of the last winter, with the view of being pre
pared to enter on the work about the twentieth day of June, the
time that the water is generally low enough for such purpose, and
thus by extraordinary exertion to retrieve the unavoidable loss of
time in the preceding year.
Your petitioners therefore in behalf of the said company pray,
"that acts of the said Assemblies may be passed whereby the said
company may be indulged with time till the seventeenth day of
November, seventeen hundred and ninety, or such other time as to
your houses shall seem reasonable for making and improving the
navigation between the Great Falls and Fort Cumberland."

This petition was submitted to the consideration of
the meeting of the Board on the 2d day of October by
the President of the company. It was unanimously

the POTOMAC CGMPAN.Y. 93
adopted, and a committee was selected to proceed to
Richmond and to Annapolis to present it to the
legislatures as soon as they should be in session.
Upon its. presentation by the committee, the
General Assemblies promptly acted upon it, and
authorized the extension of the time prayed for
opening and extending the navigation of the Potomac.
The preamble to this supplemental act declares,
that " Whereas the two last summers have been so
unfavorable to the work of making and improving the
navigation above the Great FaUs in the Potomac
River, that the same cannot probably be perfected
within the three years limited and allowed by the act
for establishing a company for opening and extending
the navigation of the River Potomac," and therefore
granted the prayer of the petitioners, allowing until
the seventeenth day of November, 1790, to complete
the improvement.
The appointment of Mr. Richardson Stewart as the
principal Assistant Superintendent, but with powers
and a discretion conferred upon the General Superin
tendent, was not regarded by Mr. Rumsey with entire
complacency and satisfaction.
The experience and knowledge of the construction
of machinery, with the high personal character he
possessed, pointed out Mr. Stewart as a very suitable
individual to be engaged in the service of the
company. At this time the importance of the use of
machinery to raise the large boulders imbedded in the

94 WASHINGTON:
channel of the river, was beginning to be estimated,
and no one was known better calculated to accomphsh
this purpose,
A short time after the appointment of Mr. Stewart,
it was evident that Mr. Rumsey was becoming dis
satisfied, and on several occasions evinced a disposi
tion to impair the confidence of the Board in his skiU
and judgment and in the management of the import
ant interest which was committed to his hands. A
feeling aUied to jealousy, and perhaps en\^% so
controlled him, that he retired from the service of
the company under the plea of the incompetency,
ignorance, and want of truth on the part of the newly
appointed superintendent, and immediately prepared
a list of charges against him, which he presented in
person to the Board.
They were read by the clerk as foUows : —

1st. The incapacity of the said manager for carrying on the
great business of opening the River Potomac, his want of compe
tent knowledge in mechanics, viz : in building four machines at a
great expense for raising stone, none of which answered the
purpose. 2d. The said manager's want of truth and candor in causing
the overseers to have buried one of the said machines on the
arrival of General Washington, that his ignorance might not come
to the knowledge of the President and Directors, or accounting for
the money so uselessly expended.
3d. The fifth machine he erected was still insufficient for the
purpose intended, and did not succeed until materially amended by

THE POTOMAC COMPANY. 95
the late manager James Rumsey, notwithstanding he had disobeyed
the orders of the said Rumsey before in constructing a machine for
the above purpose, and to conceal his own misconduct had endea
vored to ridicule the said machine to the overseers by putting it
up before it was finished as planned by the said Rumsey, by which
conduct not less than sixty dollars were entirely wasted.
4th. The said manager being unworthy of confidence by numerous
misrepresentations to the President and Directors, especially the
rock joining the canal (a place sufficiently known to the said
Stewart and Directors without further description here), first by
greatly approving it, and then concealing that approbation from
Gen. Washington, Col. Gilpin, and Col.  , and his extreme
ignorance in intending but one wall (as he informed the late
manager James Rumsey), which he himself had staked off on the
inside ofthe canal, instead ofthe outside thereof, which all engineers
will condemn.
5th. The said manager did greatly retard the operations by
frequently ordering the people from the works the overseers had
put them at, declaring it was wrong, and setting them to work at
other places without any reason therefor, especially telling one of
the overseers who convinced him he was wrong, that it was to keep
up his dignity.
6th. That the said manager did greatly injure the said work, by
introducing very improper persons as overseers, especially Owen
Polly, whose bad conduct even he was so ashamed of that he
endeavored to hide it from the President and Directors by denying
he ever acted as an overseer, thereby adding falsity to fault, and
 Knox, who is now in Fairfax jail committed for forgery.
7th. That the said manager was very severe, not to say cruel, to
the servants, which was not only very detrimental to those on the
spot, but the rumors thereof reaching the neighborhood many
persons coming to hire at the works were deterred and returned.
That his misconduct has obliged Leonard Jamison and Joshua
Crow, two overseers of unexceptionable good character, to leave the

96 WASHINGTON:
works, and has declared that old convicts make the best overseers, as
themselves know what it is to be whipped.
8th. That the said manager, by declaring that officers of justice
should not serve any process at the works, thereby encouraged the
people under his command to depredate upon the neighboring
inhabitants and destroy their stocks, and by his cruelty and bad
behavior to individuals prevented necessaries being brought,
especially his ordering a servant to spit in the face of Thomas
Moxley, an inoffensive old man, and causing another servant to
burn Michael Barnet with a hot iron without reason, which
unworthy oflice the servant performed with such reluctance, that
the manager, to compel it, was obliged to have recourse to blows,
the injured person and beaten servant eqnally and justly complain
ing of such unparalleled wrongs.
9th. That when James Rumsey, the late manager, endeavored
to compose the differences that had arisen between the people at
the works and the neighborhood, in his absence the said Stewart
endeavored to keep up the animosity by blaming the neighbors to
the late manager, and exculpating the servants before the magis
trates, and that upon all occasions in his power would insinuate
against the late manager, repeating some things untrue, by con
cealing others, and in particular once before two of the Directors
(wishing to saddle the late manager with the disorders which had
happened in his absence) asserted, that he never saw a set of
better behaved men, or men under better discipline, in his life,
than the people were at the works on the arrival of the said
Rumsey. v
10th. That much injury has accrued to the company and the
work much retarded by the fears of the country people occasioned
by the manager's connivance at or occasioning of the ill treatment
which too many persons had received, whom business or curiosity
had induced to visit the works, insomuch that one of the contractors
to feed the people (Col. Dark), since the appointment of Stewart

THE POTOMAC COMPANY. 97
cannot get wagoners or stock drivers to convey the provisions to
the works, unless he will send one of his sons to protect thera.
(Signed) JAMES RUMSEY.
August 4, 1786.

A copy of these charges were placed in the hands
of the President and Directors of the company by
Mr. Rumsey on the 4th of September, and had been
duly considered, and witnesses examined, and the
Board were prepared, the 3d of October, to submit
their opinion of the matters in controversy. AU the
members were present, and also Mr. Rumsey and Mr.
Stewart. The President requested the clerk to read the
opinion as foUows : —

The Board having heard the charges aforesaid exhibited by Mr.
James Rumsey, and the testimony adduced in support of them, and
having maturely considered the testimony in support of them, are
of opinion : —
On the 1st. Previous to the first appointment, the President and
Directors took the measures they thought most likely to give them
an opportunity of employing managers who had experience in
works of the nature of that in contemplation, but as no person
offered who had practical knowledge in such business, Mr. Rumsey
was appointed, and continued as principal till his resignation, on
which event the Board, under all circumstances, advanced the
present to the place of the late manager without any endeavors on
the part of Mr. Stewart to impress on the Board an idea of his
7

98 WASHINGTON:
competency to the work, and in general he has not fallen short of
their expectations in its progress. The defect alleged in the four
machines for raising stone was so easily remedied by a small
addition, that the Board do not consider those machines>as any
evidence of Mr. Stewart's want of mechanical knowledge.
2d. It appears to the Board that no order was given by Mr.
Stewart to have one of the machines buried, and that the part of
the work concealed has been since made use of, and that Mr.
Stewart's concealment of a part of it was not from any reprehen
sible motive, and that on the whole of the evidence this seems to
be a frivolous charge.
3d. The inference in which this charge consists is unsupported.
4th. No misrepresentations having been made to the President
and Directors, the first part of the charge is unfounded, and no
evidence appears to support the remaining part of it.
5th. It does not appear to the Board that Mr. Stewart used any
severities that the necessity of the case did not require, and that
Mr. Jamison and Mr. Crow having left the works should not be
imputed to any misconduct in Mr. Stewart.
Sth. The first part of the charge is unsupported by evidence,
but that facts within the knowledge of the Board are in contra
diction to it. With respect to Moxley, the evidence proves the
order to have been given, but not executed, and that there must
have been some misconception, as Mr. Stewart and he were on
friendly terms and no provocation given. With respect to Barnet,
the charge is proved, and that in this Mr. Stewart acted with an
impropriety the Board disapproves of.
9th, The charge of Mr. Stewart endeavoring to keep up the
animosity between the people at the works and the neighborhood,
is not proved. His conduct before the magistrates from the
information of one of them, appears to this Board to be proper
and commendable ; and the Board, nor any member of it, can
recollect any conversation or insinuation of Mr. Stewart's, which
had any tendency to lessen the late manager in their opinion.

THE POTOMAC COMPANY. 99
10th. That the fears of the people of the neighborhood to visit
the works have prevented that confidence and free intercourse
which is desirable is too true, but the Board do not believe that
Mr. Stewart hath given just cause for those fears. The Board
have taken every means in their power to employ laborers and
workmen who they expected would be the most easily governed,
but their endeavors have been ineffectual. They have been
reduced to the necessity either to let the work stand, or of pur
chasing servants and hiring such as have offered, amongst whom
many have proved to be of very bad morals and turbulent disposi
tions. And this Board are of opinion that the fears of the country
people have originated in the ill conduct of the people necessarily
employed in the works, and have been widened by exaggeration.
The Board are of opinion that Mr. Stewart, from several instances
of his conduct, hath exerted himself to preserve regularity and
order, and have a confidence that his conduct and that of all
the company's officers will be calculated to this end, without which
they can as little merit and expect the approbation of this Board.

During the past few months the number of hands
in the service of the company was materially
diminished, and as the present season was most
favorable to the prosecution of the work, the Secretary
was authorized to advertise for negroes to be hired on
the same terms they were engaged the preceding year.
The managers were also directed to retain such of
the hands as they might judge necessary, at monthly
wages between the 12th day of November and the
12th day of April next, not exceeding 32s. sterling
per month for common hands, nor 40s. sterling for
prime hands, with the usual ration except spirits, and

100 WASHINGTON:
with such reasonable allowance of spirits as the
manager may from time to time think proper, but
shaU not suffer rations to be issued to those who do
not work, except in cases of necessity, and then to be
charged to and deducted from the pay of the persons
who receive them, unless in the few instances where
the circumstances and merit of the man may claim
such assistance, of which the Board expect account
or information from time to time, to determine
whether the provisions and money of the company
are fr'ugally expended.
Accounts amounting to £582 12s. 6d. were pre
sented and passed at this meeting of the Board.
It was for some time apparent that unless extraor
dinary measures were adopted to compel subscribers
to pay the dividends that were caUed in by resolution
of the President and Board, the funds in the treasm-y
would be insufficient to the employment of the force
that was necessary to secure the earliest completion
of the enterprise. The delinquent stockholders were
several times addressed on the subject, and, with
few exceptions, failed compliance with the demands
of the company. Five months had nearly elapsed,
and the funds were gradually diminishing, and without
the prospect of replenishment. In consequence of
this condition of the pecuniary affairs of the company,
the President deemed it his duty to caU a special
meeting of the Board.

THE POTOMAC COMPANY. 101
This meeting was held at Alexandria on Wednes
day, the 3d day of January, 1787.
Present, George Washington, President.
John Fitzgerald, Esq., George Gilpin, Esq.,
Directors. The President then briefly stated the circumstances
which induced him to call this meeting, the funds in
the treasury were nearly exhausted, and it was a
matter of much importance to the success of the
enterprise, to continue the present force in the service
of the company, but which could not be done, unless
some measures were adopted to compel delinquent
stockholders to pay the assessments upon the shares,
in obedience to the Resolution of the Board in August
last. He therefore earnestly invited deliberation and
efficient action on the subject. After some conversa
tion, and the interchange of views, it was ordered
that a notification be directed to the subscribers in
the words foUowing, viz : —
By the President and Directors
OP THE Potomac Company:
Notice is hereby given to such of the subscribers for shares in
the company, as are delinquents in making the payments heretofore
called for by the Board, that unless the payment first called for, of 5
per cent., and the second, of 2^ per cent., on each share, are made
to the Treasurer by the first of March next, the third, of 10 per
cent., by the first of April next, and the fourth, of 10 per cent., by
the first of May next, they will proceed to make immediate sale of
the shares, agreeably to law. And for the information of such

102 WASHINGTON:
persons as have not made themselves acquainted with the directions
of the law in this case, the Board think proper to inform them
that if such sale does not produce the full sum ordered and directed
to be advanced, as aforesaid, with the incidental charges, the said
President and Directors, or a majority of them, may, in the name
of the company, sue for, and recover the balance, by action of
debtor on the case, and the said purchaser or purchasers shall be
subject to the same rules and regulations as if the said sale and
conveyance had been made by the original proprietor. And it is
expected that those who have it in their power, will make their
payments as early as possible, that the Board may be enabled to
proceed in the work with new vigor.
By order of the Board,
(Signed) J. POTTS, Jr.,
Secretary.

