Monroe, James (1758-1831) [Advertisement for sale of land]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00496.067 Author/Creator: Monroe, James (1758-1831) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph document signed Date: 22 May 1816 Pagination: 1 p. ; 25.4 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Advertisement written by Monroe as Secretary of State for the sale of 2000 acres of land in Loudoun County, Virginia. He had been attempting to sell the land to liquidate his debts as early as 1814, when he placed advertisements in various newspapers. He was not offered what he thought were satisfactory offers. Describes the land in glowing terms. Says it is 33 miles from Washington and Alexandria, well watered and timbered, with several good farm houses and a grist and saw mill. Says he is willing to divide the tract into small farms to suit purchasers. One quarter of the purchase price is wanted up front though. Also wants to sell 300 head of sheep and upwards of 20 head of horses and mules. Monroe had trouble selling this land for the rest of his life.
For - sale on the premises, on little river in Loudoun county, Virginia, on the first monday in August next, a tract of Land, of about 2000. acres, 33. miles from this city, and [inserted: likewise from] Alexandria. As this Land has been has been heretofore advertised, and particularly described, it is sufficient now to state, that it is of excellent quality, well adapted to the use of the Plaister of Paris, well timber'd, and water'd, little river passing thro the middle of it, a bold & never failing stream affording a fall of nearly 40. feet, within the limits of the tract: that it lies in a populous & healthy country, just below the small village of Aldie, and that the turn pike, from the blue ridge to Alexandria, touches it: that there are several good farm houses in it, with orchards, and a new ghrist & saw mill, on a stream which empties into Little river. It will be divided into small tracts to suit purchasers. [struck: illegible] One fourth, [inserted: of] the purchast money, will be inspected, when deeds are made, and a credit, of three equal annual instalments, given for the balance. At the same time, will be sold, about 300. head of [inserted: Merino] sheep, of the full & mixed blood, upwards of 20. head of horses & mules, with the stock of cattle, [struck: &] hogs, & farming utensils, belonging to the estate.
James Monroe
Washington May 22. 1816.
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