Sender: George Washington
Recipient: Henry Lee

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.