This notice did not produce the effect desired or
expected; a few of the proprietors paid into the
hands of the Treasurer the first and second dividends
within the time specified, but a large majority
continued delinquent; and on the 3d day of April,
1787, the following advertisement was ordered to be
pubhshed : —
By THE President and Directors
OP THE Potomac Company :
Notice is hereby given, that in the pursuance of the power and
authority vested in them by the act for opening and extending
the navigation of the Potomac River, forty-six shares in the said
company will be sold at auction, at the court-house, in Alexandria,
in the State of Virginia, on Monday the fourteenth day of May

THE POTOMAC COMPANY.

103

next, at 11 o'clock in the forenoon, and nine shares, in the said
corapany, will be sold at Shuter's tavern, in Georgetown, in the
State of Maryland, on Monday the twenty-first day of May next,
at 11 o'clock in the forenoon, they being the shares of such of the
proprietors as are delinquents in making the first and second
payments on their respective shares which have been heretofore
called for by the Board. By order of the Board, J. POTTS, Jr.,
Secretary.

Upon the day of sale, the Directors proceeded to
the court-house, in Alexandria, to give such informa
tion to bidders, in relation to the stock to be offered,
as they might desire.
The novelty of the occasion drew thither a number
of persons. The auctioneer was unsuccessful ; no bids
were made, and the Directors present suspended the
proceedings, and the foUowing notice was directed to
be pubhshed : —
By the President' and Directors
OF the Potomac Company :
Notice is hereby given that in pursuance of the power and
authority vested in them by the act for opening and extending the
navigation of the Potomac River, all the shares in the company on
which the requisitions heretofore made by the Board have not
been paid will be offered for sale at auction ; such of them as were
subscribed for in the State of Virginia, at the court-house in
Alexandria, on Tuesday the 26th day of June next, between the

104 WASHINGTON:
hours of eleven and twelve ; and such of them as were subscribed
for in Maryland, at Shuter's tavern, in Georgetown, on the day
following.

On the day specified in the above notice, the shares
in the company Avere offered for sale at Georgetown,
and was attended with the same result as that
previously at Alexandria. No bids were made, but
many of the delinquent stockholders having made
payment of their arrearages, and others ha"\ing given
assurances of paying within a short time, the Board
deemed it advisable to indulge the delinquent
proprietors of shares until the 6th day of August
next; and gave public notice that if the several
payments heretofore called for, shaU not have been
made by the day stated, the shares wiU positively be
sold. The 6th of August being the day appointed by law
for holding the general meeting, all the shareholders
were earnestly requested to attend, either in person
or by proxy, in order that some efficient measm-es be
adopted, to place the affairs of the company in a
condition to prosecute the work with energy and
force. It was also ordered that the further sum of 6 per
cent, be paid on each share on or before the fifteenth
day of August next, and the Secretary to give an
order on the Treasurer for £300 sterUng in favor of
Col. Dark in account.

THE POTOMAC COMPANY. 105
On the day appointed for holding the general meet
ing at Georgetown and for disposing of the shares
of the members delinquent in making the payments,
called for by previous orders of the Board, there
being but a few of the proprietors in attendance, the
business intended to be brought before it was
postponed to the 22d day of October, to which day
the annual election was also deferred.
The general meeting was held in pursuance to the
last adjournment, and was organized by the appoint
ment of Daniel Carroll, Esq., Chairman, and John
Potts, Jr., Esq., acting as Clerk.
A list of members present being taken, and also of
the proxies, it appeared that one hundred and forty-
four shares were represented.
The meeting then proceeded to the election of
President and Directors for the ensuing year. On
counting the ballots, it was determined that the
foUowing named gentlemen were unanimously
elected : —
General George Washington, President.
Thos. Johnston, Thos. S. Lee, John Fitzgerald,
George Gilpin, Esqrs., Directors.
It was then resolved that a committee be appointed
to receive and examine the report and proceedings of
the President and Directors for the last year, to
consist of six members, three of whom to be a
quorum, to act and make a report of the same to the
next general meeting. Wm. Herbert, Wm. Hunter

106 WASHINGTON:
Jr., Josiah Wasson, Saml. Davidson, Bernard O'Neale,
and Wm. Deakins, Jr., were accordingly appointed.
It was also resolved that the President and
Directors be requested to apply to the Legislatures of
Virginia and Maryland to authorize them to recover
in a summary manner the sums of money caUed for
from time to time, fi'om such of the proprietors as are
delinquent in making their payments.
The funds of the company were rapidly diminishing.
For some time extraordinary drafts were made upon
the treasury, on account of the increased number of
hands employed at the Great Falls, and in the
construction of boats and the machinery for raising
rocks from the bed of the river. The efforts of the
officers to induce the stockholders yet dehnquent in
the payment of their arrearages, to make remittances,
were so far unavailing, and the Board found it
necessary at its next meeting to anticipate by a
specified time the completion of sufficient part of the
navigation to give encouragement to the proprietors,
and insure remittances to the Treasurer. A variety
of causes had operated to check the progress of the
improvement thus far, notwithstanding the unceasing
efforts of the President and Directors of the company.
Many of the difficulties that were encountered were
unavoidable, and could only be overcome by a patient
forbearance, a steady perseverance, and a continued
confidence in the final success of the enterprise.

THE POTOMAC COMPANY. 107
The President called a meeting of the Board at the
mouth ofthe Shenandoah, on 2d day of June, 1788.
Present: Gen. George AVashington, President.
Thos. S. Lee, George Gilpin, Thos. Johnston,
Directors. In consequence of the removal of Mr. Potts, the
Secretary ofthe Company, to Philadelphia, Mr. Harts
horne, the Treasurer, was requested to make entries of
the proceedings of the meeting, and to act in this
capacity until a suitable person could be chosen as
secretary. Mr. Hartshorne presented a brief but interesting
statement of the amount of funds in the treasury ; this
statement formed the basis upon which proceedings of
the meeting were founded.
After much conversation and the interchange of
views, it was unanimously admitted that the current
expenses of the organization might be lessened with
out jeopardizing the progress of the work, or the
assurance to the stockholders that, by the approaching
season, the navigation would be so far perfected as to
permit the passage of loaded boats from the reach
above the Seneca Falls to tide-water. It was also
determined that as soon as the state of the water was
sufficiently low in July to work to advantage in the
channel of the Shenandoah Falls, the number of hands
would be augmented at that point to remove its
obstructions as speedUy as possible.
AVith these encouraging proceedings, the Board

108 WASHINGTON:
cherished the hope of receiving early and efficient
pecuniary relief from the proprietors, and which would
enable them to do more than they had promised to
them with the means in their possession.
The first step towards abridging the expenses of
the company was the reduction of the number of
managers to one for the entire Hne, and speciaUy
fixing his salary — and to allow no extra or contingent
accounts to any officer of the company. The principal
manager was aUowed £25, in addition to his annual
salary, per year in future, to indemnify him for the
expenses he may incur by the visits of the President
and Directors, and strangers traveUing, and other
personal expenses.
Mr. Richardson Stewart, who had been in the
employment of the company as manager since March,
1786, was removed for reasons relative to the interest
of the company, and the assistant, Mr. James Smith,
was appointed principal manager in his place.
For some time past the conduct of Mr. Stewart had
created dissatisfaction among the subordinate officers
of the company on the river, and sundry charges of a
serious nature were brought against him, which were
submitted to the Board to be investigated. Mr.
Stewart's absence prevented the examination then
taking place, and the matter was postponed with the
verbal understanding that in the event of the charges
not being withdrawn, they would, upon application, be
caUed up at a future day.

THE POTOMAC COMPANY. 109
In the mean time, however, the President and
Board addressed the foUowing letter to Mr. Stewart: —
Shenandoah, June 2, 1788.
Mr. Richardson Stewart :
We met to day by appointment to hear the charges against you,
but could not with propriety go into an examination of witnesses
in your absence, which, however to be regretted, we believe involun
tary. On a general view of the situation of the company's affairs,
being of opinion that the present fund or prospects will not warrant
our continuing two managers, we have come to the inclosed
resolution. It is with reluctance we found ourselves under the
necessity to make arrangements which, at this point of time, may
possibly be thought, by your enemies, to be occasioned by the
charges against you, but it has proceeded solely from our duty
and inclination to promote the company's interest, without being
influenced in any degree by facts alleged and not examined into.
The preference given to Mr. Smith is on different principles, and
we expect cannot surprise you or hurt your feelings. We request
on the expiration of your present year, you will deliver up the
property of the company under your care into his hands.
We are, sir,
Your very humble servants,
G. W.
T. J.
T. L.
Mr. Stewart not being present, but, as the Board have reason to
believe, necessarily absent, attending a law suit, the President and
Directors decline going into an examination of witnesses in
support of the charges exhibited against him.
And it is also ordered, that no overseer be retained in the
company's service at higher wages than four pounds per month.

110 WASHINGTON:
The subject of replenishing the funds in the
treasury stiU pressed itself upon the attention of the
Board ; and it was decided that a communication be
addressed to every delinquent proprietor, to pay all
the arrearages on his stock; and also to inclose
therewith copies of all notices of previous and existing
delinquencies heretofore pubhshed, with the foUowing
exphcit order: —

Therefore, it is ordered that each and every stockholder or
proprietor of any share or shares in the said company, pay to Mr.
Hartshorne, Treasurer of said company, all such sums of money as
now remain due from them respectively, on account of the fore
going orders, or any of them, on or before the 1st day of October
next.
Geo. Washington, P.
Geo. Gilpin,
John Fitzgerald.

The next annual meeting of the stockholders was
held in Alexandria, on the 4th day of August, 1788,
and was organized by appointing PhUip Richard
Fendall, Esq., Chairman, and AA^iUiam Hartshorne,
Esq., Secretary.
The report of the President and Directors for the
preceding year was presented and read; and from
which it appeared that in consequence of the unusual
height of the water in the river, during the past

THE POTOMAC COMPANY.

Ill

spring and summer, the progress of the improvement
was greatly retarded, but hopes were expressed that
an ordinary favorable season would secure the removal
of the obstacles in the channel of navigation from
the Great FaUs to Cumberland, sufficiently, by the
1st of November ensuing, to permit loaded boats to
run between these points.
It also appeared that the several sums of money
paid into the treasury since the last meeting of the
company amounted to £2,990 2s. 2d. sterling, which
being added to the amount previously paid, made an
aggregate of £13,719 18s. 9,d. sterling.
A committee, composed of Col. Hooe, Col. John
AUison, and Mr. William Lowry, was appointed by
the Chairman, to examine the accounts of the
Treasurer. This examination having been made, the
committee reported that the accounts were fairly
stated, and exhibited a balance in hand of £169
10s. &d. Virginia currency.
Although General Washington earnestly desired
to withdraw from the position he had occupied in the
Potomac Company from the day of its organization,
the stockholders were unwiUing to permit him to
retire from the Presidency and its active duties,
without a manifestation of their regard and gratitude,
and an expression of the value of his services, and
of their appreciation of the zeal and ability he had
devoted to their interests.
This was the memorable year preceding the change

112 WASHINGTON:
of the government from a confederation to a consti
tutional form. The subject had already, to a very
great extent, excited the public attention, but it was
not a question " Whom shall we choose as the first
President of the United States ?"
For the Chief Magistrate of the nation, all eyes
were directed to the iUustrious Washington. He
had led the country in triumph through the struggles
of the revolutionary war, secured to it the blessings
of civil and religious liberty, and had deeply implanted
himself in the hearts of the American people by his
own disinterested example in the holy cause of
freedom^ a love of country, and an uncontroUable
repugnance to tyranny and oppression. And every
American bosom, overflowing with gratitude for his
patriotic services, and unspotted purity of character,
was ready with one outburst of acclamation to place
him in the chair of the Chief Executive of the nation.
With this unanimity of national sentiment, the
Directors and proprietors of the Potomac Company
cordially united, however painful would be the
separation of their official relation to the beloved
Washington; the pubhc good demanded the sacrifice,
and they were prepared to yield to its necessity with
becoming grace and resignation.
This was the day for the annual election, and
General AVashington, having been earnestly entreated,
yielded to the wishes of the proprietors to aUow his
name to remain as a Director of the company. Yet

¦' / /'/'

THE POTOMAC COMPANY. 113
StiU more to distinguish the love and admiration the
members of the company cherished for the man, who
was "first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts
of his countrymen," they postponed the election of
President ofthe Potomac Company to the year 1789.
This was a compliment dehcately and gracefully
bestowed; and could not have been more justly
deserved. It was fully appreciated by General
AVashington. Before the adjournment, Mr. Richardson Stewart
presented an account, from Doctor Tiffin, of eight
pounds, Virginia currency, for curing Patrick Todd
of a wound he had received while in the service of
the company, and which the treasurer was authorized
to pay.
And also, on motion of Col. Fitzgerald, seconded
by Mr. Dulany, a committee was appointed, composed
of Col. Hooe, Col. John AUison, and Mr. Lowry,
from Virginia, and Col. Deakins, Mr. Stoddart, and
Mr. O'Neale, of Maryland, or any one of these
gentlemen, from each State, to examine the accounts
of the ensuing year, and to make their report to the
next annual meeting, which was ordered to be held
at Georgetown, on the 3d day of August, 1789.
The miscellaneous business before the company
having been concluded, the chairman notified the
proprietors present, and the proxies, that this was
the day specified by the charter, for holding the
annual election for President and Directors, and

