George Washington Autograph Document Signed in the third person. One page, 6.25" x 3.25", [Mount Vernon], February 13, 1768.... (Total: 2 Items)

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George Washington Autograph Document Signed in the third person. One page, 6.25" x 3.25", [Mount Vernon], February 13, 1768. The body of this manuscript, entirely in Washington's hand, incorporates his name and reads, "Borrowed and received from George Washington the sum of Ten pounds Currency which I promise to return when demanded." The signature of "T.Ellzey" is below Washington's statement.

A difference exists in the way Washington writes his name in the third person and the way he signs his name to other documents as a signature. This early example of his handwriting, however, fits in nicely with other examples of the late 1760s. In particular, the second "g" in "George" matches many other "g"s written by him. Thomasin Ellzey's signature, which is rare, matches other examples of his signature provided to us by the Fairfax County, Virginia, Circuit Court Historical Records.

Ellzey, the borrower of Washington's "Ten pounds Currency", was a vestryman from nearby Truro Parish, nineteen or so miles from Mt. Vernon, and a hunting companion of Washington's. (Thomasin's brother, William, was also a friend of Washington, as well as his lawyer). Washington's diary entry for February 12, 1768, states that Thomasin Ellzey was a member of Washington's fox hunting party that day (they caught two foxes according to the diary). Washington's ledger for the next day, the 13th, records this loan of ten pounds to Ellzey.

Overall browning of the laid paper with an old 1" split in the lower right corner. Near fine. The document is tipped-in to a larger page (12" x 6"). Very good condition with Washington's name clear and prominent. Included is a nineteenth century hand-colored engraving of Washington with a sword in his left hand.