Econlib

The Library

Other Sites

 Front Page arrow Titles (by Subject) arrow TO ALEXANDER HAMILTON. - The Writings of George Washington, vol. XII (1790-1794)

Return to Title Page for The Writings of George Washington, vol. XII (1790-1794)

Search this Title:

Also in the Library:

Subject Area: Political Theory
Topic: The American Revolution and Constitution

TO ALEXANDER HAMILTON. - George Washington, The Writings of George Washington, vol. XII (1790-1794) [1891]

Edition used:

The Writings of George Washington, collected and edited by Worthington Chauncey Ford (New York and London: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1890). Vol. XII (1790-1794).

Part of: The Writings of George Washington, 14 vols.

About Liberty Fund:

Liberty Fund, Inc. is a private, educational foundation established to encourage the study of the ideal of a society of free and responsible individuals.


TO ALEXANDER HAMILTON.

Mount Vernon, 4 April, 1791.

Dear Sir,

Your letter of the 27th ultimo came duly to hand. For the information given in it, and for the notes which accompanied the same, I thank you.

Every expedient, as I believe you know, is tried to avert a war with the hostile tribes of Indians, and to keep those who are in treaty with us in good humor; but I am almost thoroughly convinced, that neither will be effected, or, if effected, will be of short duration, whilst land-jobbing, and the disorderly conduct of our borderers, are suffered with impunity; and while the States individually are omitting no occasion to intermeddle in matters, which belong to the general government.

It is not more than four or five months since the Six Nations, or part of them, through the medium of Colonel Pickering, were assured, that henceforward they would be spoken to by the government of the United States only, and the same thing was repeated in strong terms to the Cornplanter at Philadelphia afterwards. Now, as appears by the extract from Mr. King, the legislature of New York were going into some negotiations with these very people. What must this evince to them? Why, that we pursue no system, and that there is no reliance on any of our declarations. To sum the whole up into a few words, the interference of States, and the speculations of individuals, will be the bane of all our public measures. Sincerely and affectionately yours.1

[1 ]The letter from Mr. King to the Secretary of the Treasury contained the following passage, after mentioning that danger was apprehended from the Indians in the western parts of New York.

“You are sensible, that almost every person here is interested in our western lands. Their value depends upon the settlement of the frontiers. These settlements depend on peace with the Indians; and indeed the bare possibility of a war with the Six Nations would break up our whole frontier. It is from this state of things, that the war with the Wabash Indians is so much disrelished here. The legislature have authorized the governor to draw money from the treasury, and to take such measures as he may judge suitable to preserve the good will of the neighboring Indians. I have said, and I presume it will be the case, that all prudent means will be used to keep the Six Nations quiet; that we are embarked, and that it has become necessary to go forward with the war, if peace can be obtained by no other means; but I am more and more convinced, that it behoves the government, if practicable, to finish this Indian business in the course of the summer.”

The opinion of the Secretary of the Treasury, on the subject of the President’s letter above, is expressed in the following extract from his answer.

“It is to be lamented, that our system is such as still to leave the public peace of the Union at the mercy of each State government. This is not only the case as it regards direct interferences, but as it regards the inability of the national government in many particulars to take those direct measures for carrying into execution its views and engagements which exigences require. For example; a party comes from a county of Virginia into Pennsylvania and wantonly murders some friendly Indians. The national government, instead of having power to apprehend the murderers and bring them to justice, is obliged to make a representation to that of Pennsylvania; that of Pennsylvania again is to make a representation to that of Virginia. And whether the murderers shall be brought to justice at all must depend upon the particular policy and energy and good disposition of two State governments, and the efficacy of the provisions of their respective laws; and the security of other States, and the money of all, are at the discretion of one. These things require a remedy.”—April 10th.

Of this instance Washington had written to Knox, 1 April, 1791:

“Your letter of the 27th ultimo was received last evening. Your proceeding upon the intelligence therein contained, which I think truly alarming, meets my entire approbation, and appears to promise as good effects as the limited sphere of action, allotted to the general government in cases so deeply affecting its dignity and the happiness of the citizens, will allow.

“Should you suppose additional instructions to General St. Clair, or any other measures within the reach of propriety, may have a tendency to appease the friends of the murdered Indians, I wish you to confer with the heads of departments, and to carry into immediate effect the result of your deliberations.”