114 WASHINGTON:
requested them to prepare their ballots ; which being
cast and counted, the following named gentlemen
were found to be unanimously elected: General
Washington, Thomas Sim Lee, John Fitzgerald, and
George Gilpin, Esqrs.
For cause not stated in the record of the
proceedings of the proprietors, or of the Directors,
no meetings were held previous to the annual
appointment for the 3d day of March, 1789.
On this day, members of the company and proxies,
amounting to a representation of one hundred and
eight shares, attended at Georgetown — a sufficient
number for the transaction of business.
Robert Peter, Esq., was unanimously appointed
Chairman of the meeting.
A committee, as usual, was appointed to examine
the accounts of the Treasurer, and report thereon.
The Chairman appointed Robert T. Hooe, George
Digges, and Marisham Waring.
The meeting then proceeded to the election of a
President and Directors. The following gentlemen
were chosen: —
Thomas Johnston, President.
George Gilpin, John Fitzgerald, Thos. S. Lee,
NoTLEY Young, Directors.
After the retirement of General AVashington from
the Presidency of the company in 1788, the zeal and
energies of many of its proprietors greatly relaxed,
and discouragements ensued. The original cost of

THE POTOMAC COMPANY. 115
the improvement, and the time specified for its
completion, both faihng to be realized, it was for
some time doubtful whether the enterprise would not
be entirely abandoned.
The result, however, of discussions on this subject,
was favorable to the prosecution of the improvement.
The original estimate of the engineers and mechanics
that were selected to make the surveys and calculate
the cost of the improvement, the boats, machinery,
&c., was $250,000, and three years was allowed as
the time for its expenditure, and for the completion
of the navigation.
But long before the expiration of the time specified
by the charter, it was evident, from the exhausted
condition of the finances, and the little progress that
was made in the work, that more money and time
would be required. Apphcations were accordingly
presented to the Legislatures of Virginia and Mary
land for an extension of three years beyond the
existing term. The extension was obtained, yet was
still insufficient.
In looking over the record of the proceedings of
the General AssembHes of Virginia and Maryland,
relative to the company, it wiU be seen that ten
amendatory acts were passed at different periods
between the sessions of 1786, when the first appli
cation for an extension was granted, and the year
1820. Although insufficient, these repeated apphcations

116 WASHINGTON:
to the legislatures, and the readiness with which they
were granted, evince the continued and unabated
confidence that was entertained in its final success,
and the accomplishment of the earnest hopes and
expectations of the proprietors.
By this time, however, the successful prosecution
of the construction of the Great Erie Canal in the
State of New York, attracted attention to an extra
ordinary degree. That great work, undertaken by a
State, unaided by the general government, was weU
calculated to attract and excite the admiration and
astonishment of the country. Alany proprietors of
the Potomac Company at length despairing of
accomplishing the purpose of the charter, '¦'¦the
improvement of the navigation of the Potomac River,
from tide-water to the highest point practicable, and a
highway across the portage to the waters of the Ohio,"
changed their views as to this particular plan, and
with the example of a continuous canal of 365
miles in length being undertaken by a sister State,
to encourage them, they applied to the General
Assembly of Virginia to authorize the Board of
Public Works to appoint an engineer " to examine
the waters of the Potomac above the upper line of the
District of Columbia, and to explore the country
between the Potomac and Ohio, on the one side,
and the Potomac and Rappahannock on the other,
with a view to ascertain and report upon the prac-

THE POTOMAC COMPANY. H*^
ticability of affording a communication by canal
between these three rivers."
Thus, after a protracted existence of thirty-six
years, and an expenditure of $729,380, in the prose
cution of the enterprise of the Potomac Company,
it was determined to relinquish the original plan
of improvement, and adopt another of a character
supposed to be more feasible.
The Board of PubUc Works responded favorably
to the resolution of the General Assembly, and
commissioners were appointed, the examinations
made, and their report was communicated by the
Governor to the General Assembly.
The report affirms the practicability of the con
struction of a continuous canal, and upon this in
teresting fact being communicated, the Legislatures
of Virginia and Maryland concurrently appointed
a joint commission to examine the affairs of the
Potomac Company, the state of the navigation of the
River Potomac, its susceptibility of improvement, and
to make report whether the said company had com
plied with its charter granted by the two States, and
its ability to comply within a reasonable time ; and
whether any, or what aid should be given to the said
company, and what would be the best means of
effecting an improvement in the navigation of the
said river.
In July, 1822, the commission entered upon the
discharge of its duties, and after a very laborious

118 WASHINGTON.
investigation of its affairs, reported, in effect, " that
the affairs of the Potomac Company had failed to
comply with the terms and conditions of the charter ;
that there was no reasonable ground to expect that
they would be able to effect the objects of their
incorporation; that they had not only expended
their capital stock and the tolls received, with the
exception of a small dividend of five doUars and fifty
cents on each share declared in 1802, but had
incurred a heavy debt which their resources would
never enable them to discharge ; that the floods and
freshets nevertheless gave the only navigation that
was enjoyed ; that the whole time when produce and
goods could be stream borne on the Potomac in the
course of an entire year, did not exceed forty-five
days ; that it would be imprudent and inexpedient
to give further aid to the Potomac Company."
Thus terminated the existence of this time honored
enterprise, and from its termination originated The.
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company.

PART III.

When General Washington divested himself of
the cares and responsibilities of the command of
the army, and retired from the public service, he
engaged extensively in correspondence with some of
the. most distinguished men who had shared with
him the toils and perils of the war, on the several
subjects of national concern, and which the successful
termination of the Revolution naturaUy produced.
These subjects were canvassed with the greatest
candor and frankness ; and all his letters breathe with
the most fervent love for the principles of good govern
ment, and the union of the States. His sagacious
and well-balanced mind, comprehending, as it were,
by intuition, the difficulties that might arise in the pro
gress of the confederacy, and in forming a more perfect
union, failed not to appreciate the importance of the
estabhshment of a system of internal improvement.
He regarded it as the most valuable auxihary to the
political bonds which connected together the integral

120 WASHINGTON:
and extreme parts of the whole country, and in view
of this object he contemplated the consummation of
the favorite project ofhis early years, with more than
ordinary interest.
Not long after his retirement, he renewed, with
unabated zeal and earnestness, the Potomac enterprise,
a project, though unaccomplished, which unquestion
ably was the basis and introduction of that important
measure of national policy subsequently adopted, and
styled the system of internal improvement, and fi-om
which the trade and business of the country derived
incalculable benefits ; and to which the AA^est particu
larly is indebted for its rapid growth in population
and commercial prosperity.
Although the extracts from his private correspotid-
ence which follow have not an exclusive reference to
the sin^e project which forms the basis of this compi
lation, they are deemed essential to the completeness
of its monographic character, and add vastly to its
interest. One of the first letters after his return to Mount
Vernon was addressed to Marquis Lafayette, dated
1st of Feb. 1784. The style and language of this
letter are characteristic of the heart and mind of the
" Father of his Country," and form an appropriate
introduction to this part of the compilation. It is
therefore given nearly entire.

after the revolution. 121
At length, my dear Marquis, I am become a private citizen on
the banks of the Potomac, and under the shadow of my own vine
and fig-tree, far from the bustle of a camp and the busy scenes of
a public life, I am solacing myself with these tranquil enjoyments of
which the soldier who is ever in pursuit of fame ; the statesman
whose watchful days and sleepless nights are spent in devising
scheraes to promote the welfare of his own, perhaps the ruin of
other countries, as if the globe was insufiicient for us all; and the
courtier, who is always watching the countenance of his prince, in
hopes of catching a gracious smile, can have very little conception.
I have not only retired from all public employments, but I am
retired within myself, and shall be able to view the solitary walk,
and tread the paths of private life with a heart-felt satisfaction.
Envious of none, I am determined to be pleased with all. And
this, my dear friend, being the order for my march, I will move
gently down the stream of life, until I sleep with my fathers.

The foUowing extracts of two letters are equally
characteristic. The first letter is addressed to Major
General Knox, and dated the 20th February 1784.
I am just beginning to experience that ease and freedom from
public cares, which, however desirable, takes some time to realize;
for, strange as it may seem, it is nevertheless true, that it was not
till lately I could get the better of my usual custom of ruminating
as soon as I waked in the morning on the business of the ensuing
day ; and of my surprise at finding, after revolving many things in
my mind, that I was no longer a public man, nor had anything to
do with public transactions.
I feel now, however, as I conceive a wearied traveller must do,
after treading many a painful step with a heavy burthen on his

122 WASHINGTON:
shoulders, is eased of the latter, having reached the haven to which
all the former were directed, and from his house-top is looking
back, and tracing with an eager eye the meanders by which he
escaped the quicksands and mires which lay in his way; and into
which none but the all-powerful guide and dispenser of human
events could have prevented his falling.

The other is an extract of a letter to the Mar
chioness De Lafayette, dated April 4th, 1784.
Freed from the clangor of arms and the bustle of a camp, from
the cares of public employment and the responsibilities of office, I
am now enjoying domestic ease under the shadow of my own vine
and my own fig-tree; and in a small villa, with the implements of
husbandry and lambkins around me, I expect to glide gently down
the stream of life, till I am entombed in the mansion of my fathers.

Shortly after his return from his tour to the AA^est,
in the autumn of 1784, which was principaUy under
taken to possess himself of a personal knowledge of
the character of the country lying between the head
waters of the Potomac and the tributaries of the
Ohio River, and enable him to estimate with greater
accuracy the difficulties attending the construction of
a public highway across the gorge of the mountain,
he addressed a long letter to Benjamin Harrison,
Governor of Virginia.
This letter is dated "Mount Vernon, Oct. 10th,

AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 123
1784, and contains such a series of interesting facts,
strengthening the propriety of his suggestion, relative
to the importance of opening a communication between
the East and the West, that I cannot forbear drawing
largely from it — to abridge the extract would greatly
impair its perspicuity and comprehensiveness, and the
force with which the scheme is recommended.

On my return from the western country, a few days ago, I had
the pleasure to receive your favor of the 17th ultimo. It has
always been my intention to pay my respects to you, before the
chance of another early and hard winter should make a warm fire
side too comfortable to be relinquished. And I shall feel the
additional pleasure in offering this tribute of friendship and respect
to you, by having the company of the Marquis De Lafayette, when
he shall have revisited this place from his eastern tour, now every
day to be expected.
I shall take the liberty now, my dear sir, to suggest a matter
which would (if I am not too short-sighted a politician) mark your
administration as an important era in the annals of this country, if
it should be recommended by you and adopted by the Assembly.
It has long been my decided opinion, that the shortest, easiest,
and least expensive communication with the invaluable and exten
sive country back of us, would be by one or both of the rivers of
this State, which have their sources in the Appalachian Mountains.
Nor am I singular in this opinion. Evans, in his map and
analysis of the Middle Colonies, which, considering the early
period at which they were given to the public, are done with
amazing exactness ; and Hutchins, since, in his Topographical
Description of the Western Country, a good part of which is from

124 WASHINGTON:
actual surveys, are decidedly of the same sentiments, as, indeed,
are all others, who have had opportanities, and have been at the
pains to investigate and consider the subject.
But that this may not now stand as mere matter of opinion and
assertion, unsupported by facts (such, at least, as the best maps
now extant, compared with the oral testimony which my oppor
tunities in the course of the war have enabled me to obtain), I
shall give you the different routes and distances from Detroit, by
which all the trade of the northwestern parts of the united terri
tory must pass ; unless the Spaniards, contrary to their present
policy, should engage part of it, or the British should attempt to
force nature, by carrying the trade of the upper lakes by the
River Utawas, into Canada, which I scarcely think they will or
could effect. Taking Detroit, then (which is putting ourselves in
as unfavorable a point of view as we can well be placed in,
because it is npon the line of the British territory), as a point by
which, as I have already observed, all that part of the trade must
come, it appears from the statement inclosed, that the tide-waters
of the State are nearer to it by one hundred and sixty-eight miles,
than those of the River St. Lawrence, or than those of the Hud
son at Albany, by one hundred and seventy-six miles.
Maryland stands upon similar ground with Virginia. Penn
sylvania, although the Susquehanna is an unfriendly water, much
impeded, it is said, with rocks and rapids, and nowhere communi
cating with those which lead to her capital, has it in contem
plation to open a communication between Toby's Creek, which
empties into the Alleghany River ninety-five miles above Fort
Pitt, and the West Branch of the Susquehanna, and to cut a
canal between the waters of the latter and tke Schuylkill ; the
expense of which is easier to be conceived than estimated or
described by me. A people, however, who are possessed of the
spirit of commerce, who see, and who will pursue their advantages,
may achieve almost anything. In the mean time, under the
uncertainty of these undertakings, they are smoothing, the roads,

AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 125
and paving the ways for the trade of the western world. That
New York will do the same, as soon as the British garrisons are
removed, which are at present insurmountable obstacles in their
way, no person who knows the temper, genius, and policy of those
people as well as I do, can harbor the smallest doubt.
Thus much with respect to rival States. Let me now take a
short view of our own ; and, being aware of the objections which
are in the way, I will, in order to contrast them, enumerate them
with the advantages.
The first and principal one is the unfortunate jealousy which
ever has, and it is to be feared ever will prevail, lest one part of
the State should obtain an advantage over the other parts, as if
the benefits of the trade were not diffusive and beneficial to all.
Then follows a train of difficulties, namely, that our people are
already heavily taxed ; that we have no money ; that the advan
tages of this trade are remote ; that the most direct route for it is
through other States, over which we have no control ; that the
routes over which we have control are as distant as either of those
which lead to Philadelphia, Albany, or Montreal ; that a sufficient
spirit of commerce does not pervade the citizens of this common
wealth ; and that we are, in fact, doing for others what they
ought to do for themselves.
Without going into the investigation of a question which has
employed the pens of able politicians, namely, whether trade with
foreigners is an advantage or disadvantage to a country, this State
is a part of the confederated States, all of which have the spirit of
it very strongly working within them, must adopt it, or submit to
the evils arising therefrom without receiving its benefits. Com
mon policy, therefore, points clearly and strongly to the propriety
of our enjoying all the advantages which nature and our local
situation afford us ; and evinces clearly that unless the spirit
could be totally eradicated in other States as well as in this, and
every man be made to become either a cultivator of the land or a
manufacturer of such articles as are prompted by necessity, such

