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Washington, George (1732-1799) to John A. Washington re: nephew's education, preparing to meet army

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06429.01 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Philadelphia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1782/03/22 Pagination: 2.5 + addr 23.5 x 19.7 cm

Summary of Content: Faded with some losses supplied with pen facsimile. Written to his brother. Preparing materials for his departure to meet the army on the Hudson (North) River. Also discusses his precarious financial situation. "You are but little acquainted with the situation of my affairs if you suppose I have money at my command -- the contrary from bad years, bad crops or bad management is so true, that I find it difficult to support my family...." He is trying to raise money by loan, sale of negroes or any other way. In any case he will pay for his nephew's education.

Background Information: Notes: GLC 6429.02 probably enclosed within this letter. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

Full Transcript: Phila. Mar. 22d 1782
My dear Brother
Your letter of the 5th came to [my] hand by my Nephew [Bushrod] two or three days ago, but found me exceedingly hurried in ...preparing matters for my departure for the army on the North River for which I shall set out in an hours time.
Nothing can be more distressing to a feeling mind than to be asked to do what inclination strongly urges a compliance with on the one hand, and circumstances on the other prevents. - You are but little acquainted with the situation of my affairs if you suppose I have money at command - the contrary from bad years, bad crops or bad management, is so true, that I find it difficult to support my family - at home - in my Neck - these have been offered to me upon certain conditions, & I have directed Mr. L[und] Washington to purchase them if he can by any means whatsoever raise money by loan office certificates - by borrowing on Interest - by sale of Negroes or any thing else pay for them a my desire of possessing the whole neck, for obvious reasons would be highly advantageous & desireable. -
I have got Bushrod placed with Mr. Wilson - a gentleman of this [inserted: city] most eminent in his profession, and respectable in character - his terms are higher than any other, but I judged it best he withstanding to submit to them - this Fee I have undertaken to pay Mr. Wilson -- & it shall be no charge against you or your son. - Inclosed is Wilson [']s letter in answer to mine - any other assistance which may [3] information he can give, & have desired him (Bushrod) to give you his answer respecting the certificate.
Hurry & a pressure of - company on business [insert: & which] to take leave prevents from adding more than my love to my sister & The Family in wch. Mrs. Washington Joins and to assure you that with the sincerest affection I am

Yrs.
Go: Washington

[address leaf]
Colo. Jno. Aug. Washington
Bushfield
Westmoreland

See More

People: Washington, George, 1732-1799
Washington, John Augustine, 1736-1787

Historical Era: American Revolution, 1763-1783

Subjects: Revolutionary WarRevolutionary War GeneralMilitary HistoryContinental ArmyFinanceChildren and FamilyAgriculture and Animal HusbandrySlaverySlave SaleAfrican American HistoryMonticelloChildren and FamilyEducationPresident

Sub Era: The War for Independence

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