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Washington, George (1732-1799) to unknown

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04013 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Difficult Bridge, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 8 November 1799 Pagination: 1 p. ; 33 x 21 cm. Order a Copy

Angry letter to an official regarding William Shepherd, who "acted a very disingenuous part" on a previous survey of Washington's land.

Notes: Published with variations in Fitzpatrick, Writings of Washington, 37: 422.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

Difficult Bridge Wylie's Ta<vern>
8th. November 1799
Sir,
Since writing the enclosed, I have discovered [inserted: that] a Mr. William Shepherd who was with me on the Survey, and who has acted a very disingenuous part upon the occasion, either has made, or pretends to have made, an Entry of the Vacancy (if there be such) which I have therein requested you to enter on my behalf, of land always reputed, and believed by the Neighbours, to be mine.
I therefore request to be informed, if the first is the case, whether he has compl<ied> with all the formalities of the Law? For as much as I am resolved, to contest every po<int> with him that justice & propriety will warra<nt.>
Of course, I request the Entry may be made agreeably to the description with which I have furnished you; adding (altho' I do not know that it is essential) the lines now, or lately, of the Revd Mr. Fairfax's tra<ct>, called Towlston Grange. With respect

I am Sir
Your Most Obedt. Hble Servant
Go: Washington
P.S. The Entry of Willm Shepherd, as he gives out, was made a year or two ago. If so, has he complied with the subsequent requisites<?>

Washington, George, 1732-1799
Fairfax, Bryan Fairfax, Baron, 1736-1802
Shepherd, William, fl. 1799

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