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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 George Gilpin

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04387 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Mount Vernon, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: May 29, 1788 Pagination: 1 p. : address ; 22.1 x 18.6 cm. + 1 engraving ; b&w ; 28.2 x 22.2 cm Order a Copy

Writes as President of Potomac Company informing fellow director Gilpin about the arrangements for an impending meeting of the Company's directors at the falls of the Shenandoah River. He stresses that he hopes the meeting will be productive and that Colonel Fitzgerald and the Maryland members will attend. Advises him to bring the papers related to the charges against Richardson Stewart, the assistant manager of the Potomac Company. One bust engraving of Washington included.

Stewart was accused of malfeasance by the director of the Potomac Company, James Rumsey, and was dismissed from his position in December 1788.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

Mount Vernon 29 May 1788
Dear Sir,

My Nephew informs me that you propose to set off for Shenandoah tomorrow. Particular matters which I have on hand will prevent my doing of it till Saturday, possibly in the afternoon of that day, time enough to reach Mr. Fairfax's. Early on Sunday I will call at the Great, & proceed to the Seneca Falls and if business should not require Mr. Smith to proceed before that time, I should be glad to meet him at the first place, but not otherwise.
It is my earnest wish that the meeting should be full-business requires it-& for that reason I hope Colo. Fitzgerald will attend, and that the Maryland Members could be carried on. Barring accidents I will be at the place of Rendezvous by 10'oclock on Monday. Such papers as will be wanting be so good as to take with you, particularly the charges &c.. "against Stuart"
I am Dear Sir
Y[ou]r Obed[ient] H[onora]ble Serv[an]t
Go: Washington

Washington, George, 1732-1799
Gilpin, George, 1740-1813
Stuart, Richardson, ?-1822

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