126 WASHINGTON:
stimulus should be employed as will force this spirit, by showing
to our countrymen the superior advantages we possess beyond
others, and the importance of being upon an equal footing with
our neighbors.
If this is fair reasoning, it ought to follow as a consequence,
that we should do our part towards opening the communication
for the fur and peltry trade of the lakes, and for the produce of
the country which lies within, and which will, so soon as matters
are settled with the Indians, and the terms on which Congress
mean to dispose of the land found to be favorable, are announced,
be settled faster than any other ever was, or any one would
imagine. This, then, when considered in an interested point of
view, is alone sufficient to excite our endeavors. But in my
opinion, there is a political consideration for so doing, which is of
still greater importance.
I need not remark to you, sir, that the flanks and rear of the
United States are possessed by other powers, and formidable ones
too ; nor how necessary it is to apply the cement of interest to
bind all parts of the Union together by indissoluble bonds,
especially that part of it which lies immediately west of us, with
the Middle States. For what ties, let me ask, should we have
upon those people ? How entirely unconnected with them shall
we be, and what troubles may we not apprehend, if the Spaniards
on their right, and Great Britain on their left, instead of throwing
stumbling blocks in their way, as they now do, should hold out
lures for their trade and alliance ? What, when they get strength,
which will be sooner than most people conceive (from the emigra
tion of foreigners, who will have no particular predilection towards
us, as well as from the removal of our own citizens), will be the
consequence of their having formed close connections with both or
either of those powers, in a commercial way, it needs not, in my
opinion, the gift of prophecy to foretell.
The Western States (I speak now from my own observation)
stand as it were upon a pivot. The touch of a feather would

AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 127
turn them any way. They have looked down the Mississippi until
the Spaniards, very impolitically, I think, for themselves, threw
difficulties in their way ; and they looked that way for no other
reason than because they could glide gently down the stream,
without considering, perhaps, the difficulties of the voyage back
again, and the time necessary to perform it in ; and because they
have no other means of coming to us but by long land transpor
tations, and unimproved roads. These causes have hitherto
checked the industry of the present settlers ; for, except the de
mand for provisions, occasioned by the increase of population,
and a little flour, which the necessities of the Spaniards compel
them to buy, they have no incitements to labor. But smooth the
road, and make easy the way for them, and then see what an
influx of articles will be poured upon us ; how amazingly our
exports will be increased by them, and how amply we shall be
compensated for any trouble and expense we may encounter to
effect it.
A combination of circnmstances makes the present conjunction
more favorable for Virginia than for any other State in the
Union, to fix these matters. The jealous and untoward disposition
of the Spaniards, on one hand, and the private views of some
individuals, coinciding with the general policy of the court of
Great Britain on the other, to retain as long as possible the posts
of Detroit, Niagara, and Oswego (which, though done under the
letter of the treaty, is certainly an infraction of the spirit of it,
and injurious to the Union), may be improved to the greatest
advantage by the State, if she would open the avenues to the
trade of that country, and embrace the present moment to establish
dt. It only wants a beginning. The western inhabitants would
do their part towards its execution. Weak as they are, they
would meet us at least half-way, rather than be driven into the
arms of foreigners, or be made dependent upon them ; which
would eventually either bring on a separation of them from us, or

128 WASHINGTON:
a war between the United States and one or the other of those
powers, most probably with the Spaniards.
The preliminary steps to the attainment of this great object
would be attended with very little expense, and might, at the
same time that it served to attract the attention of the western
country, and convince the wavering inhabitants of our disposition
to connect ourselves with them, and facilitate their commerce with
us, be a means of removing those jealousies which otherwise might
take place among ourselves.
These, in my opinion, are to appoint commissioners, who, from
their situation, integrity, and abilities, can be under no suspicion
of prejudice or predilection to one part more than to another.
Let these commissioners make an actual survey of James River
aud the Potomac from tide-water to their respective sources ; note
with great accuracy the kind of navigation, and the obstructions,
the distances from place to place, through their whole extent, and
the nearest and best portage between these waters, and the streams
capable of improvement, which run into the Ohio ; traverse these
in like manner to their junction with the Ohio, and with equal
accuracy. The navigation of the Ohio being well known, they
will have less to do in the examination of it ; but nevertheless, let
the sources and distances be taken to the mouth of the Muskin
gum, and up that river (notwithstanding it is in the ceded lands)
to the carrying place to the Cayahoga ; down the Cayahoga to
Lake Erie ; and thence to Detroit. Let them do the same with
Big Beaver Creek ; although part of it is in the State of Pennsyl
vania ; and also with the Scioto. In a word, let the waters east
and west of the Ohio, which invite our notice by their proximity
and by the ease with which land transportation may be had be
tween them and the Lakes on the one side, and the Rivers Poto
mac and James on the other, be explored, accurately delineated,
and a coi'rect and connected map of the whole be presented to the
public. These things being done, I shall be mistaken if prejudice
does not yield to facts, jealousy to candor, and, finally, if reason

AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 129
and nature, thus aided, do not dictate what is right and proper to
be done.
In the meanwhile, if it should be thought that the lapse of time,
which is necessary to effect this work, may be attended with inju
rious consequences, could not there be a sum of money granted
towards opening the best, or, if it should be deemed more eligible,
two of the nearest coramunications (one to the northward, and an
other to the southward), with the settlements to the westward, and
an act be passed, if there should not appear a manifest disposition
in the Assembly to make it a public undertaking, to incorporate
and encourage private adventurers, if any should associate and
solicit the same, for the purpose of extending the navigation of
the Potomac or James River ; and, in the former case, to request
the concurrence of Maryland in the measure ? It will appear from
my statement of the different routes (and, as far as my means of
information have extended, I have done it with the utmost candor),
that all the produce of the settlements about Fort Pitt can be
brought to Alexandria by the Youghiogheny in three hundred and
four miles, whereof only thirty-one are land transportation ; and
by the Monongahela and Cheat Rivers in three hundred and sixty
miles, twenty of which only are land carriage. Whereas, the com
mon road from Fort Pitt to Philadelphia is three hundred and
twenty miles, all land transportation ; or four hundred and seventy-
six miles, if the Ohio, Toby's Creek, Susquehanna and Schuylkill,
are made use of for this purpose. How much of this is by land, I
know not ; but, from the nature of the country, it must be very
considerable. How much the interest and the feelings of people
thus circumstanced would be engaged to promote it, requires no
illustration. For my own part, I think it highly probable, that upon the
strictest scrutiny, if the Falls of the Great Kenawha can be made
navigable, or a short portage be had there, it will be found of
equal importance and convenience to improve the navigation of
both the James and Potomac. The latter, I am fully persuaded,

130 WASHINGTON:
affords the nearest communication with the Lakes ; but James
River may be more convenient for all the settlers below the mouth
of the Great Kenawha, and for some distance perhaps above and
west of it ; for I have no expectation, that any part of the trade
above the Falls of the Ohio will go down that river and the Mis
sissippi, much less that the returns will ever come up them ; or,
upon trial, if it should be found that these rivers, from the before-
mentioned Falls, will admit the descent of sea-vessels, in that case,
and the navigation of the former becoming free, it is probable that
both vessels and cargoes will be carried to foreign markets and
sold ; but the returns for them will never, in the natural course of
things, ascend the long and rapid current of that river, which, with
the Ohio to the Falls, in their meanderings, is little, if any, short
of two thousand miles. Upon the whole, the object in my estima
tion is of vast commercial and political importance. In this light
I think they will consider it, and regret if our conduct shonld give
them cause that the present favorable moment to secure so great
a blessing for them was neglected.
One thing more remains, which I had like to have forgotten,
and that is, the supposed difficulty of obtaining a passage through
the State of Pennsylvania. How an application to its legislature
would be relished, in the first instance, I will not undertake to
decide ; but of one thing I am almost certain, such an application
would place that body in a very delicate situation. There are in
the State of Pennsylvania at least one hundred thousand souls
west of the Laurel Hill, who are groaning under the inconveni
ences of a long land transportation. They are wishing, indeed
they are looking for the improvement and extension of inland
navigation ; and, if this cannot be made easy for them to Phila
delphia (at any rate it must be long), they will seek a mart else
where ; the consequence of which would be, that the State, though
contrary to the interests of its seaports, must submit to the loss
of so much of its trade, or hazard not only the loss of the trade
but the loss of the settlement also ; for an opposition on the part

AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 131
of government to the extension of water transportation so conso
nant with the essential interests of a large body of people, or any
extraordinary impositions upon the exports or imports to or from
another State, would ultimately bring on a separation between its
eastern and western settlements ; towards which there is not want
ing a disposition at this moment in that part of it beyond the
mountains. I consider Rumsey's discovery for working boats
against the stream, by mechanical power principally, as not only a
very fortunate invention for these States, in general, but as one of
those circumstances which have combined to render the present
time favorable above all others for fixing, if we are disposed to
avail ourselves of them, a large portion of the trade of the western
country in the bosom of this State irrevocably.
Long as this letter is, I intended to have written a fuller and
more digested one, npon this important subject; but have met
with so many interruptions since my return home, as almost to
have precluded my writing at all. What I now give is crude; but
if you are in sentiment with me, I have said enough ; if there is
not an accordance of opinion, I have said too much ; and all I
pray in the latter case is, that you will do me the justice to be
lieve my motives are pure, however erroneous my judgment may
be in this matter, and that I am with the most perfect esteem and
friendship, Sir, yours, &c.

Not long after the memorials for the connection
between the eastern and western sides of the
Alleghany Mountains were presented to the Legisla
tures of Virginia and Maryland, General Washington
felt it to be his duty to bring the subject, in a
national form, before the Congress of the United
States. Richard Henry Lee was President of that

132 WASHINGTON:
body. As preliminary to the adoption of any definite
measures, looking directly to this union, by an
internal communication, he earnestly invoked the
wisdom and attention of Congress, to provide the
means for an accurate survey of the western country
between specified limits ; and upon the result of this
survey depended a more particular recommendation
of his object to its favor and support. His letter to
Mr. Lee, fi-om which the following extract is taken,
is dated —

Mount Veknoi.-, December 14, 1784.
The Assemblies of Virginia and Maryland have now under
consideration the extension of the inland navigation of the Rivers
Potomac and James, and opening a communication between them
and the western waters. They seem fully impressed with the
political, as well as the commercial advantages, which would result
from the accomplishment of these great objects ; and I hope will
embrace the present moment to put them in a train for execution.
Would it not, at the same time, be worthy of the wisdom and
attention of Congress, to have the western waters well explored,
the navigation of them fully ascertained, accurately laid down, and
a complete and perfect map made of the country ; at least as far
westwardly as the Miamies, running into the Ohio and Lake Erie,
and to see how the waters of these communicate with the River
St. Joseph, which empties into the Lake Michigan, and with the
Wabash? For I cannot forbear observing that the Miami Village,
in Hutchins' map, if it and the waters are laid down with accuracy,
points to a very important post for the Union. The expense
attending such an undertaking could not be great ; the advantages
would be unbounded ; for sure I am, nature has made such a

AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 133
display of her bounties in those regions, that the more the country
is explored the more it will rise in estimation, consequently the
greater will the revenue be to the Union.

The project of improving the navigation of the
Potomac River had for some time attracted attention
both in Virginia and Maryland ; and many of their
most prominent citizens were earnestly engaged in
advancing the interests of the enterprise. The only
difficulty which seemed to present itself in its
accomplishment, was the arrangement of details, to
render it mutually satisfactory and advantageous to
the parties — two sovereign and independent States.
Their respective legislatures had already sufficiently
responded to the public sentiment, to indicate the
character of their future action, whenever the scheme
would be formally submitted to them ; and to settle
the prehminaries on just and equitable principles.
General Gates and General AVashington were
requested, on the part of Virginia, to visit Annapolis
on a mission of consultation on the subject with the
proper authorities of Maryland.
Immediately on their arrival in the ancient
metropohs of Maryland, General Washington wrote
to Marquis De Lafayette as foUows : —
I am here with General Gates, at the request of the Assembly
of Virginia, to fix matters with the Assembly of this State,

134 WASHINGTON:
respecting the extension of the inland navigation of the Potomac,
and the communication between it and the western waters ; and I
hope a plan will be agreed upon to the mutual satisfaction of both
States, and to the advantage of the Union at large.

