2 pp., 4to. New York, February 14th, 1790. Letter from politician William Maclay About 275 words, to John Nicholson, Robert Morris' partner, with regard to accommodations on a house which was used by George Washington at the time when the Capitol of the United States was moved from New York and the Presidents $25,000 salary at the time. The letter also refers to Alexander Hamilton and James Madison as well as highlights debates in the House of Representatives over abolitionist memorials. Please note: Some restoration to the missing paper where the letter was opened not affecting text and where page separation at the folds by a professional archivist.
"New York, February 14th, 1790
Dear Sir,
A Resolve passed both Houses of Congress on the 15th of April last, for Wm Osgood , the proprietor of the house formerly occupied by the President of Congress, to put the same and the formation thereof in condition for the temporary Residence of accommodation of the President of The United States or words to that import and Resolution. Hamilton has drawn Warrants on the Treasury , & Osgood already about #Eleven Thousand on the amount and the bills on said note all to be come in. This is inclusion of the $25,000 doll. allowed for the President‘s salary for which separate warrants are drawn. The enclosed instructions alluded to this business. I wish you to get them printed and some of the News papers & enclose me two of them, as soon as possible. You’re printing your letter in the very wish I would now have communicated, had I not been informed of your intention; I therefore, now impress my fullest approbation of it. A copy or two for me to give to the proper persons. May be useful to MADISON and other leading characters. They will have more weight immediately from yourself if you choose to let be known. This, however, you will determine on yourself.
All Friday was spent in the House of Representatives debating on the memorials of the Abolition Society, which are committed. Mr. Madison motioned to put off the decision on the business being adjourned until tomorrow.
I will continue to write everything of moment that happens. I wish to hear word by Mr. Findley and some other members of the Convention, but understand they will not set up on Thursday.
I am, Sir, with much respect,
Your most obt. [obedient] servant,
Wm. Maclay"
In this historically significant letter, Senator William Maclay discusses critical matters of early U.S. government operations. Addressing Congressional resolutions to reimburse William Osgood for refurbishing his New York residence as temporary accommodations for President George Washington before the government’s relocation to Philadelphia, Maclay notes over $11,000 in Treasury warrants issued by Alexander Hamilton and letter also references the President’s $25,000 salary allocation. He also highlights debates in the House of Representatives over abolitionist memorials, with James Madison delaying a decision, and requests financier John Nicholson to print and distribute enclosed instructions for key figures, including Madison. Signed boldly, the letter offers a rare glimpse into the financial, administrative, and political complexities of the young republic.
The Samuel Osgood House, also known as the Walter Franklin House, served as the first official residence of President George Washington during New York City's tenure as the U.S. capital. Located at 3 Cherry Street in Manhattan, the residence was built in 1770 by merchant Walter Franklin. After Franklin's death, his widow, Maria Bowne Franklin, married Samuel Osgood, who offered the house for Washington's use. The President and his household, including family members and staff, occupied the residence from April 23, 1789, shortly before his inauguration, until February 23, 1790. Despite refurbishments costing approximately $8,000 to prepare the house for presidential use, it proved inadequate for the needs of the presidential household. Consequently, Washington relocated to the larger Alexander Macomb House at 39–41 Broadway.
There is a record of this important letter being sold by Anderson Galleries back in 1938.
William Maclay (July 20, 1737 – April 16, 1804) was a politician from Pennsylvania during the eighteenth century. Maclay, along with Robert Morris, was a member of Pennsylvania's first two-member delegation to the United States Senate. He assisted John Harris, Sr. with the planning the layout of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in 1785, where Maclay Street is named for him. Following his tenure in the Senate, he served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on two occasions, as a county judge, and as a presidential elector. He is known for his journal providing historical information on the 1st United States Congress.
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