Washington, George, 1732-1799 to James Mercer

Written by Washington a month after the adjournment of the first Continental Congress to Mercer as a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. Informs Mercer of the cost of purchases made for him in Frederick, Maryland including £29 for a slave named Kate. Says the whole of Mercer's purchase was for £2385.14.2. Has heard nothing from Colonel Payton on the Loudoun County land for which Mercer was charged. Washington is involved in a disputed land deal through Mercer for Gray & Adams land, and he writes that it appears that the land in question is 56 acres short of the 1224 he was going to buy. Says he will not be pleased if that is the case and will not be bound by it. Says Mercer's wording of the land warrant is not sufficiently strong and straight-forward. Says he has written to Mercer's brother and has sent along a copy (not present). Makes reference to the wheat crop. Mentions cattle sales in Frederick and says Mercer is too optimistic about the worth of his herd. Says he is not in great need of cattle for Mount Vernon, but might be willing to make a deal with Mercer for some. Says he is most interested in cows and heifers. References Mercer's brother's "affairs" at the end of the letter. A long docket discusses power of attorney to sell G. Mercer's estate in Frederick and Loudoun, and discusses John Mercer's settlement of a debt to Custis. Settlement estimated at £2300. Two small areas of text loss on page three.