The Legislature of Virginia manifested their
appreciation of the great public services of General
Washington, by the unanimous passage of an act of
donation, vesting in him the exclusive interest in one
hundred and fifty shares in the Potomac and James
Rivers Navigation Companies. This act of gratitude
expressed the universal sentiment of the people of
the State, and placed upon these two enterprises the
seal of confidence, not only in their practicability,
but, when accomplished, as sources of revenue.
In reply to the letter from the Governor of the
State, gracefully declining the acceptance of the
proffered gift. General AVashington remarks: —
It is not for me to decide by which my mind was most affected,
upon the receipt of your letter of the 5th inst. (January, 1785),
surprise or gratitude. Both were greater than I have words to
express. The attention and good wishes, which the Assembly
have evidenced by their act for vesting in me one hundred and
fifty shares in the navigation of the Rivers Potomac and James,
are more than mere compliment. There is an unequivocal and
substantial meaning annexed. But believe me, sir, notwithstanding
this, no circumstance has happened to me since I left the walks of
public life, which has so much embarrassed me. On the one hand,

after the revolution. 135
I consider this act, as I have already observed, as a noble and
unequivocal proof of the good opinion, the affection, and disposi
tion of my country to serve me; and I should be hurt, if, by
declining the acceptance of it, my refusal should be construed into
disrespect, or the smallest slight upon the generous intention of
the country ; or it should be thought that an ostentatious display
of disinterestedness, or public virtue, was the source of refusal.
On the other hand, it is really my wish to have my mind, and my
actions, which are the result of reflection, as free and independent
as the air ; that I may be more at liberty (in things which my
opportunities and experience have brought me to the knowledge
of) to express my sentiments, and, if necessary, to suggest what
may occur to me under the fullest conviction, that, although my
judgment may be arraigned, there may be no suspicion that sinister
motives had the smallest influence in the suggestion. Not content,
then, with the bare consciousness of my having, in all this
navigation business, acted upon the clearest conviction of the
political importance of the measure, I would wish that every
individual who may hear that it was a favorite plan of mine, may
know, also, that I had no other motive for promoting it, than the
advantage of which I conceived it would be productive to the
Union, and to this State in particular, by cementing the eastern
and western territory together ; at the same time that it will give
vigor and increase to our commerce, and be a convenience to our
citizens. How would this matter be viewed, then, by the eye ofthe world,
and what would be the opinion of it, when it comes to be related,
that George Washington has received twenty thousand dollars and
five thousand pounds sterling of the public money as an interest
therein ! Would not this, in the estimation of it (if I am entitled
to any merit for the part I have acted, and without it there is no
foundation for the act), deprive me of the principal thing which is
laudable in my conduct ? Would it not, in some respects, be con
sidered in the same light as a pension ? Aud would not the appre-

136 WASHINGTON:
hension of this make me more reluctantly offer my sentiments in
future ? In a word, under whatever pretence, and however cus
tomarily these gratuitous gifts are made in other countries, shonld
I not thenceforward be considered as a dependent ? one moment's
thought of which would give me more pain than I should receive
pleasure from the product of all the tolls, were every farthing of
them vested in me, although I consider it as one of the most cer
tain and increasing estates in the country.
I have written to you with an openness becoming our friend
ship. I could have said more on the subject, but I have already
said enough to let you into the state of my mind. I wish to know
whether the ideas I entertain occurred to, and were expressed by,
any member in or out of the House. Upon the whole you may be
assured, my dear sir, that my mind is not a little agitated. I want
the best information and advice to settle it. I have no inclination,
as I have already observed, to avail myself of the generosity of the
country ; nor do I wish to appear ostentatiously disinterested (for
more than probably my refusal would be ascribed to tbis motive) ;
nor that the country should harbor an idea that I am disposed to
set little value on her favors, the manner of granting which is as
flattering as the grant is important. My present difficulties, how
ever, shall be no impediment to the progress of the undertaking. I
will receive the full and frank opinions of my friends with thank
fulness. I shall have time enough between the sitting of the next
Assembly to consider the tendency of the act; and in this, as in all
other matters, will endeavor to decide for the best.

extract from a letter to richard henry lee,
president of congress.
Mount Verkon, February 8, 1785.
Since my last, I have had the honor to receive your favors of the
26th of December and 16th of January. I have now the pleasure

AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 137
to inform you that the Assemblies of Virginia and Maryland
have enacted laws, of which the inclosed is a copy. They are
exactly similar in both States. At the same time, and at the joint
and equal expense 'of the two governments, the sum of six thou
sand six hundred and sixty-six dollars and two-thirds is voted for
opening and keeping in repair a road from the highest practicable
navigation of this river to that of the River Cheat, or Mononga
hela, as commissioners, who are appointed to survey and lay out
the same, shall find most convenient and beneficial to the western
settlers ; and they have concurred in an application to the State of
Pennsylvania for permission to open another road from Fort Cum
berland to the Youghiogheny, at the Three Forks, or Turkey Foot.
A similar bill to the one inclosed is passed by our Assembly
respecting the navigation of James River, and the communication
between it and the waters of the Great Kenawha. And the Execu
tive has been authorized, by a resolve of the Assembly, to ap
point commissioners to examine and report the most convenient
course for a canal between Elizabeth River and the waters of the
Koanoke, with an estimate of the expense ; and if the last com
munication shall be found to require the concurrence of North
Carolina, to make application to the legislature thereof accord
ingly.

EXTRACT PROM A LETTER TO DAVID HUMPHREUS.
Mount Vernon, July 25, 1785.
My attention is more immediately engaged in a project, which
I think big with great political, as well as commercial, advantages
to the States, especially the middle- ones ; it is by removing the
obstructions and extending the inland navigation of our rivers, to
bring the States on the Atlantic in close connection with those
forming to the westward, by a short and easy transportation.

138 WASHINGTON:
Without this, I can easily conceive they will have different views,
separate interests, and other connections. I may be singular in
my ideas, but they are these : that, to open a door to, and make
easy the way for, those settlers to the westward (who ought to
advance regularly and compactly) before we make any stir about
the navigation of the Mississippi, and before our settlements are
far advanced towards that river, would be our true line of policy.
It can, I think, be demonstrated that the produce of the western
territory (if the navigations which are in hand succeed, of which I
have no doubt), as low down the Ohio as the Great Kenawha, and
I believe to the Falls, and between the ports above the lakes, may
be brought either to the highest shipping port on the Potomac or
James Rivers, at a less expense, with more ease, including the
return, and in a much shorter time, than it can be carried to New
Orleans, if the Spaniards, instead of restrictions, were to throw
open their ports and invite our trade. But if the commerce of that
country should embrace this channel, and connections be formed,
experience has taught us, and there is a very recent proof with
Great Britain, how next to impracticable it is to divert it ; and, if
that should be the case, the Atlantic States, especially as those to
the westward will in a great degree be filled with foreigners, will
be no more to the present Union, except to excite perhaps very
justly our fears, than the country of California is, which is still
more to the westward, and belonging to another power.

The following extract is taken from General AA'ash-
ington's interesting letter to Edmund Randolph,
dated Mount Vernon, July 30th, 1785, relative to his
disposition of the donation from the State of Virginia.
It is an additional evidence of the high value he
placed upon that interest, and the importance with

AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 139
which he regarded the improvements to which it
refers.

Although it is not my intention to derive any pecuniary
advantage from the generous vote of the Assembly of this State, in
consequence of its gratuitous gift of shares in the navigation of
each of the Rivers Potomac and James ; yet, as I consider these
undertakings of vast political and commercial importance to the
States of the Atlantic, especially to those nearest the centre of the
Union, and adjoining the western territory, I can let no act of mine
impede the progress of the work. I have therefore come to the
determination to hold the shares, which the Treasurer was directed
to subscribe for on my account, in trust for the use and benefit of
the public ; unless I should be able to discover, before the meeting
of the Assembly, that it would be agreeable to it to have the
product of the tolls arising from these shares applied as a fund in
which to establish two charity schools, one on each river, for the
education and support of the children of the poor in this country,
particularly the children of those men of this description, who have
fallen in the defence of the rights and liberties of it. If the plan
succeeds, of which I have no doubt, I am sure it will be a very
productive and increasing fund, and the moneys thus applied will
be a beneficial institution.
I am aware that my non-acceptance of these shares will have
various motives ascribed to it, among which an ostentatious display
of disinterestedness, perhaps the charge of disrespect or slight of
the favors of my country, may lead the van ; but under a con
sciousness that my conduct herein is not influenced by considera
tions of this nature, and that I shall act more agreeably to my own
feelings, and more consistently with my early declarations, by
declining to accept them, I shall not only hope for indulgence, but
a favorable interpretation of my conduct. My friends,- 1 persuade
myself, will acquit me, the worid, I hope, will judge charitably.

140 WASHINGTON:
Previous to the advertisements of Messrs. Cabell, Buchanan,
and Southall, that half the sum required by the act for opening
and extending the navigation of James River, is subscribed, and
the 20th of next month appointed for the subscribers to meet at
Richmond, I take the liberty of giving you a power to act for me
on that occasion. I would (having the accomplishment of this
navigation much at heart) have attended in person, but the
President and Directors of the Potomac Company, by their own
appointment, are to commence the survey of this river in the early
part of next month ; for which purpose I shall leave home to
morrow.

EXTRACT OP A LETTER TO RICHARD HENRY LEE,
PRESIDENT OF CONGRESS.
Mount Vernon, August 22, 1785.
In my absence with the Directors of the Potomac navigation, to
examine the river, and fix a plan of operations, your favor, begun
on the 23d, and ended on the 31st of July, came to this place. I
am sorry to hear of your late indisposition, but congratulate you
on your recovery, hoping the re-establishment of your health may
be of long continuance.
It is to be hoped that our minister at the Court of London will
bring that government to an explanation respecting the western
posts which it still retains on the American side of the line,
contrary to the spirit, if not to the letter of the treaty. My
opinion from the first, and so I declared it, was, that these posts
would be detained from us as long as they could be held under
any pretence whatsoever. I have not changed it, though I wish for
cause to do so, as it may become a serious matter. However
singular the opinion may be, I cannot divest myself of it, that the

AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 141
navigation of the Mississippi at this time ought to be no object
with us. On the contrary, until we have a little time allowed to
open and make easy the way between the Atlantic States and the
western territory, the obstructions had better remain. There is
nothing which binds one country or one State to another but
interest. With all this cement, the western inhabitants, who
more than probably will be composed in a great degree of
foreigners, can have no predilection for us, and a commercial
connection is the only tie we can have upon them. It is clear to
me that the trade of the lakes, and of the River Ohio, as low as the
Great Kenawha, if not to the Falls, may be brought to the
Atlantic ports easier and cheaper, taking the whole voyage
together, than it can be carried to New Orleans ; but, once open
the door to the latter before the obstructions are removed from
the former, let commercial connections, which lead to others, be
formed, and the habit of that trade be well established, and it will
be found to be no easy matter to divert it ; and vice versa. When
the settlements are stronger and more extended to the westward,
the navigation of the Mississippi will be an object of importance,
and we shall then be able to speak a more efficacious language,
than policy, I think, dictates at present.

EXTRACT FROM A LETTER TO WILLIAM GRAYSON,
MEMBER OF CONGRESS. Mount Vernon, August 22, 1785.
During my tour up the Potomac River, with the Directors, to
examine and to form a plan for opening and extending the navi
gation of it, agreeably to the Acts of Virginia and Maryland
Assemblies, your favor of the 25th came to this place.
*******
We have got the Potomac navigation in hand. Workmen are

142 WASHINGTON:
employed, under the best manager and assistants we could obtain,
at the Falls of Shenandoah and Seneca ; and I am happy to in
form you, that upon a critical examination of them by the
directors, the manager, and myself, we are unanimously of opinion
that the difficulties at these two places do not exceed the expecta
tions we had formed of them ; and that the navigation through
them might be effected without the aid of locks. How far we
may have been deceived with respect to the first, as the water,
though low, may yet fall, I shall not decide ; but we are not mis
taken, I think, in our conjecture of the other.

EXTRACT FROM A LETTER TO ARTHUR ST. CLAIR.
Mount Vernon, August 31, 1785.
Your favor of the 21st ult., inclosing a letter written in
behalf of the Society of the Cincinnati, in the State of Pennsyl
vania, on the 9th of July, in the preceding year, came to this place
in my absence on a tour up the River Potomac.

EXTRACT FROM A LETTER TO THOMAS JEFFERSON.
Mount Vernon, September 26, 1785.
I am very happy to find that your sentiments respecting the
interest the Assembly was pleased to give me in the navigation of
the PotcJmac and James Rivers, coincide with my own. I never
for a moment entertained an idea of accepting it. The difficulty
with which my mind labored was how to refuse without giving
offence. Ultimately I have it in contemplation to apply the
profits arising from the tolls to some public use. In this, if I
knew how, I would meet the wishes of the Assembly ; but if I am

AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 143
not able to come at these, my own inclination leads me to apply
them to the establishment of two charity schools, one on each
river, for the education and support of poor children, especially
the descendants of those who have fallen in defence of their
country.

