George Washington Autograph Letter Signed....
Description
George Washington Autograph Letter Signed. One page of a bifolium with integral address panel on the verso, 7 1/2 x 9 inches, "Mt. Vernon," August 30, 1799. Written just four months before his death, Washington addresses Alexandria merchants Thompson & Veitch to settle a $500 debt drawn by his nephew William Augustine Washington, and asks them to watch for any vessel sailing for Falmouth, England, so that he can send a gift to William Hambly. In full:"Not sending to the Post Office every day, is the cause of my not acknowledging the receipt of your letter of the 27th instant sooner. I now enclose you a check on the Bank of Alexandria, in discharge of my acceptance of William Auge. Washington's draught on me for $500 in favor of Messrs. Waltr Roe & Co. If you know of any vessel bound to Falmouth (England) I should be glad to send Mr. Hambly a few Hams-At all times I should be happy to see you at this place, being Gentlemen Your Obedt Hble Servant," signed, "Go: Washington."
The payment referenced here stems from a recent request made by Washington's nephew, William Augustine, in a letter dated July 13, 1799. He had drawn $500 on Walker Roe & Co. to supply his estate with corn, explaining that only financial necessity compelled him to do so. Washington, who had earlier expressed reluctance to borrow from the Bank of Alexandria due to unfavorable loan terms, nevertheless honored the draft. William Augustine was a favorite relative of Washington's and maintained frequent correspondence with his uncle after the end of the Revolutionary War. He was named one of seven executors of the late President's will and was gifted the first choice of Washington's swords.
Washington's closing remarks refer to William Hambly, an English merchant, with whom he maintained a cordial exchange of gifts. Hambly had sent Washington Cheshire cheese in 1797 and Washington, in return, sent cured hams prepared by Martha at Mount Vernon. When Hambly sent another quantity of cheese in July 1799, Washington continued the gesture, endeavoring to send another shipment in gratitude.
Condition: Somewhat toned with smoothed folds. A few small separations at the folds including one touching text, and complete separation at the integral fold; expertly repaired with archival tissue along with a few small areas of loss. Scattered staining, not affecting legibility of text. Light pencil annotations on verso.
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