Adams Papers Digital Edition

Papers of John Adams, volume 21

From Thomas Welsh

From Edmund Randolph
George Washington to John Adams, 8 January 1794 Washington, George Adams, John
From George Washington
Dear Sir, Wednesday 8th. Jany. 1794.

I would thank you for giving the papers herewith sent a perusal—and for the result of it.—1

I am now deliberating on the measure proper & necessary to be taken with respect to Mr. G——t and wish for aid in so doing; the critical state of things making me more than usually anxious to decide right in the present case.—

None but the heads of departments are privy to these papers, which I pray may be returned this evening or in the morning

With very sincere esteem & regard I am always / Your obedt. & affect Servant

Go: Washington

RC (Adams Papers); internal address: “Honble. Mr. Adams / Vice President—U. States.”

 1.

Seeking his cabinet’s advice, the president sent JA materials pointing to Edmond Charles Genet’s recruitment of troops in the Carolinas and Georgia, part of the French minister’s alleged plan to launch an invasion of Spanish Florida. The enclosures, not found, likely included South Carolina governor William Moultrie’s 7 Dec. 1793 letter to Washington, 247 accompanied by state resolves, affidavits, and Moultrie’s 9 Dec. proclamation denouncing Genet’s efforts. Washington may also have sent Genet’s 25 Dec. denial to Thomas Jefferson that he had formed a military force within U.S. territory. The president transmitted all of these documents to Congress on 15 Jan. 1794 (Washington, Papers, Presidential Series , 15:50).