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.

372 WASHINGTON'S WRITINGS. [.ET. 50.
King, who, I dare say, felt some severe pangs at the
time he put his hand to the letters patent. It is not,
however, less efficacious or pleasing on that account;
and breaking the ice is a great point gained. There
can be but very little doubt, I believe, of the conclusion
of the commercial treaty with Holland; but I have apprehensions, that that power will be the most difficult
to satisfy at the general treaty of peace.
It is with great pain I hear of the repeal of the impost law in Virginia. What could induce it? What
office is Mr. Jefferson appointed to, that he has, you
say, lately accepted? If it is that of commissioner of
peace, I hope he will arrive too late to have any hand
in it.* My best respects to him when he arrives; and
compliments to Mrs. Livingston, in which Mrs. Washington joins. I have the honor to be, &c.
TO BUSHROD WASHINGTON.t
Newburg, 15 January, 1783.
DEAR BUSHROD,
You will be surprised, perhaps, at receiving a letter
from me; but if the end is answered for which it is
written, I shall not think my time misspent. Your
* On the 15th of June, 1781, Mr. Jefferson had been appointed a commissioner with Adams, Franklin, Jay, and Laurens, to negotiate a treaty
of peace, which was then expected to take place through the mediation
of Russia and Austria. He declined at that time, but on the 13th of November, 1782, the appointment was renewed, and he accepted it. He
was now in Philadelphia, making preparations for his departure; but,
winter coming on, and the vessel in which he was to sail from Baltimore
being frozen up in the harbour, the news of peace arrived in the mean
time, and he did not undertake the voyage. -Jefferson's IWritings, Vol. I.
p. 41.
f The favorite nephew of General Washington, to whom he left the
estate at Mount Vernon, and who was for many years one of the associate justices of the Supreme Court of the United States.