From Mount Vernon, GW wrote former Maj. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln, explaining that while he wanted to enter the presidency free from promises to give out positions, his inclinations were “very strong to serve you, if I can do it, consistently with my duty to the public.” He did not intend to be swayed “by motives arising from the ties of friendship or blood.”

The former commander of GW’s guard, Caleb Gibbs, wrote to ask for a government position. GW’s cousin Warner Lewis wrote to report back on a tract of land he inspected at GW’s request. George Walton, a presidential elector writing from Augusta, Ga., asked GW’s advice on Indian policy. Additionally, John V. Weylie wrote GW from Alexandria, Va., thanking GW for funding a school for poor children there.