Mount Vernon 27th Aprl 1787.

My dear Sir

Hurried as I am I cannot (nor expecting to see you in Philadelpa) [inserted: withhold] the copy of a Paragraph in a letter which came to my hands yesterday from Mr. Jefferson, and a translation of the Article “Cincinnati” from the Encyclopedie Methodique; forwarded to me by the same Gentlemen as they relate to the Society & serve to shew the light in whc. it is viewed in France.

I do not know what the Article from the Enclyclopedie Methodique contains as it is in French further than from the purport of Mr. Jeffersons letter – and being received but yesterday it could not be translated previous to my departure but I have desired a Gentleman who lives in my family to do it and have left this letter to be sent with it. –

In my present state of mind I can hardly form an opinion whether it will be best to lay the matter before the Society as coming from Mr. Jefferson or as from a person of as good information as any in France – I must therefore leave it wholly with you to do as you may think most proper. – You know my sentiments from the proceedings of the last General meeting and from my Circular letter.

In haste I am
Yr. Affecte. Servt
Go: Washington

Majr. Genl Knox

Notes: Published in Fitzpatrick, John C. The Writings of George Washington. v. 29: 208.
GLC 2437.52.162 is a duplicate of this document.