EXTRACT FROM A LETTER TO PATRICK HENRY,
GOVERNOR OF VIRGINIA.
Mount Vernon, October, 29; 1785.
Your excellency having been pleased to transmit to me a copy
of the act appropriating for my benefit certain shares in the
companies for opening the navigation of James and Potomac
Rivers, I take the liberty of returning to the General Assembly,
through your hands, the profound and grateful acknowledgments
inspired by so signal a mark of their beneficent intentions towards
me. I beg you, sir, to assure them, that I am filled on this occa
sion, with every sentiment which can flow from a heart warm with
love for my country, sensible to every token of its approbation
and affection, and solicitous to testify in every instance a respect
ful submission to its wishes.
With these sentiments in my bosom, I need not dwell on the
anxiety I feel in being obliged, in this instance, to decline a favor
which is rendered no less flattering by the manner in which it is
conveyed, than it is affectionate in itself. In explaining this
observation, I pass over a comparison of my endeavors in the
public service, with the many honorable testimonials of approbation
which have already so far overrated and overpaid them, reciting
one consideration only, which supersedes the necessity of recur
ring to any other.
When I was first called to the station with which I wa? honored
during the late conflict for our liberties, to the diffidence which I

144 WASHINGTON:
had so many reasons to feel in accepting it, I thought it my duty
to join a firm resolution to shut my hand against every pecu
niary recompense. To this resolution I have invariably adhered,
and from it, if I had the inclination, I do not feel at liberty
now to depart.
Whilst I repeat, therefore, my fervent acknowledgments to the
legislature, for their very kind sentiments and intentions in my
favor, and at the same time beg them to be persuaded that a
remembrance of this singular proof of their goodness towards
me will never cease to cherish returns of the warmest affection
and gratitude, I must pray that their act, so far as it has for its
object my personal emolument, may not have its effect. But if it
should please the General Assembly to permit me to turn the des
tination of the fund vested in me, from my private emolument, to
objects of a public nature, it will be my study in selecting these,
to prove the sincerity of my gratitude for the honor conferred on
me, by proposing such as may appear most subservient to the
enlightened and patriotic views of the legislature.

EXTRACT FROM A LETTER TO HENRY LEE, IN CONGRESS.
Mount Vernon, June 18, 1786.
The advantages with which the inland navigation of the Rivers
Potomac and James, are pregnant, must strike every mind that
reasons upon the subject ; but there is, I perceive, a diversity of
sentiment respecting the benefits and the consequences which
may flow from the free and immediate use of the Mississippi.
My opinion of this matter has been uniformly the same, and no
light in which I have been able to consider the subject is likely to
change it. It is, neither to relinquish nor to push our claims to
this navigation, but in the meanwhile to open all the communica
tions which nature has afforded, between the Atlantic States and

AFTER THE REVOI^UTION. 145
the western territory, and to encourage the use of them to the
utmost. In my judgment, it is a matter of very serious concern
to the well-being of the former, to make it the interest of the
latter to trade with them ; without which the ties of consanguinity,
which are weakening every day, will soon be no bond, and we
shall be no more, a few years hence, to the inhabitants of that
country, than the British and Spaniards are at this day ; not so
rauch, indeed, because commercial connections, it is well known,
lead to others, and united are difficult to be broken. These must
take place with the Spaniards, if the navigation of the Mississippi
is opened. Clear I am that it would be for the interest of the western set
tlers as low down the Ohio as the Big Kenawha, and back to the
lakes, to bring their produce through one of the channels I have
named ; but the way must be cleared, and made easy and obvious
to them, or else the ease with which people glide down the
streams will give a different bias to their thinking and acting.
Whenever the new States become so populous and so extended to
the westward as really to need it, there will be no power which
can deprive them of the use of the Mississippi. Why, then,
should we prematurely urge a matter which is displeasing, and may
produce disagreeable consequences, if it is our interest to let it
sleep ? It may require some management to quiet the restless
and impetuous spirits of Kentucky, of whose conduct I am more
apprehensive in this business, than I am of all the opposition tbat
will be given by the Spaniards.
EXTRACT FROM A LETTER TO THOMAS JEFFERSON.
Mount Veknon, August 1, 1786.
We have no news of importance ; and, if we had, I should
hardly be in the way of learning it, as I divide my time between
the superintendence of opening the navigation of our rivers, and
attention to my private concerns.
10

146 WASHINGTON:

EXTRACT FKOM A LETTER TO BUSHROD WASHINGTON.
Mount Vernon, September 30, 1786.
I was from home when your servant arrived, and found him
in a hurry to be gone when I returned I I have company in the
house, and am on the eve of a journey up the river to meet the
Directors of the Potomac Company. These things continuing
will not allow me time to give any explicit answer to the question
you have propounded.

EXTRACT FROM A LETTER TO RICHARD BUTLER, SUPERINTENDENT OP
INDIAN AFFAIRS.
Mount Veenon, November 27, 1766.
Your appointment gave me pleasure, as everything will do,
which contributes to your satisfaction and emolument, because I
have a sincere regard for you. In your leisure hours, whilst you
remain on the Ohio in discharge of the trust reposed in you, I
should be glad to know the real temper and designs of the western
Indians, and the situation of affairs in that country. As I am
anxious to learn the nature of the navigation of Beaver Creek,
the distance, and what kind of portage there is between it and
Cayahoga, or any other nearer navigable water of Lake Erie, and
the nature of the navigation of the latter ; and also the navigation
of the Muskingum, the distance and sort of portage across to the
navigable waters of Cayahoga or Sandusky, and the kind of navi
gation therein ; you would do me an acceptable favor to convey
them to me, with the computed distances from the River Ohio by
each of these routes to the lake itself.

AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 147

EXTRACT PROM A LETTER TO RICHARD HENRY LEE.
Philadelphia, July 19, 1787.
I have had the honor to receive your favor of the 15th inst.,
and thank you for the ordinance which was inclosed in it. My
sentiments, with respect to the navigation of the Mississippi have
been long fixed, and are not dissimilar to those which are expressed
in your letter. I have ever been of opinion, that the true policy
of the Atlantic States, instead of contending prematurely for the
free navigation of that river (which eventually, and perhaps as
soon as it will be our true interest to obtain it, must happen),
would be to open and improve the natural communications with
the western country, through which the produce of it might be
transported with convenience and ease to our markets. Till you
get low down the Ohio, I conceive, that, considering the length of
the voyage to New Orleans, the difficulty of the current, and the
time necessary to perform it in, it would be the interest of the
inhabitants to bring their produce to our ports ; and sure I am
there is no other tie by which they will long form a link in the
chain of federal union. I believe, however, from the temper in
which these people appear to be, and from the ambitious and tur
bulent spirit of some of their demagogues, that it has become a
moot-point to determine, when every circumstance which attends
this business is brought into view, what is best to be done. The
State of Virginia having taken the matter up with so high a hand,
is not among the least embarrassing or disagreeable parts of the
difficulty.

148 WASHINGTON:

EXTRACT FROM GENERAL WASmNGTON's LETTER TO THOMAS
JEFFERSON. MousT Veenon, January 1, 1788.
I have received your favor of the 14th of August, and am
sorry that it is not in my power to give any further information
relative to the practicability of opening a communication between
Lake Erie and the Ohio, than you are already possessed of. I
have made frequent inquiries since the time of your writing at
Annapolis, but could never collect anything that was decided or
satisfactory. I have again renewed them, and flatter myself with
better prospects.
The accounts generally agree as to its being a flat country be
tween the waters of Lake Erie and the Big Beaver, but differ very
much with respect to the distance between their sources, their
navigation, and the inconveniences which would attend the cutting
of a canal between them. From the best information I have been
able to obtain of that country, the sources of the Muskingum and
Cayahoga approach nearer to each other than the Big Beaver ;
but a communication through the Muskingum would be more cir
cuitous and difficult, having the Ohio to a greater extent to as
cend, unless the latter could be avoided by opening a communica
tion between James River and the Great Kenawha, or between the
Little Kenawha and the west branch of the Monongahela, which
is said to be very practicable by a short portage. As a proof of
this, a road is now opened, or opening, under the authority, and
at the expense of the States of Virginia and Maryland, from the
north branch of the Potomac, commencing at the mouth of Savage
River to Cheat River ; and continued from thence to the navigable
waters of the Little Kenawha at the cost of the former.
The distance between Lake Erie and the Ohio throu£;-h the Bia;

AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 149
Beaver, is, however, so much less than the route through the Mus
kingum, that it would, in my opinion, operate very strongly in
favor of opening a canal between the sources of the nearest water
of the Lake aud the Big Beaver, although the distance between
them should be much greater, and the operation more difficult
than to the Muskingum, as it is the direct line to the nearest ship
ping port in the Atlantic. I shall omit no opportunity of gaining
every information relative to this important subject, and with
pleasure communicate to you whatever may be worthy of your
attention.

EXTRACT FROM A LETTER TO RICHARD BUTLER.
Mount Vernon, .lanuary 10, 1788.
As you have had opportunities of gaining extensive knowledge
and information respecting the western territory, its situation,
rivers, and the face of the country, I must beg the favor of you,
my dear sir, to resolve the following queries, either from your own
knowledge, or certain information, as well to gratify my own
curiosity as to enable me to satisfy several gentlemen of distinc
tion in other countries, who have applied to me for information
upon the subject.
1. What is the face of the country between the sources, or canoe
navigation of the Cayahoga, which empties itself into Lake Erie
and the Big Beaver, and between the Cayahoga and the Musk
ingum ?
2. The distance between the waters of the Cayahoga and each
of the two rivers above mentioned ?
3. Would it be practicable, and not very expensive, to cut a
canal between the Cayahoga and either of the above rivers, so as
to open a communication between the waters of Lake Erie and the
Ohio?

150 WASHINGTON:
4. Whether there is any more direct, practicable, and easy com
munication, than these between the waters of Lake Erie and those
of the Ohio, by which the fur and peltry of the upper country can
be transported ?
Any information you can give me, relative to the above queries,
from your own knowledge, will be most agreeable, but if that is
not sufficiently accurate for you to decide upon, the best and most
authentic accounts of others will be very acceptable.

EXTRACT FROM A LETTER TO WILLIAM IRVINE.
Mount Vernon, February 18, 178S.
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your favor ofthe 27th ult.,
and to thank you for the information contained in it. As a com
munication between the waters of Lake Erie and those ofthe Ohio
is a matter which promises great public utility, and as every step
towards the investigation of it may be considered as promoting
the general interest of our country, I need make no apology to you
for any trouble that I have given upon this subject.
I am fully sensible that no account can be sufficiently accurate to
hazard any operations upon, without an actual survey. My object
in wishing a solution of the queries proposed to you, was that I
might be enabled to return answers, in some degree satisfactory,
to several gentlemen of distinction in foreign countries, who have
applied to me for information on the subject, in behalf of others
who wish to engage in the fur trade, and, at the same time, to
gratify my own curiosity, and assist me in forraing a judgment of
the practicability of opening a communication, should it ever be
seriously in contemplation.
1. Could a channel once be opened to convey the fur and peltry
from the lakes into the eastern country, its advantages would be so
obvious as to induce an opinion that it would, in a short time.

AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 151
become the channel of conveyance for much the greater part of the
commodities brought from thence.
2. The trade, which has been carried on between New York
and that quarter, is subject to great inconveniences from the length
of the communication, number of portages, and at seasons from ice,
yet it has, notwithstanding, been prosecuted with success.
I shall feel myself much obliged, by any further information
that you may find time and inclination to communicate to me on
this head.

EXTRACT FROM A LETTER TO RICHARD HENDERSON.
Mount Vernon, June 19, 1788.
In the first place, it is a point conceded, that America, under an
efficient government, will be the most favorable country of any in
the world for persons of industry and frugality, possessed of a
moderate capital. It is also believed, that it will not be less
advantageous to the happiness of the lowest class of people, on
account of the equal distribution of property, the great plenty
of unoccupied lands, and the facility of procuring the means of
subsistence. The scheme of purchasing a good tract of freehold
estate, and bringing out a number of able-bodied men, indented
for a certain time, appears to be indisputably a national one.
All the interior arrangements of transferring the property, and
commencing the establishment, you are as well acquainted with
as I can possibly be. It might be considered a point of more
difficulty to decide upon the place which should be most proper
for a settlement. Although I believe that emigrants from other
countries to this, who shall be well disposed, and conduct them
selves prpperiy, would be treated with equal friendship and kind
ness in all parts of it ; yet, in the old-settled States, land is so
much occupied, and the value so much enhanced by the contiguous

152 WASHINGTON:
cultivation, that the price would, in general, be an objection. The
land in the western country, or that on the Ohio, like all others,
has its advantages and disadvantages. The neighborhood of the
savages, and the difficulty of transportation, are the great objec
tions. The danger of the first will soon cease by the strong esta
blishments now taking place ; the inconveniences of the second
will be in a great degree remedied, by opening the internal navi
gation. No colony in America was ever settled under such favor
able auspices as that which has just commenced at the Muskingum.
Information, property, and strength will be its characteristics. I
know many of the settlers personally, and there never were men
better calculated to proraote the welfare of such a coraraunity.
If I was a young raaiji, just preparing to begin the world, or if
advanced in life, and had a faraily to raake a provision for, I know
of no country where I should rather fix ray habitation than in sorae
part of that region for which the writer of the queries seeras to
have a predilection. He raight bfl inforraed that his namesake and
distant relation. General St. Clair, is not only in high repute, but
that he is Governor of all the territory westward of the Ohio, and
that there is a gentleman (Mr. Joel Barlow) gone frora New York
by the last French packet, who will be in London in the course of
this year, and, also, is authorized to dispose of a very large body
of land in that country.

EXTRACT FROM A LETTER TO THOMAS JEFFERSON.
Mouxt Vernon, August 31, 1788.
I was very much gratified a little time ago by the receipt of
your letter dated the 2d of May. You have my best thanks for
the political information contained in it, as well as for the
satisfactory account of the canal of Languedoc. It gives me great
pleasure to be made acquainted with the particulars of that

AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 153
stupendous work, though I do not expect to derive any but
speculative advantages from it.
When America will be able to embark in projects of such
pecuniary extent, I know not ; probably not for very many years
to come ; but it will be a good example, and not without its use,
if we can carry our present undertakings happily into effect. Of
this we have now the fairest prospect. Notwithstanding the real
scarcity of money, and the difficulty of collecting it, the laborers
employed by the Potomac Company have made very gpeat progress
in removing the obstructions at the Shenandoah, Seneca, and
Great F^lls ; insomuch that, if this summer had not proved
unusually rainy, and if we could have had a favorable autumn, the
navigation raight have been sufficiently opened (though not com
pleted) for boats to pass from Fort Cumberland to within nine
miles of a shipping port, by the first of January next. There
remains now no doubt of the practicability of the plan, or that,
upon the ulterior operations being performed, they will become the
great avenue into the western country ; a country which is now
settling in an extraordinarily rapid manner, under uncomraonly
favorable circurastances, and which proraises to afford a capacious
asylum for the poor and persecuted of the earth.

