January 2019 Auction Ends Thursday, January 31st, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/31/2019
George Washington letter signed, written from his home in Mount Vernon on 28 July 1785. Still several years away from his election as the first President of the United States, Washington here is a landowner, attempting to make sense of leases made on his property, and requesting the help of his land agent Battaile Muse, to whom this letter is addressed. Battaile Muse would serve as Washington's land agent until 1791, and was the son of Colonel George Muse who served with Washington during the Revolutionary War in the Fort Necessity Campaign.
Letter begins, ''A few days ago by a Mr. Hickman, who either is, or wants to be a tenant of mine in Frederick County. I sent you a dozen blank Leases. The tract on which he says his is fixed, is part of two Lots which I purchased at the sale of Colo. George Mercer's Estate, in the year 1774...many persons applied for this Land; but from causes which then existed I came to no positive agreement with any; referring them to Mr. Snickers, who was so kind as to promise he would fix matters for me (as I was in a hurry and could not go upon the Land myself)...Some time after two men of the names of Winzer and Beaver, with the letter enclosed from Mr. Snickers, came here, and were told that I would comply with whatever agreement was made with them by him: among other things they said Mr. Snickers had promised them Leases for fourteen years; this I observed could not, I conceived be the case, because I had expressly named ten years...but, notwithstanding, if the case was so, and Mr. Snickers would declare it, the Leases should be filled up accordingly: this I repeat, and as far as the matter respects Winzer, for it seems Beaver has changed his mind...There are already three Tenants on this tract, to whom you may fill up Leases on the same terms as I have done for Winzer, and whenever they will bring evidences to prove them, I will sign them...The three now engaged will have rents to pay thereon the first of next Jan...Having not a Gentleman to assist me in my business, I hope shortly to have my Accts. so arranged as to send you a rental of what is due to me in London, Fauquier and Berkely Counties...I would be obliged to you for enquiring of Mr. Wormley's manager, if he has any good red clover seed for sale; what quantity, and the price thereof, and let me know the result by the first conveyance to Alexandria...''
With closing written and signed by Washington, ''Yr Very Hble Servt / G. Washington''. Three page letter on bifolium, card-style stationery measures 15'' x 11.75'' unfolded. Small chipping to margins and archival repair along edges. Very good condition with strong signature. Provenance includes the Parke-Bernet sale on 1 November 1940, lot 775.
George Washington Letter Signed From 1785 -- In this Almost Humorous Letter, Washington Manages Renters on His Land, and Appeals to His Land Agent for Help
Click above for larger image.