George Washington to the Trustees of the Germantown Academy, [ca. 6 November 1793]

George Washington to the Trustees of the Germantown Academy

[ca. 6 Nov. 1793]

Gent.

The readiness with which the Trustees of the school of Germ. to. tender the buildings under their charge for the use1 of Congress is a proof of their zeal for furthering the public good. And doubtless the other inhabitants actuated by the same motives will feel the same dispositions to accomodate if necessary2 those who assemble but for their service and that of their fellow citizens.

Where it may be best for Congress to remain will depend on circumstances which are daily unfolding3 themselves, and for the issue of which we can but offer up our prayers to the sovereign4 dispenser of life and health.

His favor too on our endeavors, the good sense and firmness of our fellow citizens and fidelity in those they employ will secure to us a permanence of good government.

Dft (DLC: TJ Papers, 94: 16096); in TJ's hand, undated, but prepared no earlier than 6 Nov. 1793 (see note below); written on verso of a detached sheet bearing docketing in a clerk's hand for an unrelated letter of Thomas Sim Lee to [Henry Knox], 25 Oct. 1793. The letter as sent by Washington, still undated, followed TJ's Dft with minor changes in wording and punctuation, but added this concluding paragraph: “If I have been fortunate enough, during the vicissitudes of my life, so to have conducted myself, as to have merited your approbation, it is a source of much pleasure; and shou'd my future conduct merit a continuance of your good opinion, especially at a time when our Country, and the City of Philada. in particular, is visited by so severe a calamity, it will add more than a little to my happiness” (Fitzpatrick, Writings , xxxiii, 148–9).

  1. Preceding nine words interlined in place of “contribute as far as depends on them to the accommodation.”
  2. Preceding two words interlined.
  3. Word interlined in place of “developing.”
  4. Above this word TJ canceled “supreme.”