EXTRACT PROM A LETTER TO WILLIAM IRVINE.
Mount Veenon, October 31, 1788.
The letter with which you favored me, dated the 6th instant,
inclosing a sketch of the waters near the line which separates your
State from that of New York, came duly to hand, for which I offer
you my acknowledgments and thanks.
The extensive inland navigation with which this country abounds,
and the easy communications which raany of the rivers afford with
the amazing territory to the westward of us, will certainly be

154 WASHINGTON:
productive of infinite advantage to the Atlantic States, if the
legislatures of those through which they pass have liberality and
public spirit enough to improve them. For ray part, I wish
sincerely that every door to that country may be set wide open,
that the comraercial intercour.se with it maybe rendered as free and
as easy as possible. Thi.s, in my judgment, is the best, if not the
only cement that can bind those people to us for any length of
time ; and we shall, I think, be deficient in forethought and wisdom
if we neglect the means to effect it. Onr interest is so much in
unison with the policy ofthe measure, that nothing but that ill-timed
and misapplied parsimony, and contracted way of thinking which
intermingles so much in all our public councils, can counteract it.
If the Chatauque Lake, at the head of Conewango River,
approximates Lake Erie as nearly as is laid down in the draft you
sent me, it presents a very short portage indeed between the two,
and an access to all those above the latter.

EXTRACT FROM A LETTER TO WILLIAM GORDON.
MousT Veeson, December 23, 17SS.
This much I thought it might be well to say, in apology for my
not being able to comply with your request. Indeed, when you
consider the domestic walks of life in which I pass my days, the
multiplicity of private concerns in which I am involved, the
numerous epistolary applications from different quarters, the round
of corapany I have at my house, and the avocations occasioned by
my being at the head of the company for clearing the Potomac,
you will do me the justice to suppose that I can have few topics or
little time for correspondences of mere friendship, cereraony, or
speculation.

AFTER THE REVOLUTIOX. 1.5,5

EXTRACT FROM A LETTER TO THOMAS JEFFERSON.
Mou-nt Vernon, Fc_-bruary 13, 17!;9.
A desire of encouraging whatever is useful and economical
seems now generally to prevail. Several capital artists in different
branches have lately arrived in the country. A factory of glass is
established upon a large scale on Monocacy River, near Frederick-
town, in Maryland. I am informed it will this year produce glass
of various kinds nearly to the amount of ten thousand pounds
value. This factory will be essentially benefited by having the
navigation of the Potomac completely opened. But the total
benefits of that navigation will not be confined to narrower limits
than the extent of the whole western territory of the United States.
You have been made acquainted, my dear sir, with my ideas of
the practicability, importance and extent of that navigation, as
they have been occasionally, though fully expressed, in my several
letters to you. Notwithstanding my constant and utmost endea
vors to obtain precise information respecting the nearest and best
communication between the Ohio and Lake Erie, I am not yet able
to add anything more satisfactory to the observations which I have
had the honor to make on that subject; but I have lately received
a correct draft executed principally from actual surveys of the
country between the sources of the Potomac and those navigable
waters that fall into the Ohio. Of this I inclose you such a rough
sketch as my avocations would permit me to make ; ray principal
object being to show, that the distance between the two waters is
shorter, and that the means of communication are easier than I
had hitherto represented or imagined. I need not describe what
and how extensive the rivers are, which will be thus in a wonderful
manner connected as soon as the Potomac shall be rendered entirely
passable. The passage would have been opened from Fort Cum
berland to the Great Falls (nine miles from tide-water) before this

156 WASHINGTON:
tirae, as I mentioned in my letter of the 31st of August last, had it
not been for the unfavorableness of the season. In spite of that
untoward circumstance, I have the pleasure to inform you, that two
or three boats have actually arrived at the last-mentioned place.
I am going on Monday next to visit the works as far as the Seneca
Falls. Could I have delayed writing the letter until ray return
from thence, and afterwards availed myself of the same conveyance,
I might have been more particular in my account of the state of
the several works, and especially of the situation of the land
adjoining the canal at the Great Falls. Whensoever the produce
ofthe parts of the country bordering on the sources ofthe Potomac,
and contiguous to the long rivers that run into it (particularly the
Shenandoah and South Branch), shall be water-borne down to tide
water for exportation, I conceive this place must become very
valuable. From the conveniency of the basin a little above
the spot where the locks are to be placed, and from the induce
ments which will be superadded by several fine mill-seats, I cannot
entertain a doubt of the establishment of a town in that place.
Indeed, mercantile people are desirous that the event should take
place as soon as possible. Manufactures of various commodities,
and in iron particularly, will doubtless be carried on to advantage
there. The mill-seats I know have long been considered as very
valuable ones. How far buildings erected upon thera may be
exposed to injuries from freshets or the breaking up of the ice, I
am not competent to determine from ray own knowledge; but the
opinion of persons better acquainted with these matters than I am,
is, that they may be rendered secure. On the commodiousness of
Alexandria for carrying on the fur trade throughout the whole
western country, I treated in a very minute, and I may say, almost
voluminous manner, in my communication to you on the 30th of
May, 1787. Probably Georgetown and the place which I have
just mentioned, will participate largely and happily in the great
emoluraents to be derived from that and other valuable articles,
through the inland navigation of the upper and western country.

AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 157

EXTRACT FROM A LETTER TO HARRY INXES.
Mount Veenon, March 2, 1789.
I have beeri favored by the receipt of your obliging letter, dated
the 18th of December last, just in tirae to send my acknowledg
ments by a person who is immediately returning to Kentucky. This
circurastance prevents me from expressing so fully as I might
otherwise have done, the sense I have of the very patriotic senti
ments you entertain respecting the important raatter which is the
subject of your letter. As a friend to United America, I embrace
with extreme satisfaction the proposals you are pleased to offer of
transmitting further intelligence. For which purpose I will
endeavor to arrange and send you a cipher by the earliest safe
conveyance. In the mean time, I rely implicitly upon that honor
which you have pledged, and those professions which you have
made ; and sincerely hope, that your activity and discretion will be
successful in developing.

The foUowing extracts of a correspondence between
the Earl of Buclian, a Scotch nobleman, eminent for
his learning, his Christian virtues, and the benevolence
of his heart, and General Washington, form an appro
priate and graceful conclusion to the Third Part of
this compilation. Drtburo Abbey, June 28, 1791.
Sir: I had the honor to receive your Excellency's letter, relating
to the advertisement of Dr. Anderson's periodical publication, in
the Gazette of the United States ; which attention to my recom-

158 WASHINGTON:
raendation, I feel very sensibly, and return you my grateful
acknowledgments. In the 21st No. of that Literary Miscellany, I inserted a
monetary paper, respecting America, which 1 flatter myself may,
if attended to on the other side of the Atlantic, be productive of
good consequences.
To use your own emphatic words, " May that Almighty Being
who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of
nations, and whose providential aid can supply every human defect,
consecrate, to the liberties and happiness of the American people,
a government instituted by themselves, for public and private
security, upon the basis of law and equal administration of justice,
preserving to every individual as much civil and political freedom
as is consistent with the safety of the nation." And may He be
pleased to continue your life and strength, as long as you can be
in any way useful to your country. Yours, &c,
BUCHAX.

Philadelphia, April 22, 1793.
My Lord : The favorable wishes which your Lordship has
expressed for the prosperity of this young and rising country,
cannot but be gratefully received by all its citizens and every lover
of it ; one mean to the contribution of which, and its happiness,
is very judiciously portrayed in the following words of your letter:
"To be little heard of in the great world of politics."
These words, I can assure your Lordship, are an expression of
my sentiments on this head ; and I believe it is the sincere wish
of United America to have nothing to do with the political
intrigues or squabbles of European nations ; but, on the contrary,
to exchange coraraodities, and live in peace and amity with all the
inhabitants of the earth ; and this, I am persuaded, they will do,
if rightfully it can be done.

AFTER THE REVOLUTION. 159
To administer justice to, and receive it from every power they
are connected with, will, I hope, be always found the most
prominent feature in the administration of this country ; and, I
flatter myself, that nothing short of imperious necessity can
occasion a breach with any of them. Under such a system, if
we are allowed to pursue it, the agriculture and mechanical arts —
the wealth and population of these States, will increase with that
degree of rapidity, as to baffle all calculations, and must surpass
any idea your Lordship can hitherto have entertained on the
occasion. I am, &c.,
G. WASHINGTON.
To THE Earl of Buchan, &c. &c.

THE END.

APPENDIX

11

APPENDIX.

To George Washington, Esquiee, one of the Adju
tants General of the Troops and Forces in the
Colony of Virginia.
I, reposing especial trust and confidence in the ability,
conduct, and fidelity of you, the said George Washington,
have appointed you my express messenger; and you are
hereby authorized and empowered to proceed hence with all
convenient and possible dispatch, to that place on the Eiver
Ohio, where the French have lately erected a fort or forts, or
where the commandant of the French forces resides, in order
to deliver my letter and message to him, and after waiting
not exceeding one week for an answer, you are to take your
leave and return immediately back.
To this communication, I have set my hand and caused
the great seal of this dominion to be affixed, at the city of
Williamsburg, the seat of my government, this 30th day of
October, in the twenty-seventh year of the reign of his
Majesty George the Second, King of Great Britain, &c. &c.
EGBERT DINWIDDIE.
Annoque Domini, 1753.

164 APPENDIX. B.
Instructions foe George Washington. •
Whereas, I have received information of a body of French
forces being assembled in a hostile manner on the Eiver Ohio,
intending by force of arms to erect certain forts on the said
river within this territory, and contrary to the dignity and
peace of oar sovereign and King of Great Britain :
These are, therefore, to require and direct you, the said
George Washington, forthwith to repair to Logstown, on the
said Eiver Ohio, and having there informed yourself where the
said French forces have posted themselves, thereupon to pro
ceed to such place; and being there arrived, to present your
credentials, together with my letter, to the chief commanding
officer, and in the name of his Britannic Majesty to demand
an answer thereto.
On your arrival at Logstown, you are to address yourself
to the half king, to Monacotoicha, and other the sachems
of the Six Nations, acquainting them with your orders to
visit and dehver my letter to the French commanding officer,
and desiring the said chiefs to appoint you a sufficient number
of their warriors to be your safeguard, as near the French as
yon may desire, and to wait your further directions.
You are diligently to inquire into the number and force
of the French oa the Ohio, and the adjacent countiy; how
they are likely to be assisted from Canada ; and what are the
difficulties and conveniences of that communication, and the
time required for it.
You are to take care to be truly informed what forts the

APPENDIX. 165
French have erected, and where; how they are garrisoned
and appointed, and what is their distance from each other,
and from Logstown ; and from the best intelligence you can
procure, your are to learn what gave occasion to this expedi
tion of the French; how they are likely to be supported, and
what their pretensions are.
When the French commandant has given you the required
and necessary dispatches, you are to desire of him a proper
guard to protect you as far on your return as you may judge
for your safety, against any straggling Indians or hunters
that may be ignorant of your character, and molest you.
Wishing you good success in your negotiation, and a
safe and speedy return, I am, &c.,
EOBEET DINWIDDIE.
Williamsburg, October 30, 1753.

c.

to all to whom these presents may come or concern,
Greeting :
Whereas, I have appointed George Washington, Esquire,
by commission, under the great seal, my express messenger
to the commandant of the French forces on the Eiver Ohio,
and as he is charged with business of great importance to
his majesty, and this Dominion :
I do hereby command all his majesty's subjects, and par
ticularly require all in alliance and amity with the crown bf

166 APPENDIX.
Great Britain, and all others to whom this passport may come
agreeably to the law of nations, to be aiding and assisting,
as a safeguard to the said George Washington, and his
attendants, in his present passage to and from the Eiver Ohio,
as aforesaid.
EOBEET DINWIDDIE.

D.

Fort Cumberland was constructed on the west bank of
Wills' Creek, near its junction with the Potomac Eiver. It
was a breastwork of earth, of irregular form. The name
was given to it by general Braddock in honor of the Duke
of Cumberland, through whose influence with the court he
was selected to take command of the troops.
The Duke was an^ accomplished officer ; had served with
great distinction in Flanders, and was an universal favorite
with the army. When the civil commotions took place
between England and Scotland, this distinguished nobleman
was appointed to the command of the King's forces in Edin
burgh, amounting to about 14,000 men.

APPENDIX. 167

E.

