From Mount Vernon, GW wrote a letter to Philadelphia merchant Samuel Meredith. He explained that he would take Presidential office, should it be necessary, but emphasized that he did not seek the appointment.

Former artillery commander Henry Knox wrote a letter informing GW that a quorum from the new Congress had not yet arrived due to impassable roads. Thus, they conducted no business during their first meeting the day before. James Madison wrote GW from Baltimore, reporting that the Electoral votes from Ga. and S.C. were unanimous for GW as President.