90 The Agricultural Papers of George Washington 



studiously avoided any overtures to mechanics, although my 

 occasions called for them. But never having heard that dif 

 ficulties were thrown in the way of husbandmen by the gov 

 ernment, is one reason for my bringing this matter to your 

 view. A second is, that, having yourself expressed senti 

 ments, which showed that you had cast an eye towards this 

 country, and were not inattentive to the welfare of it, I was 

 led to make my intentions known to you, that if you, or your 

 friends, were disposed to avail yourselves of the knowledge, 

 you might take prompt measures for the execution. And, 

 thirdly, I was sure, if you had lost sight of the object your 

 self, I could, nevertheless, rely upon such information, as 

 you might see fit to give me, and upon such characters, too, 

 as you might be disposed to recommend. 



Lengthy as this epistle is, I will crave your patience while 

 I add, that it is written in too much haste, and under too 

 great a pressure of public business, at the commencement of 

 an important session of Congress, to be correct or properly 

 digested. But the season of the year, and the apprehension 

 of ice, are hurrying away the last vessel bound from this port 

 to London. I am driven, therefore, to the alternative of 

 making the matter known in this hasty manner, and giving a 

 rude sketch of the farms, which is the subject of it, or to 

 encounter delay ; the first I have preferred. It can hardly be 

 necessary to add, that I have no desire that any formal pro 

 mulgation of these sentiments should be made. 



To accomplish my wishes, in the manner herein expressed, 

 would be agreeable to me; and in a way that cannot be ex 

 ceptionable, would be more so. With much esteem and re 

 gard, I am, Sir, &c. 



