GW at Philadelphia. Alexander Hamilton wrote to GW what would be one of the most important state papers produced during GW’s administration, his “Opinion on the Constitutionality of an Act to Establish a Bank.” It embodied the doctrine of implied powers and refuted Thomas Jefferson’s and Attorney General Edmund Randolph’s opinions that the proposed Bank of the United States was unconstitutional. GW received it at noon, and replied asking how long he could think over the bank bill. Hamilton responded that he could keep it for ten days.

Thomas Jefferson wrote to GW outlining the consular nominations for several ports in Europe. On Jefferson’s earlier advice, GW nominated Thomas Auldjo and James Yard as Consuls for the United States.

Martha Bland, widow of former soldier Dr. Theodorick Bland, wrote to GW asking for his assistance in recovering her slave, who was passing for a free man in Philadelphia. Lawyer Joseph Anderson, continuing his campaign to receive a judicial appointment, wrote to GW requesting an interview. Militia officer Ebenezer Davis wrote to GW requesting an appointment as Inspector of the Militia in Maine.