Washington, George (1732-1799) to Rev. M. Morton re: seeking payment from tardy tenant of George Fairfax
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07143 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Mount Vernon Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 February 1775 Pagination: 2 p. 13.5 x 20.4 cm Order a Copy
"I could be no neighbor to a person who bore the Character you (justly, or unjustly....) did, there is no reason why Col. Fairfax (a third person) is to have the same Card to play over again next year in pursuit of another tenant." Washington acted as steward for Fairfax.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Feby. 2d. 1775
Mount Vernon
Revd. Sir,
I cannot help expressing my Surprize at, after having 6 weeks longer than the time allowed to fulfil all engagements in; and after being told that I had not fixed my fancy particularly upon Mr. Baylor as your Security, that you should, at length come up with the Bond unexecuted - If conjectures, upon this occasion, are allowable; you must give me leave to express mine [strike-out][inserted: by adding that I fear] - you have experienced what I was [strike-out] [inserted: apprehensive of to wish] a difficulty of obtaining [inserted: such] Security [inserted: as you thought would be sufficient] - You will please to recollect, that it was not for one, but Seven Years you took the place. that by so doing, you deprivd another of it who bid within five shilling, of you, - and that my candour in telling you, I could be no neighbour to a Person who bore the Character you (just, as unjustly I shall not pretend to say [struck: which]) did, is no reason why [strike-out] [2] Colo. Fairfax (a third Person) is to have the same Card to play over again next year in pursuit of another Tenant. - If you pay his Rents duly, & fulfil the sevl. Covenanants of the Lease, you will be a good Tenant to him - as his attorney, [strike-out] [inserted: I require no more of you but] for your own sake, I sincerely wish that every evil report of you may be done away. & that you may have it in your power, fully, to evince yr. Innocence under every false accusation [inserted: which either has or can be brought against you] being
Red. Sir Yr. Most obedt. Servt.
Go: Washington
Mt. Vn: Feby. 2d. 1775
To
the Revd. Mr Morton
[written at margin: <M>ount Vernon]
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