Mount Vernon, February 13, 1789.
My dear Sir:
I send you the letter you requested for Mr. Jefferson under a flying seal, which, after perusal, you will be pleased to have dosed for transmission. After revolving the subject in many different points of view, I could find no expedient for communicating the information in question, in so unexceptionable a manner, as by making the latter a continuation of my correspondence on the inland Navigation of America. I hope that the sentiments contained in it, which are the result of some reflection, will not be the less useful to you, for being delivered in this Manner; and at the same time, in case of any undesirable event, that I shall avoid the imputation of having interfered in the business from selfish or improper motives. For I hold it necessary that one should not only be conscious of the purest intentions; but that one should also have it in his power to demonstrate the disenterestedness of his words and actions at all times, and upon all occasions.
I am etc.1
1 From the "Letter Book" copy in the Washington Papers.