The '•'¦Great Meadows''' is a piece of flat land situated in the
valley of a small stream which empties into the Youghiogheny
Eiver on the west side of Laurel Hill, and about 500 yards
south of the national road.
The battle was fought on the 3d day of July, 1754.
It was the intention of Col. Washington, and the decision
of the council of war, which was held while he occupied
with his small force an encampment on the southwest side
of the hill, that as soon as it was ascertained that the French
and their Indian allies had determined to march against
them, to retire from that position to Gist's plantation on the
northeast side of the hill, and entrench himself there, and
make a stand against the enemy. But time did not allow
this plan to be carried into effect. The scouting and spying
parti'es returned and reported that the enemy in combined
force were on their march to make an attack. The men
under the command of Colonel Washington were much
fatigued from incessant toil for some time ; they were also
short of provisions. He determined, therefore, to halt his
command at the first advantageous position he could reach
with the swivels and baggage, and the few horses he had
with him. This spot, so memorable in history, was the
Great Meadows. Here he hastily threw up an entrenchment,
aad at eleven o'clock in the forenoon of the same day, the
enemy appeared, and with the usual yells of the savages, the
enemy rushed upon the entrenched camp ; but were met
and repelled with the loss of several hundred French and
their Indian allies.

168 APPENDIX.

Colonel George Washington was appointed Commander-
in-Chief of the American army, by the unanimous vote of
the first Congress, which convened in Philadelphia, on the
15th day of June, 1775, and of which he was a member.
The following proceedings on that occasion, are copied
from the Journal.

In Congress, Thursday, Jtme 15, 1775.
Resolved, That a General be appointed to command all the
continental forces raised, or to be raised, for the defence of
American liberty.
That five hundred dollars per month be allowed for the
pay and expenses of the General.
The Congress then proceeded to the choice of a General,
by ballot, and George Washington, Esq., was unanimously
elected.

Friday, June 16, 1775.
The President informed Colonel Washington that the
Congress had, yesterday, unanimously made choice of him
to be General and Commander-in-Chief of the American
forces, and requested he would accept of that employment ;
to which Colonel Washington, standing in his place, as a
member of the House, answered : —

APPENDIX. 169
Mr. President :
Though I am truly sensible of the high honor done
me in this appointment, yet I feel great distress from a
consciousness that my abilities and military experience may
not be equal to the extensive and important trust ; however,
as the Congress desire it, I will enter upon the momentous
duty, and exert every power I possess in their service, for
the support of the glorious cause. I beg they will accept
my most cordial thanks for this distinguished testimony of
their approbation.
But lest some event should happen unfavorable to my
reputation, I beg it may be remembered by every gentleman
in the room, that I this day declare, with the utmost sincerity,
I do not think myself equal to the command I am honored
with. With respect to pay, sir, I must beg leave to assure
Congress that, as no pecuniary consideration could have
tempted me to accept this arduous employment, at the
expense of my domestic ease and happiness, I do not wish
to make any profit from it. I will keep an exact account of
my expenses. These I doubt not they will discharge, and
that is aU I desire.

G. December 23, 1783.
Mr. President :
The events on which my resignation depended having
at length taken place, I have now the honor of offering my
sincere congratulations to Congress, and of presenting myself

170 APPENDIX.
before them to surrender into their hands the trust committed
to me, and to claim the indulgence of retiring from the
service of my country.
Happy in the confirmation of our independence and
sovereignty, and pleased with the opportunity afforded the
United States of becoming a respectable nation, I resign
with satisfaction the appointment I accepted with diffidence,
a diffidence in my abilities to accomplish so arduous a task ;
which, however, was superseded by a confidence in the
rectitude of our cause, the support of the supreme power of
the Union, and the patronage of heaven.
The successful termination of the war has verified the
most sanguine expectations ; and my gratitude for the inter
position of Providence, and the assistance I have received
from my countrymen, increases with every review of the
momentous contest.
While I repeat my obligations to the army in general, I
should do injustice to my own feelings not to acknowledge,
in this place, the peculiar services and distinguished merits
of the gentlemen who have been attached to my person
during the war. It was impossible the choice of confidential
officers to compose my family should have been more
fortunate. Permit me, sir, to recommend in particular,
those who have continued in the service to the present
moment, as worthy of the favorable notice and patronage of
Congress. I consider it an indispensable duty to close this last act
of my official life, by commending the interests of our dearest
country to the protection of Almighty God, and those who
have the superintendence of them to his holy keeping.
Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from
the theatre of action, and bidding an affectionate farewell to

APPENDIX. 171
this august body, under whose orders I have so long acted,-
I here offer my commission, and take my leave of all the
employments of public life.

H.

The following highly interesting letter was received from
the Hon. Andrew Stewart, of Pennsylvania, in reply to an
application of the compiler for information relative to an
original MS. of General Washington, understood to be in
his hands, indicating a route to communicate with the west
nearly identical with that now proposed for the Connellsville
Eail Eoad. The distinguished position Mr. Stewart occupied
as a member of Congress, and his warm and zealous advocacy
of measures of internal improvement, and his patriotic
devotion to the best interests of his country, manifested both
in his public and private life, the compiler regards as a
sufficient apology for the liberty he has taken to introduce
his letter.

Uniontown, Pa., March 23, 1853.
My dear Sir :
Your letter of the 26th inst. is just received, and I
hasten to comply with your request to furnish you with an
abstract from, or reference to the original manuscript docu
ments of General Washington, referred to in some remarks
I recently made before the councils of Alleghany City, in
reference to the Connellsville Eoad.
You will find the whole bf these documeats, with many

172 APPENDIX.
others connected with the early history ofthe Potomac Com
pany (never before published), in the body and appendix to
a report of 122 pages, I made from the Committee on "Eoads
and Canals" in Congress on the 22d of May, 1826 (27 years
ago), numbered 228, and bound in Eeports of Committees,
House of Eeps. Congress U. S., 1st Session, 19th Congress,
subject, " The Chesapeahe and Ohio Canal." From these
documents you will discover the interesting fact that as early
as 1754, 20 years before the Eevolution, General Washing
ton in person explored the proposed route for connecting
the east and west by the waters of the Potomac and Yough
iogheny Eivers, and made a report to the Colonial Legislature
of Virginia, describing all the obstructions to be overcome
from Cumberland at the mouth of Wills' Creek to George
town, or Washington City. On the 20th of July, 1770, he
made another report to the Governor of Maryland, compre
hending the whole route from the Atlantic to the Ohio Eiver
at Pittsburg, by the Connellsville route, contrasting it with
the Susquehanna and other connections, showing its supe
riority as to 'distance and facility of construction, and its
vast importance, "as a means," to use his own words, "of be
coming the channel of conveyance of the extensive and valu
able trade of a rising empire." If such were the views of
Washington in 1770, of the importance of this route, what
should be said of it now ? Ought not this favorite work of
the Father of his Country to be now consummated ? He
finally succeeded in obtaining an act of the Virginia Legisla
ture to incorporate a company to make this improvement.
In 1784 he went to Annapolis, in company with Gen.
Lafayette, and obtained a concurrent act of the Maryland
Legislature — and in a long letter, dated, " Mount Vernon,
3d Dec, 1784," addressed to James Madison and Mr. Jones,

APPENDIX. 173
then members of the Virginia Legislature, he reiterates hia
views as to the great importance of opening the communi
cation, as the best, if not the only means of keepino- the
eastern and western countries together, and pressing upon
them the necessity of a united application by Virginia and
Maryland to the Legislature of Pennsylvania, to co-operate
in the construction of this work, so far as it passed through
her territory, between Cumberland and Pittsburg. He also
suggests the arguments to be urged, and the benefits to re
sult to the people of Pennsylvania and the whole west for
this work. Here is also displayed in a remarkable manner
the wonderful sagacity of this wonderful man.
From these documents, you will further discover that as
soon ars General Washington was relieved from the com
mand of the army in 1783, and before Indian hostilities had
ceased, he immediately returned to this favorite plan of
uniting the East and West, and filled with the idea of its im
portance, he mounted his horse, and at the hazard of his
life actually explored in person all the present routes for
connecting the Eastern and Western States (the New York,
Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia), and after his return
in 1784, in a letter to the Marquis of Chastelleux, he says :
"I have lately made a tour through the Lakes George and
Champlain as far as Crown Point, then returning to Schenec
tady, I proceeded up the Mohawk Eiver to Fort Schuyler,
crossed over the Wood Creek, which empties into the Oneida
Lake, and affords the water communication with Ontario. I
then traversed the country to the head of the eastern branch
of the Susquehanna, and viewed the lake Otsego, and the
portage between that lake and the Mohawk Eiver at Canajo-
harie. Prompted by these actual observations, I could not
help taking a more contemplative and extensive view of the

174 APPENDIX.
vast inland navigation of the United States, and could not but
be struck with the immense diff'usion and importance of it
and with the goodness of that Providence which has dealt
his favors with so profuse a hand. Would to God we may
have wisdom enough to improve them! I shall not rest
contented untU I have explored the western country, and
traversed those lines (or great part of them) which have
given bounds to a new empire."
Among all the evidences of General Washington's love of
country, I consider this one of the most striking. That at
that early day, without fee or reward, he should have hazarded
his life amid hostile Indians, and his health, sleeping in the
open woods in countries then totally uninhabited, is an act
of patriotic self devotion, which we at this day can scarcely
believe possible.
Among the manuscript reports of General Washington on
this subject, I also found the following comparison of the
several routes explored by him : —

DISTANCE FROM DETROIT TO THE SEVERAL SEAPORTS.
From Detroit, by the route through Fort Pitt and Fort Cumberland : —
MILES.
To Alexandria (or Washington City)  607
" Richmond  840
" Philadelphia  745
" Albany  943
" New York  1103
I also found among his papers a map, made out by Gen.
Washington himself, indicating the route for what he calls a

APPENDIX. 175
"portage" between the waters ofthe Potomac and Youghiog
heny, on the very ground, with slight variations, on whicii
the national road was afterwards constructed. For the means
of making this road, he applied to the Virginia and Maryland
Legislatures — the Western people being then able, he said, to
furnish little or no aid. In making these locations and maps,
it appears he employed surveyors and hands, whom he paid
from his own pocket. Among them I find the names of
Samuel Hanaway and Dr. James Craig, the latter of whom
acknowledges the receipt of £12 7s. and Qd., being his part
of the expense, and who says, in one of his letters, " a gene
ral account of the expenses must be deferred until I have the
pleasure of seeing you." These gentlemen made detailed
reports of their operations to General Washington, which
you will find in the appendix to my report, to which I refer
you for these and other details equally ijH teresting, of which
you can avail yourself, if you please, in the interesting work
you are about issuing. You can find them nowhere else.
The original manuscript I returned to General Mason, father
of the present Senator from Virginia.
Yours, very respectfully,
A. STEWAET.
Col. Jno. Pickell.

176 APPENDIX.

I.

One of the most important results of the policy oi internal
improvement, was the construction of the National or Cumber
land Road, and to which the rapid growth of the West, in
population and commercial prosperity, is mainly attributable.
The compiler well recollects, as late as 1835, when that great
avenue leading from Cumberland to the Ohio Eiver was lite
rally covered with hojsemen, wagons, and other vehicles,
forming an unbroken line, wending their way over its smooth,
but hilly aad mountainous surface, to the far West. Thou
sands of emigrants, almost daily, were seen travelling. to their
future homes beyond the mountains, where they planted
themselves on the broad plains, in the fertile valleys, and
along the borders of the numerous streams of that then dis
tant land. By their untiring energy, toil, and perseverance,
an empire of wealth and strength was added to the Union —
an empire which cannot be contemplated without awakening
the most patriotic feelings, and the deepest gratitude of our
hearts to an overruling Providence, for the blessings vouch
safed to us as a nation — a united family of sister States.

APPENDIX. 177

K.

To ihe JTonorable the General Assemblies
of Virginia and Maryland.
The humble petition of the President and Directors of the
Potomac Company, in behalf of the said Company,
showeth :
That in and by the acts of the said " Assemblies," for open
ing and extending the navigation of Potomac Eiver, it is
provided and enacted, " That in case the said company should
not begin the work mentioned in the said Act, within one
year after the company should be formed ; or if the naviga
tion should not be made and improved between the Great
Falls and Fort Cumberland, in the manner hereinbefore
mentioned, within three years after the said company should
be formed, then the said company should not be entitled to
any benefit, privilege, or advantage, under the said Act."
That your petitioners conceive the intention of the Legis
latures in limiting the company to three years, after its for
mation, for making and improving the navigation between
the Great FaUs and Fort Cumberland, was to prevent any
unnecessary delay in executing the work, and on the pre
sumption that the time aUowed was fully sufficient to effect
it in the common and usual course of the seasons.
That the said company have entered on the work, within
the time limited, and prosecuted the same, at great expense,
with unremitted assiduity, with such prospect of success, that
they hope and expect to complete the whole navigation within
the ten years aUowed ; but that the latter part of the summer,
12

178 APPENDIX.
and the fall of 1785, were so unfavorable, that the hands
employed in the bed of the river, above the Great Falls, were
often drove from their work by the rises of the water, and
frequently kept out for several days together, so that the work
could not proceed as was wished and expected. And the
last summer hath proved so very rainy, that the water has
constantly kept up too high to permit any work to be done
in the bed of the river ; though the company retained a
considerable number of men in their service through the
whole of the last winter, with the view of being prepared to
enter on the work with great force, about the 20th of June,
the time that the water is commonly low enough for such
purpose ; and thus, by extraordinary exertion, to retrieve
the unavoidable loss of time in the preceding year.
Your petitioners, therefore, on behalf of the said company,
pray that acts of the said Assemblies may be passed whereby
the said company may be indulged with time till the seven
teenth day of November, 1790, or such other time as to your
Honors shall seem reasonable for making and improving the
navigation between the Great Falls and Fort Cumberland.
And your petitioners, &c.
In behalf of the Board,
Signed, G. WASHINGTON,
President.

3 9002

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