The writings of George Washington; being his correspondence, addresses, messages, and other papers, official and private, selected and published from the original manuscripts; with a life of the author, notes and illustrations. By Jared Sparks.

82 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [1789.
either, and which of them ought to be ratified? On
these questions I request your opinion and advice.
You have, indeed, advised me "to execute and enjoin an observance of" the treaty with the Wyandots,
&c. You, Gentlemen, doubtless intended to be clear
and explicit; and yet, without further explanation, I
fear I may misunderstand your meaning; for if, by
my executing that treaty, you mean that I should make
it (in a more particular and immediate manner than
it now is) the act of government, then it follows that
I am to ratify it. If you mean, by my executing it,
that I am to see that it be carried into effect and
operation, then I am led to conclude, either that you
consider it as being perfect and obligatory in its present state, and therefore to be executed and observed;
or that you consider it to derive its completion and
obligation from the silent approbation and ratification,
which my proclamation may be construed to imply.
Although I am inclined,to think, that the latter is your
intention, yet it certainly is best that all doubts respecting it be removed.
Permit me to observe, that it will be proper for me
to be informed of your sentiments relative to the treaty
with the Six Natiops, previous to the departure of the
governor of the Western Territory, and therefore I
recommend it to your early consideration.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.