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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Washington, George (1732-1799) to John Fitzgerald

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03818 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Mount Vernon, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 July 1785 Pagination: 1 p. : address : docket ; 28.5 x 19.2 cm. Order a Copy

General Washington discusses legal matters regarding his disputed land holdings on the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers, with his former aide-de-camp. Refers to a forthcoming survey of the Potomac River, necessary for a canal-building enterprise he sought to undertake as the first President of the Potomac Company. Expresses concern that he will be unable to simultaneously handle legal matters at both locations.

Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

Mount Vernon July 23d. 1785.
Dear Sir,
If there is any ship in the Port of Alexandria by which the enclosed Letters could receive a proper conveyance, you would much oblige me by giving them a passage - if not, by returning them. -
If I do not hear from my Lawyer in the Western Country before the first of August, it will be out of my power to proceed with the Directors (from the General meeting) to the Survey of the River. - If my Suit should come to a hearing at the September term, w[hi]ch he thought highly probable, occurrances, of which he is to advise me, may indispensably call for my attendance [inserted: at the Tryal] - To perform both journeys, I canno<loss: t> nor would it be prudent for me, to pu<loss: t> it out of my power, by absence on the one, to avoid the other; as the decision of the Court may make a difference of between £3500 and £4000 [inserted: to me] for which I can sell the Land [inserted: in dispute] if I establish my right to it; of which there can be no doubt, if justice prevails, and the title is as clearly delineated as the case will admit of. - I mention this matter in time, from a hope, that similar causes may not [inserted: interfere to] produce the same effect in any other of the Directors - With great esteem and regard
I am - D[ea]r Sir
Y[ou]r obed[ien]t friend and
Affect[ionat]e Serv[an]t
Go: Washington

[docket]
Mount Vernon July 23 - 85
Geo. Washington

[address]
John Fitzgerald Esqr
Alexandria

Fitzgerald, John, -1799
Washington, George, 1732-1799

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